The Potomac River Fisheries Commission

Tidal Potomac River Fishing Guide / Charter Captains Guidelines

These Guidelines Compliments of Potomac River Fisheries Commission

Required Guide/Captain Licenses

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 Captains MD Freshwater Guide w/Tidal Exempt, or Captains 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 *