Natural Resources News
Horseshoe Crabs Begin Migration onto Atlantic Coast
Citizens Can Help Scientific Survey of Ancient Creature
Maryland DNR photo
The annual spawning migration of horseshoe crabs – Limulus polyphemus – is now returning to Maryland beaches. The peak of the horseshoe crab spawn depends on late spring and early summer high tides, culminating on or around each full and new moon in June. Dating back an estimated 350 million years, this yearly event along the Atlantic coast is thought to be the world’s oldest and largest wildlife migration.
Biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) monitor the returning horseshoe crab population for ecological and scientific research purposes. The department encourages the public to report any spawning activity and sightings of horseshoe crabs to DNR’s Horseshoe Crab Volunteer Angler Survey. Read more…
Maryland’s Spring 2022 Turkey Harvest Sees 8% Increase
Hunters Bag 4,208 Turkeys; Five Counties Set Records
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland hunters harvested 4,208 wild turkeys during the spring 2022 regular and junior turkey seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported. This year’s harvest was 8% higher than the 2021 harvest and just 2% below the record harvest of 4,303 set in 2020. Read more…
Maryland Urges Waterway Safety as Boating Season Hits Full Throttle
Safe Practices Can Help Avoid Tragedy
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The outdoor temperature is rising, and Maryland’s waterways are about to get a lot busier. The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) reminds anglers, boaters, swimmers, and all waterway users to take proper precautions.
In 2021, Maryland had 145 reportable boating accidents; 51 of those accidents caused injuries, and six were fatal. These numbers are down from the previous year when Maryland saw 155 reportable boating accidents, 64 injuries, and six fatal accidents resulting in seven deaths. Read more…
Three License-Free Fishing Days Scheduled for 2022
Dates in June and July Opportune Time to Try Fishing
Photo by Jeff Swartzendruber, submitted to the 2020 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces its 2022 license-free fishing days will be held on Saturday, June 4, Saturday, June 11, and Monday, July 4. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 25
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.
Maryland Conservation Corps Recruiting Young Adults for 2022-23
Award-Winning Program Provides Practical Experience and Skills Training
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting members for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in extensive conservation, environmental, and natural resources management projects across the state.
The department seeks to hire 35 full-time members who will work on eight teams for an 11-month period, beginning in late September 2022. Read more…
Maryland State Parks Invite Public to Support Our Pollinators
‘Project Butterfly & Bumblebee’ Includes Activities and Donation Opportunities
This spring, the Maryland Park Service has launched Project Butterfly & Bumblebee, an ongoing slate of programs and activities to educate the general public about the role pollinators play in maintaining diverse ecosystems and the nation’s food supply.
Pollinators are any insect or animal that transfers pollen from one plant to another in order to facilitate the fertilization to form fruits or seeds. They include a number of species of bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, wasps, flies, ants, and even birds. Maryland State Parks are committed to the protection of these vital creatures. Read more…
Tagging Study Offers Money for Harvesting Northern Snakeheads
Snakeheads in the Chesapeake Bay or Blackwater River Worth up to $200
Northern snakeheads caught in the Blackwater River. Photo by Stephen Badger.
In an effort to monitor invasive northern snakeheads in the Chesapeake Bay and Blackwater River, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces a new tagging program in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Both agencies are placing yellow or blue tags on up to 500 northern snakeheads. Each tagged northern snakehead caught and harvested from now until 2024 could be rewarded with a gift card of $10 or $200 depending on the tag. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey Results Released
Maryland and Virginia to Review Survey Results, Decide Management Approach
Staff examine a juvenile blue crab as part of the annual winter dredge survey; photo taken in 2017. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the results of the 2022 Baywide Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), which annually estimates the number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Award Officers for Achievement
Maryland NRP Superintendent Col. Adrian Baker and Deputy Superintendent Lt. Col. Robert Kersey, with the NRP Color Guard, open the awards ceremony. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) held its annual award ceremony to recognize the achievements made by conservation law enforcement officers in 2021. The annual event was held May 14 at Anne Arundel Community College. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 18
Glenn Simpkins and his daughter with a nice-sized crappie at a pond in Harford County. Photo by Glenn Simpkins
Warm and sunny weather returned to Maryland and fishing conditions are getting back to normal, with lighter winds and less rain this week.
