Fishing on The C&O
Hook, Line and Sinker
C&O Fishing Regulations
These are the fishing regulations that apply to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal only. Other regulations apply to the Potomac River and it's tributaries. Please see Maryland's Department of Natural Resources web page for the full list of regulations that apply to those areas.
By park regulation, it is illegal to be anywhere on the C&O Canal after dark except for people camping in designated camping areas. During normal park hours, local and or state authorities regulate fishing along the C&O.
On the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, it is illegal to...
1. To use more than three (3) rods at one time (except for ice fishing) or more than two (2) hooks per line.
5. To use a trotline.
7. To use a dip net or seine
8. To use a gig, gig iron, nets, seines, fish pots or other fishing rigs.
9. To snag fish with hooks.
10. To remove the head and tail of fish in possession while at the fishing location. The head and tail shall remain attached in such a manner as to permit identification of fish species and total length.
11. To catch turtles of any type.
12. To disturb, take, destroy or possess any terrapin eggs.
13. To use a bow and arrow.
14. To trespass or fish any waters closed to the public for fishing.
15. To operate any vehicle in the park except on those roads, lanes or areas which are open to automobile traffic or which are specifically marked by the Division.
16. To camp except on designated sites.
17. To swim.
18. To cut any brush, trees or shrubbery.
19. To throw, dump, deposit, or cause to be thrown, dumped or deposited any trash, junk or other refuse.
20. To fish during non daylight hours.
*Bank Pole are unattended devises with a sharp butt for sticking into mud and should not be confused with Long Poles which have a rounded butt.