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Angler Rodney Hamm caught a 32.5-inch Chesapeake Channa in the Sassafras River in June. Photo courtesy of Rodney Hamm.

The summer heat is on, but there is plenty of great fishing to be had throughout Maryland. Make sure your fishing license is up to date!

As a reminder, under new regulations the Chesapeake Bay recreational striped bass fishery is open to harvest through July 31 and then closed the entire month of August, reopening Sept. 1. During the remaining striped bass season, anglers should check the forecast conditions and fish with caution to protect our iconic species from the stress of being targeted during times of high temperatures and low oxygen levels. Once anglers catch their daily limit (one fish per person per day, at least 19 inches and cannot exceed 24 inches), they should cease targeting striped bass and focus on other species, to limit the amount that are caught and released. If a striped bass isn’t a keeper, it should be released in the water without ever being removed.

Tips for safe catch and release are on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.

This is a great time to pursue the multiple other species in Maryland waters – particularly blue catfish found in almost every tidal river, and the challenging Chesapeake Channa, or northern snakehead, which is very active in warm temperatures. 

Regional reports for the Chesapeake Bay, freshwater fishing areas, and the Atlantic and coastal bays will return later this month. 

Rustin Moore holds a beautiful speckled trout he caught recently in the lower Bay. Photo courtesy of Rustin Moore

Milder temperatures are welcoming anglers to enjoy fishing across Maryland from the freshwater areas to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic waters. There is a wide variety of adventures waiting for anglers to explore. 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that water and air temperatures are elevated, and caution needs to be taken when fishing for striped bass.

Once anglers catch their daily limit, they should cease targeting striped bass and focus on other species, to limit the amount that are caught and released. If a striped bass isn’t a keeper, it should be released in the water without ever being removed.

Tips for safe catch and release are on the DNR website.

This happy angler pulled in a keeper-sized striped bass that was destined for the dinner table. Photo by Travis Long

This weekend marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and family gatherings, vacations, and fishing with family and friends will be a large part of the celebration. July 4 is a license-free fishing day throughout Maryland, so if you have a friend or relative who doesn’t currently fish, take them out with you. 

It is summertime in Maryland and families are enjoying vacations now that school is out and the Maryland outdoors invites anglers of all ages to enjoy fishing together.

Young Ella Hoenke gets some help holding on to a large red drum for a quick picture that she caught and released at Assateague Island. Photo by Kurt Hoenke

This happy angler holds up a keeper-sized striped bass caught in the Kent Narrows area. Photo by Craig Roberts

Maryland anglers are enjoying a wide range of fishing opportunities this week. Striped bass anglers are having a good week in all regions of the Chesapeake Bays, freshwater anglers are finding a variety of fish, and the fishing action at Ocean City is pleasing vacationers and locals.

This weekend marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year – Sunday, June 21. More daylight hours and warmer temperatures can be great for outdoor recreation, but it’s important to protect our natural resources so we can enjoy them for many summers to come.

The Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast is an awareness campaign ​​​​​aimed to reduce striped bass mortality from catch-and-release fishing in hot weather.​​

The Department of Natural Resources will monitor temperature forecasts and issue a general recommendation for each day of the coming week.

Jenna Barben was fishing in the lower Susquehanna when she caught this impressive Chesapeake Channa. Photo courtesy of Jenna Barben

There are plenty of fishing opportunities this week in Maryland waters from Ocean City surf to the cool waters of the western Maryland mountains.

Saturday, June 13 will be the second free fishing day this year where anglers over the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to legally fish in all of Maryland’s waters. July 4 will be the third and final day for anyone who does not have a fishing license to give fishing a try for the day. If you have a license, bring a friend!

As temperatures rise, the Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast is an awareness campaign ​​​​​aimed to reduce striped bass mortality from catch-and-release fishing in hot weather.​​ The Department of Natural Resources will monitor temperature forecasts and issue a general recommendation for each day of the coming week.

Striped Bass Fishing Advisory (June 10 – June 16)

John Green taught his grandson Gus Petrakis the finer points of catching yellow perch at Deep Creek Lake recently. Photo courtesy of John Green

Maryland offers free fishing days on June 6, June 13, and July 4, the perfect time to introduce a friend to freshwater or tidal fishing, with no fishing license or trout stamp needed. In this wonderful time of the year for fishing, it is great to have a mentor who can guide you, and this is the perfect opportunity. 

