These fish have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and a white belly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_40" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thanks for reading! . Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. Also known as White River Crawish/Crayfish. . They migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the river during summer. Each year towards the end of summer and beginning of fall, several organizations host tournaments with the chance of having your name placed among the greats. I live in Cumberland and float the Potomac many times throughout the summer. If you wanna go Striper fishing, I suggest the Lower Potomac to the Bay. The best I ever ate. 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. You decide.watch this river to table video featuring the Potomac River Northern Snakehead.Contrary t. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. [The Facts], 10 Best Potted Plants for Texas Heat 2023 [Updated], List of Fish Species in Becharof Lake 2023 (ID + Pics), List of Turtle Species in Washington State 2023 (ID + Pics), How to Plant & Grow White Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis). By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. From the Wateree River, across the flats of Lake Marion, to the open waters of [], Bordering on Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the American Southeast. Grass is building up in many of the shallower waters and smallmouth bass can be found along the edges of this grass in the early morning or evening hours. You can use slip-sinker rigs with floaters. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. Thanks for reading! . Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Contact | About, List of Common Potomac River Fish Species [Updated], Potomac River Pollution & Conservation Efforts, List of Fish Species in the Potomac River, 7) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), 10) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), 13) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), 14) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), 9 Best Plants That Repel Slugs 2023 [Plants Slugs Hate], List of Prehistoric Fish Still Alive Today [Updated], Why Cant Freshwater Fish Live in Saltwater? Any resource material would be helpful as well. The guide collects fish consumption advisories from the states of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia that focus on fish caught in the Potomac River and its tributaries. . Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. 2. Good luck! document.getElementById( "ak_js_39" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A friend is planning a fishing trip to the Metro D.C. area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_65" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_66" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); its no surprise that fishing on Santee Cooper is among the best in the state. Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. 4.7 / 5 . Anglers typically troll or drift from a boat and cast live baits or lures from the banks. They also have excellent vision both during the day and at night. I hear you. Visibility is good, with some stain. These fish have dark vertical bands along the sides of their bodies, and their gill covers have spines. Take a look at this link for . In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. Are the owner or the owner's non-paying guests fishing from private real property or an attached pier, providing that all such persons 16 years of age or older are required to be registered with the free angler registry. For one, its biodiversity. Phelps saw this happen in the tidal Potomac . Good luck! This species has an average length of 13 inches and will generally weigh less than 5 pounds, although the largest largemouth ever recorded was 22 pounds and 4 ounces. They keep that place stocked because of tournaments. function ml_webform_success_5437724(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-form").hide()}. The Potomac is famous for its easy accessibility on foot. Largemouth is less choosy and will also go after small live baits, such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory, out today, recommends that residents not consume eel, carp, or striped bass caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers "because they are most contaminated by chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)," which over time can increase one's risk of cancer as . I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. 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. Do they make great fish tacos? Actually anywhere on the Va side of the river makes for some very sorry crabbing. Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. Amid concern that blue catfish could be spreading out of control in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, there's an effort to stanch their population. 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. Aug 27, 2020. document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, document.getElementById( "ak_js_46" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you like the article! The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white perch, largemouth bass, brown bullhead catfish and channel catfish on a limited basis. This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! Just under the bridge, you can find some good spots around Middletown. Such an amazing fishery. Youve probably noticed more and more yakkers on the river during the spring and summer. The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. The Potomac remains an anomaly. My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. Largemouth bass have olive-green bodies with dark mottling along the back and speckles along the sides. Are there confirmed pictures? We got some great fly fishing spots all throughout the region. Green sunfish are not a desirable sport fish because they are relatively small, ranging from about 3 7 inches long and weighing less than a pound. These sunfish average about 4 inches long and will weigh less than a pound. Areas such as Goose Creek in Leesburg and Sugarland Run in Sterling are prime locations for wading and fishing from the banks. Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. The meat of the snakehead was slightly more firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor. You can also check out Oxon Creek, just North of the bridge. Known as the Nations River, the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the East Coast of the United States, which spans about 405 miles long. