Eelgrass

Description

Eelgrass is a submersed perennial with leaves rising from creeping rhizomes with fibrous roots. The limp, ribbon-like leaves are from ½ to 1 inch wide and up to 5 feet long and grow in clusters from the base. They may be entirely underwater or have their upper part floating on the surface. Small teeth occur along the leaf margins, and the leaves lack a distinct midrib. Male and female flowers occur on different plants. The female flowers are borne on long stalks, which coil after fertilization, causing the fruit to retract beneath the water’s surface.

Habitat

Eelgrass grows in lakes, reservoirs and flowing streams in much of the United States. While the native Vallisneria americana primarily occurs in the eastern part of the Tennessee Valley region, the non-native ‘Rockstar’ hybrid has been introduced in the southern and western portions, displacing native plants. Both species seem to be a favorite food for waterfowl and provide valuable habitat for many fish species.

Identifying Features

What It Looks Like—Long, ribbon-like leaves make this species easy to identify. During flowering, long curling stalks will be present.  

Where to Find It—Initial eelgrass beds grow in round clumps close to shore and often appear a darker green than other plants at first glance. Existing and well-established populations can grow for miles along the river. Look for the tell-tale “waving” of eelgrass as waves pass through its leaves.

Max Depth—15 feet

Similar Species—This species resembles the early stages of several emergent species including bur-reed, sagitarria and wild rice; however, unlike eelgrass, these plants will eventually grow well above the water’s surface.

Seasonal Fishing Techniques

Spring—Emerging from seeds and overwintering rhizomes, this species is well known for its ability to produce edge habitat in early spring. Fish a swimbait just across the top of emerging eelgrass or work a Carolina rig through and just above actively growing plants.  

Summer—Eelgrass grows vertically without branching, leaving room for water exchange and fish to congregate among its leaves. Stay away from treble hooks. Use weedless baits to flip into holes or fish a buzzbait just over grass growing a few inches from the surface.

Fall—Eelgrass has reached peak growth in fall, so fishing may be tough without heavy punch baits. Try to find holes in existing eelgrass or fish the deep edge for a transitional bite.

Winter—Eelgrass can survive through the winter but will reduce itself to small shoots, from which it will begin growing again in spring. Eelgrass may be some of the only grass left in winter but will have died back to mere clumps. Find these clumps in shallow water and fish with a slow presentation.  

Drawbacks

Although the native Vallisneria americana seldom, if ever, causes any issues with water use, the non-native ‘Rockstar’ hybrid eelgrass is much more aggressive. It has become a nuisance in some areas, impeding swimming, boating and other recreational opportunities.