Children under 16 don’t need a license, so anytime is right for someone in their life to introduce them to the joys of fishing.  

On June 13, there will be a free Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) fishing derby and outreach event, Snakes on the Dundee V, at Gunpowder Falls State Park and Dundee Creek Marina. Information about the derby can be found on the DNR website.

Striped Bass Fishing Advisory (June 3 – June 9)

Brian Buckman is all smiles with this northern pike that he caught and released recently. Photo courtesy of Brian Buckman

It was a cloudy and overcast Memorial Day Weekend, not ideal for the beach and picnics, but a great one for fishing. Anglers across Maryland enjoyed a variety of different fishing adventures. 

Starting Monday June 1, fishing for striped bass will get a lot easier to understand when all waters of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers will open to striped bass fishing until July 31. A 19-inch to 24-inch slot will still be in effect, with a one fish per day limit for anglers. 

This weekend we’ll see the second full moon of this month, designating it a blue moon. This will trigger the annual May worm swarms and fish will take full advantage of the nutritious feast. Spot have arrived in many portions of the Bay and anglers are reminded that they must use non-offset circle hooks when targeting striped bass with live bait or cut bait.

Young Emerson Desmond and family went out with a Chesapeake Bay fishing guide and he caught this striped bass. Photo by Travis Long

Summer is knocking on the door with the recent hot weather and the Memorial Day weekend upon us. Increasingly, families and friends will be out fishing and enjoying quality time together.  

David Strum caught and released this beautiful chain pickerel in Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo courtesy of David Strum

A lot of moms celebrated Mother’s Day last weekend fishing with sons, daughters and husbands, a wonderful way to celebrate time together. There continue to be a lot of fishing opportunities this week. Fishing for black sea bass offshore of Ocean City to striped bass in the Chesapeake and freshwater fishing for a variety of species, including chain pickerel.

Starting May 16 striped bass closure boundaries will move up the tidal rivers a bit, allowing anglers more access into the bay’s tidal rivers. Although the current lack of rain has been tough on gardens, lawns, farmers and some spawning runs; the bay’s water clarity is a sight to behold. In many areas, five to six feet of visibility is not unheard of. Chesapeake Bay grasses are coming on strong. 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries management programs encourage anglers to help fisheries managers understand catch effort and harvest information from anglers participating in the various volunteer angler surveys, which can be found on the DNR website. 

Dylan Shirk holds up a big Channa that he caught in a Kent County creek. Photo courtesy of Dylan Shirk

Maryland anglers have a wide range of fish to target this week. The 2026 striped bass season is now open in many portions of the Chesapeake Bay. The 2026 black sea bass season is open off the shores of Ocean City. Trout are still being stocked in waters around the state, and a wide range of freshwater fish are available, including the Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead).

Scout McNamara is all smiles with this beautiful rainbow trout he caught at a fishing rodeo event at a Westminster community pond. Photo by Gordon McNamara

There is much excitement in the Chesapeake Bay fishing community this week, as many areas will be open to striped bass anglers to keep a fish within the slot size. Starting Friday, May 1, anglers can keep one striped bass per day measuring 19-24 inches in the Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line, excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers, except Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds and all Potomac River tributaries downstream of the Nice Memorial Bridge (U.S. 301). The spawning rivers will still be off limits to all fishing for striped bass. Anglers trolling will still be limited to six lines, barbless hooks and no stinger hooks. 

Freshwater anglers are enjoying trout fishing, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass fishing is good, and our younger anglers are enjoying fishing with family members. 

Charlotte Akers caught her first fish, a bluegill, while fishing with her dad and represents the next generation of anglers and conservationists. Photo by Adam Akers

In April we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day, and it’s a good time for anglers to reflect on all the outdoor opportunities that our predecessor generations helped provide through conservation efforts. Perhaps while you’re out fishing, pick up someone else’s trash, be it some discarded fishing line or paper, just to help in some small way.

