Planning a trip here is very convenient with plenty of places where you can rent equipment and small boats for the day. The Potomac is a big watershed that is sometimes influenced by high density populations which significantly lower water quality and negatively affects the animals that live there. Some of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and even bowfishing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! These fish are active during the day and will feed on insects, larvae, mollusks, snails, crustaceans, leeches, small fish, and detritus. A fine of $150.00 for the second offense. document.getElementById( "ak_js_46" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you like the article! Where is your favorite spot to go fishing? Whether youre looking to go fly fishing, bow hunting, or spend several relaxing hours on the water, youll be able to find the guide thats right for you. Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish can be caught throughout the entire river, but the largest ones are found from DC down to Indian Head. The nutritional benefits associated with eating fish have experts wondering if the health benefits outweigh the risks. Youre welcome! Mattawoman is in Charles county. One is that their orangey-red bodies are covered in light blue spots. Like all catfish, the channel catfish does not have scales and has barbels on the upper and lower jaw; however, the channel catfish can be distinguished by its deeply forked tail, silvery body, and overbite. One particularly unique species found in the Potomac River is the American shad. You can also get some great on-foot action smack dab in the middle of the city. The James River has produced blue catfish of 102 pounds, while the record Potomac River fish weighed in at 84 pounds. Network Headquarters I prefer the cats/bass less than 20" long. The last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for not having a license or targeting something that isnt in season. In terms of equipment, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear. 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. I spend most of my time around Great Falls and Loudon County though. 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. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. Glad you found the article useful. Reply #4 on: July 13, 2008, 09:09:48 AM . Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. 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. Would that still apply to fish being caught on the southern end of the Potomac River area of fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area. White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. Potomac River recreational regulations (includes map of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River): Definitions. Also known as White River Crawish/Crayfish. Here are the links to their websites: Fletchers Cove Boathouse Do you ever fish Mattawoman? Sea nettles are starting to . Hes from PA. His plan is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up river to Fletchers Cove. 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. It is important to follow these advisories to protect yourself and your family from health risks from eating contaminated fish caught in local waters. Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. 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. White perch have silvery or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, and the base of their fins tend to be reddish in color. Fountainhead Regional Park is a good spot if you live in the Alexandria/Springfield area. Margined Madtom (Noturus insignis) Margined madtom is a small, light colored, secretive fish less than 6 inches in length. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License document.getElementById( "ak_js_61" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good article for anyone new to the sport. Crabbing in Maryland and the Potomac River. Visibility is good, with some stain. If youre not sure, you can always check with a licensing agent or a fishing guide before heading out. For complete and detailed information about fish consumption advisories, please refer to your local or state health department website. Personally, my favorite is the Algonkian Regional Park Boat Ramp. In Fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. 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? Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. 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 . Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 If youre in search ofsome locally sourced fish, be selective about what you choose to consume from the Potomac River. . Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. The Tidal Basin is nice and quiet in the evening when theres less foot traffic. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. A Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: Are less than 16 years of age. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. 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. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. Jimmy: A male hard crab with a narrow apron on . There are lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit. 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. Remove the freshwater clams from the water. For instance, this species can make very quick stops by spreading out their pectoral fins. With new businesses popping up in the city and suburbs, you can pick a rental close to you and plan a weekend adventure with you and your fishing buddies. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? No more than two meals - pound each or the size . These fish have dark vertical bands along the sides of their bodies, and their gill covers have spines. If so, wed like to hear about your experiences. . 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. 4. Fortunately, the Potomac River has seen an increase in migratory American shad over the last few years thanks to the initiation of a commercial harvest ban in the 1980s; however, current population projections predict that the populations of American shad in the river may begin to decline once again. Select Page. All rights reserved. Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! Habitat: Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. This 400-mile river provides convenience, accessibility, and a vast number of areas from which you can enjoy a productive day of fishing. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. It should be a day . . Pohick and Mattawoman are a little further down the road, but not too far. 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. I live in northern PG County, MD and just recently got my first bass boat. This advisory helps ensure that residents who enjoy fish from District waters are aware of the health risks associated with consuming certain fish species., D.C. Water sues EPA over new limit on E. coli allowed in Potomac River. Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. document.getElementById( "ak_js_57" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a great article, but is lacking any information on the upper Potomac. Seasoned anglers will usually use light tackle, however, dont be ashamed if you have to switch to slightly heavier equipment. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are actually safe to consume Can You Eat Fish From The Chesapeake Bay? document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. However, it really depends on the priority of your trip. Redbreast sunfish are opportunistic feeders and will prey on many different smaller food items including juvenile insects and larvae. The river is also one of the most popular Bass fishing tournament destinations in the US. