LivewellVirginia · River
Great Dismal Swamp Canal (36.72, -76.35)
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Great Dismal Swamp Canal, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
2 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
What's safe to eat from Great Dismal Swamp Canal
Bowfin
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Chain Pickerel
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are Virginia's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 18" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 42" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | 20" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Virginia — Virginia DWR
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.2 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.1 mi Directions
- Marina marina 3.3 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.