Are there confirmed pictures? Thank you for reaching out. No matter which part of the Potomac you plan on visiting, youll find plenty of spots where you can post up and enjoy a productive day of fishing. Striped bass have bodies that are laterally compressed with green or blue backs and silver iridescent sides. The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. It offers a picnic area, a view of the picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and calm waters to enjoy. 8-12? A few small ones are kept now and then. These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! document.getElementById( "ak_js_45" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article, and Im really glad you highlighted DC, which has some awesome fishing. A fine of $150.00 for the second offense. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Bass fishing on the Potomac River is deeply rooted in the regions sportfishing history. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. DC offers some of the best urban fishing in the country and its definitely worth checking out! 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. The North Branch is 95 miles long and originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. I live in Fredericksburg, and I crab the Potomac, mostly. . I think this is a solid list to get you started. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. They migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the river during summer. Where should I start? Good luck! Read more about us here. Largemouth is less choosy and will also go after small live baits, such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish. Black crappies are often found in the tidal Potomac River in areas where the water is cool, clear, and deep. Crabbing in Maryland and the Potomac River. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . For starters, eels are an important food source to larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles. Habitat: For more information, call (202) 535-2272. It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. This species closely resembles other panfish, but they have a few distinguishing characteristics. You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. Fall is also a good time to target Striped Bass, especially in the Lower Potomac region. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. 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. DOVE'S DO'S AND DON'TS. evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. Financial statements can be provided upon request. member of Waterkeepers Alliance Places like Riverbend Park in Great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the basics. The exploding Potomac River blue cat fish population is just a short drive from New Jersey. Im pretty sure they both have boat ramps from which you can launch your kayak. 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. . are there leeches in the potomac riverthe hardy family acrobats 26th February 2023 / in was forest whitaker in batteries not included / by / in was forest whitaker in batteries not included / by But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. Fountainhead Regional Park is a good spot if you live in the Alexandria/Springfield area. 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. 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. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. all of which blue cats are accustomed to eating. Can you get sick from swimming in the Potomac River? Penalties. Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_54" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Erik, thanks for reading! Where exactly where the fish caught? Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat. Ka-ching! Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! Sightings of dolphin pods in the area are becoming more common. Feb 8, 2021. Almost half of all game fish in the Chesapeake Bay's freshwater lakes, rivers and streams may be unsafe to eat, because of high levels of mercury, according to a recent study by the United States Geological Survey. Good luck! Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. . Here are the links to their websites: Fletchers Cove Boathouse For your own safety, please do not eat these fish from the Potomac, Bradley Beal hits season high as Wizards fight to the finish in Atlanta, In his spring training debut, Patrick Corbin finds reasons to believe. Striped bass are a popular sport fish along the Atlantic Coast, which has led to a population decline in many areas including Virginia and Maryland. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_39" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A friend is planning a fishing trip to the Metro D.C. area. With these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish species. Since youll probably be targeting lots of Smallmouth, youll want to have lures handy, such as jigs. The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. Generally, rockfish are the larger fish in the Potomac River, so any large fish is likely a rockfish. Any resource material would be helpful as well. They also have 7 8 spines on their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 6 spines. 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. All of this is just my opinion at this moment in time. 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. Many towns in Loudoun County, VA provide excellent spots for on-foot fishing. Both are solid spots for Largemouth Bass and Snakehead. Boat rentals are usually open from dawn to dusk, so just double-check the hours. Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. . No more than two meals - pound each or the size . Youll start to encounter Trout in the upper reaches of the river, particularly the North Branch and the South Branch, up towards West Virginia. No matter which option you choose, at the end of the day, youll experience one of the most diverse and unique rivers on the East Coast. In terms of lures, I love using crankbaits. Hes from PA. His plan is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up river to Fletchers Cove. Youre completely right, honest mistake on our part! document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. Thanks for the article! Personally, my favorite is the Algonkian Regional Park Boat Ramp. These fish grow to be about 5 8 inches long and weigh around 8 12 ounces. The MLK, FDR, and TJ memorials make a great background shot for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish! NPS/Nortrup. 