Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. document.getElementById( "ak_js_21" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great read! You should avoid eating fish that have a strong odor, are bruised or discolored, have eyes that appear sunken in, or have scales that are broken. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic (still a beginner)? In this column, I will focus on how to fish the Potomac River as well as whether you should eat the fish or fling them back. If not, can you recommend? The nutritional benefits associated with eating fish have experts wondering if the health benefits outweigh the risks. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. Loudon County has some great spots for beginners, especially for kids. Place the clams in the pot and boil them for 8-10 minutes until they open. If you dont want to deal with cold hands and wet nets, my suggestion is to check out one of the bait and tackle shops. These long-necked birds can grow up to around 4 feet tall, and their elegant beauty is hard to miss. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. Unlike many other sunfishes, longear sunfish like to feed near the surface of the water on aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fishes. Let me know if you need any other tips and drop us a comment to let our readers know what you caught. Everyone drifts through there with inner tubes and kayaks. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Yes and not really. We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre absolutely right. Where is your favorite spot to go fishing? In 2018, the Maryland record for Snakehead was broken here a 35-incher weighing in at 19.9 pounds! Key Bridge Boathouse, In terms of fishing licenses, since youll be fishing above the 301 bridge, youll need one of the following: You can also fish directly in the Bay in places like Kiptopeke State Park and First Landing State Park, both of which offer access to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, a favorite structure for many species, including bull red drum, a trophy fish that can grow to over 50 lbs! The Potomac is famous for its easy accessibility on foot. Hi Dadinva, Feb 8, 2021. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The picture in this article under the Snakehead information is of the native species Bowfin. Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. In Fish. Known as the "Nation's River," the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the East Coast of the United States, which spans about 405 miles . Lower portions of the river, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac youll target Smallmouth. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! Thats unfortunate but a very good point. Throughout the Atlantic Coast, shad numbers have seen a decline due to pollution, deforestation, and the creation of dams. Generally, rockfish are the larger fish in the Potomac River, so any large fish is likely a rockfish. There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. These fish have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and a white belly. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. The Commanders used the franchise tag on Daron Payne. Have you ever been fishing on the Potomac River? '. My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. Talk about stealth! Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. Walleye get their name from their big, glassy pupils, and their eyes look like this due to a reflective layer on the inner eye called the tapetum lucidum, which helps walleye see prey in times of low visibility. This windy, narrow portion of the river provides one of the most beautiful landscapes of the region, making you forget youre only miles away from the city! I am moving out to Springfield, VA this month coming from Colorado. What USGS site and guage height would you recommend for this location? Phelps saw this happen in the tidal Potomac . What makes the Potomac River so special? While the Potomac River was once Americas pride and joy, the river took a turn for the worse in later years. According to the Potomac River "Report Card" the Potomac Conservancy releases every two years, the health of the river has declined from a "B" to a "B-" rating. Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. Youre also much less likely to spook the fish since theres no loud motor attached. To answer your question, I have some experience fishing on the northside of the 301 bridge, particularly around Marker 6. I live in Dover de. document.getElementById( "ak_js_30" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, were looking for a short family and fishing kayak trip thinking between Big Slackwater and Taylors Landing. The two branches then merge into the Potomac River just southeast of Cumberland, Maryland, and the river then flows on the border of Virginia and Maryland, past Washington D.C., and dumps into the Chesapeake Bay. This species has a disc-shaped body that is speckled with olive green, blue, orange, and yellow, and they have orange and blue waves running across their faces. document.getElementById( "ak_js_19" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the information, I am a beginner and have been researching our area (Loudoun) to take my kids. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. Seasoned anglers will usually use light tackle, however, dont be ashamed if you have to switch to slightly heavier equipment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! 2. By contrast, at least half of the water bodies in Virginia's James, Rappahannock and York watersheds were in the . 2. Fish, especially fatty fish, such as trout or salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease heart disease and circulatory system failures. However, anglers are not required to kill snakeheads, so long as they are immediately released back into the body of water from which they came. Mostly white cats around 16 inches. when fishing for bottom feeders. Thanks for reading! Boasting over 400 miles of fishable waters and a wide variety of species, the Potomac River provides a chance to escape the city and reconnect with nature. Visitors from all over the East Coast also travel to the Potomac in order to check out one of the most underrated fisheries in the US. Im glad you found this article helpful. The contaminants that most often lead to a health advisory in the Potomac watershed are PCBs and mercury, which build up in the fatty tissues of fish and other animals, and in high concentrations pose serious health risks to people who frequently eat contaminated fish. Heres a link with a list of some great boat ramps: http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. Feb 21, 2023 Financial statements can be provided upon request. It offers a picnic area, a view of the picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and calm waters to enjoy. They also have 7 8 spines on their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 6 