DC Has New Advice for Eating Fish Caught in Local Rivers

Anyone who's spent a quiet afternoon casting a line from the banks of the Anacostia or the Potomac knows the city's rivers are full of life. Now, the District's Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) has new advice on what to do with your catch.

The agency just published an updated fish consumption advisory for people who catch and eat fish from DC's waterways, including its rivers, creeks, and ponds. It’s aimed at local anglers and communities that rely on fresh-caught fish as a regular food source, with revised guidance designed to lower health risks.

New Guidance, Not a Ban

City officials were clear that this is a public-health notice, not a ban on fishing. You can still drop a line in your favorite spot. But the DOEE wants residents to follow its safety guidance before deciding what to keep and what to throw back.

The advisory gets specific, clarifying recommended portion sizes and how often certain fish can be safely consumed. It also includes practical steps for preparing and cooking locally caught fish to reduce exposure to potential contaminants.

All the details, including fact sheets and maps of the affected waterways, are available on the agency's section of DC.gov. Community groups that host fishing events or work on food access are also a key audience for the new information.

DOEE officials said residents should consult the full posted advisory online before consuming fish caught anywhere in the District.