District of Columbia Fishing License
Issued by DC Department of Energy and Environment
Fishing in District of Columbia
The Potomac River runs straight through the nation's capital, and it's a legitimate big-fish destination — largemouth and smallmouth bass, blue catfish, and the now-established northern snakehead all draw anglers to Hains Point, Fletcher's Cove, and the tidal stretches below Chain Bridge. The Anacostia is a working urban fishery with a rebounding bass population. DC's licensing is short, simple, and good across both the freshwater and tidal Potomac on the District side.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| District Resident Annual | $10.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $13.00 |
| Under Age 16 No license required | Free |
| Age 65+ No license required | Free |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the DC Department of Energy and Environment website before purchasing.
DC fishing licenses are sold online only via the DOEE portal. Licenses run from the date of purchase through December 31 of that calendar year. A separate license is required to fish the Maryland or Virginia portions of the Potomac. 14-day licenses were discontinued in January 2022.
Log Your District of Columbia Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in District of Columbia.