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Maryland Fishing Report – July 12

Photo of girl holding up a fish she caught

Caroline White is all smiles with her first fish. Photo by David Storr III

It is time for summer fun and taking a youngster fishing is always a joy for parents, especially when the kids are excited about catching their first fish. Bluegill sunfish and white perch are often ready to oblige.

As a reminder, all areas of the Chesapeake Bay will be closed to any targeting of striped bass from July 16 through July 31. As we advise anglers every year, high summer air and water temperatures increase catch-and-release mortalities in striped bass. This closure takes place in the hottest part of the year. 

Image of Striped Bass 7-Day Fishing Advisory Forecast showing yellow flag conditions representing elevated risk Wednesday through Saturday, and the Striped Bass Fishery being closed beginning Sunday


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Maryland Fishing Report – June 22

Photo of boy on a dock holding a fish

Dominic Kronk spent Father’s Day fishing for white perch with his dad. Photo by Kenny Kronk

The arrival of summer provides plenty of opportunities for special family time in the great outdoors. This past Sunday was a wonderful Father’s Day for dads, grandads, and other father figures to spend fishing with sons and daughters. 
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Maryland Fishing Report – May 25

Photo of woman on a boat holding a large fish

Emily Salada gets a quick hug and picture before sliding this beautiful red drum back into Tangier Sound waters. Photo courtesy of Hunter Smith

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and with it the traditional start of summer activities. The three-day weekend offers some wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

If you have a friend you’d like to introduce to fishing, Maryland offers license-free fishing days the first two Saturdays in June and also on July 4. Make some plans and take advantage of this offer from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The 2022 baywide blue crab winter dredge survey results are available on the DNR website

Since May 16. much of the Chesapeake Bay has been open to fishing for striped bass measuring 19 inches or more. Some areas of the upper Bay and tidal rivers are still closed to fishing for striped bass. All areas of the Chesapeake Bay and the tidal rivers will be open to striped bass fishing on June 1 – be sure to check the DNR website for seasonal regulations in your area of the Bay.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 6

Photo of young girl with her father, and a dog, holding a striped bass on a boat.

Lyla Jones went fishing last weekend with her dad and grandfather (along with a a furry friend) and they all had a wonderful time together. Photo by Joe Garrett

Early fall offers a wonderful opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends, especially our younger anglers. The fall trout stocking program has begun, offering excellent trout fishing at waters in most areas of Maryland. The Atlantic waters near Ocean City and Assateague Island, along with the Coastal Bays and the Chesapeake Bay all offer wonderful fishing opportunities before colder weather begins to move in next month.

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Maryland Fishing Report – April 28

Photo of boy holding largemouth bass

Sulley and Oli Francis went fishing with their dad at Loch Raven Reservoir recently and each caught their largest largemouth bass to date – pictured is Sulley with his catch. Photo by Steve Francis

This promises to be an exciting week for fishing, no matter what species of fish you hope to catch. The trout stocking program is finishing up an intensive stocking program this week, warm summer-like temperatures beckon all to the outdoors, and the trophy striped bass season begins in portions of the Chesapeake Bay May 1. 

Starting Saturday, the Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the Virginia state line, excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers, except Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound, opens up to striped bass fishing for fish 35 inches or larger, with a one fish per person per day creel limit. 

Please join us on April 29 at noon for a Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar with guest biologist Jim Thompson of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources fish passage program. We will discuss the efforts to encourage anadromous fish populations to reach their spawning grounds via fish ladders and dam removals. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’s online calendar.

DNR has recognized a new state record fallfish that was caught by 13-year-old angler Maxwell Diegel in Harford County. More information about this great catch is available on the department’s website.  

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Maryland Fishing Report: June 6

Photo of man holding state record snakehead

Photo courtesy of Andy Fox

Note: If you’re looking for the June 13 report, please click here.

The northern snakehead has gotten a lot of press attention and has been called “Frankenfish.” It inspired a movie called “Snakehead Terror” about 8-foot long fish terrorizing a lakeside community, which helped create a common belief that snakeheads can walk on land.

In reality, snakeheads are an invasive species that is spreading quickly through the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They eat anything that moves within their watery environment and they grow large. One saving grace is they make excellent eating and are often what’s for dinner for many fishermen.

