ABOUT THE RIVER
Embrey Dam: Explore the aftermath of a special moment in our river’s history
This February marks the 14th anniversary of the removal of the Embrey Dam, an act which turned the Rappahannock River into the longest free-flowing river in the eastern U.S. The 22-foot-tall dam's removal in 2004 transformed the ecology and the landscape of the...
Natural infrastructure is Virginia’s best defense against hurricanes
No natural disaster sparks the anxieties of Virginians quite like a hurricane. Many remember Isabel, which inundated the Hampton Roads area and pushed a nine-foot storm surge up the James to Richmond in 2003. Anyone unlucky enough to live in Nelson County in 1969 will...
Virginia’s booming wild-caught blue catfish industry may weaken under federal regulation
"Virginia's booming wild-caught blue catfish industry may weaken under federal regulation" Provided by the Freelance Star By Pamela A. D’Angelo For The Free Lance–Star It’s been a rough year for Virginia’s seafood industry. Earlier this year, the U.S. cap on...
“Can I eat the fish I catch in the Rappahannock River?”
The catch-and-release concept has long been used by fisherman to promote conservation, but a lot of anglers still enjoy an occasional fish fry to celebrate their catch at the end of the day. From the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay, the Rappahannock River is full of...
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.
