Love Maryland’s Outdoors? There’s an App for That!
DNR launches mobile app featuring recreation opportunities and news updates
AccessDNR App
Enjoying Maryland’s great outdoors has never been easier with the Department of Natural Resource’s new mobile app! The AccessDNR app provides the State’s hunters, anglers, boaters, park-goers ─ anyone seeking outside adventure ─ all of the latest in nature-related recreation, information and news right at their fingertips.
Winners Named in Maryland Volunteer Angler Survey Contest
DNR seeks fishing observations from anglers statewide
Survey participants showing a successful Yellow Perch trip
Two anglers won $100 Bass Pro Shop gift cards for providing fishing trip information to the Maryland Volunteer Angler Survey last year. Taking home the prizes were Alisha Duquin of Hagerstown for reporting her observations to the multispecies freshwater portion, and Matt Stahl of Essex for supplying Yellow Perch information from his outing. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources relies on such anglers to provide data to help with fishery monitoring and management efforts. Read more 
Maryland to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
A young angler learning how to cast a line at last year’s event
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites anglers, hunters and anyone interested in the great outdoors to take part in the State’s 7th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration. Featuring exhibits from more than 30 sportsman clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses, visitors will enjoy exciting interactive activities including spin-casting, waterfowl calling, hunting dog demonstrations, as well as instructor-led archery and target shooting. Read more
$25,000 Diamond Jim on the Loose
Dylan Kimmel and his first ever Rockfish, tagged and ready to release. Photo by Beth Versak
More than $50,000 in prizes up for grabs during this year’s Fishing Challenge
The Diamond Jim component of the 2013 Maryland Fishing Challenge entered its final phase today when Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists and teams of young anglers caught, tagged and released around 200 striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay. One of the tagged fish is the official Diamond Jim worth as much as $25,000 to the angler who catches him between August 1 and midnight September 2, with the other tagged imposter rockfish worth at least $500 each. Read more
Deep Creek Lake State Park Prepares for Summer Season
DNR appoints new managers for State Park & Lake Management Area
Summer is here, and Deep Creek Lake State Park and Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) are ready for the throngs of visitors who enjoy Maryland’s largest manmade body of water. Read more
Change Coming to Maryland’s Commercial Striped Bass Fishery
DNR Sets a May 10 Striped Bass Commercial Control Date for Quota Allocation
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service is making a significant management change to the commercial Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass fishery. DNR is working to meet fishing industry goals, create a more sustainable system, increase accountability and make it easier for police to enforce the law. The system will also comply with new Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission requirements. These changes are the result of extensive meetings with the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission’s Striped Bass Industry Workgroup over the past 18 months. Read more
Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Spring Striped Bass Season to Open
Photo from Shawn Kimbro
With the spring season opener kicking off tomorrow, Maryland’s iconic striped bass, better known as rockfish, has area anglers preparing to get out on the water in hopes of reeling in a big one. Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay spring Striped Bass season opens at 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 with a one fish per person per day limit and a minimum size of 28 inches through May 15. Read more
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
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