The shad run is winding down, but should continue until the end of May. With the warmer weather, fishing for invasive snakeheads is starting to improve in the shallow waters of Blackwater and in other river systems, along the shorelines and weed beds.
Summer striped bass season regulations started May 16 and the entire Bay will be open to fishing starting on June 1 – be sure to check the DNR website for seasonal regulations in your area of the Bay.
Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in 53 Deer in Western Maryland
Positive Samples Were Entirely Within Existing Management Area
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that 53 white-tailed deer sampled within Allegany and Washington counties in 2021 tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurodegenerative disease found in deer and elk. All of Maryland’s positive samples were found within the existing Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 11
Angler Alonzo Magee caught his first fish — a bluegill — in a Gaithersburg pond. Photo by Leroy Hyson
The big story recently was a major storm system with heavy rains and northeasterly winds, which brought flooding conditions to the Potomac, Susquehanna, and other rivers and streams across Maryland. Fishing conditions should slowly get back to normal with a stretch of warmer sunny days and lighter winds. The shad run should continue until late May, and the 2022 striped bass trophy season will run through May 15. Summer season regulations start on May 16 – be sure to check the DNR website for seasonal regulations in your area of the Bay.
With the weather improving the next few days, don’t forget to take your kids out on the water and introduce them to the great sport of fishing!
Secretary’s Message – May 2022
Opening Up Maryland’s Great Outdoors
Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford join Ranger Melissa Acuti at Sandy Point Nature Center, Sandy Point State Park. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Governor’s Office
As we approach the start of summer season, DNR is prepared to meet it with new additions to our Maryland State Park system and a growing list of outdoor recreation and education opportunities. Read more…
Maryland State Forests Earn Sustainability Certification for 19th Consecutive Year
Five Forests Have Met International Standards for 2022
Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio join Maryland Forest Service staff for a tour of Pocomoke State Forest on May 3, 2022. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the major five state forests comprising Maryland’s state forest system – totaling more than 200,000 acres –- this year received two favorable independent audit reports recognizing that DNR is managing the state forests according to internationally accepted Forest Certification standards for sustainability.
These positive 2022 surveillance audits by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) show Maryland’s state forests meet their standards for sustainable certification.
Lt. Gov. Rutherford Boyd K. Rutherford and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio recently visited Pocomoke and Chesapeake forests to view some of the Maryland Forest Service’s sustainable management practices. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 4
Brady Matthew enjoyed a great family day of fishing with his daughters, catching both sunfish and golden shiners.
The shad run is on, and fishing for both American shad and hickories has been very good for catch-and-release anglers.
The striped bass trophy season got off to a fair start with some large fish in the 40-inch to 50-inch range caught on the first day, May 1.
The 2022 striped bass trophy season will run through May 15. Summer season regulations start on May 16 – be sure to check the DNR website for seasonal regulations in your area of the Bay.
Arbor Day Celebrated at Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Colleges Eligible for Tree Campus Higher Education Award
As part of celebrating the 150th National Arbor Day on April 29, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that all four Maryland historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have completed the first step to be eligible to apply for the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education, a national recognition program, which recognizes colleges and universities efforts to establish and sustain healthy community forests.
This year marks the first time all four HBCUs – Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) – have conducted Arbor Day plantings, one of the five steps toward eligibility. Maryland Forest Service staff will be assisting the schools as they develop their plans to complete the additional steps.
