Washington Channel

Saltwater
Channel

Washington Channel

Saltwater
Channel

Sq. miles: 0.3
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 8

Washington Channel is a unique urban tidal waterway that serves as a conduit between the Potomac River and the Tidal Basin in the heart of Washington, D.C. This man-made channel, characterized by its concrete-lined shores, functions as a significant tidal fishery. It receives and flushes approximately 250 million gallons of tidal water daily, creating a dynamic environment that traps and holds a variety of fish species swept up from the Potomac River. The channel is part of the larger Potomac system, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay 110 miles downstream. Fishing here offers an unparalleled urban angling experience amidst national monuments, with opportunities accessible from shore, docks, and boats.

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Washington Channel and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Flathead Catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

Northern Snakehead

Channa argus

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

White Perch

Morone americana

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Washington Channel. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Washington Channel

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

District Of Columbia licenses and regulations

No licenses or regulations available for District Of Columbia.

Take Washington Channel with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Washington Channel to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Washington Channel to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Washington Channel and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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