Potomac River
Potomac River
- Boat Ramps
- 19
- Access Points
- 26
- Species
- 40
The Potomac River is one of the most diverse fishing destinations on the Atlantic Seaboard, spanning approximately 405 miles from its headwaters in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay. Along its course, the river forms borders between Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, transforming from a tumbling mountain stream to a broad tidal river. This remarkable waterway offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels throughout the year. With its varied habitats ranging from freshwater to brackish and eventually saltwater environments, the Potomac supports over 100 fish species, making it a premier destination for both recreational and competitive fishing.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Potomac River and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Potomac River. 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 Potomac River
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.
Maryland licenses and regulations
Maryland Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Maryland Fishing License
Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to obtain a license to sport fish/crab. They can, however, purchase a recreational crab license if they want to catch the bushel of crabs allowed with that license.
Maryland Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Maryland Stream Access Laws
Current law in Maryland seems quite friendly to public access to floatable water, allowing access at all public bridges and road crossings of floatable water. Though historically the state has only recognized waters subject to the ebb and flow of tides as navigable, that definition appears to have broadened. A complete list of public waters and access points is available on the Maryland DNR website.
Take Potomac River 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 Potomac River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Potomac River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Potomac River and check the forecast before you go.
POTOMAC RIVER NEAR WASH, DC LITTLE FALLS PUMP STA
All Flow Stations
Potomac River fishing guides
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Travis Edens
King Fisher Guide Services
5.0 (41 reviews)
Explore Harpers Ferry WV Fishing Charters! Today!
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Alvin Auringer
Reel M N Fishing Charters
Chesapeake Bay Inshore Fishing
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Victor Campbell
Reel Time Bass Fishing
Discover The Best Susquehanna River Fishing Today!
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Hub McNeal
Capt. Hub's Charters
Enjoy a Fun Trip in VA & Catch a Tasty Treat!
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Jack Guard
Blackbeards Fishing Adventures
Private Potomac River Fishing Adventures
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Butch Murphy
Fish Head Guides
Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing Experience in VA
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Fishing near Potomac River
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Sandy Boat Ramp
- Paw Paw Boat Ramp
- Bond's Landing Green Ridge State Forest Boat Ramp
- Williamsport Boat Ramp
- Little Tonoloway / Hancock Boat Ramp
- Antietam Creek Campground
- Anglers Inn River Boat Ramp
- Fort Frederick State Park Soft Launch
- Antietam Creek Aqueduct Boat Ramp
- McCoys Ferry Boat Ramp
- Lock 33 West Boat Ramp
- Assateague Old Ferry Landing Boat Ramp
- All 252 spots
Nearby waters
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