Potomac River Fisheries Commission

05/28/2026

Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week with Free Fishing Days in the tidal Potomac River under PRFC jurisdiction!

From Sunday, June 7 through Saturday, June 13, 2026, anglers may fish recreationally without a PRFC recreational fishing license. All PRFC rules and regulations still apply, including seasons, size limits, and possession limits.

Scan the QR code on the flyer for the most current 2026 PRFC Recreational Fishing Regulations “Blue Sheet.”

Please note: Free fishing days may differ in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., or other jurisdictions. If fishing outside PRFC jurisdiction, check with the appropriate state or local agency.

04/29/2026

📅 The ASMFC 2026 Spring Meeting is almost here! Join us May 4–6 in Arlington, VA (or tune in virtually).

📝 The final agenda and meeting materials are now posted, covering everything from Atlantic menhaden and tautog management to striped bass updates and more.

💻 Note: The webinar platform has recently changed—be sure to review the updated participant instructions before joining.

💬 Opportunities for public comment will be available throughout the meeting for those interested in sharing input.

👉 Visit the meeting page for info on how to watch, participate, and stay updated: https://asmfc.org/events/2026-spring-meeting/

04/29/2026

Here is the data as of 4/22/26, numbers remain below the recreational threasholds. Please visit https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/Compliance/Pages/Potomac-Interceptor-Sewer-Overflow.aspx for more.

04/29/2026

🚤 Boating in the Potomac River Middle Danger Zone — Know Before You Go ⚠️

As boating activity increases on the Potomac, mariners are reminded to be aware of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Middle Danger Zone and the important safety procedures associated with this active testing area.

The attached information and map highlight:
• Locations of buoys, markers, and range control boat stations
• Procedures for transiting the Middle Danger Zone during testing operations
• Contact and communication information for range status
• Important safety reminders regarding restricted areas and unexploded ordnance awareness

Boaters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the map and regulations before navigating this portion of the river. Safe boating begins with awareness.

Please review the attached materials and share with fellow boaters.

04/03/2026

Help Shape the Future of Agriculture in Charles County!

We encourage our local farmers, watermen and agricultural partners to attend the upcoming Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Update meeting focused on agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Your voice matters and in your input is needed!

This is an important opportunity to share feedback and help guide decisions that will impact the future of our local food system, land use and industry growth in Charles County.

Join the conversation and make sure our agricultural and seafood community is represented.

Tuesday, April 14
6–8 p.m.
Charles County Fairgrounds, Commercial Building A

Thank you to Charles County Farm Bureau for hosting us!

03/15/2026

03/11/2026

Fantastic article! And a big thanks to Pamela for attending last week’s quarterly meeting!

Maryland is lifting the closure of shellfish waters on the Potomac River. Harvests of shellfish were shut down in January after the Potomac Interceptor pipe near Washington D.C. burst, creating one of the largest sewage spills in the region.For oystermen 60 miles downstream, it created a public rela...

03/11/2026

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE – PRFC 2026 Oyster Planting RFP Now Open!
The Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) is now accepting sealed proposals for multiple 2026 Oyster Planting Projects within PRFC jurisdictional waters.

🦪 RFP #2026-A – Upper River Seed Re‑Location
Relocation of wild diploid oyster seed from Waterloo Bar to Sheepshead Bar and Ragged Point Bar. Approx. 15,000 Virginia bushels anticipated. Project runs through May 31, 2026.
🦪 RFP #2026-B – Cornfield Harbor Seed Production Area
Relocation of seed from Cornfield Harbor to designated planting sites. Approx. 5,000 Virginia bushels anticipated. Runs through May 31, 2026.
🦪 RFP #2026-C – Jones Shore Area 1 Shell Planting
Planting dry‑aged natural oyster shell at Jones Shore Area 1. Project also runs through May 31, 2026.

🦪 All proposals must include per-bushel pricing and total project cost, covering labor, equipment, transport, and deployment. PRFC may suspend or modify projects if seed counts fall below thresholds.

Prospective bidders shall submit proposals via email to [email protected] by no later than March 25, 2026

📄 Full RFP details available at:
https://www.prfc.us/pdfs/2026/2026PRFCOysterRFP3.11.26.pdf
For questions, contact PRFC at (804) 224‑7148 or [email protected] .

🦪Let’s continue working together to support a thriving Potomac River oyster fishery!🦪