American Eel
American Eel is a fascinating catadromous species found throughout Virginia's freshwater systems. These snake-like fish have elongated bodies covered in a protective mucus layer, with continuous fins running from back to belly.
They lack pelvic fins but have small pectoral fins.
Scientific Name: Anguilla rostrata
- These snake-like fish have elongated bodies covered in a protective mucus layer, with continuous fins running from back to belly.
- They lack pelvic fins but have small pectoral fins.
- Coloration ranges from olive green to brownish-black above with yellowish-white bellies, with eels from clear water often lighter than those from tannic streams.
- Females grow larger than males, reaching up to 5 feet and 17 pounds, though most average 1-3 feet.
Fishing in Virginia
Rivanna River
James River
Lake Anna
South Fork Shenandoah River
South River
Rappahannock River
Appomattox River
Beaver Creek Reservoir
South Fork Rivanna River
Rapidan River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout Virginia's freshwater systems, from the Potomac River and its tributaries including the Shenandoah River, to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and coastal streams.
Key Locations
- In Virginia, prime locations include the Potomac River below Great Falls, Shenandoah River and its mountain tributaries, Rock Creek (especially after fish ladder construction improved access), and various Chesapeake Bay tributaries.
- Found from the Potomac River and its tributaries including the Shenandoah River, to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and coastal streams.
- Virginia eels inhabit diverse waters from the Potomac River system to mountain streams in Shenandoah National Park, Reston's lakes, and coastal tributaries.
Specific Spots
- Focus on specific habitat types - rocky crevices, undercuts, areas near dams and falls, overhanging trees and bushes, spring holes, drop-offs, piers and docks, and muddy bottoms.
- They hide during daylight hours under rocks, in burrows, or buried in bottom sediments at depths of 5-6 feet.
American Eel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for American Eel in Virginia?
Live baits are most productive: nightcrawlers, minnows, small spot, herring, shiners, maggots, and insect larvae. Cut baits work well too, including pieces of herring, menhaden, chicken liver, and dead fish.
When is the best time to fish for American Eel in Virginia?
Target during most active periods from May through October, with peak activity June through September. Spring fishing when water temperatures exceed 15°C (59°F), triggered by increased flows and warming water. Fall efforts when temperatures drop to 11-12°C (52-54°F) for best movement activity.
How do you catch American Eel in Virginia?
Effective techniques include spin casting, still fishing, and drift fishing. Position yourself on banks or shorelines and pre-bait areas by throwing some bait into the water, then wait for eels to congregate before casting your line. Set up multiple rods when drift fishing.
What do American Eel eat?
These nocturnal predators are opportunistic feeders consuming crayfish, worms, small fish, clams, mollusks, aquatic insects, and crustaceans like soft-shelled crabs.
Where do American Eel live in Virginia?
Found throughout Virginia's freshwater systems, from the Potomac River and its tributaries including the Shenandoah River, to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and coastal streams.
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