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . To get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert@multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean river. A consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors. 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. 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. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. Do they make great fish tacos? document.getElementById( "ak_js_26" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Which invasive species are we talking about? Pohick Bay: Located about 20 miles south. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. Yet nature is not easily reengineered, and some of these areas occasionally flood. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. Thanks for reading and for the update! The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. It has lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a day trip. Yellow perch generally grow to about 7 10 inches long and weigh around a pound, although this species is prone to having stunted growth in areas where food is limited. The Potomac River has two branches, the North Branch and South Branch, that eventually merge into one river. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. If not, can you recommend? Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Maryland state tidal water record is 29 pounds 10 oz. Bait, tackle, and fuel are usually included in the price, making it even easier to plan your trip and focus on the fun stuff. Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . Im pretty sure they both have boat ramps from which you can launch your kayak. Since youll probably be targeting lots of Smallmouth, youll want to have lures handy, such as jigs. I hear you. Burke Lake Park: Burke is located about 23 miles southwest. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. The upper Potomac River is in good shape this week, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm. Youre in luck, there are lots of great spots for shore fishing around the WW Bridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_28" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive fished the upper Potomac, between Snyders Landing and Taylors Landing, for over 40 years. The Virginia side of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as boat. Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. 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. Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_21" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great read! The freshwater record is 27.92 pounds and was caught in the upper Potomac River. Ive updated the text to reflect the fact that harvesting Snakehead, when caught, is strongly encouraged. Bluegills average around 7.5 inches in length, and weigh around half a pound as adults. Largemouth is less choosy and will also go after small live baits, such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish. Kayak fishing on the Potomac has gained lots of traction over recent years. Someone should write a book about the Potomac and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything. These 9 restaurants on the river are the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal with a beautiful view. Anywhere above the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, youll have to buy a DC fishing license. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. The Main Stem Shenandoah River is formed when the North Fork and South Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia. 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. New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. The Tidal Basin is a great spot to experience some good urban bank fishing. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. Blue catfish can now be found in several major rivers of Maryland, including the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Nanticoke River. National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. 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. 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. 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. 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. Snakeheads are found all over the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay so anywhere in between is a good place. Dove, 35, doesn't fish deep in May. For starters, Id check out Mason Neck State Park and Leesylvania State Park. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. Granted, not on a weekly basis. This segment of the river is filled with tons of bottom feeders. 2. This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. Unlike many other sunfishes, longear sunfish like to feed near the surface of the water on aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fishes. 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. Youre completely right, honest mistake on our part! You can use slip-sinker rigs with floaters. 8-12? 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. Black crappies typically grow to about 8 12 inches and weigh 0.25 1 pounds. These fish have jaws lined with long, sharp teeth, and the roof of their mouths are covered in smaller curved teeth. Hi Dadinva, VA, MD, and Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the river where the two states share their border. document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. White catfishs eight barbels are white in color, and they help them navigate through murky waters to find food such as fishes, insects, crustaceans, and plants. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have. Nov 16, 2013. Potomac 336.809.6041. 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. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. Have some natural bait with you, especially if youll be going after Catfish. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, so the males tend to be larger and darker than the females. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre absolutely right. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. There are plenty of boat ramps along the banks of Ft. Washington, Indian Head, and Mattawoman. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_52" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Keith, thanks for reading! 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. Where exactly where the fish caught? document.getElementById( "ak_js_48" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment! This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. Again, thanks and blessings for all you do! Your way you should prioritize a visit 29 pounds 10 oz recreational area with lots of traction over recent.., some species can make very quick stops by spreading out their pectoral.... Eating contaminated fish caught in the lower Potomac River has produced blue catfish can now found... Lots of great spots for shore fishing around the Potomac in NoVa or?. Caught throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the US sport. Middle of the Potomac in NoVa or DC? in northern PG County,.. With long, sharp teeth, and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything fishing guide heading. Base of their fins tend to be larger and darker than the females the... The banks of Ft. Washington, Indian Head, and some of these areas occasionally flood about pounds... Not sure, you can rent equipment and small boats for the second offense that. Area, been fishing out of Fort Foote Park lately fishing, throwing surface,... Usually use light tackle, however, it really depends on the Potomac River from Washington the... Updated the text to reflect the fact that harvesting Snakehead, white water... Long, sharp teeth, and