The use of any legal recreational gear is considered eligible for a Maryland state record in the invasive division of state records. A Virginia angler currently holds the world record for a hook-and-line snakehead at 17 pounds, 12 ounces. Maryland anglers have taken several larger than that with bow and arrow, including our new state record of 19.9 pounds set on May 24 by Andy Fox in Charles County.

Now we need someone to top these records with hook and line and bring Maryland the bragging rights for the world record – so here’s a tip: Northern snakeheads are aggressive predators and nothing seems to drive them crazier than a buzzbait over or near grass beds.

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Maryland Fishing Report: May 9

Boy holding striped bass

Nick Long had some topwater catch and release fun while fishing with his mom and dad on the Chesapeake Bay this past weekend. Photo by Travis Long

Those who fish know that the waters they love have many moods, and perhaps one of our favorites is when they are quiet and calm.

This past weekend with overcast skies and little wind was one of those times that the waters we fish seem to talk to us – from the bubbling mountain streams, to the calmer waters of ponds, lakes and Chesapeake Bay.

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Maryland Fishing Report: May 2

Photo of mom and daughter with a trout

Violet Sisler spent a fun time with her mom using her Barbie fishing rod to catch her first trout. The smiles say it all! Photo by Rebecca Sisler

Warmer and more seasonable weather has finally descended upon the Maryland landscape, offering a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors. The warm air temperatures and sunny weather, along with relatively cool water temperatures make for perfect fishing conditions in many local waters.

Community ponds, trout management waters and lakes offer fun shoreline fishing adventures that are particularly tuned for children. Many are stocked with bluegills, and some are stocked with trout and set aside for youth fishing. There are also fishing rodeos and other youth events held all over the state.

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Weekly Fishing Report: April 12

The Maryland landscape continues to be bathed in warm sunshine with warm temperatures; spring is definitely here and presents some wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. There are few experiences that can match spending time in the outdoors with children. Read more…


Weekly Fishing Report: April 5

The recent warm weather we’ve been experiencing can really raise some excitement about fishing, and the forecast for the weekend looks good! Trout stocking crews are busy this week and warming waters have many local fish in a very active feeding mood. Read more…


Illegal Deer Hunting Activity in Western Maryland

nrp-truckIllegal deer hunting topped the cases handled in recent days by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…


Natural Resources Police Handle Bear, Oyster and Striper Cases

Bear baiting, and oyster and striped bass poaching cases highlighted enforcement actions taken this week by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…


Natural Resources Police Handle Deer and Striped Bass Poaching Cases

Deer and striped bass poaching cases were among the incidents handled over the weekend by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers.


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Natural Resources Police Charge Poachers, Arrest Impaired Boater

Maryland Natural Resources PoliceMaryland Natural Resources Police officers handled striped bass poaching violations, arrested a man for indecent exposure and charged a boater with impaired operation in some recent cases. Read more…


Labor Day Patrols Lead to Arrests and Warnings

Even though Tropical Storm Hermine kept many boaters off the water this Labor Day weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police were busy inspecting anglers and crabbers, checking dove and waterfowl hunters and patrolling our state parks and waters. Read more…


Anglers Nabbed for Poaching; Animal Cruelty Case Settles

Two men were charged with poaching striped bass, and an incident involving animal cruelty was settled in court this week in cases brought by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.  Read more…


Officers Arrest Striped Bass Poachers, Drug Dealers and a Fugitive

Four anglers were charged with poaching striped bass in Dorchester County, three juveniles were arrested for attempted drug dealing in a state park in Worcester County, and an unlicensed tree contractor in Garrett County was cited in cases handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police last weekend.

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 22

Photo of man in a boat holding a fish

Herb Floyd took a break from fishing for striped bass and enjoyed some great chain pickerel action. Photo courtesy of Herb Floyd

The Thanksgiving holiday gives us all a chance to reflect on all the things we are grateful to have. Family and friends always top the list, and for many of us they are followed by the opportunities we have to enjoy the outdoors.  

