License requirements for fishing the Potomac

[mav1958]

Hello,

I can't seem to find an answer on the VDGIF website, so I thought I would try here. I see there are some members from Maryland and Virginia and they may have dealt with this problem.

If I am visiting Leesburg, Virginia and would like to fish the Potomac, do I need a Maryland non-resident license or will a Virginia non-resident suffice?

Thanks in advance

 

[redietz]

Either license will do. Here are the relevant regs from the Maryland DNR:

A resident of Virginia possessing a valid Virginia nontidal fishing license issued in that resident’s name may fish in nontidal waters of the mainstem of the Potomac River opposite the shore of Virginia.

A resident of Virginia possessing a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license issued in that resident’s name may fish any portion of the tidal waters of Maryland, so long as they have obtained a Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration.

A resident of Maryland possessing a valid Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License issued in that person’s name can fish from the Virginia banks of the Potomac River opposite the shore of Maryland without a Virginia fishing license.

Any holder of a valid Maryland Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License may fish in Virginia tidal saltwater, regardless of residency, so long as they have obtained a Virginia Saltwater Angler Registration.

Leesburg is, of course, non-tidal.

 

[afishinado]

I found this on the VDIF site:

Upper Potomac River [above Little Falls (upper border with the District of Columbia) to the West Virginia border/state line]: Resident anglers with state freshwater licenses in Virginia or Maryland may fish the Potomac River and from both banks.

Link to source: https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/reciprocal-licenses/

If you plan to fish the Upper Potomac, it looks like either license will be legal.

 

[sarce]

Yes a VA non resident works, as long as you aren't fishing the part upriver from Harper's Ferry where the river is the border between MD and WV (obviously).

 

[JimKennedy]

An appropriate Virginia license is valid on the Potomac (either side) from Harper's Ferry down to the Chesapeake Bay; from Harper's Ferry upriver, a West Virginia license is valid on either side of the river. A Maryland license is valid throughout.