Potomac River Fisheries Commission

Contact Information
Physical Address: 222 Taylor Street
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9
Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Phone: (804) 224-7148
E-mail: contactprfc@gmail.com
Office Hours: 8:30 am -- 4:15 pm Monday - Friday
Closed all Federal Holidays

Recreational Crabbing in the Tidal Potomac River - You may recreationally crab in the tidal Potomac River from the Woodrow Wilson bridge down to the mouth of the river between April 1 and November 30. All individuals wishing to recreationally crab must have a license to do so. The cost of the license is $30 per individual and allows up to 5 crab pots. These licenses can be purchased in person at the PRFC office, by mail, or at a participating licensed agent. Please see our website for agents that sell our licenses. Click on the link for crab season details such as season, size, and possession limits, pot restrictions/marking, as well as any exemptions allowed. NOTE: The crab license is only valid in the PRFC jurisdiction of the tidal Potomac River and are not reciprocal with the tributaries or other state waters. You will need to contact the appropriate state jurisdiction for their rules and licensing. More information about crabbing can be found here.

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.

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

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 Recreational Fisherman At-Large (4-year term)
- VA Upper River Recreational Fisherman (4-year term)

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

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