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 15

Photo of woman holding a fish

Sara LaMonica is all smiles with this large crappie she caught at Prettyboy Reservoir recently. Photo courtesy of Sara LaMonica

The weather is a bit chilly, but the fishing remains good. Anglers can be seen switching their footwear from sneakers to waterproof and insulated boots and warmer outdoor clothes. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 11

Photo of man in a grassy area holding a fish

Mike Biskup holds up a whopper-sized largemouth bass he caught and released from a Chestertown pond recently. Photo courtesy of Mike Biskup

Fall’s cooler weather is driving many of our freshwater and marine fisheries into increased activity. The fall trout stocking program is underway, providing fun put-and-take trout fishing.

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 28

Photo of man in small boat holding a large snakehead fish

Bryce Schmitt enjoyed some time on the middle River while fishing for largemouth bass and northern snakeheads. Photo courtesy of Bryce Schmitt

We wish you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday with family and friends. Many anglers will take advantage of a little time off to fish and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with fishing. As a reminder, July 4 is the last free fishing day being offered in Maryland for 2023.

As we advise anglers every year, high summer air and water temperatures increase catch-and-release mortalities in striped bass. The Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast is an awareness campaign aimed to reduce striped bass mortality during times when conditions are most dangerous for the fish. A color-coded recommendation allows anglers to plan their striped bass fishing trips up to seven days in advance.​

Image of Striped Bass 7-Day Fishing Advisory Forecast showing safe striped bass fishing days for the week of June 28-July4

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 21, 2023

Photo of man and daughter holding a catfish

David Springham and daughter Phoebe went fishing together after dad got off from work, and they caught this blue catfish near the Conowingo Dam pool. Photo courtesy of David Springham

Often it is those small moments spent together with our loved ones that turn out to be special and long remembered. Fishing together definitely provides those moments, especially with our youngest anglers.

July 4 is just around the corner and with it the last free fishing day being offered in Maryland for 2023. Think about taking a friend, neighbor, or relative on a holiday fishing trip and introduce them to this wonderful pastime.

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 14

Photo of girl on a boat with a fish

Sydney Cochrane went fishing with her dad near Poplar Island when she caught this nice striped bass. Photo by Rob Cochrane

This weekend, fathers across Maryland will be celebrated and many will choose to go fishing with their sons and daughters on this special day. Parents who take their children fishing share the kind of intimate experience together that few other activities offer. Lifelong bonds are formed that will stand the test of time and help set an example for the time when they become parents in later years.

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 7

Photo of woman on a beach holding a large striped bass

Kristen D’Amore-Benko caught and released this 40-inch striped bass in the surf on Assateague Island in mid-May. Remember that under new coastwide regulations, striped bass longer than 31 inches in length must be released. Photo courtesy Kristen D’Amore-Benko

Graduations and school dismissals are setting our younger anglers free to spend more time outdoors. Be sure to carve out time for some fishing adventures in Maryland’s varied waters. 

Maryland will host the second of three license-free fishing days June 10. During a free fishing day, a person may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland for recreational purposes without an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the Department of Natural Resources. All other fishing laws and regulations will apply on those days. Maryland’s free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and the Fourth of July. Ask a neighbor or friend who doesn’t fish to join you and pick up this great pastime.

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 31

Photo of man in a small boat holding up a largemouth bass

Mike Popchak holds a beautiful smallmouth bass caught while fishing with his brother Joe at Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo by Joe Popchak

Fishing together can form strong bonds between family and friends. Twin brothers Joe and Mike Popchak began fishing together when they were 8 years old – even though their father wasn’t a fisherman, he would take them out while he read the newspaper. The two brothers have kept with it through the years and recently got together to fish at Loch Raven Reservoir. 

Now is a perfect time to invite a neighbor or friend to this wonderful pastime. Maryland is hosting three license-free fishing days – June 3, June 10, and July 4 – during which a person may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland for recreational purposes without a fishing license or stamp — you just have to follow laws and regulations on seasons, size, and catch limits.

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 24

Photo of man with two young daughters on a pier, holding a fish

Young angler Olivia Frantz (left) caught this rainbow trout on a day out with her sister Emily and their dad, Ricky. Photo by Kimberly Sizemore

Memorial Day weekend is a time to celebrate with family gatherings and also to reflect on those who gave all to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Fishing offers the time to do both – and this weekend is a perfect opportunity to take your youngsters out and collect some memories and smiles. 

