Snakehead caught on Blackwater River

Type: Tidal
Region: Eastern
Location: Blackwater River

Natural Resources Police reported a snakehead that was caught on March 16, 2012 by an angler fishing at the Route 335 Bridge over Blackwater River. This is the first report of a snakehead from Blackwater River. On the eastern shore, the Nanticoke River has been identified as a system with a population of snakehead. From the nearby Blackwater River, only one snakehead has since been reported. Signs will soon be posted at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, alerting anglers to the presence of snakehead in Blackwater River and asking anglers to kill and retain individuals, if caught. Additional work is being planned by MD DNR and US FWS to obtain a specimen for genetics work.

MD DNR asks all anglers to kill snakeheads when they are encountered. It is against state and/or federal law to transport live snakehead by boat or car. This is an invasive species and is not wanted in Maryland waters. For additional information on identifying and dispatching snakehead, please refer to the short video posted at: snakehead video