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Maryland Fishing Report – November 12

Man on a boat holding a fish with the sunsetting over the water behind him

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 5

Woman on a boat bundled up for cold weather, holding a fish

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 29

Boy holding a fish near near the water's edge

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 22

Man on a small boat on a lake with autumn trees in the background

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 15

Man on a boat holding a fish

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 8

Woman on a small boat holding a fish

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 1

Man on a small boat holding a fish

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 24

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

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 17

Man next to the bay holding a fish

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. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 10

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”

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 3

Girl in a small boat holding a fish

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.

 

 

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Maryland Fishing Report – August 27

Boy in a boat holding a fish with a lighthouse behind him

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.

Striped Bass Fishing Advisory Forecast

 

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Maryland Fishing Report – August 20

Man on a boat holding a fish

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. 

Striped bass 7-day fishing advisory forecast August 20-26: Green flag days all week.

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Maryland Fishing Report – August 13

Father and son, holding a fish, on a small boat in a river

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.

Striped bass 7-day fishing advisory forecast for August 13-19, yellow flag days on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Monday; green flag days on Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday.

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Maryland Fishing Report – August 6

Woman holding a large fish

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.

Striped bass 7-day fishing advisory forecast August 6-12: Green flag days all week.

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 30

Man on a small boating holding a fish

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.

Striped bass 7-day fishing advisory forecast July 30-August 5: Wednesday and Thursday, season closed; Friday through Tuesday, green flag

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 23

Man on a small boat in the marshes holding a large fish

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 16

Young man in a small boat in the marshes, holding a fish

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 9

Woman on a boat holding a fish

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. 

Striped Bass Advisory Forecast

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 2

Girl on a boat holding a fish

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! Striped Bass Advisory Forecast

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 25

Leroy and Devin Tunnage had a wonderful day fishing with a light tackle fishing guide on the Chesapeake Bay.

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.

 

Striped Bass Advisory Forecast

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 18

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

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. 

 

Striped Bass Advisory Forecast

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 11

Woman on a boat on the ocean, holding a fish

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.

 

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Maryland Fishing Report – June 4

Woman holding a fish on a riverbank

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. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 28

Man holding a large fish near some tall grass

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 21

Boy and girl on a pier with a fish they caught

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.

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 14

Boy at a stream with a fish on the end of a line.

Kane Kaftol shows off his first fish, a bluegill sunfish that he caught while fishing with his dad at Gwynbrook Pond. Photo by Alex Kaftol

The warmer weather of late spring beckons us all to explore the Maryland outdoors, and fishing is a wonderful way to introduce our youngest explorers to it. Most adult anglers can remember their first introduction to fishing and the feisty bluegill sunfish often provided that first catch.

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Maryland Fishing Report – May 7

Young man holding a fish in a river

Logan Weddle was enjoying wading on the upper Potomac when he caught and released this beautiful trophy sized 21-inch smallmouth bass recently. Photo courtesy of Logan Weddle

May is upon us and warm temperatures beckon all to enjoy the outdoors of Maryland. Fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy nature and the peace and solitude that comes with being near water.

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Maryland Fishing Report – April 30

Woman holding a fish

Ivanna Harshman holds up a nice tautog she caught in the Ocean City Inlet recently. Photo by Mary Harshman

This week holds promise for anglers across Maryland from the western mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Warmer weather makes being outdoors –  and especially fishing – a fun experience. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – April 23

Man in a small boat holding a fish

Vincent Tucciarella holds up a large specimen that he caught in the lower Susquehanna River recently. Photo courtesy of Vincent Tucciarella

Warm springtime temperatures not only provide us with comfortable outdoor activities, but rising air temperatures and bright sunlight also warm our Maryland waters and cause many fish to become more active. The Chesapeake Channa, commonly known as the northern snakehead, is one of those fish that is responding to the weather.

The Cooperative Oxford Laboratory is hosting an open house April 26 in conjunction with Oxford Day, where you can stop by and talk to Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists. Bring the family for a fun day in Oxford – you don’t want to miss the parade down Main Street.

