It’s a large and diverse waterway, which is a far cry from the small lakes and streams where snakeheads have recently been found. The Potomac River has had a snakehead population for over 20 years, and according to, Virginia DWR biologist, John Odenkirk, snakeheads haven’t negatively affected game fish populations. While snakeheads can survive out of water for short periods of time, they cannot walk on land. And no, they aren’t walking on land to new bodies of water. But, people continue to move these fish into new waters despite the urging of biologists. Bucket biologists can face a $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail for illegally stocking snakeheads in Virginia. Introducing a non-native species is never a good thing for a natural ecosystem, and wildlife agencies have tough penalties for anyone caught spreading snakeheads to new water. Snakeheads are a species native to east-Asia, but have been introduced to countries around the world through the pet trade and illegal aquaculture. What Anglers Need to Know About Snakeheads Snakeheads live in shallow backwaters and mostly eat small baitfish Scott Einsmann If these fish now swim in your home waters and you want to experience their topwater blowups, here’s how to catch snakeheads. Those states are also full of anglers who have adopted snakeheads as their new favorite game fish. Most notably, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. waters) in Crofton, Maryland, and that range has since expanded so widely that they are now regularly caught in eight states. In 2002 there was a relatively isolated population of northern snakehead (which are non-native in U.S. You don’t need a ton of specialized gear or electronics to catch them. If you catch a snakehead fish, it is legal and safe to consume.Snakeheads are the ideal warm water game fish: They reliably eat topwater baits with explosive bites. This is helpful to determine species distribution and control/management strategies. Then contact Rob Bourgeois, LDWF Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator at or 22 or contact the LDWF aquatic invasive species hotline at 22 email at sure to note the exact location of the catch. Take a side view photo of the fish (if possible), kill it, double bag it and freeze it. If you have information, or if you think you have caught a Northern Snakehead, please do NOT return it to the water. These fish can grow up to 3 feet in length. The name “snakehead” comes from the enlarged scales that cover their heads. You can see an illustration of these fish on this brochure: Snakehead_Brochure.pdf () However, you can identify a snakehead by its long, extended anal fin, a lower jaw that protrudes past the upper jaw, and the lack of a black spot at the base of its tail. Northern Snakeheads closely resemble Louisiana’s native Bowfin (Choupique) species. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport live snakehead Louisiana. They were originally released into the wild through fish markets and the aquarium trade however, they have likely migrated to Louisiana from Mississippi or Arkansas. To date, Northern Snakeheads have been reported in 11 other states. Unlike invasive carp, they are slower at reproducing.” “In other states where snakeheads are already present, there has not been major impact on native fish. “Snakeheads could potentially get a foothold in our state, but we do not expect them to have major impacts to our native fish,” said LDWF’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Robert Bourgeois. They consume mostly fish, but will also eat other small aquatic animals such as frogs and crawfish.īecause the snakehead is considered to be an invasive species, LDWF will monitor the situation closely. Northern Snakeheads, which are native to Asia, are a highly predatory species that can outcompete and prey on our native species. Recreational Fishing Sherry Morton Baton Rouge Credit: Susan Trammell,
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