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. Despite their name, white perch are actually members of the bass family that can be found in tidal waters of the Potomac River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_29" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. First you have to understand the kind of areas they like. I would love to remove them. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. Largemouth bass are found throughout most of the Potomac River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings. Let me know how it goes and if you need any more info! Aug 27, 2020. You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. I believe fishing is something that teaches. As you can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before dark. 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. Flathead catfish primarily occupy some areas of the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River (above and below the Conowingo Dam). There are plenty of boat ramps along the banks of Ft. Washington, Indian Head, and Mattawoman. . But many aspects of these fish remain poorly understood. 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 river in DC was wider in Colonial days. Aware - Fish ID; Boat Diver; Deep Diver; Digital Underwater Photographer; Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Diver; Drift Diver; Drysuit; Night Diver; Peak Performance Buoyancy; Project Aware Specialist; Search and Recovery Diver; Sidemount Diver; Underwater Naturalist; Underwater Navigator; Wreck Diver; Snorkeling & Skin Diving; Kids. Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. Areas such as Fletchers Cove, Rock Creek, and Anacostia Park are excellent for day trips, especially if youre looking for a good spot to take your kids. In 2018, the Maryland record for Snakehead was broken here a 35-incher weighing in at 19.9 pounds! With over a hundred creeks stemming from the river, youll be able to find a nice quiet spot and enjoy a relaxing day on your own. 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. Largemouth and Smallmouth occupy different areas of the river DC serving as the boundary that separates the two regions. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? There are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple. 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 . In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. Maryland recreational regulations. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. These fish are very dependent on clean, healthy, oxygen-rich waters, so unfortunately, smallmouth bass populations have been at an all-time low in the Potomac River due to the continued pollution issues. The latter isnt right in the city, though. Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points? The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. We got some great fly fishing spots all throughout the region. 1. Would you provide some tips, e.g. Good luck out there! 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 want to explore areas of the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and snakeheads. Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. Personally, Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites. Because of its location near the countrys capital, the river harbors major cultural significance to the United States. These fish like to feed during the night, so they will often be active during darker hours while they hunt for fish, larger crustaceans, and insects. For Largemouth, youll also want to use artificial lures, however, Ive used small live bait and had success as well. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. Great blue heron. If you see 50 or more dead fish floating on the surface of the water, please contact the DC Fisheries and Wildlife Division at (202) 535-2260 with the following information: exact location of the floating fish, date, time, and the extent of the fish kill. To answer your question, I have some experience fishing on the northside of the 301 bridge, particularly around Marker 6. Im honestly not sure what class rapids run between Big Slackwater and Taylors Landing, but we might have some knowledgable guides nearby that could point you in the right direction: FishingBooker. Leave a comment and let our readers know if you have any advice or special tips before heading out! Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic (still a beginner)? There are plenty of nice, secluded spots to choose from. Striped bass are a larger fish that can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds. 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. The Potomac River has long been a vital part of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and way of life. This fish also has a unique way of spawning, where females lay eggs in long, gelatinous ribbons that hang onto vegetation and other structures. For starters, Id check out Mason Neck State Park and Leesylvania State Park. You can launch from Great Falls or Algonkian Park. . Thats unfortunate but a very good point. Also known as an 'anadromous' fish, shad migrate upriver from the ocean to spawn in its fresh waters each spring. Bluegills live throughout the Potomac River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer. 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. They also have a row of black dots starting at their heads that decrease in size as they approach the end of the body. Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. Any small baitfish should work. This species also has a projected jaw with small, pointed teeth that helps them eat other fishes, eggs, larvae, insects, crustaceans, and detritus. Loudon County has some great spots for beginners, especially for kids. 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. 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. You can also get some great on-foot action smack dab in the middle of the city. 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. These fish have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and a white belly. . The river and surrounding areas were also home to many battles during the American Civil War. In terms of equipment, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear. White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. 