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Maryland Fishing Report – April 16

Man holding a fish standing next to a stream in a wooded area

Kai Archer enjoyed trout fishing on the upper Patuxent River recently and caught this trophy rainbow trout. Photo courtesy of Kai Archer

There are many fishing opportunities in Maryland this week for angler of all ages, from excellent trout fishing provided by generous stockings, to many different freshwater species becoming active statewide, to surf and offshore fishing in the Ocean City area.

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Maryland Fishing Report – April 9

Girl near small creek holding a fish

Imogen Weaver had some fun catching and releasing hickory shad near Octoraro Creek. Photo courtesy of Imogen Weaver.

Winter is not quite ready to release its grasp, but the fishing is good regardless of the air temperature, from the Atlantic coast to the western mountains. Trout fishing in the put-and-take areas is very popular this month with anglers of all ages. Meanwhile, hickory shad are showing up for some exciting catch-and-release action. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – April 2

Man in a river holding a trout

John Jackson holds up a beautiful rainbow trout he caught in the Patapsco River on the opening day of trout season. Photo courtesy of John Jackson

Recent warm and sunny weather was all it took to encourage families and friends to be outside and enjoy the Maryland outdoors. The traditional opening day of trout season brought out anglers young and old this past weekend as well as other places to fish in Maryland.

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Maryland Fishing Report – March 26

Woman and child holding a fish

Gregory Garland went fishing with his mom on the youth trout fishing day, and based on the smiles they had a wonderful time at 15 Mile Creek. Photo by Cassidy Garland.

Maryland’s second second annual youth trout fishing day was beautiful and sunny, perfect to introduce our next generation of anglers to streams and ponds across the state. The traditional opening day for all trout anglers is Saturday, March 29, and it also promises to be a bright and sunny day for everyone.

Based on angler feedback, we’ve modified our regulations on circle hooks in Maryland’s tidal waters. You now have more flexibility when using certain live finfish on a hook to catch other fish, known as “live-lining:” You can use either circle hooks, J-style hooks, or jig heads when live-lining with certain species listed in our bait regulations, or with most bait species less than 4 inches in length, with the exception of spot or white perch. This basically means those fishing for yellow perch and other species such as crappie and Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) can use J-hooks or shad darts with common small baitfish such as minnows and shiners. 

Note that circle hooks are still required when using spot or white perch as live bait. These changes maintain protections for striped bass while giving anglers more options when targeting other species. 

The Maryland striped bass project is reaching out to anglers to help collect data on anglers catches of our state fish, including catch-and-release fishing or the required release of striped bass below or above the slot sizes. If you have been fishing for striped bass, please consider participating in our Mobile Volunteer Angler Survey found on the DNR website. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – March 19

Photo of man fishing in a river at sunset

Photo by Tommy O’Connell

Spring is making its presence known, and the warm sunny days are bringing out anglers. Maryland’s special youth trout fishing day is Saturday, March 22 and the traditional opening day of trout season is March 29. No matter what you fish for, enjoy the peace and serenity of the outdoors and perhaps a beautiful sunset after work.

The Maryland striped bass project is reaching out to anglers to help collect data on anglers catches of our state fish, including catch-and-release fishing or the required release of striped bass below or above the slot sizes. If you have been fishing for striped bass, please consider participating in our Mobile Volunteer Angler Survey found on the DNR website.

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Maryland Fishing Report – March 12

Photo of man on a dock holding a fish

Karon Hickman caught this nice yellow perch recently while fishing with a small soft plastic jig in the Choptank River. Photo courtesy of Karon Hickman

Spring is slowly beginning to emerge with signs of warmer weather ahead. Spring fishing is already kicking into high gear with yellow perch and white perch spawning runs, plus the promise of the traditional opening day of trout season on March 29. In addition to stocking waters under closure until that day, hatchery crews are also stocking community ponds and lakes that can be fished now. Check out the trout stocking website and enjoy some local fishing.

The 2025 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is now available at license dealers, and the state’s fishing regulations are always available and up to date on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.

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Maryland Fishing Report – Midwinter 2025

Photo of fish being held

This beautiful brown trout is an example of the wonderful catch and release opportunities available in some of the special trout management waters. Photo by John Mullican, Maryland DNR

The cold hand of winter may be loosening its icy grip on the Maryland landscape with warmer temperatures forecast this week. Fast-moving streams and creeks in the western region are providing excellent trout fishing opportunities. 