Maryland will host the first of three license-free fishing days June 3. During a free fishing day, a person may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland for recreational purposes without an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the Department of Natural Resources. All other fishing laws and regulations will apply on those days. Maryland’s free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and on the Fourth of July.

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 17

Photo of boy holding a snakehead fish

Tyler Ferenschak was on a quest to catch a northern snakehead and he finally caught one on the Middle River. Photo by Matt Ferenschak

All kinds of fishing opportunities are available this week for anglers, from the mountains of western Maryland to the coastal waters of the Delmarva Peninsula. Seasons are open for striped bass season in the Chesapeake Bay and black sea bass in the Atlantic Ocean, and many other species of fish are active as water temperatures warm.

There are new striped bass regulations now in effect in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. Anglers may keep one striped bass per person per day, with a minimum length of 19 inches and a maximum length of 31 inches. A smaller maximum size of 26 inches is in place in the Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, and North East River from May 18 through May 31, then the bay-wide size limits apply.

In Maryland’s portion of the Atlantic Ocean and its coastal bays, which are open to striped bass fishing all year, anglers may keep one striped bass per person per day, with a minimum length of 28 inches and a maximum length of 31 inches. 

All other rules remain the same.

If you do take part in the Maryland striped bass season, please participate in our volunteer angler survey. The information received from anglers is a valuable resource for biologists to better understand recreational fishing for striped bass in Maryland. There are multiple species you can help with also – check the Department of Natural Resources website to search for all our volunteer angler surveys.

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 3

Photo of man and young daughter holding a large group of fish on a line

This father and daughter teamed up to put a nice catch together that is destined for a fish fry. Photo by David Jones

Fishing in Maryland is a wonderful activity to share with family and friends and anglers are enjoying every bit of it. Another species of fish that is not often in the spotlight but is very important is the bluegill sunfish. This is often the first fish that young or new anglers catch and if the sunfish are large enough, they make excellent eating.

The Trophy Striped Bass Season is now open and although weather conditions have not been ideal so far this week, anglers are hopeful conditions will improve.  

As a reminder, most individuals who fish in Maryland’s coastal and tidal waters are required to have either a valid Maryland Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License or Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration,  with a few exemptions. The registry was Maryland’s answer to comply with a federal requirement established more than a decade ago – it is an important part of protecting Maryland’s fishing opportunities, as data collected helps state and federal agencies sustainably manage U.S. fish stocks. 

To make it even easier to obtain the state’s free saltwater registration, Maryland now provides a convenient online form that does not require you to create an account in the state licensing system. You can also register a Department of Natural Resources Service Center or sport license agent, through the state’s online COMPASS License and Registration System with an account and login.

For more information, visit the Department of Natural Resources website.

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Maryland DNR Announces 2022 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

Local Departments Get Funding to Enhance Wildfire Protection

Photo of brush on fire

Maryland DNR photo

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service announced the awarding of Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 53 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties across the state. The projects to be funded help volunteer fire companies enhance their wildland fire protection in rural communities. Read more…


Maryland Fishing Report – November 23

Photo of woman holding a black sea bass

Photo by Monty Hawkins

Everyone at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wishes you a pleasant and warm Thanksgiving holiday. More than a few anglers will slip out for a little fishing before the big celebration or on the weekend. There are plenty of exciting fishing opportunities out there this week.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 19

Photo of woman on a small boat holding a large fish

Species like this northern pike caught at Deep Creek Lake by Angela Pitzer are active. Photo by Duffey Pitzer

Anglers are bundling up and enjoying fall fishing at its finest out on the Chesapeake Bay and in Maryland’s freshwater locations, which offer a variety of species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources fall trout stocking program is in full swing.

DNR and the Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are proud to announce Captain Bruno M. Vasta and the late Jim Gracie each as recipients of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Awards for 2022

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Maryland Fishing Report – August 10

Photo of angler Addison Rowe by Tiffany Rowe

Photo of angler Addison Rowe by Tiffany Rowe

Families are fitting in those last summer vacations and simple relaxing times close to home. From local ponds and tributaries to the waters off Ocean City, Maryland’s waters are ideal places to spend time with children and allow them to experience the joys of fishing.

