Maryland is defined by the Chesapeake Bay - the largest estuary in the United States and one of the greatest fishing resources on Earth. Striped bass (rockfish, as the locals call them) are the undisputed king here, and Maryland's fishery for them is arguably the best in the country. But the Bay is just the start. Blue crabs are practically a religion. The western Maryland mountains hold quality trout streams. The tidal rivers produce catfish, bass, and perch. And the Atlantic coast delivers surf fishing and offshore action. Maryland may be a small state, but the fishing opportunities pack in tight.
Fishing License in Maryland
Maryland requires separate licenses for freshwater (non-tidal) and tidal/Chesapeake Bay fishing. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sells licenses online, at DNR offices, and at retail outlets. Anglers 16 and older need a license.
| License Type | Cost | Valid For |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Non-Tidal (Freshwater) | $20.50 | 1 year |
| Resident Chesapeake Bay & Tidal | $15 | 1 year |
| Non-Resident Non-Tidal | $30.50 | 1 year |
| Non-Resident Bay & Tidal | $22.50 | 1 year |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Tidal | $9 | 3 days |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | N/A |
| Trout Stamp (add-on) | $5 | 1 year |
| Resident Senior (65+) | Free | Lifetime |
Age exemptions: Anglers under 16 fish free in Maryland. Residents 65 and older qualify for a free Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license. Active-duty military stationed in Maryland can fish for free.
Special permits: A trout stamp is required for fishing designated trout waters. Separate licenses are needed for freshwater and tidal fishing - they're not interchangeable. A crab license is required for recreational crabbing with certain gear types.
Buy your license on the Maryland DNR website.
Top 10 Fishing Spots in Maryland
From the Chesapeake Bay to mountain trout streams, Maryland packs an impressive range of fishing into a compact state. These are the best destinations.
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Download Free GuidePopular Fish Species in Maryland
Maryland's Chesapeake Bay fishery dominates, but the state has solid freshwater and ocean fishing too. Here are the top targets with typical regulations.
| Species | Season | Size Limit | Bag Limit | Best Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass (Rockfish) | Seasonal (varies) | 19" (varies) | 1-2/day (varies) | Trolling, chumming, live lining |
| Blue Crab | Apr - Dec | 5" (males) | 1 bushel/person/day | Trotline, chicken necks, pots |
| Largemouth Bass | Year-round | 12" | 5/day | Plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits |
| Channel Catfish | Year-round | None | No limit | Cut bait, nightcrawlers, chicken liver |
| White Perch | Year-round | 8" | 25/day | Bloodworms, small jigs, sabiki rigs |
| Walleye | Year-round | 18" | 4/day | Jig and minnow, trolling crankbaits |
| Brown Trout | Year-round | 12" (varies) | 2/day (varies) | Nymphs, streamers, spinners |
| Bluefish | May - Nov | 8" | 3/day | Metal jigs, cut bait, topwater |
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Maryland fishing follows strong seasonal patterns driven by the Chesapeake Bay's annual cycle. Stripers and crabs define the rhythm of the year.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | - | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Blue Crab | - | - | - | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - |
| Largemouth Bass | - | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Good | - | - |
| White Perch | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | - |
| Brown Trout | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Bluefish | - | - | - | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - |
Fishing Regulations in Maryland
Maryland fishing regulations are managed by the Department of Natural Resources. Tidal and non-tidal waters have separate rule sets, and striped bass regulations change frequently - always check current rules.
- Separate licenses: Tidal (Chesapeake Bay/coastal) and non-tidal (freshwater) fishing require separate licenses. Make sure you have the right one.
- Striped bass seasons: Maryland has specific seasons, size limits, and bag limits for striped bass that change annually. The trophy season runs April-May. Check DNR for current regulations before every trip.
- Blue crab regulations: Male crabs must be 5 inches point-to-point. Female crabs with eggs (sponge crabs) must be released. Bushel limits apply per person.
- Catch and release: Many trout streams have special regulation sections with artificial-only and catch-and-release rules.
- Rod limit: Two rods per angler in most waters. Some areas allow more lines while crabbing.
- Free fishing days: Maryland offers two free fishing days per year - check DNR for dates.
Download the current regulations from the Maryland DNR fishing regulations page.
Tips for Fishing in Maryland
Learn to chum for rockfish
Chumming is a Maryland Bay tradition. Anchor up on a channel edge, drop a chum pot filled with ground menhaden, and drift baits (chunks or live spot) through the slick. Striped bass from 20 to 40+ inches will move into the chum line. Summer chumming around the Bay Bridge and Chesapeake Beach produces consistently. It's not fancy fishing, but it puts meat on the table.
Fish the spring trophy season
Maryland's trophy striped bass season in April and May is the marquee event. Large cow rockfish over 30 pounds migrate into the upper Bay to spawn. Trolling large parachutes, bucktails, and umbrella rigs produces trophy-class fish. The area around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and upper Bay shipping channel are the hot zones. Book a charter if you don't have your own boat.
Hit the western Maryland trout streams
Garrett County has quality trout water that most Maryland anglers overlook. The Savage River below the dam, the North Branch Potomac, and Youghiogheny River all hold quality trout in beautiful mountain settings. The Savage River catch-and-release section produces brown trout over 18 inches on dry flies. It's a 3-hour drive from Baltimore but worth every minute.
Go crabbing - it's a Maryland rite of passage
If you visit Maryland between June and September, you need to go crabbing at least once. Trotlining with chicken necks or bull lips is the traditional method. The Chester River, Choptank River, and Kent Narrows are top spots on the Eastern Shore. Rent a small boat, bring a cooler and steaming pot, and catch your dinner. Nothing tastes better than crabs you caught yourself, steamed with Old Bay.
Surf fish at Assateague in the fall
The fall surf fishing run at Assateague Island is one of the best on the East Coast. Striped bass, bluefish, and red drum push along the beach from October through December chasing mullet. Long casts with cut bait or plugs from the surf produce quality fish. Get an over-sand vehicle permit to access the less-crowded southern stretches. Bundle up - the wind off the ocean is cold.
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