posted on: May 15, 2025

Reel Invasion - 6/1/2025

Type: Tidal
Region: Southern
Location: Anacostia

Reel Invasion - June 1, 2025 | 8am - 2:30pm

Anacostia River�s Reel Invasion is a free-to-enter public outreach and fishing derby event to educate and encourage harvest of invasive fish species introduced into Maryland and D.C. waters that cause ecological harm.

Location: 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE,
Washington, D.C.
June 1, 2025

Public outreach activities include:

1. seeing and learning about aquatic nuisance species
2. making fish prints of invasives and other fish
3. learning how to get started in fishing
4. learning how to fillet blue catfish and northern snakeheads
5. touring the Aquatic Resource Education Center (AREC)
6. taking a guided kayak tour on the Anacostia River.

Prizes and Divisions:
There will be three separate divisions for blue catfish, snakehead, and flathead catfish. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for each division based on the weight. There will also be a prize awarded for the smallest invasive fish caught.

Agenda:

8:00 am - Check-in and information (until 1 pm)
9:00 am - Making fish prints (all day)
9:30 am - Fishing Demonstration
10:00 am - Guided Kayak Tour*
10:30 am - Fishing Demonstration
11:00 am - Filleting Demonstration
12:00 pm - Guided Kayak Tour*
11:30 am - Tour of the AREC
12:00 pm - Filleting Demonstration
12:30 pm - Tour of the AREC
2:00 pm - Tournament weigh-in
2:30 pm - Derby winners and door prizes

*Availability is limited. Please register for kayak tours at check-in when you arrive. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Seven days advance notice is requested.
Limited fishing gear may be available to borrow.

How to Register:
Please register for the event by completing this Form (one form for each participant), whether fishing or not. Also, Please Remember to get your free raffle ticket at Check-in. Each registered person can receive a raffle ticket for a prize.

Questions?
Contact Daniel Ryan (DOEE):
[email protected] or call (443)458-3018
This event is organized by Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the DC Department of Energy and Environment.