Snakeheads Currently Spawning on the Western Shore

[boque]

I went snakehead fishing off of the Potomac yesterday and kept wondering why I was hearing what sounded like waves lapping against the shore when the water was flat. I worked my way into the deep cover/vegetation and noticed that several plants were moving when the wind wasn't blowing. Then I saw water splashed into the air. I stopped and listened/watched for a while and eventually saw at least a dozen snakeheads erupting out of the shallow (1ft or so) water all around me. They were slapping the water, rolling and writhing just at the surface. At first I thought I hit the jackpot and kept throwing my lure right at (almost on top of) them but of course I didn't get a hit. Eventually I realized that it was likely breeding time.

This morning I checked with DWR in VA and got confirmation that what I saw was "almost certainly spawning behavior by snakehead pairs". I was also told to wait a week and try again when they'll be done with spawning and feel a lot more protective of the nests. Others considering a snakehead trip this weekend might want to do the same, at least on the western shore. Maybe the eastern shore is ahead of this schedule.

C.J.

Compass 11

[J.A. Veil]

This is the time of year when carp mate aggressively in the shallows too.

[YakMonkey]

I was out on the eastern shore, BWR. Carps were jumping all over. Not sure which one starts first, but it looks like they were spawning too.


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[admwndsr83]

I happened to be in the Gunpowder and Dundee Creek last weekend, and you could definitely see and hear the snakehead. Like you, sight casted even live minnows, but to no avail.

[gliebig]

I happened to be in the Gunpowder and Dundee Creek last weekend, and you could definitely see and hear the snakehead. Like you, sight casted even live minnows, but to no avail.

Have you caught many sh in Dundee? Was curious if you get more tight to the shoreline or get them in that thick grass in the middle? I seem to always see a lot of action in the middle but haven't really gotten bit there.
I did get a solid 8lb'r there last year.

[admwndsr83]

Spots

Have you caught many sh in Dundee? Was curious if you get more tight to the shoreline or get them in that thick grass in the middle? I seem to always see a lot of action in the middle but haven't really gotten bit there.
I did get a solid 8lb'r there last year.

This was actually my first trip out of Dundee, just peeking around. I was living up near BelAir, but moved down to Overlea, so I've been doing some exploring. Most times, I launch out of Wilson Point if I'm down my way. Up your way, I have been known to launch at Willoughby Beach Launch and off the side of 40 in Bush Creek.

[dsaavedra]

off the side of 40 in Bush Creek.

Do you put in right at the bridge? Where do you park?

[YakMonkey]

Do you put in right at the bridge? Where do you park?

on the curb


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[dsaavedra]

Gotcha. I live about an hour and a half south of Bush River so I've never made it up that way. Usually if I go for snakeheads I'm going to the Eastern Shore in the area surrounding Blackwater... It's also an hour and a half drive but its a much nicer drive than driving through Baltimore (including the 895 tunnel). But I've heard all those rivers northeast of Baltimore are quickly becoming quite the hotbed for snakes so my curiosity is growing. Maybe one day I'll make it up there.

[gliebig]

Got out for a couple hours this morning. Had a dozen solid bites on a frog. Hooked several. Landed two.
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[Mark]

Got out for a couple hours this morning. Had a dozen solid bites on a frog. Hooked several. Landed two.

Good for you!

That hookup/catch ratio is common for snakeheads in our tidal creeks, especially when we're targeting them. It's like they know we're trying to catch them and they toy with us -- either by ignoring our offerings or showing just enough interest to keep us casting.

I think they're the hardest fish to catch locally. I know some are accidental catches -- a big surprise for the angler and probably to the fish too. But to stalk and actually catch one with artificial baits is not easy.

Congratulations.

[boque]

Got out for a couple hours this morning. Had a dozen solid bites on a frog. Hooked several. Landed two.
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Congrats! This is inspiring me to get back out there, if even for a little while. I too often either do a long trip or nothing.