Potomac River Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Potomac River fishing trip is US $464, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $643 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Potomac River are good for families?

Fishing charters in Potomac River that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Potomac River?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Potomac River are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Potomac River?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Potomac River are:

What are the top types of fishing in Potomac River?

The top 3 types of fishing in Potomac River are:

Do Potomac River fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Potomac River provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Potomac River?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Potomac River are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Potomac River?

Who are the top awarded captains in Potomac River?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Potomac River?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Potomac River are:

4-hour fishing trips – US $277
5-hour fishing trips – US $550
6-hour fishing trips – US $765
7-hour fishing trips – US $525
8-hour fishing trips – US $558

Fishing in Potomac River

Fishing has been a big part of the Potomac River’s economy, recreation, and way of life throughout history. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the river or an action-packed adventure, there’s a little bit of something in store for everyone!

A variety of species inhabit the Potomac River, including Striped Bass (locally referred to as Rockfish), Snakehead, Perch, Catfish, and Trout. You’ll also find fisheries that hold solid numbers of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Muskellunge, Pike, and Freshwater Eel.

There are plenty of Potomac River fishing guides that provide a wide variety of packages, designed to meet your specific needs. Shorter trips are perfect for beginners, while longer trips are great for those looking to cover more ground and target a wider variety of fish.

Some towns to check out when planning your fishing trip are Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. These cities in the middle of the Potomac have easy access to both the upper and lower part of the river. You can also find guides on the Potomac-Chesapeake Bay Delta. Trips around Tall Timbers and Leonardtown, MD are ideal for combining river and bay fishing. These are also great spots to go crabbing – an extremely fun activity for the whole family!

Rules & Regulations

If you’re over the age of 16, you’ll need to obtain a valid fishing license, regardless of whether you’re fishing in MD, VA, or DC. Keep in mind, certain species are subject to seasonality and cannot be targeted at certain times of the year. Just be sure to check with your guide before heading out as each state has its own specific laws and regulations that you’ll have to pay attention to.

Potomac River

4.9 / 5

Based on 28582 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Potomac River Fishing Seasons

January

Most of the fish are sluggish this time of year but Catfishing is still solid. Target them under bridges and use a slip-sinker rig to get them out of their holes.

February

Largemouth Bass and Crappie fishing can reap some rewarding catches, especially in areas between Alexandria and Fort Washington. Catfishing is solid in many spots throughout the river as well.

March

As spring rolls around, the fishing really starts to heat up. Likely catches this month include Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, as well as Brown and Rainbow Trout.

April

As the water temperatures start to warm up, the fishing only gets better! In April you can expect to catch Snakehead, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow and Brown Trout, and Catfish.

May

May marks the beginning of Striper season. This fish is the pride and joy of the Potomac. You can target them throughout the river but head to the delta for the really big ones!

June

June is a pretty busy time in the nation’s capital, so be sure to plan your trip ahead of time. The fishing is great too. Striped Bass, Crappie, Perch, Snakehead, and Catfish are just some of the fish you can target this month.

July

Plan a trip around the Fourth of July and watch the Independence Day fireworks on the National Mall. When it comes to fishing, you can expect to catch Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Snakehead, and Perch.

August

Head to the mouth of the river for a change of pace and target the likes of Cobia, Flounder, Redfish, and Black Drum. Plan a crabbing trip with the family for some famously delicious Maryland Blue Crab!

September

Fall is a great time for fishing on the Potomac River. In September, you’ll most likely be targeting Striped, Largemouth, and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Perch, Snakehead, and Catfish.

October

Striped Bass and Crappie fishing remain hot throughout the fall. You can also target large numbers of Catfish and Snakehead in many spots along the river.

November

As the water temperatures cool off, so does the fishing. Lots of fish become lazy, except for Striped Bass, Catfish, and Crappie. You can also find solid numbers of Largemouth Bass near rocky or gravely banks of the river.

December

Cities and towns along the river are filled with holiday cheer! Plan your trip around Christmas time and be sure to check out the National Christmas Tree along with many other wintertime festivities.

Potomac River Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Potomac River

Dress warmly, it was chilly earlier in the day. The marina is easy to find.

5.0 / 5

Dress warmly, it was chilly earlier in the day. The marina is easy to find.

Side Linerz Charter Fishing Dillwyn, VA

Use a guide, such as Rich Johnson who is knowledgeable of the local conditions and can get them on the fish much faster than trying to fish on their own .

5.0 / 5

Use a guide, such as Rich Johnson who is knowledgeable of the local conditions and can get them on the fish much faster than trying to fish on their own .

Osprey Fishing Charters Ashburn, VA

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Potomac River?

