All areas upstream of a line from Brent Point, VA (mouth of Aquia Creek) to Smith Point, MD are closed to taking oysters or clams at any time of the year. In addition, oyster sanctuaries are closed to recreational oystering.
| Type of Shellfish | License Required | Season and Restrictions | Method Catch Restrictions | Size Limit | Catch Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oyster | None ** however an oyster inspection tax per bushel is required (See additional information below) | Oct 1 – Mar 31 Sunrise to 3:00 pm
No Saturdays or Sundays |
hand shaft tongs or by diving with or without scuba and by no other means | 3" min. no shells or cultch | 1 bushel/person/day or 2 bushels/vessel with 2 or more people aboard vessel |
| Soft Shell Clams | No | No closed season | hand held shovel, rake or hoe, or by hand and by no other means | 2" min. | 1 bushel per person per day |
| Razor Clams | Permit required if used for commercial purposes | No closed season | hand held shovel, rake or hoe, or by hand and by no other means | None | None |
** $2.00 per bushel oyster inspection tax is due along with a written report found under the Oyster Instpction Tax tab.
This tax and information are sent to:
Potomac River Fisheries Commission
P.O. Box 9
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
