Navigation Home Boating Rentals Boats

Pick A LakePick A State

Boating At The Potomac River In Washington DC

By AA-Boats & Boating Staff Writers

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

The Potomac River is a significant waterway located in Washington, D.C., flowing through the heart of the city and offering a picturesque setting for both locals and tourists to enjoy. The river is surrounded by numerous attractions, making it a popular destination for boating and recreational activities. Along its banks, one can find iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Kennedy Center, providing a unique and historic backdrop for boating adventures.

Boating on the Potomac River is a popular pastime, offering boaters the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the city skyline and iconic monuments while cruising along the calm waters. The river is wide and accommodating, providing plenty of space for various boating activities, from leisurely sightseeing cruises to thrilling water sports.

For boaters seeking to explore the Potomac River, there are numerous boat launch ramps located along its banks, providing convenient access to the water. Boaters can easily launch their own vessels or rent boats from nearby rental facilities to enjoy a day out on the river.

The Potomac River is also well-known for its recreational water sports, attracting enthusiasts of activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing. With its calm and navigable waters, it's an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts to have an enjoyable time.

Fishing is another popular activity on the Potomac River, with anglers trying their luck to catch a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and perch. The river's diverse ecosystem provides ample opportunities for fishing all year round.

The Potomac River's central location in Washington, DC, its rich history, and the abundance of nearby attractions make it a popular and vibrant boating destination, providing locals and visitors with a wonderful opportunity to experience the city's beauty from a unique and memorable perspective.

Boating and fishing.

An excellent boating waterway and a virtual fish factory, The Potomac River runs the western border of the district, from north to south. This DC section of the river has nearly 50 miles of shoreline, with access for boating at several boat launch ramps located on both the west and east side of the river. Marinas, stores and restaurants are all convenient to enhance a day on the water. Fishing enthusiasts are drawn here to fish for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, muskie and striped bass. While there are no campgrounds nearby, there is plenty of lodging options in the area. There are plenty of park areas for fishing from the bank, but boats are the ideal way to locate the fish. Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats can enhance your day of fishing.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

No Camping Nearby

The Potomac Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Potomac River include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass and muskie.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Blue catfish White catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Green Sunfish Longear Sunfish Pumpkinseed Sunfish Redbreast Sunfish White Perch Yellow Perch Striped bass Muskie

Click here for a DC Fishing License.

Local Contact Information

National Mall and Memorial Parks
900 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20024
202 426-6841

Find boating lakes in other states.