Snakehead Found in Upper Chesapeake Bay

A Northern Snakehead was caught in the Northeast River (near the upper end of Chesapeake Bay) on April 17, by recreational angler, showing that this invasive species is continuing to spread in the Bay area.

I caught a snakehead fish 4-17-2011 on the Northeast River near Anchor Marine . it was approx. 4.5 lbs and was about 21 inches long, the fish was destroyed. I didn't know if there were others caght in this area.

DNR RESPONSE via Joe Love, Fisheries Biologist This is this first reported snakehead caught in Northeast River. DNR applauds the actions of Mr. Lauer to remove and kill this invasive species which has now appeared for the first time in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Please spread the word to fellow anglers to handle any snakeheads they encounter similarly.

Maryland DNR is trying to encourage anglers to help eliminate (or more likely, slow the spread of) snaked head in the Bay with a prize for catching and killing a snakehead.

In an effort to stem the spread of the invasive snakehead fish the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC), and the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) are providing an opportunity to win prizes for anglers who catch, kill and enter photos of the snakeheads through the popular DNR online Angler’s Log social fishing site. A photo of the killed fish must be submitted to be entered into the contest...enter photos of the snakeheads through the popular DNR online Angler’s Log social fishing site at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/log.asp.

My previous post on the great Snakehead menace.

Someday, I'll catch one...