spines. These have been exposed to fewer toxins in the water. Re: Potomac River Crabbing. Recreational fishing in the Harbour has not been banned, but fishers are urged to follow dietary advice on the consumption of seafood from the Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River and other connected tidal waterways. Let me know if you need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle. Blue Catfish: This is the largest species of North American catfish and can grow up to 65 inches in length, though the average is closer to 3o inches. Youve probably noticed more and more yakkers on the river during the spring and summer. Blue Catfish live in fresh water, preferably in deep rivers with a fast current. High water levels can cause a normally safe section of the river to have a strong and dangerous current. Starting in the late 1800s, mud flats south and west of the Washington Monument were filled in, creating East and West Potomac parksland on which the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials sit. If youre in search ofsome locally sourced fish, be selective about what you choose to consume from the Potomac River. Some fish caught in New York City waters may be harmful to eat." The signs were installed in 2007, at waterways large and small in all five boroughs, by the city parks department, at the behest of the state Department of Health. Blue Catfish, the largest of the three, typically average between 2040 pounds, with some monsters even weighing in at 50 pounds! With these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish species. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? These fish grow to be about 5 8 inches long and weigh around 8 12 ounces. Pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is clear, warm, and has lots of vegetation to hide in. Lots of helpful info. In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. You can also get some great on-foot action smack dab in the middle of the city. We got some great fly fishing spots all throughout the region. The river in DC was wider in Colonial days. Below are the most common fish species found in the Potomac River today. Ive only taken it to the local water down the street from me, and am looking for options to trek a bit further to get into some good largemouth territory on a week day. With plants come fish and birds, and pretty soon, the river environment turns into something from the Discovery Channel. Striped bass have bodies that are laterally compressed with green or blue backs and silver iridescent sides. The Potomac River has long been a vital part of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and way of life. These fish come in three subspecies that have slightly different patterning and native ranges, but they will all have darker green or brownish backs that fade to light green sides and a whitish belly. Fortunately, concerned citizens and environmentalists wanted to change the poor conditions of many rivers including the Potomac River, so the Clean Water Act of 1972 was put into place, which initiated the start of cleaning up our rivers. This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I would be highly surprised to see snakeheads above damn 4. You can fish them whenever you want and due to their rapidly increasing numbers, the vast majority of anglers here choose to harvest these fish when reeled in. Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 For one, its biodiversity. Largemouth bass get their name from their mouth, which extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths. To get this big, channel catfish have to consume a greater amount of food, so they use their barbels, which are covered in taste buds, to hunt for snails, fishes, snakes, frogs, insects, aquatic plants, and even birds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. They have long, scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail, and four pairs of black barbels around the mouth. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . This article will cover everything you need to know about fishing on the Potomac, so you can start planning your adventure and hit the water for an epic day. Walleye can be found in the upper Potomac River starting in Cumberland, Maryland down to Washington D.C. in waters that are slower moving and cooler. There are two fishing piers from which you can target Catfish, Bass, and lots more. Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. Muskies are the largest of the pike family, and they can reach about 30 40 inches long and 10 20 pounds on average, although they can reach up to 70 pounds in certain waters. I live in the DC area and I am looking for someone who either guides or knows the Potomac River out side DC (Fletchers Boat House) to go out with. NPS/Nortrup. Fish are part of a healthy eating pattern and provide key nutrients during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or early childhood to support a child's brain development: Omega-3 (called DHA and EPA . New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. Im glad you enjoyed the article. Theyre a favorite due to their strength, versatility, and last but not least, their delicious taste! Its been awhile for me, but I thinking of venturing out myself based upon what you provided. . Visibility is good, with some stain. "They can also be in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds." Advertisement. Casting topwater lures is a fun way to target them. Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. . This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, so the males tend to be larger and darker than the females. I live in Cumberland and float the Potomac many times throughout the summer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_40" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thanks for reading! Luckily, you got some great boat rental options right in that area. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. VA, MD, and Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the river where the two states share their border. You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. For sheer numbers of bronzebacks and access to them, there's no better river in our wild and wonderful state than the mighty South Branch. PCBs and other chemical contaminants have continued to be found in certain fish species caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and their tributaries, including Rock Creek, within the Distric's boundaries. 3070 M St, NW Anglers typically troll or drift from a boat and cast live baits or lures from the banks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! I hope this helps. Community Science Water Quality Monitoring Program, Shenandoah Riverkeeper on WZRV 95.3 The River. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. It features almost 1,000 miles of shoreline, scenic lake islands thatll take your breath away, and lots of other natural beauty to feast your eyes on. 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