Waterbody · Maryland · Virginia
Potomac River Fishing Regulations 2026
Potomac River fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are catfish, largemouth bass, snakehead. 399 current rules across 19 species from 2 state agencies (Maryland, Virginia).
Species pages for Potomac River
Dedicated rule pages for the most-targeted species at this water.
Maryland waters
131 rules from DNR, 16 species.
Largemouth Bass
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown Dam.Closed
- Status
- Closed
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy River.Closed
- Status
- Closed
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road).Closed
- Status
- Closed
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County— Located On Md Route 5.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County—Located On Md Route 5
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Tidal Tributaries Of The Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Youghiogheny River Lake (Reservoir)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 13
- Season closes
- Oct 31
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
No Harvest (Catch and Release) all other dates; No tournaments during closure. in aggregate
Maryland statewide
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 12"
in aggregate or as provided for by special regulations.
All Species
Nontidal Waters Of The Mainstem Of The Potomac River Opposite The Shore Of VirginiaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A resident of Virginia possessing a valid Virginia nontidal fishing license issued in that resident’s name may fish
North Branch Of The Potomac River From The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge At Westernport Downstream To The Route 956 Bridge At Pinto.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.
North Branch Potomac River—From An Overhead Cable And Red Bank Post Located Approximately 345 Yards Below The Jennings Randolph Reservoir Spillway Downstream Approximately One Mile To A Red Post, Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, And From A Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately 1⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, downstream approximately 4 miles to the confluence of Piney Swamp Run You may not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, downstream approximately 4 miles to the confluence of Piney Swamp Run
Potomac RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
If fishing upstream of this location, nontidal fishing regulations apply. If fishing downstream, tidal regulations apply.
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem, Garrett County—From The Lowermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest Near Lostland Run To The Uppermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest At WallmanCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Oct 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Gear
- Barbless
May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout. no tackle restrictions May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem—From Jennings Randolph Lake Upstream Approximately 6 Miles To The Lower Boundary Of Potomac State Forest; From The Uppermost Boundary Of Potomac State Forest At Wallman Upstream Approximately 8.5 Miles To The Bridge At Old Wilson Road; From The Red Post Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, Downstream To The Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately 1⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchClosed
- Status
- Closed
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
areas are closed to all fishing from 10 p.m. of the first date, to 6:30 a.m. of the second date, except as provided for by special regulation or where more restrictive fishing hours are posted; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line all other species of trout combined; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line
North Branch Of The Potomac River From The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge At Westernport Downstream To The Route 956 Bridge At PintoCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
You must immediately release any trout. You may not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem—From Allegany County Line Downstream To The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge In WesternportClosed
- Status
- Closed
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
areas are closed to all fishing from 10 p.m. of the first date, to 6:30 a.m. of the second date, except as provided for by special regulation or where more restrictive fishing hours are posted all other species of trout combined
Virginia Banks Of The Potomac River Opposite The Shore Of MarylandOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A resident of Maryland possessing a valid Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License issued in that person’s name can fish without a Virginia fishing license.
Nontidal Waters Of The Potomac River (Mainstem Only) Opposite The Shore Of West VirginiaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A resident of West Virginia possessing a valid West Virginia fishing license issued in that resident’s name may fish
West Virginia Banks Of The Potomac RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A resident of Maryland possessing a valid Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License issued in that resident’s name may fish without a West Virginia fishing license.
North Branch Of The Potomac RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A resident of Maryland possessing a valid Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License issued in that resident’s name may fish without a West Virginia fishing license.
Potomac River Mainstem Downstream Of The I-95 /I-495 Woodrow Wilson BridgeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A valid Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License holder may fish any portion of the Potomac River mainstem downstream of the I-95 /I-495 Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Allegany County Line Downstream To The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge In Westernport
- Season opens
- Mar 28
start time is 6:30 a.m. on March 28, 2026
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Jennings Randolph Lake Upstream Approximately 6 Miles To The Lower Boundary Of Potomac State Forest; From The Uppermost Boundary Of Potomac State Forest At Wallman Upstream Approximately 8.5 Miles To The Bridge At Old Wilson Road; From The Red Post Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, Downstream To The Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately[1] ⁄3 Mile Upstream Of Bench
- Season opens
- Mar 28
start time is 6:30 a.m. on March 28, 2026; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem, Garrett County—From The Lowermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest Near Lostland Run To The Uppermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest At Wallman.
