MD · MD DNR
Maryland fishing regulations.
- Saltwater coast
- 6 popular species
Maryland is the Chesapeake Bay state — striped bass is the cultural fish — but inland tailwaters at Gunpowder and the North Branch Potomac add genuine trout opportunity.
Fishing regulations change every season. This page is a summary maintained by Bield — bag limits, exact dates, and species-specific rules must be verified with MD DNR before each trip.
License requirements
Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Maryland. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the MD DNR and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. Trout stamp required to harvest trout. Maryland uses a single Tidal license for Chesapeake Bay species and a separate Non-Tidal license for inland fresh water. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the MD DNR before purchase.
Freshwater seasons and limits
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish across the Potomac and inland reservoirs and creeks. Trout fisheries on the Gunpowder, Patapsco, and Beaver Run. Snakehead has become a target species after invasive establishment.
River and stream regulations
The Gunpowder Falls below Prettyboy Reservoir is a wild brown trout tailwater. The North Branch Potomac is a high-elevation tailwater trout fishery. Smallmouth on the Potomac main stem and Susquehanna. Trout streams in the Catoctin Mountains.
Saltwater seasons and limits
Striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, summer flounder, weakfish, and white perch in the Chesapeake. Atlantic coast for tuna, mahi-mahi, billfish, and inshore black sea bass and tautog. Striped bass regulations in Chesapeake are managed in coordination with Atlantic States.
Special regulations
Tidal vs Non-Tidal license distinction is unique to Maryland. Striped bass regulations in Chesapeake have changed substantially with recent stock concerns. Snakehead fishing has no closed season and unlimited harvest is encouraged.
Popular species
- Striped bass (rockfish)
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Brown trout
- Bluefish
- Snakehead
Maryland hatch calendars
Bield Fish maintains month-by-month hatch calendars for 3 rivers in Maryland.
Official source · MD DNR
Maryland Department of Natural Resources — Fishing and Boating Services
This page is a regulatory summary maintained by Bield — not the official rulebook. Verify season dates, bag limits, and special regulations with the agency above before each trip.
Bield Fish keeps Maryland regulations at your fingertips.
Set your state once and Bield calibrates season phases, license reminders, and species-specific limits in your catch log.