Imagine a fish so resilient it can survive without water. A fish so hardy it thrives where most fish can’t. A fish that smashes your topwater lure with aggression, making you feel like you’re fishing for the very first time. We’re talking about the Snakehead—a freshwater game fish some anglers say puts Largemouth Bass to shame! Sounds crazy, right? Crazier still, Snakehead fishing shouldn’t even exist in American waters.
How to Identify Snakehead
There are 21 species in the Snakehead family (Channidae), divided into two genera: Channa and Parachanna. The former originate in Asia, while the smaller, latter group is native to Africa. The variety found in America’s mid-Atlantic region is the Northern Snakehead, native to Russia, China, and the Koreas. Meanwhile, a second species—Bullseye Snakehead—is more common in Florida.
These Snakeheads likely made their way into US lakes and rivers when someone emptied their home aquarium into a local waterway. The first pair of Snakeheads was spotted in a Maryland pond in 2002. Since then, the species has spread to 14 states, all the way down to Florida, west to California, and even as far afield as Hawaii.
Despite being far from their natural habitat, Snakeheads are a thriving, invasive species. They’re so harmful to native ecosystems that state governments are eager to get rid of them!
The result? Anglers get to enjoy intense sportfishing without worrying about strict regulations. Most states have no size or bag limits for Snakehead, and encourage anglers to dispose of any they catch. You’re allowed to keep these fish as table fare but possessing or transporting live Snakehead is illegal.
Before taking part in this free-for-all, make sure you can distinguish Snakehead from similar native species like Bowfin and Burbot. Key identifying features include:
- Head shape. Snakehead have flat heads with their eyes positioned on top—similar to a snake.
- Anal fins. The bottom (anal) fin stretches about halfway along a Snakehead’s body, while Bowfin have a shorter, rounded anal fin. Burbot also have long anal fins, however.
- Markings. Bowfin often have a black spot near their tail, while Snakehead and Burbot do not. Generally, Snakehead have a snake-like skin pattern and are darker in color.
- Barbels. Burbot have a single barbel (like a whisker) on their chins, while the other species do not.
Different types of Snakehead grow to various sizes. Northern Snakehead in the US commonly reach 5–10 pounds, with the largest exceeding 20.
Sometimes referred to as “Frankenfish,” these so-called freaks of nature breathe through their skin, allowing them to survive out of water for days. Their tendency to wriggle through extremely shallow water has even sparked the rumor that they can walk on land.
Walking or otherwise, “Snakes” truly turn sportfishing on its head!
Best Snakehead Fishing Spots
Interested in catching a Snakehead but not ready to jet around the world? Thankfully, plenty are available right here in your backyard. Snakehead fishing is most common on the East Coast, with the most established populations in the mid-Atlantic states.
Florida
They say Florida is home to America’s best Snakehead fishing. Given the local climate and warm, swampy waters, it’s easy to see why. Pompano Beach is a top spot, with plenty more within a 30-minute radius. These include Margate, Coral Springs, Markham Park, Hillsboro Canal, Sunrise, Tamarac, and Coconut Creek.
There are no size or bag limits for Snakehead in Florida. However, you should eat or dispose of your catch rather than releasing it. Also, be sure to report any Snakehead you catch to the US Fish and Wildlife Service or nearest game agency as soon as possible. Remember, it’s a federal misdemeanor to possess live Snakehead, and violators face a $500 fine or 60 days in jail.
Maryland
If Florida doesn’t tickle your fancy, you might as well head to where it all began: Maryland. The first Snakehead were spotted here in the Old Line State and fishing for them continues to be good sport. Top waterways include the Potomac River, the Susquehanna River, and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
As in other places, the Snakehead bite here really picks up in spring and summer. Night fishing is common, with bowfishing as a popular technique during this time of the day. Of course, you can still fish for Snakehead using conventional gear and during daylight hours. And that goes for any time of the year!
There are no size or possession limits for Snakehead in Maryland. If you intend to keep one, kill the fish right away. Otherwise, release it immediately.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania shares some waters with Maryland, including the Blackwater, Susquehanna, and Potomac Rivers. Anglers also recommend virtually any section of the Delaware River for “Snake” fishing. Additionally, you’ll find these fish throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including the Rappahannock, Nanticoke, and Wicomico Rivers.
A couple of lesser-known Snakehead fishing holes include Meadow Lake in Philadelphia’s FDR Park and Darby Creek in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Pennsylvania encourages anglers to kill any Snakehead they catch and report it to the state Fish and Boat Commission.
