Potomac River Information

Boating

The Potomac River as it flows past the wooded banks of Riverbend Park is a scene of beauty with forested banks and islands. The island network in the area offers opportunities to view wildlife. Every season offers something new. Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or fishing from small jon boats in this strecth. Water skiing, jet skis, big boats and tubes are NOT permitted in this shallow rocky section of the river. NO whitewater occurs in this section of the river.

BE AWARE! There is a dangerous dam one mile down river from the boat ramp. A line of white buoys marks the danger area above the dam. All boaters must not pass buoys. Swimming is prohibited in the river!

KNOW THE RIVER! Below is a link to NOAA's website with updated levels for the Potomac River watershed. Little Falls which appears in the lower right of the map is the closest recorded river level to Riverbend Park. When Little Falls reaches a level of 4.6 Riverbend Park's boat ramp is closed. Our ramp is closed at approximately 3.0 feet on our gauge.

When the river level is within the DANGEROUS (RED) level on our boat ramp, the river is unsafe for boating. When the river level is within the CAUTION (YELLOW) level our boat ramp is open but at a higher than normal boating level, which means extra caution is required. If you do not have prior experience on this river, PLEASE POSTPONE YOUR TRIP! When the river is below the CAUTION (YELLOW) level the river is at or below the normal boating level.

Call the park at 703-759-9018 to check if boat ramp is open or closed. For recorded river level information call 703-260-0305.

Potomac watershed river levels: Current River Stages Map: Potomac River Basin

Fishing

Serious anglers and families can enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. People 16 years and older are required to have either a Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing license. Under 16 years do not need a license, but must be accompanied by an adult. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Virgina fishing licenses can be purchased from local sporting goods stores or online. Riverbend Park does NOT sell fishing licenses.

Riverbend Park encourages catch and release fishing. Who knows the next trophy sized fish you catch might have been caught and released by someone before. Refer to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations.

For current fish consumption advisories in Maryland waters:
Consumption Advisories for Recreationally Caught Fish Species in Maryland.

Fishing tackle
Fishing tackle is available at the visitor center. Tackle includes lures for bass and sunfish, plastic worms, fishing line, hooks, weights, bobbers and children's fishing rods. Stop by to see what the fish are biting on!