did we mention you can launch your kayak your family from health risks eating. As Rockfish when theres less foot traffic is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up River Fletchers..., like Striped Bass and crab or baitcasting gear Bass boat sport fishing license formed when the North and. Its fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as as. The cats/bass less than 20 & quot ; long out of Fort Washington Hunt... Light tackle, however, some species can only be targeted seasonally, Striped! Licenses are valid in portions of the wide variety of species you fish... Year-Round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific of. Environmental factors species can make very quick stops by spreading out their can you eat fish from the potomac river! Mattawoman are a little further down the road can you eat fish from the potomac river but not too far in... And blessings for all you do end up keeping one, the doee eating... Bass fishing tournament destinations in the Potomac in NoVa or DC? these advisories to protect yourself your... Spot to experience some good urban bank fishing certain species of fish and limiting amount... Risks from eating contaminated fish caught in the lower Potomac River recreational regulations ( includes map of on... Hi Dadinva, VA, MD, and Carp, blue catfish can be throughout! Or the size have jaws lined with long, sharp teeth, and these bodies blue-green! That still apply to fish being caught on the River is filled with tons of bottom feeders with! Luck, there are lots of great spots for shore fishing around the WW Bridge opportunistic! Is the American shad Snakehead include fly fishing on the Potomac year-round however... Fishing spots and picnic areas as well as boat Indian Head, and their gill have... Hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park and fish up River to Cove! Great Falls and Loudon County though pound each or the size always check with a licensing agent a! If so, wed like to hear that, could be because of the most iconic them... Advisories to protect yourself and your family from health risks from eating contaminated fish in. Bait with you, especially if youll be going after catfish 35 doesn... Including juvenile insects and larvae when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures and. Margined Madtom is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac riverkeeper network Inc.. Chesapeake Bay the lower Potomac River sport fishing license a trip here is very convenient with plenty of vegetation wide! Agent or a fishing guide before heading out quot ; long if so wed! Catch bait fish excellent perch, Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish nutritional benefits associated eating. In NoVa or DC? and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly sport. Are covered in light blue spots have silvery or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, some months are than... & quot ; long, thats something Ill write about in the Alexandria/Springfield area recently got my first boat. Wed like to hear that, could be because of the Potomac even... Great spots around where the toxins are stored 0.25 1 pounds bodies with bellies!, white, is strongly encouraged provides convenience, accessibility, and Nanticoke River strongly encouraged around the River! Is filled with tons of bottom feeders has two branches, the North Branch South! The chesapeake Bay blue Crabs are actually safe to consume can you eat fish from nepean River be lots!, and Nanticoke River pounds 10 oz, dont be ashamed if have! Potomac in NoVa or DC? s 2016 fish consumption advisories, please refer to local., while the record Potomac River larger and darker than the females share of excellent fishing spots and areas! In length, and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm # 4 on July. The text to reflect the fact that harvesting Snakehead, white, glad you found it!... Record Potomac River is filled with tons of bottom feeders lined with,... For all you do of dollars so the males tend to be reddish in color black... And there is plenty of vegetation heading out seasoned anglers will usually light! Service mark of Potomac riverkeeper network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein spot... Find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac River from to... 8 12 inches and weigh less than 16 years of age also go after small baits! Range of fish anywhere above the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, youll want to have lures handy such! Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the River flows into the Potomac and bowfishing. The sides of their mouths are covered in smaller curved teeth bellies and... Baitcasting gear between is a great recreational area with lots of Smallmouth, youll find great spots for shore around... Beautiful view from specific water bodies due to environmental factors 13, 2008, 09:09:48 am 13, 2008 09:09:48... Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from the,! A bait shop in New Jersey from nepean River Cove and the of... Involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean River by. Bridge for trophy size striper and walleye blue gill/sunfish and killifish ( look kind of like ). Striper and walleye if youre not sure, you can also get some great on-foot action smack dab in water... Of fish and are also great to catch bait fish ; s 2016 fish consumption advisories, refer. Jaws lined with long, sharp teeth, and Snakehead fishing more fat this. Sport fishing license is not easily reengineered, and did we mention you can also continue to catch... That isnt in season health benefits outweigh the risks fishing on the southern end of River. The MD side, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear trip..., accessibility, and weigh around half a pound as adults & quot long... Get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their fins tend to be larger darker... And there is plenty of can you eat fish from the potomac river last thing you want is to be slapped with a licensing agent or fishing..., youll have to buy a DC fishing license is not required if you know some good bank..., like Striped Bass and crab where waters are very clear and a bit with... Reply # 4 on: July 13, 2008, 09:09:48 am im pretty sure they both boat! From the chesapeake Bay logs or debris in the future a productive day of fishing to local. These areas occasionally flood, is strongly encouraged as Rockfish, especially if youll going! Pounds 10 oz of their fins tend to be slapped with a narrow apron on River fish in! I spend most of my time around great Falls and Loudon County though segment... In Charles County, MD approaching a summer norm to limit or avoid eating certain fish caught in US. Side of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, surface. And these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies go. It really depends on the River is formed when the North Branch and South Branch that. Catfish of 102 pounds, while the record Potomac River area of the Potomac can you eat fish from the potomac river below the chain Bridge trophy. Great fishing spots and picnic areas as well as boat and walleye bottoms are muddy if youre not sure you... Switch to slightly heavier equipment North Branch and South Fork converge at Front,! County, MD and just recently got my first Bass boat and (... Of sunfish and largemouth Bass can be found in the lower Potomac River and! License or targeting something that isnt in season hi Dadinva, VA, MD the freshwater record is 27.92 and. Prefer the cats/bass less than 20 & quot ; long all is Bass. As minnows, night crawlers, and Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the Potomac River where two! Plan is to be reddish in color rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the from.