Fishing Regulations in Maryland
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Maryland fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Maryland requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years and older. Separate licenses are available for freshwater, Chesapeake Bay, and coastal fishing. A consolidated license covers all waters. Licenses can be purchased online through the Maryland DNR. A trout stamp is required for trout fishing in designated waters. Free fishing areas are available at many state parks.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | Potomac River has 15-inch minimum. Catch and release encouraged during spawn. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | Combined with largemouth bass limit. Some rivers have special rules. |
| striped-bass | 2 per day (Bay); 1 per day (ocean) | 19 inches minimum (varies by season) | Year-round with seasonal closures | Trophy season runs April-May. Size and bag limits change by season. Check current regulations. |
| blue-catfish | No limit | No minimum | Year-round | Considered invasive. Removal encouraged. No limits in tidal waters. |
| yellow-perch | 10 per day | 8 inches minimum | Year-round (peak February-March) | Spring run in Chesapeake tributaries is a Maryland tradition. |
| crappie | 15 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Good populations in western Maryland lakes. |
| flounder | 4 per day | 19 inches minimum | Year-round (peak June-September) | Surf fishing at Assateague and inlet fishing at Ocean City are popular. |
| redfish | 1 per day | 18 to 27 inches (slot limit) | Year-round | Growing population in Chesapeake Bay. Catch and release for oversize fish. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Potomac River has 15-inch minimum. Catch and release encouraged during spawn.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Combined with largemouth bass limit. Some rivers have special rules.
Bag Limit: 2 per day (Bay); 1 per day (ocean)
Size Limit: 19 inches minimum (varies by season)
Season: Year-round with seasonal closures
Notes: Trophy season runs April-May. Size and bag limits change by season. Check current regulations.
Bag Limit: No limit
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Considered invasive. Removal encouraged. No limits in tidal waters.
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: 8 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (peak February-March)
Notes: Spring run in Chesapeake tributaries is a Maryland tradition.
Bag Limit: 15 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Good populations in western Maryland lakes.
Bag Limit: 4 per day
Size Limit: 19 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (peak June-September)
Notes: Surf fishing at Assateague and inlet fishing at Ocean City are popular.
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 18 to 27 inches (slot limit)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Growing population in Chesapeake Bay. Catch and release for oversize fish.
Top Fishing Waters
Chesapeake Bay
estuarySpecies: striped-bass, redfish, flounder, speckled-trout, yellow-perch
Deep Creek Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch, crappie, bluegill
Potomac River
riverSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, blue-catfish, channel-catfish
Susquehanna Flats
estuarySpecies: largemouth-bass, striped-bass, yellow-perch, channel-catfish
Liberty Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Triadelphia Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow-perch
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 11 lbs 2 oz | 1983 | Farm Pond |
| Smallmouth Bass | 8 lbs 4 oz | 1974 | Potomac River |
| Striped Bass | 67 lbs 8 oz | 1995 | Chesapeake Bay |
| Blue Catfish | 84 lbs | 2012 | Potomac River |
| Channel Catfish | 28 lbs 4 oz | 1984 | Potomac River |
| Yellow Perch | 2 lbs 10 oz | 1979 | Loch Raven Reservoir |
| Crappie | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1980 | Deep Creek Lake |
| Flounder | 14 lbs 4 oz | 1999 | Ocean City Inlet |