Subsistence Fishing on the Potomac and Anacostia

Sunset Fishing. Hains Point.

NPS Photo / S.J. Fiske

On any given day, when the weather is right, it’s a regular sight to see poles set up, chairs set out, and people fishing along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Recreational fishing, or fishing just for the fun of it, is just one part of the fishing community in the D.C. metropolitan area. But what about those who are fishing, not just for fun but for other reasons? Subsistence fishing, or fishing primarily for consuming or sharing the catch, is another part of the fishing community that the recent National Park Service report, Ethnographic Resource Study Subsistence Fishing on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers explores more deeply.

This study uses a combination of methods for collecting information, both formal and informal. It documents who is fishing, what they are catching, and how many of the anglers are keeping/eating what they catch. It also provides information gathered from interviews about why these individuals are fishing and why they’re keeping what they catch.

It is important to note that, although fishing and consuming the catch is a common practice along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, there are fish consumption regulations in effect in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. What the study found was that although the Potomac and Anacostia waters are “known to be contaminated…anglers come to fish on the rivers, sometimes driving some distance from their homes and consume their catch despite advisories.”

During the field research for this study, researchers most often encountered anglers at Hains Point, Fletcher’s Cove, Piscataway, Jones Point, C&O Canal, Little Hunting Creek in Virginia, and Fort Washington Light House (on the Maryland side).

A map of the locations of interviews conducted for this study.

NPS

The fishing population interviewed was quite diverse, showing that people of color are well represented in these parks and outdoor spaces. The majority of those interviewed identified as African American followed by Anglo, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, and those that identify as Other (the majority being Native American). The species of fish most harvested by those interviewed was blue catfish and the least harvested was channel catfish.

Pie chart "Ethnicities of Anglers Interviewed" measured by percentage. Bar graph "Most Harvested Fish" measured by percentage of anglers that harvest by species.

NPS

Catching Catfish. East Potomac Park.

NPS Photo

Members of the public sometimes make assumptions about those who are fishing and why they eat the fish they catch. One assumption being that most of the anglers are lower-income, and they fish because they need fish for food. However, when interviewed by researchers, most respondents stated that the primary reasons for going fishing are “enjoyment of the parks, being out-of-doors, the relaxation of fishing, and the camaraderie of being with family or other anglers”.

“So I had a rod, but it just had a line on it. So I walked up to him [gesturing to the fisherman on his left]–I was gonna buy a hook from him, and a sinker. He said “Man, I got you, man.” He hooked everything up. So… we been having fun ever since. And I met him yesterday! And he brought the children. Yeah, we been laughing since yesterday!” -A fisher at Hains Point

However, there was still a portion of the anglers from this study that do experience some form of food insecurity—about 40%. And while the study did not focus on food insecurity, researchers did find that the extensive sharing of blue catfish, in particular, may provide a substantial buffer to hunger faced by households in the D.C. metro area. Blue catfish are, by a huge margin, fished for most often and harvested in the greatest amounts. Ninety-three percent of the anglers that harvest blue catfish shared at least part of their catch, and blue catfish are shared most broadly (amongst family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers rather than just family and friends).

Rain or Shine. Piscataway Park.

NPS Photo / Terry Adams

“Nope, don't even know 'em. Ninety-five [percent] of the time I don't even know 'em. They're like, ‘are you throwing it back in?’ and I'll say ‘not if you want it,’ and they say ‘I'll take it,’ and I'll say ‘okay it's yours.’ It’s everybody…anybody that wants to eat fish.” -A fisher at Jones Point

Whether fishing for sport or for food, there is no doubt that parks are high-intensity fishing spots. Subsistence fishers are the most consistent users of park shorelines, especially during the summer, but also during winter months. Being able to go fishing is important to the great majority of anglers and fishing provides a sense of self-reliance for being able to provide for oneself, family, or neighbors in need, and a sense of self-respect garnered from the extensive sharing of their harvests.

Opportunities to Fish

For anyone interested in fishing, there are plenty of opportunities in the D.C. metro area to get involved. It is important to note that fishing in D.C. requires a fishing license, and prices vary between residents and non-residents. Annual National Fishing and Boating Week takes place every June, and during this week some states waive the need for a fishing license for a period of time to encourage new anglers to try fishing (check Free Fishing Days before participating). At any other time during the year, National Park Service parks welcome visitors to participate in fishing activities. Check local NPS park websites to learn more about policies on fishing.

About the Report

Fiske S, Callaway D, Cohen A, Walker L, Lopez N. 2020. Ethnographic Resource Study Subsistence Fishing on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.