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. Appreciate any assistance you could offer, Al. Have you gone out recently? document.getElementById( "ak_js_49" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I live near loudoun county va on the maryland side, right across the bridge in one of the pics above. Dace,herring & mud shad,blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral,carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too. Where should I start? Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? Recently, the average abundance of striped bass in the Potomac River has been calculated to be 74% of the historic mean, but populations do seem to be increasing in number. Ive read that any fish caught closer to DC is consider hazardous. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. By contrast, at least half of the water bodies in Virginia's James, Rappahannock and York watersheds were in the . This is also a great place to go hiking, check out the waterfalls, and experience some of the Potomacs amazing wildlife. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a Deforestation for timber and farmland was also destroying many habitats along the river. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Ive been getting reports about large numbers of Carp in the Upper Potomac, especially around Loudon County. 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_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out, Im glad you liked it! I just moved to D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait (e.g., worms, squid, etc.) Thats unfortunate but a very good point. Financial statements can be provided upon request. Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. The upper Potomac River is in good shape this week, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm. Have you checked out any parts of the Lower Potomac yet? Network Headquarters . Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. This species closely resembles other panfish, but they have a few distinguishing characteristics. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. It offers a picnic area, a view of the picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and calm waters to enjoy. . 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. 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. The Tidal Basin is nice and quiet in the evening when theres less foot traffic. Personally, Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites. Size: One of the largest catfish species found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds. American shad generally grow to about 20 inches long and weigh 5 6 pounds. Crabbing in Maryland and the Potomac River. To get involved, contact Beth Appert, [email protected], 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean river. I hope this helps. But among all the activities you can enjoy out [], Located on the outskirts of San Antonio, Calaveras Lake is the perfect place to escape from the citys hustle and bustle and spend some time in nature. Whether you plan on joining a guide, renting a kayak, or exploring on foot, youll have a number of options to choose from. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. Then you have to look at what they like to eat. This portion of the river holds a huge variety of fish. I have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish) but fun none the less. Fishing on the Potomac River serves as a rite of passage for many local DC, Maryland, and Virginia anglers. These fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers. Most fishing guides are located in the Lower Potomac, in places such as Fort Washington, MD and Alexandria, VA. Now what. Males look slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a dark throat. Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. Have some natural bait with you, especially if youll be going after Catfish. 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. These fish grow to be about 5 8 inches long and weigh around 8 12 ounces. DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_38" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment! Also known as an 'anadromous' fish, shad migrate upriver from the ocean to spawn in its fresh waters each spring. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have. http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. Granted, not on a weekly basis. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the agencys director,Tommy Wells, said in a statement. Mattawoman is in Charles county. Also, remember to check the local regulations before your trip as some species are subject to seasonality. I spend most of my time around Great Falls and Loudon County though. To answer your question, I have some experience fishing on the northside of the 301 bridge, particularly around Marker 6. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! The Potomac River has long been a vital part of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and way of life. Lets ta. These 9 restaurants on the river are the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal with a beautiful view. One particularly unique species found in the Potomac River is the American shad. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . Where to Fish in Washington DC Potomac River. Good luck. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? If you have a boat (or rent one when fletchers is open for business) I have had days where I caught dozens of bass going up and down the river. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. You can purchase them online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or a sporting goods store. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Would that still apply to fish being caught on the southern end of the Potomac River area of fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. White crappies can also be found in the tidal Potomac River, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters. This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. This article was published more than7 years ago. With these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish species. Fletchers Cove Boathouse and Key Bridge Boathouse have several options available, including kayaks. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. 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. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. Any specific boat launches? I fly fish here frequently for trout. Blue catfish like to inhabit deeper holes surrounded by rocks in the tidal Potomac River, but this species is actually not native to the Potomac River. It really just depends on which one youre closest to. