Fishing The Potomac River
AKA: The Potomac
Popular Fish Species Potomac River, DC
Channel Catfish Fishing
The Potomac River has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. White catfish and blue catfish also reside in the Potomac and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
The Potomac River continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of the Potomac River this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Potomac River Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass and muskie on The Potomac River in Washington DC.
A virtual fish factory, The Potomac River runs the western border of the district, from north to south. This DC section of the river has nearly 50 miles of shoreline, with access for boating at several boat launch ramps located on both the west and east side of the river.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are among the most popular fish species found in the Potomac River. Another prized catch in the Potomac River is the striped bass, also known as rockfish. These migratory fish make their way up the river during their spawning runs. Catfish, such as channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish, are also prevalent and caught regularly in bragging sizes. For anglers seeking a challenge, the Potomac River is home to muskellunge, commonly known as muskie. Other species commonly found in the Potomac River include black crappie, white crappie, walleye, sunfish, and perch.
While there are no campgrounds nearby, there is plenty of lodging options in the area. There are plenty of park areas for fishing from the bank, but boats are the ideal way to locate schools of fish. Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats can enhance your day of fishing.Marinas, stores and restaurants are all convenient to enhance a day on the water.
Primary fish species residing in The Potomac River
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
The Potomac River Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Ballpark Boathouse
Rentals: Kayaks
202 337-9642
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Anacostia Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the river, east side, off Anacostia Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Potomac River
Mark Kovach Fishing Services - smallmouth bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Washington DC Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
There are no RV parks or campgrounds at The Potomac in DC.
The Potomac River DC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
The Potomac River
National Mall and Memorial Parks
900 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20024
202 426-6841
Fishing lakes in each state.
022125
The Potomac River in Washington DC.
Information about fishing lakes in Washington DC
Fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, muskie and striped bass along the western border of DC.
