The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting a Snakehead Derby, June 3 beginning at 9 a.m. at the C&O Canal Pennyfield Lock. This event is a free fishing day and no fishing license is needed. Courtesy MD DNR The Stop the Snakehead Fishing Derby hopes to raise awareness and reduce the negative impact of snakeheads in our ecosystems. Snakeheads have spread beyond the Potomac River and throughout many tidal rivers in the Chesapeake Bay. In 2015 the species was found reproducing in the C&O Canal. Prizes and giveaways will be provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bass Pro Shops. More information about snakeheads can be found here.

Purposes of the Fishing Derby

  1. Raise awareness about snakeheads and other invasive species​.
  2. Raise awareness about fish that live in the C&O canal and that could be negatively impacted by snakeheads.
  3. Remove any snakeheads that are caught, thus reducing potential impacts to C&O canal fish.

Rules of the Fishing Derby

  1. Between 9 am and 12:30 p.m., anglers can fish anywhere between Swains Lock and Violettes Lock (toward the inside of the floating boundary markers). When a fish is caught, the angler should flag down one of the staff in fluorescent vests. The staff member will measure the fish, record its species, take your name, and send the information to the staging area at Pennyfield Lock. Prizes will be awarded to anglers who catch the biggest fish and most different species. Anglers are encouraged to release the fish (unless it is a snakehead).
  2. If an angler catches a snakehead, then the snakehead should not be released alive. In order to increase the odds that an angler will catch a snakehead, snakeheads may be caught anywhere along the tow path. Staff may assist in taking the snakehead to the staging area and in disposing of the snakehead. The angler is welcome to take the fish home with them to eat. Prizes will be awarded for biggest snakehead caught.
To register online, click here.