Guide To Fishing In our Nation’s Capital
The Potomac River and the Anacostia River intersect at the heart of our Nation’s Capital and are home to all types and sizes of catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch and much more. However, the District Department Of The Environment (DDOE) has put strict regulations on the types of fish you can eat due to contamination. With a fishing license and an understanding of the DDOE regulations, you too can experience some of the best fishing in America!
Carefree Boat Club DC at Gangplank Marina is located on Washington Channel which runs along Maine Avenue just east of the Tidal Basin. On the south side of Washington Channel is East Potomac Park, a peninsula ending at its eastern tip at Hains Point. The eastern end of Washington Channel meets with the mouth of the Anacostia River, and together they flow into the Potomac. Washington DC is 110 miles up the Potomac River from the Chesapeake Bay.
The Down Side? Fishing Regulations Oftentimes Call For Catch & Release
Striped Bass Season 2015 (From Dc.gov)
May 16, 2015 – Dec. 31, 2015
Anglers may keep:
- Two (2) fish between 20” and 28”, OR
- One (1) fish between 20” and 28” AND one (1) fish greater than 28”.
DDOE encourages little consumption of Anacostia and Potomac River fish as PCBs and other chemicals have been found in certain fish species caught along the rivers and their tibutuaries. Because of this warning, DDOE encourages the general public to follow these guidelines in addition to “catch and release.”
- Do not eat: Catfish, carp, or eel.
Largemouth Bass - May eat: One-half pound per month of largemouth bass, or one-half pound per week of sunfish or other fish.
- Choose to eat: Younger and smaller fish of legal size.
- The practice of catch and release is encouraged.
Prohibited Fish (According to DC.gov)
| Fish Species | Regulation |
| Alewife | Prohibited** |
| American Shad | Prohibited** |
| Blueback Herring | Prohibited** |
| Chain Pickerel | Prohibited** |
| Hickory Shad | Prohibited** |
| Longnose Gar | Prohibited** |
| Northern Pike | Prohibited** |
| Sturgeon | Prohibited** |
| Striped Bass (Rockfish) | Prohibited** |
The UP Side? Catch Fish All Day Long
There are many species of fish that can be found along these waters that make it a very interesting fishing hole to experienced anglers.
A fisherman wrote of his story catching 4-6 lb fish, 12 – 20 inches long all day long and only 10 minutes from the White House in a blog titled, The Best Fishing Hole In America: Ten Minutes From The White House. The only bad part according to him? The only thing you get to take home is a sore arm.
- Field Fish Guide – Name and description of fish along the Potomac River.
- Fishing License – Pricing information and how to acquire your fishing license in DC.
- Fishing Regulations – In addition to obtaining a fishing license, it’s important to follow the fishing activity regulations.
Top Best Places To Go Fishing In DC*
- Anacostia Park
1900 Anacostia Drive S.E.
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 472-3873
www.nps.gov - Potomac River
The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB)
51 Monroe St., Suite PE-08
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 984-1908
www.potomacriver.org - Fletcher’s Cove
The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove
4940 Canal Road, N.W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 244-0461
www.fletcherscove.com - Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay Program
410 Severn Ave., Suite 112
Annapolis, MD 21403
(800) 968-7229
www.chesapeakebay.net
Additional Resources:
- Frequently Asked Questions answered by the Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders
- Potomac River Water Flow Data
- Tidal Potomac Fishing Report
- Map of fishing spots near Fletcher’s Cove
Images and sources: Washington.org, DC.gov, CBSDC*, Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders, Bass Pro
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