These Guidelines Compliments of Potomac River Fisheries Commission
| To guide or charter fishing parties in the following Bodies of Water You need the licenses indicated | U.S Coast Guard | DC Boater Safety Certificate | PRFC Captians | MD Freshwater Guide w/Tidal Exempt, or Captians | VA | Required Fishing License for your fee paying passengers | |
| Waters of the District of Columbia (including tributaries of the Potomac River) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | + | Each person aboard must have a DC issued fishing license |
| Main stem of the Potomac River (from DC/MD line to Chesapeake Bay) | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | + | PRFC or MD or VA Charter Boat Decal * |
| VA tributaries above Rt. 301 bridge up to demarcation lines | Yes | No | No | No | No | + | PRFC or MD Charter Boat Decal * OR must have a VA freshwater license |
| MD tributaries above Rt. 301 bridge up to demarcation lines | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | + | PRFC or MD or VA Charter Boat Decal * |
| VA tributaries below Rt. 301 bridge | Yes | No | No | No | No | + | PRFC or MD or VA Charter Boat Decal * |
| MD tributaries below Rt. 301 bridge up to demarcation lines | Yes | No | No | Yes Capt. Only | No | + | PRFC or MD or VA Charter Boat Decal * |
*This decal (boat license) covers the number of fee paying passengers indicated on the decal. It is issued in the name of the boat owner and only one decal is needed for each boat. It can be issued either by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, by the MD Department of Natural Resources or by the VA Marine Resources Commission.
IN ADDITION to the license requirements listed above you must also comply with all other applicable state and federal regulations appropriate to the classification, size and use of your vessel. If you carry passengers for hire or tips, you are considered a commercial enterprise.
License Contact Information
