UTERNorthern snakehead fishing in Virginia freshwater
In Virginia freshwater, northern snakehead peak May–October and are around March–November, spawning in July–September, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Potomac tributaries — Aquia, Pohick and Dogue creeks.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Northern snakehead in Virginia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JunePeakPotomac tributaries — Aquia, Pohick and Dogue creeks.
- JulySpawning
- AugustSpawning
- SeptemberSpawning
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish northern snakehead near James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir
The tidal James' trophy blue cats, Smith Mountain's stripers, the New and the James for smallmouth and muskie, Kerr and Gaston, and Shenandoah valley trout.
What to use for northern snakehead
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 55–92°F water, best at 68–86°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch northern snakehead in Virginia freshwater?
Peak season is May–October, with fish spawning in July–September (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Northern snakehead are in Virginia freshwater March–November. June: Potomac tributaries — Aquia, Pohick and Dogue creeks.
Where do northern snakehead hold in Virginia freshwater?
Look on creek / stream, river, pond / pit — around James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir, New River, Lake Anna, Chickahominy River.
What is the best bait for northern snakehead in Virginia freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for northern snakehead in Virginia freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Virginia DWR) and change — read the current rule at https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dwr.virginia.gov/licenses/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores northern snakehead for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about northern snakehead · Virginia fresh water, the whole year