When northern snakeheads (Channa Argus) were first discovered in Virginia in 2004, there were fears the invasive predator would disrupt the ecosystem and present problems for native species. Snakeheads were illegally dumped into a pond in Crofton, Maryland two years earlier. They spread into the Potomac River drainage, eventually making their way into Virginia streams. They finally showed up in Virginia waters 20 years ago.
While they spawned fears, the fish eventually settled in and now live side by side with other native species like largemouth bass, gar, and sunfish. They are right at home in the shallow, weedy creeks that feed the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay in northern Virginia. By some expert accounts, outside of southeast Asia, Virginia may offer some of the best snakehead fishing in the world.
“That was one that rolled up, right there,” said fishing guide Mike Sielicki of Apex Predators fishing.
Sielicki pointed to a swirl about 50 yards from the boat he was piloting along Potomac Creek just east of Fredericksburg.
Guides ply these snakehead-filled waters looking for the tell tale signs of active fish.
“See movement way up there by the grass?” asked Sielicki as he motioned to swirls near a reedy shoreline. “That’s snakes.”
I recall the initial days of the Snakehead invasion, with scientists and environmentalists predicting doom.
The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Outstanding In Her Field garnering clicks at The Other McCain.
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