Snakehead Question

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Loch Raven Reservoir

I wanted to report snakeheads beneath the lower dam at Loch Raven Reservoir. Minebank run is what the body of water shows up as, close to McFauls Ironhorse Tavern on Loch Raven drive. I�ve seen snakeheads out there before, and this morning I caught a 19� one (2.22 lbs). This was my first time catching a snakehead, it was thrilling off a top water bite!

Unfortunately, I didn�t have a cooler with me to keep and eat the fish, so I released it in the same location. I hope that�s ok, I�ve seen conflicting reports on how to handle snakeheads. Do you have any advice for the next one I catch? I target those waters regularly and I�m hoping to catch more.

DNR Response: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages anglers to kill all three invasive fish species (northern snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish) when caught. While it is not illegal to release a snakehead immediately, taking possession of a live snakehead is illegal. Be sure to kill it if you put it in your cooler. And if you have any additional questions or concerns, please just give us a call or contact Joseph Love (410-260-8257; [email protected]), directly.