- Daily bag
- 5 Daily
- Possession
- 10 Possession
From June 16–Sept. 30, Creel Limit (all species) combined—5 Daily / 10 Possession. with no tackle restrictions.
Upper Potomac River And Its Tributaries
- Gear
- Life Jacket Required
A person aboard a vessel, raft or tube must wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket at all times while on the upper Potomac River and its tributaries, between November 15 and the following May 15.
Striped Bass
Chesapeake Bay From The Brewerton Channel To The Virginia Line, Excluding All Bays, Sounds, Tributaries, Creeks And Rivers, Except Tangier And Pocomoke Sounds And All Potomac River Tributaries Downstream Of The Nice Memorial Bridge (U.s. 301).Out of season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- May 15
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Eels may not be used as bait.
Potomac River Tributaries Downstream Of The Nice Memorial Bridge (U.s. 301)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
MAY 16–MAY 31
Chesapeake Bay Downstream From A Line Drawn From The South Corner Of Hart-Miller Island Dike To The End Of Md Route 21 At Tolchester And South To The Md/Va Line, Excluding All Bays, Sounds, Tributaries, Creeks And Rivers. Except: Tangier Sound And Pocomoke Sound; Chester River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Hail Point To Long Point To Ferry Point; Patuxent River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Point Patience To The West Point Of Land At The Entrance Of Little Kingston Creek; Choptank River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Holland Point To A Point Of Land At The West Entrance Of Chapel Creek; And All Potomac River Tributaries Downstream Of The Nice Memorial Bridge (U.s. 301) Are Open.
- Season opens
- May 16
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
Crayfish
Middle Potomac River BasinClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Sex Restriction
- No Egg Bearing
it is illegal to Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to the underside of the abdomen. it is illegal to: Catch or process any species of crayfish unless the head is immediately removed behind the eyes upon capture. Use any species of crayfish as bait unless the head is removed behind the eyes. Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to the underside of the abdomen.
Upper Potomac River Basin
- Sex Restriction
- No Egg Bearing
it is illegal to: Catch or process any species of crayfish unless the head is immediately removed behind the eyes upon capture. Use any species of crayfish as bait unless the head is immediately removed behind the eyes. Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to the underside of the abdomen.
Upper Potomac River BasinsClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
it is illegal to Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to the underside of the abdomen.
Potomac River
- Gear
- Head Removal Required For Bait
Use any species of crayfish as bait unless the head is removed behind the eyes
Channel Catfish
All AreasOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LEGALLY HUNTED FISH INCLUDE Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
All WaterbodiesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
It is illegal to release live catfish into a waterbody different than where it was caught.
Invasive Division
- Gear
- Angling Only
All legal recreational fishing gear including rod and reel, bow and spear is eligible
Invasive Species Division
- Min size
- 40"
Invasive species division—only harvested fish are eligible
Maryland statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Finfish Trotlines
There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell blue catfish There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell blue and flathead catfish caught from tidal waters.
Flathead Catfish
All WaterbodiesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
It is illegal to release live catfish into a waterbody different than where it was caught.
Invasive Division
- Gear
- Angling Only
All legal recreational fishing gear including rod and reel, bow and spear is eligible
Invasive Species Division
- Min size
- 34"
Invasive species division—only harvested fish are eligible
Maryland statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Finfish Trotlines
There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell flathead catfish There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell blue and flathead catfish caught from tidal waters.
Trout
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem, Garrett County—From The Lowermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest Near Lostland Run To The Uppermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest At Wallman.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout. From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
North Branch Of The Potomac River From The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge At Westernport Downstream To The Route 956 Bridge At Pinto.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.
North Branch Potomac River—From An Overhead Cable And Red Bank Post Located Approximately 345 Yards Below The Jennings Randolph Reservoir Spillway Downstream Approximately One Mile To A Red Post, Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, And From A Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately 1⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, downstream approximately 4 miles to the confluence of Piney Swamp Run.