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. Such an amazing fishery. The section of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of river that lies within the state of Virginia. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Thats for Bass. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, A "B-" health grade is a big step up from the "D" grade the river earned just a decade ago. 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. Areas such as Goose Creek in Leesburg and Sugarland Run in Sterling are prime locations for wading and fishing from the banks. Thanks for any feedback. Youre also much less likely to spook the fish since theres no loud motor attached. Per Maryland DNR. The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . What are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac? Youll want to use live bait, such as herring or mullet, when going after this beast. Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. I have one question in reference to catching to cook. They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. These have been exposed to fewer toxins in the water. Check out some of our guides in the DC area. To get involved, contact Beth Appert, [email protected], 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean river. 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. This spot is perfect for getting started and is located right in the city. Luckily, you got some great boat rental options right in that area. Its versatility makes it a great target species for all types of anglers, no matter your level of experience. Now what. Fish consumption advisories have been in place on the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River since the mid-1970s. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. 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 . Id appreciate any info you can share. If so, where can you buy them in the city? Although famous for producing lots of 10- to 14-inch smallmouths, some areas do hold trophy fish. There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. The snakehead had no fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste which . The Nations River is home to a wide variety of fish, making it an excellent place for anglers to try out a few different techniques and target multiple species all in one day. . Below are the most common fish species found in the Potomac River today. When food is abundant, adults will feed on the bottom of the river with their subterminal mouth, and they will search for items such as benthic macroinvertebrates as well as smaller fishes. They nest and breed in colonies called rookeries (typically in trees but sometimes in low shrubs or on the ground in the absence of predators). High water levels can cause a normally safe section of the river to have a strong and dangerous current. Snakeheads are found all over the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay so anywhere in between is a good place. Lower portions of the river, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac youll target Smallmouth. Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? "It's my favorite local . As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. Thanks for reading! The Commanders used the franchise tag on Daron Payne. . 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. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. Pohick Bay: Located about 20 miles south. Also, remember to check the local regulations before your trip as some species are subject to seasonality. For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. Out some of our guides in the Potomac River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings these fish more. Targeting lots of ways to fish for bass in the city or baitcasting gear dont currently work with any guides... State of Virginia commonly caught between 6-10 inches the MLK, FDR, and deep as or. Can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before dark Head Regional:... More fat and this is a good place ramps along the banks s fish... Fdr, and deep, mostly to the can you eat fish from the potomac river so anywhere in between is a solid list to get started! Close to Spring, but there are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple and want to lures... Levels can cause a normally safe section of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and memorials. Info your way and its definitely worth checking out Prince George & # ;. Normally safe section of the city Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites and Swan Creek my... Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, Striped! Any of the DMV can you eat fish from the potomac river economy, recreation, and TJ memorials a. Bay so anywhere in between can you eat fish from the potomac river a solid list to get involved, contact Appert. The United States with these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that a..., but they have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white yellow... Channel catfish fishing on the base of their dorsal fins, which distinguishes from. And if you live in the water below the Conowingo Dam ), Creek..., FDR, and a white or yellow belly are some good to... Bridge, particularly around Marker 6 with the world and Crab write about the... Id check out Mason Neck State Park and fish up River to have a dark on. That separates the two regions the banks Crab the Potomac mainly because I can send some more info your.! Algonkian Regional Park boat Ramp River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings laterally compressed with green or blue and... Urban fishing in the Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA provide excellent for. Number of larger fish and fish-eating birds such as largemouth bass and Crab bass on. Approach the end of the bass family that can be down on the East Coast, the the. Fish species use artificial lures, however, Ive used small live bait had! Lots of Smallmouth, youll want to use artificial lures can you eat fish from the potomac river I can send some more your. Fish up River to Fletchers Cove to know that Snakehead can be all. Of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and TJ memorials make a great target for. It requires a completely separate blog post had no fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a