Can I wade in the Potomac? Can I use treble hooks?

[Recruitkim]

I'm new to Chesapeake.

 

Basically I would like to know if it's legal to wade in the Potomac. More importantly, is it safe? I do not plan on walking out more than a couple feet from shore and only plan to go up to my knees at best. I'm used to wading in the surfs of Long Island. 

 

Secondly, can I use lures like spoons or kastmasters that have treble hooks on them? I know the law is that you cannot use trebles with bait, but most lures such as SP minnows and poppers use them.

 

Thanks. 

Edited May 7, 2021 by Recruitkim

[RWP]

Where on the potomac, and what state? At the mouth of the Potomac its pretty much a beach, up north is a whole different animal.

[Recruitkim]

2 hours ago, RWP said:

Where on the potomac, and what state? At the mouth of the Potomac its pretty much a beach, up north is a whole different animal.

Not the waterfall area lol. Mid Potomac 

[RWP]

17 mins ago, Recruitkim said:

Not the waterfall area lol. Mid Potomac 

I've never been that far north. In Virginia, circle hooks are only required for live and cut bait. In Maryland....... I have no freaking clue.

Edited May 8, 2021 by RWP

[Jimichanga]

Yes

[benji87]

I fish the Potomac in DC and there are a few places where you can wade, like Gravelly Point, although I've heard you can get ticketed for it since it's illegal to swim in the Potomac. I've done it a few times and haven't had any problems. I definitely wouldn't wade in most parts of the river because the currents can be pretty intense. Unless you're fly fishing, there isn't that much of an advantage to wading anyways.

 

I also try to avoid using treble hooks on anything that sinks since there's so much stuff in the river to get hung up on. Trebles are great on surface stuff, but if you're going anywhere near the bottom or any structure, which is usually the most effective approach, you're better off with single hooks. I'd much rather lose a few fish then have to tie on a new lure every 15 minutes. 

[thill]

Every year, people wade in the Potomac, lose their footing and die.  Particularly in the Great falls to DC stretch of the river.

 

If you do it, be VERY careful.  If you go in, keep your feet up!   Try to stand and get your foot between the rocks and the current folds you over and you drown in 4' of water.

 

It's a serious risk

[Popasilov]

Don't wade without one

 

[danta]

be safe