Remember that hot weather creates tough conditions for undersized striped bass that are caught and released. From now until September, DNR once again will run its striped bass fishing advisory forecast so anglers can better plan their fishing for striped bass to lessen mortalities.

Image of Striped Bass 7-Day Fishing Advisory Forecast, showing a green flag day on Saturday; yellow flag days on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday; and a red flag day on Thursday.

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 13

Photo of boy in a kayak holding up a fish on a line

Photo by Eric Packard

Kayak fishing has gained many converts in the past few years. These small, human-powered watercraft are portable and offer easy access to waters throughout Maryland, and for our younger anglers provide an opportunity to be the captain of their own vessel.
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Maryland Fishing Report – July 6

Photo of two people paddling canoes on a lake

Photo by Eric Packard

Maryland is full of outdoor adventures, and getting out on the water is one of the most enjoyable. Being the captain of your own vessel can be a thrill and a learning experience for our younger anglers, under the watchful eye of adults tagging along and capturing those special moments.
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Maryland Fishing Report – June 29

Photo of young by next to a river, holding a fish on a line

Viyaan Ranjith caught his very first fish while fishing with his dad and it was a bluegill sunfish. Congratulations Viyaan! Photo by Ranjith Kunjayi

Summer is in full swing and we’re going into one of the most popular weekends of the season – Fourth of July! It is a wonderful time to spend time with family and friends enjoying all that Maryland has to offer. The feisty bluegill is one of Maryland’s treasures that entertain anglers young and old in small community ponds to our larger reservoirs. Read more…


Maryland Fishing Report – June 8

Three separate photos of young kids holding up fish

Young anglers (left to right) Ronae’ Heard, Emily Jackson, and Lincoln Christopher proudly hold up their first catches. Photos by (left to right) Angel Renee Stewart, Adam Jackson, and Kristin Christopher.

Even if it’s not official yet, summertime is here and families are enjoying time fishing together. Bluegill sunfish, white perch, and catfish are some simple species that are easy for our younger anglers to catch and feel the excitement that fishing can provide. Read more…


Maryland Fishing Report – June 1

Photo of woman holding a large snakehead fish next to a trailered boat

This happy angler is all smiles with this massive northern snakehead. Photo by Josh Trenary

Maryland anglers are adjusting to some unexpectedly changing fisheries and are targeting invasive species. Northern snakeheads, blue catfish, and flathead catfish populations are expanding rapidly in Maryland waters, and anglers are taking up the challenge to reduce their populations. The old adage of making lemonade out of lemons comes to mind, since they all taste so good.

The next two Saturdays, June 4 and June 11, are license-free fishing days in Maryland waters, so don’t let them pass without taking someone out who has not been fishing in a while, or someone who has never fished before. The last free fishing day of the year will be July 4.

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Natural Resources Police Report — November 2021

Photo of Natural Resources Police truckThe Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged numerous individuals in November for conservation law violations including striped bass poaching and illegal deer hunting.  Read more…


Maryland Fishing Report – December 8

Photo of man fishing from a boat in the bay at sunset

As the sun sets on the 2021 striped bass season, this photo sums up the message, “just one more fish, please.” Photo by Travis Long.

This will be our final Maryland Fishing Report for 2021 — look for our midwinter report in January. In the meantime, there are a number of fun adventures anglers and their families can enjoy together the next couple months. All of us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wish you peace and happiness over the holidays and in the New Year. 

The 2021 Maryland striped bass season comes to a close on Friday, December 10. Anglers in southern Maryland will be able to fish for striped bass in the lower Potomac River until December 31. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 10

Photo of girl holding a striped bass

Lucy Perez went fishing with her dad and holds up her prize, one keeper-sized striped bass. Photo by Nick Perez

Many of Maryland’s fishing opportunities are at their zenith as cool water temperatures have fish feeling the urge to build up body stores for the coming winter months. This is good news for anglers.
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Maryland Fishing Report – November 3

Photo of boy holding a fish at creekside

Jacob Baczeski went trout fishing with his dad on Deer Creek and proudly holds up a rainbow trout he caught. Photo by Stanley Baczeski

November is upon us and many areas of central, southern, and eastern Maryland have experienced their first frost. The waters are cooling and providing excellent fishing opportunities as many species of fish are feeding aggressively. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources trout program made an all-out effort to stock waters last week, providing exciting fishing. Read more…


