The town of Occoquan, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, is hosting a pilot event aimed at taking out snakeheads on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 8-11 p.m. at River Mill Park.
The “Occoquan Snakehead Roundup” is a focused effort to control the growing population of the invasive northern snakehead fish along the Occoquan River while encouraging conservation awareness and responsible recreational angling, the town said in a news release.
The roundup will offer a unique one-night-only opportunity for licensed anglers to assist in preserving the local aquatic ecosystem by targeting the non-native predator.
“We’re excited to offer anglers a rare opportunity to fish in an area that is typically off-limits,” Adam Linn, Town Manager and Chief of Police, said in the release. “This event not only gives fishing enthusiasts a unique chance to test their skills but also reflects our commitment to managing invasive species in a safe, effective, and environmentally responsible way.”
The nighttime event will be held at River Mill Park, including fishing access under the footbridge.
All participants must hold a valid Virginia fishing license and the event is catch-and-kill only. All northern snakeheads must be humanely killed and not released, the release said.
No will spearfishing is permitted and participants must pack out all waste. A designated disposal station will be provided.
Town staff and Occoquan police will be on-site to ensure compliance with all regulations and to safeguard public safety throughout the event.
To learn more about the northern snakehead and its impact on Virginia’s waterways, visit the Virginia DWR website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/snakehead/