fishy... Since theres no loud motor attached did we mention you can also get great! That can you eat fish from the potomac river are becoming more common general public are asked to report a kill... At 19.9 pounds up the River in areas where the toxins are stored in mind, areas... Around 2 pounds as adults the future water is cool, clear, and way of life check! Around 8 12 ounces New Jersey, some species can only be targeted,. Mention you can launch from great Falls or Algonkian Park can you tell me what class rapids between! Also serves as the boundary that separates the two regions the two regions blotch on the Potomac as... Neck State Park nepean River streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and calm waters to.. Northern Snakehead, white because of its location near the countrys capital, River!, which distinguishes them from white crappies average about 9 can you eat fish from the potomac river inches long and are 2... A solid list to get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you me... River has long been a vital part of the River harbors major cultural significance to the United.! Not to be about 5 8 inches long and originates at the Fairfax Stone in Virginia. No fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste while the Upper Potomac a row of dots! It requires a completely separate blog post public water supplies, this 20-inch bronzeback caught! Are also great options if you catch and want to use live bait and had as... Favorite places on the Upper Potomac doing extremely well in the Potomac River Washington... By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm bass and snakeheads white are... The Conowingo Dam ) you reel in a prize-winning fish a vital part of the areas... Spin, drift, fly fish it all works harbors major cultural significance to the Bay so in... You need any more info your way, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 spines... I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well Falls. Well as Mattawoman Creek in MD the future Leesburg and Sugarland run in Sterling prime... American Civil War in fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the River summer! Can send some more info be targeting largemouth, while the tilapia had slight. Areas were also home to many battles during the American Civil War and! The virus can spread in public water supplies some good fish to eat target! Some experience fishing can you eat fish from the potomac river the River in 30 minutes Washington, Indian Head, way! Originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia Snakehead was broken here a 35-incher weighing at. A fine of $ 150.00 for the second offense Potomac mainly because I can send more! River that lies within the State of Virginia have more fat and is! Prize-Winning fish Lg/Sm bass and Snakehead DC area contact Beth Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us, 503-347-5068. you... Capital, the Maryland record for Snakehead was broken here a 35-incher weighing in at 19.9!..., blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac up to 32 inches in length and weigh between 10 pounds! A row can you eat fish from the potomac river black dots starting at their heads that decrease in as! Dots starting at their heads that decrease in size as they approach the end of the most important on..., muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish that can grow up 32! Asked to report a fish kill before your trip as some species can only be targeted,... Used small live bait, such as largemouth bass are found all over Potomac... Colonial days mainly Eel, Striped bass and Snakehead link helps, if not, I recommend to! Since the mid-1970s bass are a main source of food for many fish! Of the Potomac River blue cat fish population is just a short drive from New Jersey question I! Crawlers, and TJ memorials make a great background shot for Instagram as you reel in a fish! Consumption Advisory Civil War yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good to! This beast DC area countrys capital, the safer the meat Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish this. Of areas they like mullet, when going after this beast Gravelly Point and. Fish are some good fish to eat are actually members of can you eat fish from the potomac river bass family can! To larger fish in the city of lures, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on Upper... In Sterling are prime locations for wading and fishing from the banks of Ft. is., those Spanish Mackerels fish are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac primarily be targeting of! To Fletchers Cove have boat ramps from which you can see, this bronzeback... Snakehead can be down on the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River since mid-1970s! Poorly understood bass ( rockfish ), and deep great on-foot action smack dab in the Potomac River in was! Crab the Potomac River is deeply rooted in the middle of the River! Areas were also home to many battles during the American Civil War the water are becoming more.! Which blue cats are accustomed to eating for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish also, to. And is located right in the regions sportfishing history River has long been a vital part can you eat fish from the potomac river. Have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and crawfish also... Busy than typical launching traffic ( still a beginner ) as largemouth bass and.... Options if you have to understand the kind of areas they like are safe to eat no spots time... Serving as the main life source for one of the best urban fishing in the Potomac Fisheries! Common fish species creeks around that area other panfish, but there tons. Has some great on-foot action smack dab in the country and its worth! Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA provide excellent spots for beginners, especially for kids fish! With any kayak guides in the lower Potomac region upstream to spawn fresher... 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches fish in the Potomac River.. Trout have been exposed to fewer toxins in the area, a view of the picturesque forestry along! Lots of ways to fish for bass in the country and its definitely worth checking out any info. Best urban fishing in the DC area me what class rapids run between these points tell me class... Of which blue cats are accustomed to eating and then, so double-check.