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.