Fishing in Maryland. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Maryland

Below are 62 types of fish that can be caught in Maryland. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Maryland and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Maryland to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Maryland

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Maryland. Each Maryland body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Chesapeake Bay (VA, MD)

Chincoteague Bay (VA, MD)

Assawoman Bay (MD, DE)

Isle of Wight Bay (MD)

Herring Bay (MD)

Piney Run Reservoir (MD)

Licenses for fishing in Maryland

In Maryland, different types of fishing licenses are required for residents and non-residents. Special rules and fees may apply for certain fishing activities.

For the most accurate and detailed information, it's best to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website where you can also purchase a fishing license online.

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Nontidal Sport Fishing	$20.50	$30.50
7-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing	$7.50	$7.50
3-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing	-	$5.00
Trout Stamp	$5.00	$10.00
Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing	$15.00	$22.50
7-Day Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing	$6.00	$12.00
Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing License (65 years or older)	$5.00	-
Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Boat License	$50.00	$50.00

Notes:

This table includes key types of licenses and their fees for both residents and non-residents.
Certain exemptions and special license types (like those for seniors, veterans, or those with disabilities) are not fully listed here.
The fees are as per the latest information but are subject to change. Please refer to the provided link for the most current details and additional license types.

Fishing Regulations in Maryland

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Fishing with explosives, poisons, or electricity is strictly prohibited.
Use of gill nets, seines, or fyke nets is limited or banned in certain waters.
Snagging fish is illegal in all state waters.
Spearfishing is only permitted in certain areas and for specific species.
Limited use of trotlines, juglines, and setlines with specific restrictions.
Chumming and baiting restrictions in certain areas.
No fishing with more than three rods per person in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Catch Limits

Striped Bass: Seasonal and area-specific limits, with minimum size restrictions.
Blue Crab: Daily limits vary by season and license type.
Trout: Daily limit of 5, no size restriction, except in designated management areas.
Largemouth Bass: Catch-and-release only in certain areas; otherwise, daily limit of 5.
Bluefish: Daily limit of 3 for recreational anglers.
Summer Flounder: Daily limit varies by season, with size restrictions.
Black Sea Bass: Daily limit and size restrictions vary by season.
Yellow Perch: Varies by region, with a general daily limit of 10.
Channel and Blue Catfish: No daily limits in most areas.
Oysters and Clams: Harvest limits vary by season and license type.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Some water bodies may be closed temporarily or permanently for conservation purposes.
Access to private waters requires landowner's permission.
No fishing in designated swimming areas or in certain restricted areas near dams.
Boat fishing restrictions in specific conservation or environmentally sensitive areas.
Fishing piers and bridges may have specific rules and restrictions.

Zones of Special Regulation

Special catch-and-release areas for trout and other species.
Specific regulations for fishing in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Area-specific gear restrictions, such as fly-only or lure-only waters.
Protected areas where fishing is restricted to conserve habitats and species.
Regulations for fishing in state parks and natural areas.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is prohibited.
Special regulations in place for areas inhabited by rare or vulnerable species.
Habitat protection measures for critical spawning and nursery areas.
Mandatory release and reporting for accidental catch of protected species.
Regulations designed to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Seasonal Restrictions

Seasonal closures for certain species to protect during spawning seasons.
Ice fishing subject to specific regulations and safety guidelines.
Temporary fishing bans during environmental emergencies or studies.
Seasonal shellfish harvesting restrictions for public health reasons.
Variable size and catch limits depending on the season for certain species.

Most popular cities for fishing in Maryland

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Maryland. Cities in Maryland include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.