The 2025 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is expected to be available by the end of February. A few sportfish regulations have been announced that would interest Chesapeake Bay anglers. 

The 2025 striped bass recreational and charter boat summer and fall fishery for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River will run from May 16, 2025, through July 15, 2025, and August 1, 2025, through December 10, 2025. Minimum size for striped bass is 19 inches and the maximum size for striped bass is 24 inches. 

The bluefish regulations will be the same as last year: three bluefish for recreational anglers fishing from private boats or shore, and five from charter or for-hire boats with a minimum size of 8 inches and no closed season. Summer flounder minimum size will be 16 inches from January 11 through May 31. The minimum size will be 17.5 inches from June 1 through December 31, the creel limit is four fish per day for anglers for both seasons. The cobia season for Maryland will be closed through June 14; a subsequent notice regarding regulations for the remainder of the season will be issued at a later date. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – December 18

Photo of sunset from the back of a boat.

This Chesapeake Bay sunset helped close out the 2024 striped bass season. Photo by Keith Lockwood

This will be the last weekly fishing report of 2024. All of us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wish you the happiest holidays with family and friends. There is still plenty of fishing to be had during the winter months so please be sure to check what’s in season and enjoy. 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are seeking nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. Nominations for the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award are being accepted now through January 31, 2025. Recipients will receive a proclamation signed by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and the chair of the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission. More information about the nominating process is on the DNR website. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – December 11

Man in a stream holding a fish and a net

Chris Madden found a bit of fishing nirvana and this beautiful rainbow trout on a western Maryland catch-and-release stream recently. Photo by Chris Madden

Although Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic waters are becoming cold, there is still plenty of excellent fishing to be found across Maryland and the ocean waters.

Recreational striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake Bay closed on Dec. 10. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration are now posted on the ASFMC website.

Scientists from a variety of government and non-government organizations will meet for a workshop in February to discuss key factors impacting striped bass populations and management needs. This workshop, hosted by Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Committee, was prompted by concerns from the public, so we have created a short survey for commercial and recreational anglers to help us better understand the public priorities for the agenda. The survey can be taken in  English​ or Spanish. Results will be collected through December 18.

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Maryland Fishing Report – December 4

Photo of man on a lake shore holding up a fish

Vincent Tucciarella holds up a nice chain pickerel he caught in Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo courtesy of Vincent Tucciarella

Cold weather has settled in, and if you dress warmly and keep your feet dry, there is plenty of good fishing to be found throughout Maryland. Coastal anglers are enjoying an epic bluefin tuna bite off Ocean City and tautog at the inlet. 

Inland, one fish that excites cold weather anglers is the chain pickerel.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration are now posted on the ASFMC website

The Commission will host an Informational Webinar on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. to review the management options developed by the Technical Committee and provide the public with sufficient background information to inform the development and submission of public comment by December 10. Register for the webinar online, and for more information, including public comment opportunities, see the press release on the ASFMC website

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 27

Photo of man holding a fish

Chesapeake Channa, photo by Vincent Volinski.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources wishes everyone peace and renewed family bonds this holiday, as we reflect on all the things we are grateful for and hopefully enjoy a long weekend. Despite the weather getting a little chilly out there, once the sun shines there is a wonderful array of fishing to be had this week. 

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration will be posted on the ASFMC website by December 3. The Commission will host an Informational Webinar on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. to review the management options developed by the Technical Committee and provide the public with sufficient background information to inform the development and submission of public comment by December 10. Register for the webinar online, and for more information, including public comment opportunities, see the Commission’s press release

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 20

Photo of young man in a river with a large fish

Luca Tucciarella will certainly have fond memories of the day he caught this large northern pike at Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo by Vincent Tucciarella

There are plenty of good fishing opportunities this week across Maryland and our offshore waters. Anglers are urged to get out and enjoy the action, which may provide wonderful memories to reflect on this winter.  

Nick Perez of Perryville recently earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Department’s FishMaryland program. He is the 15th Master Angler and his daughter Lucy Moore was the 10th Master Angler and the first youth and female angler to reach that milestone. 

