DNR Revamps Volunteer Angler Survey
Aidan and Colin Griffin proudly displaying thier catch.
Maryland’s online Volunteer Angler Survey now has a new look, an added fish species and great prizes! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed the new and improved survey to be more user-friendly, gather additional information and offer incentives to those who participate. Read more 
DNR Announces Snakehead Contest Winners
Dave Gedra of Fairfax Station, Va., caught his snakehead fishing in Mattawoman Creek
Three anglers won nearly $300 in prizes for catching and killing snakehead fish in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2012 Snakehead Contest. Through the contest, 256 anglers removed nearly 600 fish from the Potomac River system. To enter, participants shared their experiences on the Department’s Angler’s Log, reporting how they caught the invasive fish, where they found them, some even sharing delicious ways to prepare them. Read more
Yellow Perch Fishing Kicks Off the New Year
As the days grow longer, yellow perch fishing will start to heat up in the Upper Bay, some of its tributaries and salt ponds.
“Maryland hosts an excellent yellow perch fishery, which provides delicious fare for Maryland tables and fine outings for families, especially those with young anglers in need of a break from cabin fever,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. Read more
Governor O’Malley Names Larry Simns Admiral of the Chesapeake
Maryland Watermen’s Association founder celebrates 40 years of service
Simns speaking at the 2012 Juvenile Crab Population Announcement on April 19.
Governor Martin O’Malley has designated Larry Simns Admiral of the Chesapeake for his work as the chief advocate for Maryland’s watermen and their communities, and for his role in promoting changes to better ensure the sustainability of commercial fishing in the State. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin presented the award to Simns’ family, on January 18 at the 39th East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition in Ocean City. Read more
Down Year for Striped Bass Reproduction
Biologists attribute the drop to weather conditions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the 2012 striped bass juvenile index – a measure of striped bass spawning success in Chesapeake Bay – is below the long-term average this year.
“While we expect large variation in striped bass reproduction from year to year and do not view this low value as an imminent problem, we will be carefully monitoring the results of future surveys,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “Three consecutive years of poor reproduction would be necessary to trigger mandatory conservation measures.” Read more
Fall Trout Stocking to Begin in October
Trout being released after their journey from a local hatchery.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service is forecasting an early October start for the annual fall trout stocking program.
“Stocking dates and locations are dependent on water flow, temperatures and ground conditions at the delivery sites,” said DNR Inland Fisheries Chief Don Cosden. “Based on current conditions, we expect to begin stocking fish into popular ponds, creeks and rivers as early as the second week of October.”
Oregon Angler Catches Maryland State Record Catfish
Ed Jones from Aloha, Oregon caught a Maryland record blue catfish ─ weighing 84 pounds and measuring 52 inches long, with a girth of 36.5 inches ─ on August 13 in the Potomac River near Fort Washington. Jones and his guide, Captain Josh Fitchett of Montpelier, Va., kept the fish alive and took it into Fort Washington Marina to have it weighed and certified by a Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) Fisheries Service biologist.
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