Potomac River Fisheries Commission

Potomac River Oyster Season Extended - The 2025/2026 Potomac River oyster season for all gear and all currently open bars has been extended through April 14, 2026. All harvesters and registered buyers are reminded that mandatory harvest reporting requirements remain fully in effect during this extended portion of the season. Compliance with reporting requirements is the responsibility of each license holder. Important: Barcode reporting labels will not be mailed for the extension period. Harvesters must complete their barcode information manually. Extra harvest reports can be found on the website under the Commercial Oyster tab.

Emergency Order - Gill Net Stands - The PRFC has adopted an emergency order allowing 5 gill net stands to be set and fished through the end of regular PRFC gill net season (March 25, 2026).

Advisory Committee Vacancies - If you, or someone you know, who would be interested in filling this vacancy, please complete the nomination form and submit it via mail, email (contactprfc@gmail.com), or dropping it off in person at the Commission office. These positions remain vacant until filled.

Finfish Advisory Committee:
- MD Upper River Recreational Fisherman (4-year term)
- MD Recreational Fisherman At-Large (4-year term)
- VA Upper River Recreational Fisherman (4-year term)

RFPs for Oyster Planting Projects in the Potomac
The Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) is hereby soliciting sealed proposals for oyster planting projects within PRFC jurisdictional waters.

The MDE Potomac Interceptor Information Webpage (MDE Shellfish Water Sampling Results):

Renewing your Limited Entry Commercial License after January 30, 2026 (Hook & Line, Crab Pot, Gill Net, and Pound Net)

Commercial Striped Bass Tags – All commercial striped bass tags must be picked up in our office during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 4:00. Please see our calendar for holiday or last-minute closings. If you are unable to pick up your own striped bass tags, you are required to complete the Designee Form and have your designee bring it with them. We will not accept phone calls to verify permission.

PRFC Fin Fish Harvest Report