Potomac River · Maryland · Virginia · Channel Catfish
Potomac River Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations 2026
Potomac River channel catfish regulations in 2026: 5 fish/day bag limit, 10 fish possession. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from DNR / DWR.
Rules (108)
Maryland (8)
All AreasOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LEGALLY HUNTED FISH INCLUDE Channel 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
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
Virginia (100)
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
Rappahannock RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 31 lbs. 8 oz. on 10-2-1992
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
Also known as
Rules above match the following common names in our regulations database: Channel Catfish, Catfish.
Frequently asked questions
When is Channel Catfish season on Potomac River?
Channel Catfish season on Potomac River is set by DNR / DWR. See the rule table for state- and zone-specific dates.
What is the size limit for Channel Catfish on Potomac River?
Minimum size for Channel Catfish on Potomac River is 30 inches in Chesapeake Bay Division. Slot or maximum sizes may apply elsewhere on the water; see the table above.
What is the daily bag limit for Channel Catfish on Potomac River?
Daily bag limit for Channel Catfish on Potomac River is 5 fish/day.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.