New Jersey
Once Snakehead entered the Delaware River, there was no way to keep them from invading its tributaries and nearby lakes. This is how many waters in New Jersey became Snake honey holes, such as Newton Lake, Stewart Lake, Harrisonville Lake, Crystal Lake, and countless local creeks. The Delaware and Raritan Canal also holds Snakehead, as do many DoD Ponds.
If you plan on fishing for Snakehead in New Jersey, bear in mind that you must kill your catch. You should also submit the specimen to the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries personnel for verification. Releasing live Snakehead back into any NJ waters is prohibited.
Delaware
Last but not least, Snakehead are also plentiful in Delaware. Key rivers include the Delaware, Brandywine, Leipsic, Nanticoke, Marshyhope, and Choptank, along with their tributaries. Plenty of still waters hold these fish, too, such as Becks Pond, Noxontown Pond, Garrisons Lake, and more.
Snakehead fishing in Delaware is open year-round, without any size or bag limits. Again, rather than releasing your catch, you should kill the fish and report it to Delaware’s Fish and Wildlife Department.
How to Fish for Snakehead
In most cases, you’ll find Snakehead in stagnant, extremely shallow water—sometimes less than a foot deep. These fish have no problem wriggling along the shoreline with their backs fully exposed above the water surface.
Look for them in areas with mud bottoms and thick vegetation, ideally warmed by the afternoon sun. Basically, the shallowest, swampiest spot you can find likely holds Snakes.
In conditions like this, they stalk and smash topwater lures. The way they feed is truly snake-like as they follow their prey for 10 feet or more before striking. And, once hooked, they thrash around wildly, making for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Aside from conventional gear, you can also target Snakehead by fly fishing. Just remember they’re hard on tackle, so go for heavy gear.
Since regulations emphasize eradicating this species, bowfishing and gigging (often called “spearfishing” in this case) are popular, especially at night.
Snakehead Fishing Gear
It’s common to fish for Snakehead using the same baitcasting gear as for Largemouth Bass, if not a bit heavier. A stout, 7′ medium-to-heavy action rod with a stiff tip should do just fine. A flimsy rod might not hold up to their vigorous head-shaking! Use a 40–50 lb braided line, as you’ll often be fishing in heavy cover.
Fly anglers should use a 9′, 7–8 wt rod. Spool your reel with floating line and add a 15–30 lb test fluorocarbon leader several feet long. Snakehead aren’t leader-shy, so there’s no need for a longer leader.
Bowfishermen can rely on a recurve bow and bowfishing-rated braided line. Fiberglass arrows with barbed or pronged heads are ideal, with a recommended draw weight of 35 pounds. Aim for the thick, center of the body so the fish doesn’t slip free from the arrow as you reel it in.
Snakehead Baits
Snakehead will take both lures and live bait, depending on the season. Experienced Snake anglers will tell you that bait works best in cooler weather or following a cold snap. Fish live bait using a bobber, usually 1–3 feet below the surface. Just note that the colder the weather, the lower you should suspend your bait.
Snakehead are opportunistic feeders, gulping down minnows, small fish, crayfish, insects, and frogs—and even attacking small rodents and unsuspecting birds.
Snakehead Lures
Summer is peak season for Snakehead, and lures are especially effective. Topwater lures are the weapon of choice, since these fish feed at the surface. All-time favorite lures include:
- Topwater frogs
- Poppers
- Chatterbaits
- Spinnerbaits
- Buzzbaits
- Walk-the-dog lures
Meanwhile, fly fishermen have their own arsenal, including dry flies and articulated streamers. Water conditions and personal preference play a large part, but a few flies to consider include topwater mouse and frog lures, clouser minnows, zonkers, and other streamers such as the Zoo Cougar, the Dahlberg Diver, the Whitlock Waker, and the Finesse Game Changer.
When to Fish for Snakehead
It’s possible to fish for Snakehead any time of year, but you can expect the most action when the weather is warm. They feed actively at the hottest times of day, so try to fish for them in the afternoon between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Snakehead spawn in spring and early summer, which is often the best season to target them due to how aggressive they are. Use lures throughout summer, then opt for live bait once the weather cools down.
Snakehead: A Tale with No End
There are few game fish as good as Snakehead that you can enjoy catching with wild abandon. Despite the way they ended up in US waters and their impact on local ecosystems, perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise. Plenty of “Snakebit” anglers have come to love these fish, to the point that some believe they’ve earned their place on our continent and are worth preserving!
Whether you’re for or against them, there’s no denying it: Snakehead fishing is here to stay. So get hooked!
Are you an avid Snakehead angler? Maybe you’re heading out for the first time? Share your tips and questions below. We love hearing from you!
