Fishing on the Potomac River at McMahon’s Mill in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Fishing is allowed within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park along any accessible area of the Potomac River and at any spot on the actual canal that has water. No special license is needed from the National Park Service, but a valid state fishing license is required and state regulations apply. The canal runs through Washington, D. C. and Maryland, so be sure you have a license from the proper government agency.

Fishing in the Potomac River off of the Billy Goat B Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

I am not a fisherman and therefore cannot give any advice, but I traveled much of the canal. Two popular Potomac River fishing spots that stand out in my mind are at Fletcher’s Cove and McMahon’s Mill. I also saw many people fishing from the boat ramps scattered throughout the park.

Fishing at Fletcher’s Cove in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

While fishing in the canal is allowed, I never saw anyone doing it, and I spent over a week in the park. Of course to fish there must be water, and not all sections of the canal have water. Your best bet is to try the sections that are purposely watered by the National Park Service for kayakers and canoeists (see the list below). There are other sections of the canal with water in them, but these are rain dependent and can appear and disappear with the weather.

Georgetown (Mile 0) to Lock 23 (Mile 22)

Mile 99.3 in Williamsport to Lock 44 (Mile 99.8)

Mile 112 to 113 in Big Pool

Mile 120 to Mile 121 in Little Pool

Mile 124.1 to Mile 124.7 in Hancock

Town Creek (Mile 162) to Old Town (Mile 167)

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