Megan Haas is all smiles with this 16-inch golden rainbow trout. “My personal best, such a great moment!” Photo courtesy of Megan Haas

We are experiencing some gorgeous weather this week, and we hope you can find time to enjoy the wonderful fishing opportunities this week. Maryland Department of Natural Resources trout hatchery crews and biologists are busy stocking trout in many of the trout management waters. Perhaps one trout that usually lights up a smile on a trout angler is the golden rainbow trout.

Eason Feng caught this large rainbow trout while fishing in the Patuxent River and catching this large rainbow trout. Photo courtesy of Xiaoying Liu

The spring weather invites all to enjoy the outdoors as the Maryland landscape blossoms and waters warm. It provides a perfect mix for relaxing fishing at your favorite spot. Trout fishing is often at the top of the list for freshwater anglers during April and the hatchery crews are doing their best to ensure good fishing experiences.

Anglers can receive trout stocking updates and newsletters about Maryland Department of Natural Resources activities and information by signing up for our email subscription service. This is a valuable service to all anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

DNR also invites anglers to participate in the volunteer angler surveys. ​Here is your chance to directly help with fisheries management. The information you provide is essential in understanding valuable species and helps scientists and fishery managers monitor harvest and catch data. ​Explore the angler survey webpage and record your fishing experiences. 

Collin Martin enjoyed fishing on the Big Gunpowder Falls with his dad when he caught these rainbow trout recently. Photo courtesy of Lambert Martin

It is no April Fool’s joke – fun fishing abounds in Maryland this week. Hatchery crews and biologists are busy stocking the trout management waters, fishing for other freshwater fish species is good, and anglers are enjoying the striped bass catch-and-release season in the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay from the between Abby Point to Worton Point in the upper bay down to the Virginia state line and the Potomac River will be open to catch-and-release fishing for striped bass through April 30. The DNR website has a wealth of information about regulations for this recreational striped bass season. 

Jack Proctor went fishing with his grandfather and mom on youth trout day and had a wonderful time. Photo by Tammi Garnand

Spring has officially arrived and anglers are looking forward to the traditional opening day of trout season. The central and western regions hold the greatest numbers of trout management areas listed as “closure 1” that were recently stocked and are open to fishing at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. Good luck to all and enjoy a fun day. 

Our youngest trout anglers had their day last Saturday for the Youth Trout Fishing Day and it was a grand success for children and beaming parents.

Angelina Watts holds up a pretty Choptank River yellow perch. Photo by Rich Watts

Two fish herald spring for most anglers in Maryland: the yellow perch for tidal anglers and the trout for freshwater anglers. Both are available this month. The yellow perch spawning runs are underway and trout are being caught in the trout management waters known as closure 0, which are now open. Our young anglers under the age of 16 will have their special day on Saturday, March 21, when they can fish the closure 1 trout management waters. The traditional trout opener for all anglers is March 28. 

The 2026 striped bass season dates have been set for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries – the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website has details. 

The website FishingBooker recently published its fourth annual list of the best US fishing states, and Maryland moved up several spaces to No. 2 (previously placing 7th in 2025 and 11th in 2024). Among numerous factors considered were consistent demand and widespread appeal among anglers; exceptional access to bays, rivers, tidal systems, and nearshore Atlantic waters; and being a comparatively cost-balanced destination.  According to the website, “with roughly a fifth of the state covered by water, Maryland offers outstanding opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater anglers.”

Bob Barber holds up a beautiful walleye from the upper Potomac River. Photo by Kevin Wilson

Warmer weather has been inviting anglers to enjoy fishing across Maryland. Trout stockings are providing good trout fishing in the waters that are open for fishing, yellow perch are beginning their spawning runs, and many species of freshwater fish are becoming active.

Tom O’Connell kneels before a nice catch of yellow perch from Piney Reservoir. Photo by Austin Meyermann

Marylanders made it through the cold temperatures of January and February, and perhaps the only reminder left is some patches of snow and ice, and our heating bills. Maryland’s ice-fishing anglers rejoiced in the cold winter and enjoyed good fishing in many of the western region’s reservoirs

Anglers should note that most tidal rivers in Maryland’s portion are closed to catch-and-release fishing for striped bass. Striped bass will be pushing into the spawning rivers this month and need to be protected from the stress of catch-and-release in the low salinity waters of the tidal rivers. The Maryland DNR website can help guide anglers to areas closed or open to catch-and-release fishing for striped bass. 

