The Potomac River flows in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US. It has its origin at the Potomac Highlands and flows into the Chesapeake Bay. It has an area of 405 miles approximately which makes it the fourth largest river along the Atlantic coast in the US.
The river flows through Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland with a significant portion of its lower part in Maryland. It also forms a state border between Maryland and Virginia. The north branch of the river is what flows through Maryland and has many options for fishing, crabbing, and shell-fishing.
Since the river flows through three states, many cities thrive alongside this water body. Alexandria, Arlington, Belle Haven, Bolivar in West Virginia. Brook Mont, Brunswick, Campbells, Carderock and Forest Highlands are some of the significant cities Maryland through which this river flows. There are many cities in West Virginia as well through which it flows like Sleepy Creek, Little George Town, and Harpers Ferry, to name a few. Get a complete list of cities alongside this river here. The two major ports are Alexandria, and Georgetown provides easy access and travel to these waterfront cities.
The river is a significant source of fresh potable water for the cities including Washington DC with 86% of its drinking water coming from Potomac.
This waterbody is a natural habitat for many species of aquatic life. The river is home to Striped Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, species of Shad, Catfish, and Snakehead. If one catches a Snakehead, it is better to let go of it as it is illegal to possess a live one.
The different types of fishing that can be done at the Potomac river include both commercial and recreational fisheries. The tidal Potomac river offers a lot of opportunities for some of the most excellent fishing and crabbing.
The Potomac River Fisheries Commissions is a bi-stated owned body that regulates all the fishing activities in the river. It is essential to know where you are fishing to make sure you do not flout the local rules and regulations.
The licensing requirements vary from the one point to another. The recreational sportfishing requires permissions from the various authorities. Get more specific information here. One does not need to possess a fishing license if he/she is below the age of 16.
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The Potomac River has specific seasonal regulations for fishing. One should use barbed hooks to catch the fish. Summer/Fall season from June 1 to December 15 is open to the fishing of 2 fish per person if it is 19 to 28 inches. Its limited to 1 fish per person of it is over 28 inches. December 16 to 31st is also a catch and release the only period. So, one has to plan accordingly if one is planning to go fishing in Maryland.
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