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Northern Snakehead

Northern Snakehead

The Northern Snakehead is an invasive predatory fish native to Asia that first appeared in New Jersey waters around 2008-2009 in Delaware River tributaries.

These are aggressive carnivores that are obligate air-breathers capable of surviving in poorly oxygenated waters and are established throughout the Delaware River system and Raritan River system.

They are visual hunters most active in hot, tropical-like conditions and are prolific reproducers that fiercely protect their young.

Scientific Name: Channa argus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Torpedo-shaped fish with flat, snake-like heads, long dorsal and anal fins, and dark irregular blotches on brown backgrounds.
  • They can exceed 33 inches and commonly reach 5-10 pounds in New Jersey, with some specimens approaching 15 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Established throughout the Delaware River system from Sussex County near the NY/PA border down to tidal sections, plus the Raritan River system including the Millstone River and D&R Canal.

Key Locations

  • Newton Lake, Cooper River Park Lake, Stewart Lake, Harrisonville Lake, Crystal Lake (Burlington County), Salem Canal, Crosswicks Creek, Raccoon Creek, Big Timber Creek, Rancocas Creek, Little Mantua Creek, and DOD ponds.

Specific Spots

  • Shallow waters with thick vegetation, lily pads, spatterdock, hard submerged grass lines, downed trees, overhanging brush, and weed mats.

Northern Snakehead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Northern Snakehead in New Jersey?

Weedless topwater frogs (small to medium sizes work best), poppers, buzzbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, prop baits, walk-the-dog plugs, live bait (minnows, small fish, crayfish, frogs).

What flies work for Northern Snakehead in New Jersey?

Foam divers, waking patterns, topwater mouse and frog flies, and Blane Chocklett's Game Changers (Feather Changers, Jerk Changers, Finesse Changers, Crafty Changers, Hybrid Changers).

When is the best time to fish for Northern Snakehead in New Jersey?

Spawn multiple times per year from spring through summer (avoid fishing spawning areas during this period).

How do you catch Northern Snakehead in New Jersey?

Work 'retrieving frogs' fast to cover water and trigger aggressive strikes, or fish 'working frogs' slower for confident takes. Work Game Changers with two-handed strips and pauses down grass lines, while fishing topwater flies with strip-strip-pause retrieves.

What do Northern Snakehead eat?

Diet consists primarily of mosquitofish/killifish, plus other small fish, crayfish, frogs, insects, and occasionally small rodents and birds.

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