Red Chapman is happy with the first striped bass he has ever caught while on a recent outing on the Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Travis Long

Anglers are now picking the days they fish based on weather, and there will be those sunny days with little wind that will invite anglers to wet a line.

After December 10, the 2025 striped bass season will be closed in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. The tidal Potomac River and Virginia waters will be open to striped bass fishing through December 31. In Maryland’s portion of the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays, and their tributaries, anglers may catch and keep one striped bass 28-31 inches in length per day. Catch-and-release fishing for striped bass is allowed in all Maryland waters during this time.

This is our final weekly Maryland Fishing Report for 2025 – we will resume in early 2026. As 2025 ends, we look back on an exciting year for Maryland fishing. Four new state records set in the Atlantic Division, two in the Chesapeake Division, and one in the Invasive Division. The state record program strives to showcase the quality of fishing opportunities in Maryland. We also saw eleven anglers reach the milestone award of Master Angler by catching ten different qualifying fish species for the FishMaryland program, and there were also numerous Expert Angler and other achievement levels. Check our website for all the ways to get involved in this rewarding program. 

If you have a fishing friend on your holiday shopping list, you can buy them a Maryland fishing license or hard-card license on the MD Outdoors licensing site. And remember it’s always a good time to introduce new people to the excitement of fishing.

Read more…

Darwin Hayward traveled far off the Ocean City shores to the deepwater canyons to catch this blueline tilefish. Photo courtesy of Darwin Hayward

Maryland anglers are adjusting to the colder weather and water temperatures and enjoying good fishing when the weather allows

Cooper Goff puts his back into it as he battles a large blue catfish in the Conowingo Dam Pool while his father offers encouragement. Photo by Jason Zhensheng Li

Colder weather is upon us but there are wonderful fishing opportunities for anglers who dress warmly.

Robert Bennett III recently caught this beautifully colored rainbow trout in the North Branch Potomac River, Barnum area. Photo by Robert Bennett III

Warm days of early fall are well behind us and the leaves have fallen, but there is still a lot of good fishing to be had in the Chesapeake Bay and freshwater areas.

This angler enjoyed a calm evening and beautiful sunset recently before the winds arrived. Photo by Travis Long

The colder weather of late fall and early winter is knocking on our door. A cold front has swept across Maryland this week, so anglers will need to bundle up.

Striped bass, photo by Travis Long

Late fall is definitely arriving, with frost showing up in the mornings, leaves falling, and anglers bundling up when fishing. Sneakers are being replaced with knee boots and warm hats and coats prevail and gloves are soon to follow. The sunny days of fall offer fun opportunities for a day of fishing.

You can rest assured that young Mark Figgins has a big smile on his face behind this big largemouth bass that he holds up for a picture before releasing it. Photo by Mark Figgins

The fall months offer comfortable temperatures for plenty of outdoor fun and the scenery of the changing foliage is icing on the cake. It is a wonderful time to share good times fishing together.

Photo by Keith Lockwood

Despite the strong autumn winds we’ve been experiencing lately, anglers can find a lee shore or perhaps a tucked away quiet piece of water to enjoy fishing and the fall foliage. This is a wonderful month to enjoy the outdoors, so don’t miss it.

The 2025 striped bass young of the year survey results have been released and although they show an improvement over the past couple years, it’s still below the long-term survey average.

Justin Lynch was fishing in the lower Chesapeake Bay recently when he caught and released this large red drum. Photo courtesy of Justin Lynch

Fair skies abound this week as the recent Nor’easter is just a memory. There is plenty of good fishing to be found this week as mild temperatures and sunny weather have moved in across the state.

Cayla Beam found tranquility and a Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) on the Transquaking River recently. Photo courtesy of Cayla Beam

October presents a wonderful opportunity to spend some time fishing in the comfort of mild temperatures and the beautiful settings of fall foliage and peaceful waters.

Herb Floyd left his familiar and beloved Chesapeake Bay for some fishing at Deep Creek Lake recently, and holds up a northern pike he caught and released. Photo by Herb Floyd

It is always fun for anglers to strike out on a new fishing adventure. Venturing to an unexplored body of water or looking for a different species than usual can add a little spice to your fishing experience.