Brook Trout
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem—From Allegany County Line Downstream To The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge In WesternportClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem—From Jennings Randolph Lake Upstream Approximately 6 Miles To The Lower Boundary Of Potomac State Forest; From The Uppermost Boundary Of Potomac State Forest At Wallman Upstream Approximately 8.5 Miles To The Bridge At Old Wilson Road; From The Red Post Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, Downstream To The Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately 1⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Allegany County Line Downstream To The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge In WesternportCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Jennings Randolph Lake Upstream Approximately 6 Miles To The Lower Boundary Of Potomac State Forest; From The Uppermost Boundary Of Potomac State Forest At Wallman Upstream Approximately 8.5 Miles To The Bridge At Old Wilson Road; From The Red Post Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, Downstream To The Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately[1] ⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line
Smallmouth Bass
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown Dam.Closed
- Status
- Closed
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy River.Closed
- Status
- Closed
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Other Species Of Trout (All Species)
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Allegany County Line Downstream To The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge In Westernport
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
combined
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Jennings Randolph Lake Upstream Approximately 6 Miles To The Lower Boundary Of Potomac State Forest; From The Uppermost Boundary Of Potomac State Forest At Wallman Upstream Approximately 8.5 Miles To The Bridge At Old Wilson Road; From The Red Post Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, Downstream To The Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately[1] ⁄3 Mile Upstream Of Bench
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
combined; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line
Catfish
Potomac RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Conococheague CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Monocacy RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Plus 4 more species. See the Maryland pillar page for the full list.
Virginia waters
268 rules from DWR, 10 species.
Largemouth Bass
Potomac River – Virginia Tidal Tributaries Above Rt. 301 Bridge
- Min size
- 15"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches from March 1 through June 15
Big Walker Creek From The Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge Downstream To The New River
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
Briery Creek Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 16"
- Slot max
- 24"
longer than 24 inches
Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Clinch River–Within The Boundaries Of Scott, Wise, Russell Or Tazewell Counties
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
longer than 20 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 20 inches
Conner LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 16 lbs. 4 oz. on 5-20-1985
Dan River And Tributaries Downstream From The Union Street Dam, Danville
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches, 5 per day in the aggregate (combined)
Flannagan Reservoir
- Min size
- 12"
no largemouth bass less than 12 inches
James River (Lower)Open
- Status
- Permitted
nationally recognized fishery; upstream from Hopewell, best in old river channels and abandoned gravel pits; downstream from Hopewell to Hog Island, most productive in larger tributary creeks and large expanses of vegetated tidal flats
James River–Confluence Of The Jackson And Cowpasture Rivers (Botetourt Cty) Downstream To The 14th St. Bridge In Richmond
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
Lake Gaston
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Lake Moomaw
- Min size
- 12"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 12 inches
Leesville Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Levisa Fork River–Within The Boundaries Buchanan County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
longer than 20 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 20 inches
Little River Downstream From Little River Dam In Montgomery County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
New River–Fields Dam (Grayson County) Downstream To The Va-Wv State Line
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
New River–Fields Dam (Grayson County) Downstream To The Va-Wv State Line And Its Tributaries Little River Downstream From Little River Dam In Montgomery County, Big Walker Creek From The Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge Downstream To The New River And Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New R
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
only 1 per day longer than 22 inches No largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
New River–Fields Dam (Grayson County) Downstream To The Va-Wv State Line And Its Tributaries Little River Downstream From Little River Dam In Montgomery County, Big Walker Creek From The Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge Downstream To The New River And Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New River In Giles County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
North Fork Holston River–Rt. 91 Bridge Upstream Of Saltville, Va. Downstream To The Va-Tn State Line
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
longer than 20 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 20 inches
North Fork, South Fork And Mainstem Shenandoah River
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 14"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass 11 to 14 inches
Smith Mt. Lake And Its Tributaries Below Niagara Dam
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Staunton (Roanoke) River–And Its Tributaries Below Difficult Creek, Charlotte County
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New River
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
Longer than 22 inches No largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New River In Giles County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
Catfish