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration will be posted on the ASFMC website by December 3. The Commission will host an Informational Webinar on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. to review the management options developed by the Technical Committee and provide the public with sufficient background information to inform the development and submission of public comment by December 10. Register for the webinar online, and for more information, including public comment opportunities, see the Commission’s press release

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 13

Photo of young man with a fish

Flounder, photo by Monty Hawkins

There are plenty of excellent fishing opportunities this week across Maryland and our offshore waters, don’t miss out on the exciting action. Bundle up and enjoy good fishing before the cold of winter descends upon us, and most importantly take the younger anglers with you. Memories and smiles will last a lifetime.

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Maryland Fishing Report – November 6

Photo of girl holding a large fish

Frankie Goff hoists up this large blue catfish she caught at the Conowingo Dam pool. Photo by Don Goff

Maryland anglers will be dressing a little warmer this month, but the fishing action is still hot for a variety of species.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 30

Photo of man on aboat holding a fish

Herb Floyd enjoyed some light tackle fishing in the Chesapeake Bay recently, catching this red drum. Photo by Rhonda Floyd

A change of seasons is all around us this week, vibrant colors abound, the mornings have a little more chill in them, and anglers are enjoying fishing across Maryland.  

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2024 young-of-year index is 2.0, well below the long-term average of 11.0, and marks the sixth consecutive year of poor reproduction.

Efforts to rebuild the Atlantic Coast population of striped bass have been ongoing for several years. Although recent population estimates indicate improvement, low levels of reproduction will influence future conservation measures under consideration by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 23

Photo of man in a small boat holding a fish

Angler Manny Gomez caught a 27.1-inch spotted seatrout, also called a speckled trout, in the Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy of Manny Gomez

Mild weather conditions and a full spectrum of fall fishing opportunities await anglers this week from the mountains of Western Maryland to the Atlantic. 

With the fall fishing season well underway, anglers are encouraged to participate in the Department of Natural Resources’ volunteer angler surveys. This is a chance for anglers to directly help with fisheries management. The information you provide assists the Department’s fisheries biologists with collection of important data, including species caught, harvest (fish kept), total catches, and fish released.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 16

Photo of boy on a boat holding a large fish

Theodore Post has his hands full holding this large sheepshead he caught at the Ocean City Inlet. Photo by Courtney Hevner

The mornings show signs of the approaching colder weather, but the daytime air temperatures and sunny weather are delightful. Trout anglers are enjoying the fall stocking of trout, while Chesapeake Bay and coastal anglers are focusing on a variety of fish.

With the fall fishing season well underway, anglers are encouraged to participate in the Department of Natural Resources’ volunteer angler surveys. This is a chance for anglers to directly help with fisheries management. The information you provide assists the Department’s fisheries biologists with collection of important data, including species caught, harvest (fish kept), total catches, and fish released.

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 9

Photo of man holding a large fish in the evening

Steve Evans caught this large flathead recently just below the Conowingo Dam pool on the lower Susquehanna River. Photo courtesy of Steven Evans

Marylanders continue to see temperatures dip as we move our way through October. Fishing could hardly be better for a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish. To the delight of trout anglers, the fall trout stocking program has begun. Other anglers set their sights on fish like the invasive flathead catfish.

With the fall fishing season well underway, anglers are encouraged to participate in the Department of Natural Resources’ volunteer angler surveys. This is a chance for anglers to directly help in fisheries management. The information you provide assists the Department’s fisheries biologists with collection of important data, including species caught, harvest (fish kept), total catches, and fish released. 

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Maryland Fishing Report – October 2

Photo of several people on a boat holding fish

The Casanova family enjoyed a wonderful fishing trip together for bluefish in the lower bay recently that will cement long lasting family memories. Photo by Travis Long

October temperatures and hungry fish are setting the stage for fun fishing adventures. Families and friends are taking advantage of setting out to enjoy the outdoors from western Maryland to our coastal waters. Don’t miss this extraordinary time to enjoy fishing together.

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Maryland Fishing Report – September 25

Photo of young boy on a boat holding a fish

Bluefish, photo by Travis Long

Little by little, summer is losing its grip on the Maryland landscape, with cooler nights and milder daytime temperatures. Fish feel it too, and they are feeding aggressively and putting on body stores for what lies ahead. A perfect example are the bluefish in the Chesapeake Bay that are large and fat. 

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