ABOUT THE RIVER

Diadromous Fish: What is that?

Diadromous Fish: What is that?

The Rappahannock River is one of nine major river systems in Virginia and most importantly the one that we live in. It contains many types of fish that people enjoy everyday in the forms of recreational fishing and consumption, or just to look at. There is a group of...

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Safety on the Rappahannock River

Safety on the Rappahannock River

It’s that time of year when the weather and water starts getting warmer and everyone is itching to get outside! Many of you will even spend times along the Rappahannock or on the Rappahannock in the coming months, so it's important to remember a few key river safety...

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ALL ABOUT SHAD!

ALL ABOUT SHAD!

As spring comes to the Rappahannock river community, you’re probably hearing a lot about a fish called the shad. You may also be wondering, what is a shad? How do you catch one? Can I eat it?   Here are a few facts about the shad you may not have known.  ...

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Do you know what’s living in the Rappahannock?

Do you know what’s living in the Rappahannock?

If you’ve ever walked along the Rappahannock River or taken a boat ride down to the Chesapeake Bay, it’s likely you’ve recognized some familiar species along the Rappahannock River watershed. Although these outdoor experiences can be a healthy and meaningful way to...

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Rappahannock River Adventures in 2020

Rappahannock River Adventures in 2020

At FOR, we believe the Rappahannock River is a treasure to share so everyone can work to help protect it.In 2020, we continued to work with partners to increase public access to the river. Our staff celebrated new public access sites and shared some of the more hidden...

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Supporting inclusive public river access

Supporting inclusive public river access

FOR's Spanish language program focuses on river safety and conservation Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) believes the Rappahannock River is a treasure to be enjoyed by everyone and we support inclusive public access. In our support of public access, we have created...

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Oyster Restoration VIP River Experience

Oyster Restoration VIP River Experience

“If you look closely across the bow you can see we are about to be surrounded by them” said Captain Moncure as he guided the River Steward boat across an oyster reef in Carter’s Creek. My friends and I had signed up to spend a day with Friends of the Rappahannock...

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Local musicians bring love for the river

Local musicians bring love for the river

Benefit show at Belmont features acoustic favorites Hazel Run Many area residents have a close relationship with “their river,” which weaves through nearly every aspect of living in this region. Whether by history, adventure, or the arts, the Rappahannock helps define...

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Upper Rappahannock has a new dominant fish

Upper Rappahannock has a new dominant fish

Channel cats are the top dog above the fall line   The ecology of the upper Rappahannock River is changing. The good news is, fisheries biologists are not alarmed. The bad news is… well, there really isn’t any bad news. “The upper Rappahannock River remains a...

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Quarterly bird counts indicate river health

Quarterly bird counts indicate river health

Every year, FOR conducts four bird counts during the summer in partnership with Andrew Dolby, Biology Professor at the University of Mary Washington, and his ornithology students. A small team of students paddles down the river from Mott's Run to the I-95 bridge and...

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How do I check water levels?

FOR uses the USGS Water Data site for real-time information on water levels on the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers. Go here to see the latest data on water levels. The recommended level for safe recreational use is below 3.5 ft at the Rappahannock River gauge near Fredericksburg.

Is the fish safe to eat?

Yes, for the most part. There are certain recommendations. More detail here.

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