Carroll County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Clinch River In Russell County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Clinch River In Scott County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Clinch River In Wise County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Dickenson County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Giles County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Grayson County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Montgomery County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Pulaski County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
South Holston Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 20 fish/day
- Max size
- 34"
- Slot max
- 34"
Only 1 catfish over 34 inches
Tidal Waters (Below Fall Line)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Bowfin and catfish may be taken in tidal waters (below Fall Line, see page 12)
Urban Fishing WatersOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
NO CLOSED SEASON
Wythe County
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Live bait other than game fish may be used on trot lines to take catfish
Blue Catfish
All Rivers Below The Fall Line Other Than The Tidal James River And Its Tributaries Downstream To A Line Connecting Hog Point On Hog Island (Surry County) And The Downstream Point Of The Mouth Of College Creek (James City County)Open
- Status
- Permitted
No daily limit
Buggs Island LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 143 lbs. on 6-18-2011
Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir Including The Staunton (Roanoke) River And Its Tributaries To Difficult Creek, Charlotte County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
longer than 32 inches
Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir Including The Staunton (Roanoke) River And Its Tributaries To Difficult Creek, Charlotte County; And The Dan River And Its Tributaries To The Banister River, Halifax County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
longer than 32 inches
Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir Including The Staunton (Roanoke) River And Its Tributaries To Difficult Creek, Charlotte County; And The Dan River And Its Tributaries To The Banister River, Halifax County;
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 32"
only 1 blue catfish per day longer than 32 inches
Dan River And Its Tributaries To The Banister River, Halifax County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
longer than 32 inches
Inland Waters Of VirginiaClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Unauthorized introduction (i.e., stocking) is illegal
James River And Its Tributaries Below The Fall Line Downstream To A Line Connecting Hog Point On Hog Island (Surry County) And The Downstream Point Of The Mouth Of College Creek (James City County)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 32"
No daily limit, except only 1 blue catfish per day longer than 32 inches longer than 32 inches only 1 blue catfish per day longer than 32 inches
Lake GastonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 32"
No daily limit, except only 1 blue catfish per day longer than 32 inches longer than 32 inches only 1 blue catfish per day longer than 32 inches
Privately Owned Ponds And LakesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
cannot be stocked
Rappahannock RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Archery State Record: 68 lbs. 14 oz. on 10-20-2022
Tidal James RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
unlimited harvest of any size below the freshwater-saltwater demarcation line. See page 24 for more.
Tidal James River Below The Freshwater-Saltwater Demarcation LineOpen
- Status
- Permitted
unlimited harvest of any size
Virginia’s Rivers And LakesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Unauthorized introduction (i.e., stocking) of fish or wildlife, including game, bait, and aquarium species, into new waters can harm the environment and destroy public fisheries. Releasing exotic or potentially harmful species is illegal.
York RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
unlimited harvest of any size below the fall line. See page 24 for more.
Channel Catfish
Rappahannock RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 31 lbs. 8 oz. on 10-2-1992
Flathead Catfish
Lake SmithOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 68 lbs. 12 oz. on 5-25-2018
Occoquan RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Archery State Record: 49 lbs. 3 oz. on 6-11-2025
Virginia’s Rivers And LakesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Unauthorized introduction (i.e., stocking) of fish or wildlife, including game, bait, and aquarium species, into new waters can harm the environment and destroy public fisheries. Releasing exotic or potentially harmful species is illegal.
All Species
Upper Potomac RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Resident anglers with state freshwater licenses in Virginia or Maryland may fish the Potomac River and from both banks. Maryland regulations apply.
Potomac River*Open
- Status
- Permitted
Freshwater license required upstream of Rt. 301 Bridge
Upper Potomac River [Above Little Falls (Upper Border With The District Of Columbia) To The West Virginia Border/State Line]Open
- Status
- Permitted
Resident anglers with state freshwater licenses in Virginia or Maryland may fish the Potomac River and from both banks. Maryland regulations apply.
Smallmouth Bass Largemouth
Potomac River – Virginia Tidal Tributaries Above Rt. 301 BridgeOut of season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Min size
- 15"
No largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches from March 1 through June 15
Nongame Fish
Potomac River And Its Tributaries (Below The Fall Line)Open
- Status
- Permitted
It shall be lawful to take nongame fish by gig or fishing spear from a position above the surface of the water on those portions below the fall line of the Rappahannock River and its tributaries and the Potomac River and its tributaries.
Summer Flounder
Virginia's Potomac River Tributaries
- Gear
- Prfc
the minimum size limit, closed season, and possession limit will be the same as established by the PRFC for the mainstem Potomac River.
Smallmouth Bass
Potomac River – Virginia Tidal Tributaries Above Rt. 301 Bridge
- Min size
- 15"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches from March 1 through June 15
FAQ
Which states regulate fishing on Potomac River?
Potomac River spans 2 states (Maryland, Virginia). Each state's wildlife agency sets rules for its own waters; DNR / DWR.
What species can I target on Potomac River?
Potomac River is best known for catfish, largemouth bass, snakehead. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize DNR / DWR's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.