William Sharpe is all smiles with this large Chesapeake Channa (aka northern snakehead) he caught recently. Photo by William Sharpe

Anglers are finding many of our fisheries in a transition from warmer summer to cooler fall temperatures, and fish are feeding aggressively.

Rustin Moore is all smiles with this beautiful red drum that he caught and released in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy of Rustin Moore

We will experience some wet weather for a few days, but the forecast looks good for the weekend. Anglers are enjoying good fishing in all areas of Maryland. 

The best of friends, Vinny Spilker, Kayson Blachowicz and Cullen Goles take their fishing seriously when fishing for Chesapeake Channa. Photo courtesy of the “Fearsome Threesome”

September is a remarkable month, with one foot dragging along a little summer weather and yet taking another noticeable step into fall. It is the best of both worlds and fishing could hardly be better.

Abby Egan went fishing with her dad on the Patuxent River for blue catfish and is all smiles holding one she caught. Photo by S. Egan

Labor Day is now to our stern, but there is still plenty of time to take the kids fishing after school and on the weekends to enjoy the marvelous weather.

Chris Aaron asked his dad to take him fishing before he headed back to school and it was a good suggestion – here Chris holds up a keeper-sized striped bass he caught in front of Thomas Point Light. Photo by Aaron Beger.

The Labor Day weekend is arriving and the traditional end to summer is upon us. Family vacations usually come to a halt when children head back to school, but there is always time for fishing after school or on weekends.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Striped Bass Advisory Forecast also ends for the season this weekend, as the hottest part of the year is typically behind us. For anglers catching any striped bass they intend to keep, DNR encourages you to continue following good catch-and-release practices to help protect this iconic species for future generations to enjoy.

Luke Wrye shows what can be found in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean with this beautiful golden tilefish caught August 15. Photo courtesy of Luke Wrye.

The coastal areas are seeing heavy surf and higher than normal tides, and perhaps strong winds will occur later this week. It’s a good time to fish in more protected waters or perhaps just stand on the beach and watch nature’s fury.  

A reminder to all Maryland anglers, please participate in DNR’s Volunteer Angler Surveys. This allows citizen scientists to contribute valuable data to the monitoring and management of several important fish species.

In particular, striped bass anglers are urged to report their catches and fish they release, which is very helpful to striped bass biologists helping monitor this iconic species. 

Dominic Rizzo proudly holds up a beautiful walleye he caught on the upper Potomac River while fishing with his dad and grandfather. Photo by Dominic Rizzo Jr.

As we approach the halfway mark of August, fitting in a vacation before school starts is often on the mind of parents. Enjoying fishing adventures is a big part of family memories spanning the generations.

With some hot days back in the forecast, remember to take care when catching and releasing any striped bass. Visit the Department of Natural Resources website for tips on catch-and-release fishing, and check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast below to help plan your fishing trip.

Cayla Beam is happy to land her first Chesapeake Channa. Photo by Justin Wilson

The summer fun continues across Maryland, as the White Marlin Open in Ocean City has begun and is attracting anglers from many distant ports. Many anglers are also seeking out more local and satisfying fishing such as Chesapeake Channa, AKA northern snakehead, in the Bay’s tidal rivers this week.

Angler Chhaya Muth caught and released a 37.5-inch red drum in the Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy of Chhaya Muth

It may be hot out but there is plenty of great fishing to be had throughout Maryland. Be sure to pack some fishing gear or charter a fishing trip and make some lasting family memories.

The 2025 striped bass season will reopen in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay this coming Friday, August 1. Once the season begins, anglers are urged to use the best catch-and-release practices since water temperatures in the Bay are in the upper 80s and very stressful for striped bass. Fish should be brought in as quickly as possible and released in the water if they are above or below the required slot size of 19-24 inches. The larger fish most often have a more difficult time with heat stress.

Jake Prior holds up a big Chesapeake Channa he caught recently. Photo courtesy of Jake Prior

Marylanders are out enjoying the outdoors as we find ourselves in the peak of the summer vacation season. Anglers are finding good fishing in the tidal rivers for Chesapeake Channa.

Anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are reminded that all fishing and targeting of striped bass is closed from July 16 through July 31. Striped bass fishing resumes Aug. 1 through Dec. 10 with a slot size of 19-24 inches and a limit of one fish per day per angler.

Joseph Pfister was fishing in an upper Chesapeake Bay tidal river when he caught this big Chesapeake Channa, aka northern snakehead. Photo courtesy of Joseph Pfister

We’re in the peak of summer and people across Maryland can be seen traveling the roads for family vacation destinations. For many, fishing and enjoying the outdoors will be part of the fun, and with school out our younger anglers get to indulge in fishing. 

Anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are reminded that all fishing and targeting of striped bass is closed from July 16 through July 31. Striped bass fishing resumes Aug. 1 through Dec. 10 with a slot size of 19-24 inches and a limit of one fish per day per angler.

Angler Dawn Hughes caught this speckled trout (also known as a spotted sea trout) while fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Daniel Hughes.

The peak of the summer season is here and a time for vacations, relaxing on the water, and of course, fishing.

As a reminder, striped bass fishing of any kind will be off limits in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from July 16-31. This annual summer break for our state fish helps protect them during the high water temperature and low oxygen conditions of the hottest part of summer, when the stress of catch-and-release fishing can cause a higher mortality rate. The goal is to conserve the spawning stock for future generations of anglers. In the meantime, there are many other great fishing opportunities. 

Joey Creman caught this spot for her first fish recently. Photo by Dan Pogonowski

It’s Independence Day weekend, the kids are out of school, and summer is officially here – all wonderful things. Summer offers a fantastic time to get the whole family out for a fishing adventure tuned to their capabilities.

July 4 is designated as a Free Fishing Day where no fishing license is needed to fish any of Maryland’s nontidal or tidal waters. Take advantage of this special day by taking a friend or neighbor who has never fished or hasn’t for a while, and help them discover the adventure of fishing. 

This holiday weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will conduct its 17th annual Operation Dry Water, focusing on heightened outreach, education, and enforcement, particularly on the importance of sober boating. Let’s all stay safe out there!

Leroy and Devin Tunnage had a wonderful day fishing with a light tackle fishing guide on the Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy of Travis Long

There is plenty of good fishing to be found in Maryland this week and for those wishing to fish open waters and not owning a boat, there are fishing guides, light tackle fishing guides, charter boats, and party boats to take customers out fishing. They are in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces.

Speckled trout are one of those species and Rexx Williamson caught and released this beautiful specimen. Photo Courtesy of Rexx Williamson

Maryland anglers are seeing some wonderful fishing opportunities this week as freshwater species settle into predictable patterns and an influx of summer marine species begin to move into Maryland waters. 

Maryland offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities, as this happy angler found on a party boat out of Ocean City, fishing for black sea bass. Photo by Monty Hawkins

One of the most wonderful things about fishing is that anyone can do it anytime and almost anywhere.

Nicole Lentz holds a large Chesapeake Channa she caught recently in Dundee Creek. Photo courtesy of Nicole Lentz

We approach the longest daylight hours of the year that reach a peak on the summer solstice June 20. There are extra daylight hours to go fishing so get outdoors!

The first two Saturdays in June – this year, June 7 and June 14 – are free fishing days in Maryland, when anglers do not need to have a fishing license, are a perfect time to introduce someone to the joys of fishing. 

Striped bass anglers are urged to report their catches and fish they release on the DNR Volunteer Angler Survey. The information from anglers is very important to the striped bass biologists. 

Kyle Beliczky holds up a large Chesapeake Channa, or northern snakehead, he caught while fishing in the Rhode River. Photo courtesy of Kyle Beliczky

There are fun fishing adventures waiting out there and hopefully everyone can spend some time at their favorite fishing hole, or perhaps seek out a new spot or species. The first two Saturdays in June are free fishing days where no fishing license is required, so consider taking a friend fishing – it could change their life for the better.

Siblings Aiden and Mia Slattery teamed up to enjoy fishing for white perch together. Photo by Keith Lockwood

There is a lot of great fishing to enjoy this week from western Maryland to the coastal regions. One fishing scene that will be enjoyed by our youngest and oldest anglers are white perch, which can now be found near docks in every tidal river and creek of the Chesapeake Bay.