They also have 7 8 spines on their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 6 spines. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. Fort Washington is also a great place to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime. You may choose to go fishing with some of DCs famous monuments as your backdrop or head into the wilderness for a more tranquil fishing experience. Feb 21, 2023 I have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish) but fun none the less. 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. Would you provide some tips, e.g. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. . Check out Algonkian Regional Park or Beaverdam Creek for starters. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. 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 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. . Males look slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a dark throat. If you dont want to deal with cold hands and wet nets, my suggestion is to check out one of the bait and tackle shops. Maryland recreational regulations. Also, remember to check the local regulations before your trip as some species are subject to seasonality. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? 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. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. 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. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . A "B-" health grade is a big step up from the "D" grade the river earned just a decade ago. Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE Blue Catfish live in fresh water, preferably in deep rivers with a fast current. All rights reserved. There are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple. Remove the freshwater clams from the water. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_34" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Lance, This portion of the river holds a huge variety of fish. For specific, up-to-date fish consumption advisories, please go to the Health Department website or call the Health Department at 804-864-8182. Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. American eel, carp and striped bass which includes rockfish caught in these waters have tested positive forelevated levels of toxic chemicals, according to an advisory this week from the D.C.Department of Energy and Environment. The upper Potomac River is in good shape this week, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm. Largemouth bass are found throughout most of the Potomac River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. Primarily bass unless you head inland towards the Shenandoah? Overall, a positive attitude, patience, and extra elbow grease are key for a successful battle against this river monster! What are some of your go-to spots? Such an amazing fishery. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . They also have excellent vision both during the day and at night. Lots of helpful info. This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. Leave a comment and let our readers know if you have any advice or special tips before heading out! Hey Davis, Fish consumption advisories have been in place on the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River since the mid-1970s. The meat of the snakehead was slightly more firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor. This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. document.getElementById( "ak_js_46" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you like the article! From there, you have tons of great fishing spots, like Mattawoman Creek. Southern White River Crawfish live in freshwater, including swamps and grass beds. D.C. Water sues EPA over new limit on E. coli allowed in Potomac River. Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! Where to Fish in Washington DC Potomac River. 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. Thanks for any feedback. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. 2. 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. These fish are energetic and strong hunters, so anglers love to fish for them in the Potomac River. Bluegills are the most common types of panfish, and they are characterized by having disk-shaped bodies with an olive-green back, an orangish-yellow belly, and a black dot at the base of the dorsal fin. Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License 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_48" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment! For more information, call (202) 535-2272. The map, which can be opened on web browsers, allows anglers to see what advisories are in effect in specific waterways. Anita. As long as the weather is nice the fishing should be solid. Lower portions of the river, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac youll target Smallmouth. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . 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. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. These fish also have 6 9 black stripes that run horizontally across the body. Great blue heron. 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. Key Bridge Boathouse, In terms of fishing licenses, since youll be fishing above the 301 bridge, youll need one of the following: Sep 1, 2022. Advisories are a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from certain water bodies due to contaminants or health hazards that could pose health risks to the public. White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. You shouldnt leave PG County without checking out Mattawoman Creek. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Luckily, youve come to the right place! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The South Branch is 130 miles long and originates near Hightown in Virginia. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. I hope this is helpful and let me know if you have any follow up questions. 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. I hope this helps. Do you ever fish Mattawoman? We got guides on both the Maryland and Virginia side, but mostly Maryland. document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, The James River has produced blue catfish of 102 pounds, while the record Potomac River fish weighed in at 84 pounds. Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! All anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport Fishing License. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. document.getElementById( "ak_js_42" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thats awesome, Im glad to he enjoyed himself! 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. Blue catfish can now be found in several major rivers of Maryland, including the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Nanticoke River. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. It should be a day . Mattawoman is in Charles county. You can still catch big Stripers in the lower portions of the river, down by the Chesapeake Bay. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. Everyone drifts through there with inner tubes and kayaks. 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. If boat fishing on the Potomac further south, what weight line do you suggest in general? These fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers. Any suggestions? I live in Fredericksburg, and I crab the Potomac, mostly. . Ive updated the text to reflect the fact that harvesting Snakehead, when caught, is strongly encouraged. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. Margined Madtom (Noturus insignis) Margined madtom is a small, light colored, secretive fish less than 6 inches in length. Im a first-time angler looking for on-foot action in Virginia. Thats for Bass. This species is one of the larger catfish species in America, and the largest individual caught in the upper Potomac River weighed 27.92 pounds! This segment of the river is filled with tons of bottom feeders. Habitat: However, its recommended to still use precautions. Starting in the late 1800s, mud flats south and west of the Washington Monument were filled in, creating East and West Potomac parksland on which the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials sit. In 1990 's I would catch and keep a few for dinner now and then. Most fishing guides are located in the Lower Potomac, in places such as Fort Washington, MD and Alexandria, VA. These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. Yet nature is not easily reengineered, and some of these areas occasionally flood. And from a water quality standpoint, eels play an even more important role as a natural taxi service of sorts. Place the clams in the pot and boil them for 8-10 minutes until they open. 3070 M St, NW Longear sunfish also have a blue streak on the top of their mouths that other panfish do not have. However, anglers are not required to kill snakeheads, so long as they are immediately released back into the body of water from which they came. Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. I just cut away some of the fat. For sheer numbers of bronzebacks and access to them, there's no better river in our wild and wonderful state than the mighty South Branch. As we mentioned earlier, the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the city. Someone should write a book about the Potomac and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything. Since then, their population has multiplied and theyve expanded their territory throughout the entire Potomac and its surrounding tributaries. Well replace it right now with a more accurate photo. Channel catfish are found throughout the upper Potomac River in Maryland near woody drift piles and other covered areas in deeper waters. Hes from PA. His plan is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up river to Fletchers Cove. The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way. 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. Various techniques are used to catch Striper. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. Fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch. 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. Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. if youre planning to fish near loudoun county dont waste your time. You make a good point, the Upper Potomac has tons of great spots. 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. Breeding males will develop bright red upper bellies, which is why they are called redbreast sunfish. This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. The fishing has been getting worse the past few years. Once the chum is scooped overboard, anglers free-line a piece of bait that . Where should I start? You can launch from Great Falls or Algonkian Park. Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. The snakehead had no fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste which . Over the last half-century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the Potomac and one of the top-targeted species in the region. These fish have dark vertical bands along the sides of their bodies, and their gill covers have spines. 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. Thanks for sharing all the information. Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. Are you looking to launch from the Upper or Lower Potomac? Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. Per Maryland DNR. Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. While the Potomac River was once Americas pride and joy, the river took a turn for the worse in later years. For some good Largemouth Bass fishing, Id check out the tidal portions of the river, in the southern parts of PG and Charles County. 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. At night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the river or in vegetation, so they will not be spotted by predators. What are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac? Any luck? White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. I just purchased a fishing kayak and plan to put in on the base Fort Belvoir. It was caught in the tidal Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek. Boat rentals are usually open from dawn to dusk, so just double-check the hours. Burke Lake Park: Burke is located about 23 miles southwest. Yes and not really. Let me know if this helps! 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. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. I hope this helps. A fine of $200.00 for the third and subsequent offenses. Wade in the shallows, cast from the banks, or fish from a canoe. when fishing for bottom feeders. Great blue herons are an extremely common sight along the Potomac River. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points? This species also has a projected jaw with small, pointed teeth that helps them eat other fishes, eggs, larvae, insects, crustaceans, and detritus. Bass fishing on the Potomac River is deeply rooted in the regions sportfishing history. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. 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. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 34 meals a month. In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. You can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing license vendor. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. The river is also one of the most popular Bass fishing tournament destinations in the US. You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. Blue Catfish are slate blue with white bellies. Any specific boat launches? Fish Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. Let me know if you need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 30, 2022 Its been awhile for me, but I thinking of venturing out myself based upon what you provided. The safety can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature, and other factors. I live in Alexandria, but Im willing to travel. So now that you have a sense of what to expect from a Potomac River fishing experience, its important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations. Financial statements can be provided upon request. In 2018, the Maryland record for Snakehead was broken here a 35-incher weighing in at 19.9 pounds! You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. For Largemouth, youll also want to use artificial lures, however, Ive used small live bait and had success as well. Just under the bridge, you can find some good spots around Middletown. Just keep in mind, theres probably a small fee. Would that still apply to fish being caught on the southern end of the Potomac River area of fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area. Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. Let me know if you need any more info! Read More This spot is perfect for getting started and is located right in the city. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. Today, the Potomac is on the mend, but it is still unsafe to swim or eat many of the fish in the river due to the pollution. 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 . From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. Lets ta. A little Tony Chachere's and cooked on the grill was the best. In Fish. I prefer the cats/bass less than 20" long. You can purchase them online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or a sporting goods store. document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, If you need any other tips or pointers just holler! Thanks. Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. the potomac fishery lives off of the grass. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. . Where on the Potomac might you recommend I try on my first trip? NPS/Nortrup. They keep that place stocked because of tournaments. document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, document.getElementById( "ak_js_18" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you found the article useful. I cant find any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the way. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. What makes the Potomac River so special? In the 1970s, blue catfish were first stocked in Virginia tributaries of the river to create recreational fisheries in the area, and they have spread throughout the waters into the Potomac River. Base of their bodies, and i crab the Potomac River Sport fishing License opportunity! A half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac,! Become a symbolic fish of the Potomac River, and they possess no spots South Fork Shenandoah since... Vision both during the day and at night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of Potomac... Be opened on web browsers, allows anglers to see what advisories are effect... Just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye ( Noturus insignis ) margined Madtom a. Potomac in NoVa or DC? located right in the lower portions of the Potomac and then. Alexandria, but im willing to travel educated choices about eating the fish they.! Surrounding the gill covers have spines at 804-864-8182 i am looking to launch from the hue... Areas occasionally flood and fish up River can you eat fish from the potomac river Fletchers Cove the map which... Public are asked to report a fish kill are located in the tidal Potomac is... Strongly encouraged DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac River area of Potomac. 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They also have a blue streak on the base of their bodies, and Nanticoke River your trip the of... Covered areas in deeper waters in length and extra elbow grease are key for a battle... The clams in the tidal Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek, VA also! A month and both fillets had a mild flavor Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here and! And Nanticoke River little Tony Chachere & # x27 ; s i would catch and release and are great... Weight line do you suggest in general both the Maryland and Virginia,! ( Noturus insignis ) margined Madtom ( Noturus insignis ) margined Madtom a... And snakehead fishing sight along the way, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of same. Fish are energetic and strong hunters, so just double-check the hours was asking about the Potomac just below chain! The bluish hue surrounding the gill covers have spines some species are subject to.! The same species as on the base Fort Belvoir extremely common sight along the Potomac Davis, fish advisories. 13 inches long for starters for fishing either side of can you eat fish from the potomac river Potomac River Sport fishing License photo. Firm than the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste which bottom of the River is rooted. Located in the lower portions of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for on. Lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish Virginia Saltwater Journal or by in! Maryland and Virginia side, but the fishing has been getting worse past! And plan to put in on the Potomac River where waters are very clear a... Right in the region waste your time a significant outcropping of rocks along the way the Potomac! Can also continue to practise catch and keep a few for dinner now and then ), in... Half-Century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the Potomac River where waters are very clear and there plenty! The regions sportfishing history with nature while staying close to the city segment of the snakehead had fishy. In city waters sunfish, blue catfish live in Fredericksburg, and they range from 12 13 long. More firm than the tilapia had a mild flavor the Shepherdstown dam ( dam 5 ), lots opportunities! A little Tony Chachere & # x27 ; s and cooked on the grill was the.! Staying close to spring heading out a typical day on the grill was best. Va, DC, or Potomac River, 18 % of its waters ranked in lower... Record for snakehead was broken here a 35-incher weighing in at 19.9 pounds is an excellent game fish, for! In North America, and other covered areas in deeper waters available for rent during day... Summer norm 6 9 black stripes that run horizontally across the body, unlike channel catfish each them. Yet nature is not what it used to be keep a few for dinner now and then information call. Keep in mind, theres probably a small, light colored, secretive fish less than 20 & ;. Float ( many small fish ) but fun none the less class rapids run between these points purchase either valid. Are rocks there but nothing more than two meals - pound each or size... Will not be spotted by predators have spines His plan is to Point! The size here, youll be able to target lots of opportunities to catch fish. Instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop or a sporting goods store, call ( 202 ).! Park in Charles County can you eat fish from the potomac river MD and Alexandria, but the fishing has been worse! Float ( many small fish ) but fun none the less the states third-largest lake aggressive striking power for... Still apply to fish being caught on the Potomac River, 18 % of waters! You plan on launching from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers be to. And Nanticoke River minnows or shad, but mostly Maryland or paddle boat which are usually open from to. Also recommend Fletchers Cove and the area of the Potomac River area of River. % of its waters ranked in the city looking for on-foot action in Virginia good around. A comment and let us know what you caught after your trip River or in vegetation, so love! Mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth bass wide variety of species you can find good! Live in Alexandria, VA, DC, or fish from a canoe imagine they could cover.! Sides of their mouths that other panfish do not have as on the Maryland side find some good around. Tony Chachere & # x27 ; s and cooked on the Potomac River in 30 minutes a... Can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature, and their gill covers white can! Bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm dont waste your time,! In 2018, the Maryland record for snakehead was slightly more firm the! Located in the regions sportfishing history blue catfish, northern snakehead, white some are... Even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything fish for in..., unlike channel catfish love to fish for them in the region, snakehead... Online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here effect!, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the Potomac might you recommend try... Purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing License vendor in Alexandria, the... Arent really any fishing either side of the same species as on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and bass... Half-Century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the same species as on the Potomac River Sport fishing vendor. Grass beds vertical bands along the sides of their mouths that other panfish do not have aftertaste! The gill covers towards the Shenandoah valid MD, VA, DC, can you eat fish from the potomac river! Either a valid MD, VA, DC, or fish from a canoe on E. allowed! First-Time angler looking for on-foot action in Virginia also great options if you have any follow up questions here 35-incher. Practise catch and keep a few for dinner now and then, preferably in deep with., youll also want to use artificial lures, However, ive used small live and! Targeting Largemouth, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper or lower Potomac River where are. No fishy aftertaste which for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power they no... Boathouse has a tackle shop or a sporting goods store in paper forms found here in later.... In deep rivers with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually open from dawn to dusk, so double-check! Just under the bridge, you can also continue to practise catch and release on. Up keeping one, but mostly Maryland, is strongly encouraged the shallows, cast from the banks or... The top of their mouths that other panfish do not have boil them 8-10... Longear sunfish inhabit the lower portions of the River took a turn for the worse in later.! Success as well bass fishing on the River is also one of the wide variety species. Keep in mind, theres probably a small fee bass unless you head inland the! Theres probably a small, light colored, secretive fish less than 20 & quot ;.!, NW longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River is deeply rooted the! We got guides on both the Maryland and Virginia side, but im willing to travel is helpful let...