Maryland Fishing Report – October 27

Photo of a man in boat holding a large fish

October offshore fishing opportunities include fish such as this beautiful golden tilefish. Photo by Monty Hawkins

Maryland offers a wide variety of fishing adventures this time of year. Many anglers are enjoying the excellent trout fishing or other freshwater species. Fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay remains at the top of the list for many anglers.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 20

Boy on a lakeside dock holding a large northern pike

Bergen Kline certainly was thrilled to catch this 41-inch northern pike at Deep Creek Lake recently while fishing with his dad. Photo by Sean Kline

This week is an exciting time for family and friends to be out fishing and enjoying the outdoors, as daytime temperatures become more moderate and a wide variety of fish become more active as waters cool. 

 

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 29

Photo of man on a boat holding a Spanish Mackerel

Angler Alex Morgan caught a 28-inch Spanish mackerel in the Chesapeake Bay on September 18. Photo courtesy of Alex Morgan.

As September fades into October, cooling temperatures will bring on more true fall-like fishing conditions. Anglers in the upper Chesapeake Bay are putting more focus on the fall striped bass run, while lower Bay anglers are also trying to get their last shots at Spanish mackerel, red drum, bluefish, and spotted sea trout. Fishing for invasives such as northern snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish should be steady for the rest of the fall season. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 22

Photo of girl and boy on a dock, each holding a fish

Mia and Dominic Kronk got to go fishing with their father and enjoy a fun day on the Bay together. Photo by Kenny Kronk

The pleasant days of September offer wonderful opportunities to spend time with children and make lasting memories they will take into their adult life. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 1

Photo of young man holding a huge blue catfish on a riverbank

Zack Minnick was fishing below Great Falls on the Potomac River and managed to land this whopper of a blue catfish last weekend on his birthday. Photo by Sam Minnick

There are many fishing opportunities in Maryland and many anglers are taking full advantage of the late summer fishing scene.

Although the Labor Day weekend is traditionally the end of the summer vacation season, Marylanders know that great fishing will continue for the months to come.

Be sure to check the Maryland striped bass fishing advisory forecast and continue taking caution to help us protect this iconic species.

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Maryland Fishing Report – August 4

Photo of man and his daughter each holding a white perch

Evelyn Wike spent a weekend morning fishing for white perch with her dad near Annapolis. The smiles in this selfie say it all. Photo by Christopher J. Wike

Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and few things can be more rewarding than fishing with sons and daughters.

With striped bass fishing resuming this week, anglers should continue to check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species during harsh conditions.

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 28

Photo of angler holding a sea bass on a boat

Angler Garrett Bucy, age 14, caught this pretty sea bass while fishing with his dad off Ocean City.

The striped bass fishery will reopen Sunday, August 1. During the closure, anglers are targeting alternate species such as catfish, perch, spotted sea trout, red drum, bluefish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. Sea bass have been a reliable target fish for ocean anglers with the warm weather and calm seas.

Throughout the summer, be sure to check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species during harsh conditions.

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 21

Photo of boy holding channel catfish

Ethan Zlokovitz caught this channel catfish from shore on a menhaden chunk near the mouth of the Magothy River.

With the striped bass fishery currently closed, anglers are targeting alternate species such as catfish, perch, spotted sea trout, red drum, bluefish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel.

Anglers are reminded that the striped bass fishery is closed in the Chesapeake Bay until August 1 to lessen catch-and-release mortalities of undersized striped bass. Throughout the summer be sure to also check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species during harsh conditions.

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 14

Photo of woman holding up a snakehead

Dien Mbaku spent a summer day fishing for northern snakeheads near the Blackwater River in Dorchester County. Photo courtesy of Dien Mbaku

Summer heat is upon us and many are seeking relief near waters across the state, from cool mountain streams of Western Maryland to the surf and offshore sites of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a good opportunity to seek and pursue the wide variety of fish found in our waters.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers the upcoming striped bass closure period in the Chesapeake Bay begins July 16 and runs through July 31, to lessen catch-and-release mortalities of undersized striped bass. Throughout the summer be sure to also check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species during harsh conditions.

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