C&S Charter And Guide Services
Fishing charter in Montross

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

We had a full day of fishing with a good amount of action. Looking forward to the next time!

Steve E.

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

Capt. Ken made this trip! We went on a mother-son fishing trip and we had a blast. We caught stripers and large mouth bass. He taught us how to use the lures to our advantage. His boat is awesome. Great trip. Great price. Great fun!!

Colby B.

Capt. Brian with Thomason Tradition
Fishing charter in Solomons

4.3 / 5

(10 reviews)

Experienced captain very level headed, caught us lots of fish, kids loved it

Wesley L.

Capt. Brian with Thomason Tradition
Fishing charter in Solomons

5.0 / 5

(10 reviews)

Brian was an excellent guide! Pleasant to deal with and very knowledgeable about the bay and rivers in the area! Awesome experience! Highly recommended!

Jerry M.

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

My second trip out with the Fishing Detective and once again had a blast. Ken put us on the fish and we caught stripers all morning long! We learned a ton about fishing too. Ken is just a great guide.

Robyn W.

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

Captain Penrod was awesome He was Very knowledgeable and patient and professional. I learned a lot and had a great time

Brent N.

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

Awesome experience! I caught some good fish and also learned a lot! Captain Ken really knows the area. I highly recommend. A+

Matthew H. Arlington, VA

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

Had a great time, beautiful morning on the water. Didn’t catch many fish but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Cpt. Ken was transparent up front that that the fishing would be tough but he gave it his all and even gave us a couple extra hours to land some snakeheads.

Kenneth C. Huntingtown, MD

Capt. Brian with Thomason Tradition
Fishing charter in Solomons

5.0 / 5

(10 reviews)

Captain Brian is an utmost professional. Even though the fish weren’t biting, we listened to great music, told jokes, and learned about the various fish in the bay. We got to see the target ship, Hoopers island and the Patuxent Naval Air Station from the water. Captain Brian’s boat was nicely equipped. Captain Brian went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and had a good time. Highly recommend.

Dana C. Huntingtown, Maryland

KJ's Outdoor Adventures
Fishing charter in King George

4.7 / 5

(16 reviews)

Kris’s communication before and during the trip was great. Kris is an extremely nice guy and is very knowledgeable about the area and the river in particular.

John H. Washington, District Of Columbia

Capt. Brian with Thomason Tradition
Fishing charter in Solomons

5.0 / 5

(10 reviews)

This was a great day on the water with Capt Brian. He was professional and easy to work with. He has a clean, new boat, with the latest gear needed to locate and put you on the fish. We originally booked a 600 AM trip, but he called to let us know the fishing would be better if we left a little later due to weather. We adjusted based on his recommendations and it paid off with some great fishing. We are looking forward to our next trip with him or his son.

Ben H. Leonardtown, MD

KJ's Outdoor Adventures
Fishing charter in King George

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

Trip of a lifetime with my son. Captain Kris made this trip fun and memorable. Will be booking again.

Victor D. Henrico, VA

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

We had a great time. Captain Ken was a real nice, easy going person. He was an expert angler and knew a lot about snakehead.

Chi T. Daniels, MD

Capt. Brian with Thomason Tradition
Fishing charter in Solomons

5.0 / 5

(10 reviews)

Great captain and fisherman with excellent customer service. Overall A+ experience.

Ryan B. Oak Hill, VA

On DeK Outdoors Bowfishing Charter
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(1 review)

Great time. Seen more fish than your group could ever shoot. Very good for all levels of experience. We had new guys never bow fished and guys that have everyone shot fish. So again very good time highly recommend.

Josh Y. Greenwood, ME

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing charter in Woodbridge

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

We caught some largemouth. No snakeheads. Ken Penrod is very accommodating and personable. We will use him again.

Hugh K. Bethesda, MD

Schooled Up Charters Solomons MD
Fishing charter in Solomons

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

We had such an amazing time with the captain fishing today we already booked our next fishing trip! Thanks for a great day

Courtney L. WASHGTNS BRHP, VA

Capt. Brian with Thomason Tradition
Fishing charter in Solomons

5.0 / 5

(10 reviews)

Captain was on time boat was nicely equipped. The captain knew the water and took us to several locations with no issues.

Robert A.

C&S Charter And Guide Services
Fishing charter in Montross

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

I cannot thank Captain Chad and CJ enough for such a great trip!! We all had so much fun, and we definitely look forward to booking trips with them again. We loved that he moved us around to find the fish and both the Captain and his first mate worked very hard to help our group of novice fishermen have a good experience. The day was so worth it!! Genuinely, thank you…and we will see you again.