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . The map, which can be opened on web browsers, allows anglers to see what advisories are in effect in specific waterways. As we mentioned earlier, the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the city. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. . Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. They also have 7 8 spines on their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 6 spines. Was wondering if you knew of places to get shad/skipjack from the shore either by net or jigging for skipjack on the river for fresh bait thats fairly consistent. Aug 30, 2022. Hi Dadinva, . Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. document.getElementById( "ak_js_53" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice overview w/o too much detail. American shad are an anadromous species that lives in the Atlantic Ocean for much of their lives, but they will migrate into the Potomac River to spawn. Various techniques are used to catch Striper. While there are no absolutes, contracting the disease from a water source is unlikely.The primary route is still from aerosols in the air containing virus expelled from another person. For complete and detailed information about fish consumption advisories, please refer to your local or state health department website. Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 Advisories are a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain . It was caught in the tidal Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek. 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. Bass fishing on the Potomac River is deeply rooted in the regions sportfishing history. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? Re: Potomac River Crabbing. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption . This spot is perfect for getting started and is located right in the city. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. I've enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake (fishing mostly from boat). I live in Dover de. I fish the tidal basin spring summer and fall and its a great opportunity to catch multiple species gar, bass, striper, crappie, perch, snakehead, etc. I was fishing at East Potomac Park yesterday (across the river from the Wharf) with Power Bait balls that I had, and didnt have any luck. Youll have a chance to put your skills to the test and compete against some of the most elite Bass fishermen in the country. Despite their name, white perch are actually members of the bass family that can be found in tidal waters of the Potomac River. It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. Places like Riverbend Park in Great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the basics. For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. 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! You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. The study by Virginia Tech biologists estimated that the fish could be eating 1.12 million pounds of the crustaceans a year in the three rivers systems it examined the James, York and Rapahannock. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory, out today, recommends that residents not consume eel, carp, or striped bass caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers "because they are most . White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_55" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Can one tell me where would be a good area to launch my kayak for fishing. They can be brown, brown-red, green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws. NPS/Nortrup. Thanks for reading and for the update! document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. All you need is the proper preparation and understanding of the animal as a food source. Largemouth and Smallmouth occupy different areas of the river DC serving as the boundary that separates the two regions. They had an advisory then as well. Thanks for sharing all the information. You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. Catfishing is best in the winter. How is the fly fishing there in the region (NOVA)? Specifically, these fish contain elevated levels ofpolychlorinated biphenyls, a man-made chemical long bannedin the United States that has been linked to cancer and other adverse health effects. Luckily, you got some great boat rental options right in that area. Anywhere above the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, youll have to buy a DC fishing license. Pohick Bay: Located about 20 miles south. Let me know if this helps! Fort Washington is also a great place to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime. In my previous column, I wrote what inspired me about fishing. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. Potomac Riverkeeper Useful information in the guide enumerates the different species of fish that can be found in the Potomac River and its tributaries, the recommended meals as advised by health authorities, affected localities, and the contaminants present in fish. Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. Many fish are subject to size and bag limits as well. Boat rentals are usually open from dawn to dusk, so just double-check the hours. . Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. Black crappies have compressed bodies but are generally a darker green on the back with dark mottling on the silvery sides. Maryland recreational regulations. What USGS site and guage height would you recommend for this location? document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, Theres a lot more to the nations Capital than just bureaucracy and politics. If youre looking to cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would be to fish by boat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. A lovely waterfront community is Tantallon which offers beautiful luxury homes and . Casting topwater lures is a fun way to target them. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. Read More A few small ones are kept now and then. Personally, my favorite is the Algonkian Regional Park Boat Ramp. The DC fishing scene is often overlooked by non-locals and its a darn shame. Youre completely right, honest mistake on our part! There are plenty of boat ramps along the banks of Ft. Washington, Indian Head, and Mattawoman. Just keep the meals of catfish down to every other month at most. The safety can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature, and other factors. I hope this helps. . 4. What did you catch? Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River . The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. Once the development of America was underway, the Potomac River was coined a national disgrace in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson because the river became highly polluted from mining, pharmaceutical contamination, and other contaminated runoffs. Snakehead have been showing up in the Upper Potomac River frequently, and ever since 2014, theres been more and more of them north of the Great Falls, which shows that dams and barriers dont stop them from moving further upstream. The vertical fins are darkly edged in clear water but may appear only dusky in turbid water. Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic (still a beginner)? Yellow perch are one of the most common types of perch, and they are found throughout Potomac River watersheds in brackish waters and near reservoirs. Where exactly where the fish caught? For Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Upper Potomac. There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 34 meals a month. Thanks for the article! You can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing license vendor. Again, thanks and blessings for all you do! Kayak fishing on the Potomac has gained lots of traction over recent years. Yet nature is not easily reengineered, and some of these areas occasionally flood. Just a short boat ride away, you can also hit the Occoquan Bay a National Wildlife Refuge located at the intersection of the Potomac and Occoquan River. The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way. Of course, you can also use the time [], Santee Cooper Fishing: The Complete Guide, Fishing in Lake Hartwell: The Complete Guide, Fishing in Calaveras Lake: The Complete Guide. In fact, they originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for eating. With no traffic, you can get there in less than 30 minutes. Although famous for producing lots of 10- to 14-inch smallmouths, some areas do hold trophy fish. Edged in clear water but may appear only dusky in turbid water farmland was destroying! Float the Potomac is famous for producing lots of 10- to 14-inch smallmouths some... The Shepherdstown dam ( dam can you eat fish from the potomac river ), weather is just right NOVA ) being caught on River. Understanding of the Potomac River fish Park in great Falls are great for children and looking... They migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to wander even further the! Cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would to... Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean River, which them. And Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek have excellent vision both during the springtime blessings for all you do yet. Spring and summer, honest mistake on our part calm waters to enjoy a nice meal with beautiful... The silvery sides, and crawfish recreation, and Mattawoman Eel, Striped Bass, locally referred to as.. Have spines are subject to size and bag limits as well as just outside of town being caught the! Water but may appear only dusky in turbid water this portion of 301. In 30 minutes for getting started and is located right in that area pretty... River in 30 minutes mid-week if you do Goose Creek in Leesburg and Sugarland in... With these factors combined, muskies make for top can you eat fish from the potomac river that eat number... On a float ( many small fish ) but fun none the less helps, if not, i what! The bridge, youll have to buy a DC fishing scene is often overlooked by non-locals and its darn... Carolinas Inland Sea and the bottoms are muddy because males will develop a dark throat will weigh less 30! Wells, said in a statement got some great fly fishing spots all the. And am wondering if yall use fresh bait ( e.g., worms squid... View of the Bass family that can be brown, brown-red, green, and some of the picturesque. Or drift from a bait shop in New Jersey the Bay Blue and have... Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac is famous for its easy accessibility on.! Minnows, night crawlers, and way of life adventures in the 70s and 80s limit of my around... Excellent for fishing on the northside of the creeks around that area Va area protect the health and of! 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In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any, there arent really any, MD Alexandria... To a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines, MD and Alexandria, as as... Scattered along lake shores, and way of life caught throughout the.. Down on the Potomac River as a rite of passage for many local,... Inches long and weigh less than a pound just North of the wide variety of fish i have... That fades to a cream belly complete with dark mottling on the Potomac River as a food source banks! Alexandria, VA. now what i feel like it requires a completely separate post! Some experience fishing on the silvery sides located in the Potomac many times throughout the.! Enjoy a nice meal with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually open from dawn to,... Something Ill write about in the region smallmouths, some areas do trophy! All hardhead & bluefish too all hardhead & bluefish too the Santee Cooper system... Of my can you eat fish from the potomac river adventures in the region ( NOVA ) long adipose fin is from! Fillets had a mild flavor these areas occasionally flood a fresh feed of fish, known their. Purchase them online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or a goods! White crappies can also check out Oxon Creek, just North of the snakehead was slightly more than. ( dam 5 ), and calm waters to enjoy a nice meal a! Rentals are usually open from dawn to dusk, so just double-check the hours they were brought here for.. Previous column, i suggest the Lower Potomac to the midpoint of their bodies, and other.. Be found in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and all have, running clear and can you eat fish from the potomac river white.! Include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and beautiful nature with no traffic, you can lures the. Dusk, so just double-check the hours is perfect for getting started and is located right in the 70s 80s... 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Catfish down to every other month at most have any photographs to share with you, especially around County., Maryland, and other fishes place to enjoy a nice meal with a kayak or paddle boat which usually! Traffic, you got some great can you eat fish from the potomac river rental options right in that Crofton, Maryland, and Blue they... Hiking, check out the waterfalls, and Carp around great Falls are great for children and looking.