So, what about all those invasive Northern Snakehead fish that were supposed to wipe out Virginia’s bass population? Turns out that even though their range is spreading, they are not a direct threat to any of our native species.
According to the DWR, Virginia officials are reporting more findings of the Northern Snakehead fish. Biologists have confirmed the presence of the fish in a Colonial Heights reservoir.
The toothy fish was first discovered in Virginia in the Potomac River in 2004. The news release says since that time, they’ve been discovered in nine additional bodies of water, including Lake Anna, the Rappahannock River and Lake Burke. Until this, the most recent confirmed discoveries were in the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Lake Anna, and Massey Creek in 2017. According to a release, this capture represents the first confirmed occurrence of this species in the James River drainage system.
Exotic species like snakeheads can feed on or compete with native fish and transmit parasites and diseases to native wildlife. Most new occurrences of the fish are caused by people intentionally stocking them into new bodies of water, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine or both.
Though they are spreading, populations are slightly declining because anglers are targeting them, keeping them, and enjoying a true delicacy. Their value as a food fish is likely why some stocked the fish in local creeks and ponds in order to have access.
But now, fishing guides in Northern Virginia are ignoring the bass and are trying to lure bites from this exotic predator. They are notoriously savage fighters. If you catch one, keep it and eat it, but don’t transport any to another body of water. These roaming fish need no help with that.