Maryland is renowned for the diverse fishing ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic coastline, and the mountain streams of the west. Anglers can target the legendary Striped Bass (Rockfish), invasive Northern Snakehead, and wild trout in a single state. The 'Old Line State' offers year-round opportunities ranging from deep-sea offshore charters to serene freshwater reservoir fishing.
Buy a Fishing License
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Striped Bass (Rockfish)
Maryland's most famous fish; seasons are split into Spring Trophy (typically May), Summer/Fall (May-Dec), and a catch-and-release period, with strictly managed bag limits.
Largemouth Bass
Available year-round in freshwater ponds and tidal rivers; minimum size is generally 12-15 inches depending on location, with a 5-fish daily limit.
Blue Crab
Recreational crabbing season typically runs April 1 through December 31 in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.
Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout
Spring and Fall stocking programs supplement wild populations; Western Maryland streams like the Gunpowder and Casselman are premier destinations.
Yellow Perch
Popular late winter and early spring run (February-March) in tidal tributaries as they move upstream to spawn.
Northern Snakehead
An invasive species with no closed season or size limit; anglers are encouraged to harvest all snakeheads caught to protect native ecosystems.
Blue Catfish
High-action invasive fishery available year-round in major tidal rivers like the Potomac and Patuxent; no bag limits or size restrictions.
Top Waters
Chesapeake Bay
The largest estuary in the U.S. and the primary spawning ground for Atlantic Striped Bass.
Deep Creek Lake
Western Maryland's premier freshwater destination for Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike.
Potomac River
A world-class fishery for Smallmouth Bass in the upper river and invasive Blue Catfish in the tidal sections.
Gunpowder Falls
A cold-water tailrace near Baltimore famous for its self-sustaining population of wild Brown Trout.
Ocean City Atlantic Coast
Gateway to offshore canyon fishing for Marlin and Tuna, as well as excellent surf fishing for Bluefish.
Loch Raven Reservoir
Known for providing some of the best Largemouth Bass and Chain Pickerel fishing in central Maryland.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
A prime location for targeting Northern Snakehead in shallow, marshy environments.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Maryland's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Loosen Up Charters
Charter/GuideSolomons, MD
Specializes in Chesapeake Bay fishing trips for Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel.
Miss Susie Charters
Charter/GuideRidge, MD
Professional fishing charters targeting trophy Rockfish and Cobia out of the Southern Maryland region.
Restless Lady Charters
Charter/GuideOcean City, MD
Offers offshore canyon fishing for Tuna, Marlin, and Dolphin fish from the White Marlin Capital of the World.
Sawyer Charters
Charter/GuideHoopers Island, MD
Explores the middle Chesapeake Bay for Rockfish and bottom fish near the scenic Eastern Shore.
Reel Lucky Charters
Charter/GuideDeale, MD
Fishing charters focused on family groups and corporate outings in the mid-Chesapeake.
Anglers Sport Center
Bait & Tackle ShopAnnapolis, MD
A comprehensive fishing and hunting retail destination serving Maryland anglers since 1958.
All Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopAnnapolis, MD
Specializes in high-end offshore gear, Chesapeake Bay lures, and local fishing expertise.
Clyde's Sport Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopHalethorpe, MD
A long-standing local shop providing live bait and supplies for freshwater and tidal anglers.
Fish Tales Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopOcean City, MD
Premier source for salt water tackle, ice, and bait for both surf and offshore fishing.
Marty's Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopEdgewater, MD
Local tackle shop providing crabbing supplies and fishing gear for the South River and Bay.
A&C Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopEssex, MD
Supports the local tournament community with a wide selection of bass and catfish tackle.
Sunset Marina
MarinaOcean City, MD
A world-class resort marina located just inside the Ocean City inlet for offshore enthusiasts.
Deep Creek Marina
MarinaMcHenry, MD
Full-service marina providing boat rentals and access to the mountain fishing of Deep Creek Lake.
Rod 'N' Reel Marina
MarinaChesapeake Beach, MD
A hub for the charter boat fleet in the mid-bay region with extensive dockage and amenities.
Oak Grove Marina
MarinaEdgewater, MD
Located on the South River, providing boat slips and services for boaters near the Chesapeake.
Breezy Point Marina
MarinaChesapeake Beach, MD
Offers easy access to the famous 'Hill' and 'Gas Docks' fishing grounds in the Bay.
Tochterman's Fishing Tackle
Fly ShopBaltimore, MD
One of the oldest tackle shops in the country featuring a dedicated fly fishing section and custom advice.
Backwater Angler
Fly ShopMonkton, MD
A full-service fly shop located just steps from the premier trout waters of Gunpowder Falls.
Beaver Creek Fly Shop
Fly ShopHagerstown, MD
Maryland's source for limestone spring creek fly fishing gear and expert local guiding.
Fly Fishing Strategies
Fly ShopLeonardtown, MD
Provides specialized fly fishing gear and expertise for tidal Potomac and Southern Maryland waters.
Annapolis Boat Sales
Boat DealerChester, MD
Retailer for key fishing boat brands including Key West and Steiger Craft on the Eastern Shore.
Riverside Marine
Boat DealerEssex, MD
Family-owned dealership specializing in Yamaha outboards and fishing boat sales.
Taylor Marine Center
Boat DealerOcean City, MD
Sales and service center for Grady-White boats and other premium offshore fishing vessels.
Clark's Landing Yacht Sales
Boat DealerStevensville, MD
Specializes in new and pre-owned fishing boats and yachts across the Chesapeake region.
Bishop Custom Rods
Rod BuilderLusby, MD
Hand-crafted custom fishing rods designed for the specific needs of Chesapeake Bay anglers.
Back River Rods
Rod BuilderEssex, MD
Local artisan builder focused on performance fishing rods for salt and fresh water.
Shoreline Rods
Rod BuilderBerlin, MD
Specializes in custom surf and offshore rods tailored for the Atlantic coast conditions.
Tiderunner Rods
Rod BuilderChester, MD
Custom fishing rod construction and repair located on Kent Island.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.
