Some fish species continue to struggle, but long-term trends signal that we’re beginning to reap the benefits of pollution-reduction and restoration efforts. The last river report in 2013 graded striped bass at a B-. Exploring the exciting world of our diverse species of fish. After decades of decline, the Potomac is now healthy enough to support growing populations of common game fish including shad and white perch. The river plays a vital role in the life cycle of several fish species. Unfortunately, population data in the Potomac only goes back to 2013, making it difficult to determine the full extent of the catfish problem in the river and assess whether management strategies are working as intended. The Commission’s actions are final and apply to state waters (0-3 miles from shore). Anglers in West Virginia will have a much different experience from those near Washington D.C. Since 2007, abundance of smallmouth bass has measured well below historic averages and only measured 33 percent of the historic mean from 2014-2018. American shad was once the largest commercial and recreational fishery along the Atlantic Coast, but a dangerous combination of dam construction, pollution, habitat degradation, and overfishing threatened the entire shad population. Eradication measures have demonstrated mixed results. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Potomac River watershed covers the District of Columbia and parts of four states. The upper North Branch affords anglers an opportunity to fish for trout in a truly wild setting. Because resource decisions are based on regional population trends, healthy populations can be seen locally while unhealthy populations could be found in other areas along the Atlantic coast. The Potomac River is home to a diverse range of fish species. This article warmed my heart- I fished the tidal Potomac shad and striper (they fall them rockfish) run for many years. The Potomac is home to a diverse range of fish species. For your own safety, please do not eat these fish from the Potomac An oily sheen shimmered along the Virginia side of the Potomac River this month. South of Frederick, the Monocacy River is known for its smallmouth bass fishery. ©2020 Potomac Conservancy. They can breathe air, tolerate low-oxygen waters, and survive in mud or puddles. One of the many great features of the Potomac River largemouth bass fishery is Blue catfish can live up to 30 years, grow in excess of 100 pounds, and are opportunistic eaters that devour mussels, vegetation, and other fishes. “The Potomac is the second-most valuable spawning area for striped bass on the entire Atlantic Coast,” Gary said. Long-term trends signal that we’re beginning to reap the benefits of pollution-reduction, conservation, and re-stocking efforts. Always DRAFT - Version 02/21/2013 . Take for instance the northern snakehead, an invasive species of fish native to parts of Asia, but now with exploding populations in the Potomac River for over a decade. But, because of these qualities, they are particularly susceptible to high stream flows during in the spring when spawning typically takes place. Rivers: Potomac, Rappahannock, Chickahominy, Nottoway and New. 2016 Upper Potomac River Catfish Summary Catfish are one of the more popular gamefish species commonly harvested on the upper Potomac River. The upper Potomac, specifically the North Branch of the Potomac River, inhabits some of the largest trout found anywhere on the east coast. Once established in a waterway, it is unlikely they can be eradicated. According to Mary Groves at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Potomac and Maryland tributaries are “flooded with little blue catfish right now.” Populations can explode due to overcrowding of small fish. The aim of the study was to determine whether fish populations were increasing or decreasing, and if so, whether these changes could be explained based on species spawning strategies. A non-native fish, blue catfish were first introduced to tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay in the 1960s and 1970s and have become popular with recreational fishermen. At Great Falls the river narrows and rushes into the Potomac Gorge where it drops 130 feet on its 10 mile journey to the tidally influenced Coastal Plain. The locals call catching all four species catching the Grand The species may be the most expensive freshwater fish in the world, rumored to have sold for up to $300,000, according to CNBC. Washington, DC has advised against eating locally caught striped bass, one of the most popular catches for local anglers and Maryland’s state fish. N: New River Basin: Includes the New and Gauley Rivers. At over 350 miles long, there are plenty of opportunities for Potomac River fishing. 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