From monster blue catfish to feisty perch and trophy bass, the Potomac River is home to one of the most diverse fisheries on the East Coast.
A River Full of Life
The Potomac River has long been a meeting place — for history, for people, and for fish. Beneath its surface swims a surprising mix of freshwater and tidal species, making it one of the most dynamic fisheries in the region.
Thanks to years of conservation and improved water quality, anglers today enjoy a chance to catch dozens of species — from small panfish to record-breaking predators — all within sight of the Capitol dome.
Blue Catfish – The Heavyweight Champion
If you’ve fished the Potomac, you’ve heard the legend of the blue catfish. Introduced decades ago, this invasive species has flourished, producing fish that regularly top 60–80 pounds.
These powerful fighters are found throughout the river, especially in the deeper channels of Hains Point, Fort Washington, and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge area.
At FishThePotomac, we specialize in targeting these giants using fresh cut bait, heavy tackle, and precise anchoring techniques — it’s the ultimate test of strength for any angler.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass – The Local Legends
The Potomac is a premier bass fishery, drawing tournament anglers from across the country.
- Largemouth Bass thrive in the shallow grass beds and marinas near The Yards, National Harbor, and Piscataway Creek.
- Smallmouth Bass are found farther upriver near Chain Bridge and Fletcher’s Cove, where rocky bottoms and clear water create ideal habitat.
Both species hit hard, jump high, and reward anglers who understand the rhythm of the tides. Micro jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics are top choices for working the banks and drop-offs.
Striped Bass (Rockfish) – The Seasonal Favorite
Each spring and fall, striped bass — or “rockfish,” as locals call them — push into the Potomac chasing schools of shad and herring. They’re fast, aggressive, and often caught near bridge pilings and channel edges.
While large keepers are rare in DC waters, the smaller schoolie stripers provide constant action on light tackle. They’re a local favorite for early morning and dusk runs.
Perch, Crappie, and Panfish – The Everyday Heroes
The Potomac is loaded with yellow perch, white perch, crappie, and sunfish, all of which make excellent targets for beginners and families.
- White Perch: Found year-round near docks and drop-offs.
- Yellow Perch: Peak during the winter run, providing steady action on jigs and minnows.
- Crappie & Bluegill: Perfect for kids, often caught around submerged trees or marina structures.
These species may be smaller, but they’re a big part of the river’s charm — and a reminder that great fishing isn’t always about size.
Northern Snakehead – The Wild Card
Few fish spark as much debate — or excitement — as the northern snakehead. This invasive species, known for its explosive topwater strikes and fierce attitude, has become a favorite target for DC anglers.
Found mostly in the Anacostia River, Oxon Cove, and shallow grass flats, snakeheads hit frogs, swimbaits, and buzzbaits with jaw-dropping ferocity. While controversial, they’ve earned their place as one of the river’s most thrilling sportfish.
Shad and Herring – The Spring Spectacle
Each spring, the Potomac hosts an ancient migration. American shad and hickory shad return from the Atlantic to spawn in DC’s freshwater reaches. For a few short weeks, Fletcher’s Cove becomes a fishing festival — anglers shoulder to shoulder, casting flutter spoons and darts into shimmering schools of silver.
It’s catch-and-release only, but it’s one of the most iconic traditions on the river — a celebration of both fishing and renewal.
The Potomac’s Diversity Is Its Strength
From tidal creeks to deep channels, from the monuments to the marshes, the Potomac River offers unmatched variety. Whether you’re after a trophy blue cat, a spirited smallmouth, or a handful of perch for dinner, the river delivers something new every trip.
At FishThePotomac, we believe understanding this diversity is key to becoming a better angler — and to protecting the incredible resource we’re lucky enough to fish every day.
Book Your Potomac Adventure
Ready to experience the river’s variety firsthand?
Join one of our guided charters and learn where each species thrives, what they eat, and when they bite best:
Every cast tells a story — and every species adds a new chapter to the Potomac’s living history.
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