Maryland DNR photo
Bowie State held a tree planting on April 22 with the student group, Green Ambassadors, planting six native trees that were supplied by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
‘I Had Crossed the Line’: Philadelphia, Where Harriet Tubman Found Freedom
In the 19th century, the Mason-Dixon Line that forms the Pennsylvania-Maryland border was often seen as the invisible line between freedom and slavery. For freedom seekers like Harriet Tubman, crossing the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania represented a step into a better world. Read more…
Supporting Stream Communities from Bottom to Banks: Mussel and Tree Plantings Bring Healthy Waters to Town Creek
As a tree’s canopy spreads over a stream and its roots anchor into the soil, humans and wildlife alike reap the benefits. These include cleaner water through erosion and runoff control, cleaner air through leaves’ absorption of carbon dioxide and other particles, and food, shelter, and shade for all life forms. Read more…
If You Build It, Will They Come? An Artificial Island May Be the Lifeline Maryland’s Common Terns Need
The sections of nesting platforms are assembled, locked together, and anchored for the summer nesting season (photo by David Harp for Audubon)
Under a bright blue sky in early May 2021, about 20 people gathered at a boat ramp south of Ocean City, Maryland, to launch an unusual structure into Chincoteague Bay: a makeshift island that could be common terns’ best chance to survive in the region. The volunteers wheeled eight 8-by-16-foot wooden platforms into the water and connected them two at a time. Then a backhoe operator coated them with crushed clam shells, and—painstakingly slowly—a boat captain pulled each quadrant to an undisclosed location that would provide protection from curious tourists, hungry predators, noisy boats, and extreme weather. There, the team bolted everything together to create a single floating island the size of a small apartment. Read more…
Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest 2022: Trees Are Terrific, and Maryland Forests Are Too!
First-place winning poster by Camden Steiner of Harford County
Each year, fifth-grade students submit their entries to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Arbor Day Poster Contest. The posters are created using varied artistic techniques, including colored pencils, crayons, markers and paint, all illustrating an annual theme. For 2022, the theme was, “Trees are Terrific…and Maryland Forests are Too.” Read more…
From the Field: Paul Petzrick, Energy Resource Administrator
Paul Petzrick is in his 30th year as an employee of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Such longevity isn’t unusual, but for Paul it comes after he had already retired from 30 years in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy. At 92, he still has more to accomplish. Read more…
The Year of Harriet Tubman
March 2022 marked the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman’s birth, and the fifth anniversary of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in Church Creek, Dorchester County. Through the weekend of March 12-13, more than 1,500 people attended the events celebrating Tubman’s bicentennial, despite cold and snowy weather. It was obvious people were ready to celebrate Tubman! Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Midwinter Wildfowl Survey
Waterfowl survey single-engine plane ready on the tarmac
Each winter, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service make visual estimates of the ducks, geese, and swans along the state’s tidal shorelines. This survey helps wildlife managers collect information on waterfowl habitats and populations in Maryland, and is part of a larger national effort. Read more…
Outside Perspective
While the Maryland Department of Natural Resources may be best known for its conservation of Maryland’s treasured natural resources, our mission also includes the preservation and interpretation of Maryland’s historical and cultural resources. That’s why this spring we have been proud to celebrate all our public lands and the important historical figures that are tied to our natural history. Read more…
Maryland Departments of General Services and Natural Resources Celebrate Arbor Day
Marylanders Plant Trees Coupons & Gift of Trees Donation Forms Distributed to Guests of State Facilities in Honor of the Day
The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day today by presenting Marylanders Plant Trees coupons and Gift of Trees donation forms to visitors and employees at state of Maryland facilities in Baltimore and Annapolis. Read more…
Angler Catches Record White Perch in Isle of Wight Bay
Worcester County Resident Sets Record for Atlantic Division
Photo courtesy Robert J. Hudson
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed a new state record for white perch in the state’s Atlantic division. Robert “Bob” Hudson, of Ocean Pines, unexpectedly landed the 1.85-pound white perch in the Isle of Wight Bay near Ocean City. Read more…
DNR Advises Keeping Fawns and Other Wildlife Safe in the Wild
Anyone Encountering a Fawn Should Leave it Alone
Photo by April Price, submitted to the 2014 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle it. Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is dangerous, harmful to the animal, and against the law.
Deer are born with specialized adaptations, including a lack of odor that prevents predators from locating them; remarkable camouflage that makes it hard to see them; and “freezing behavior” that allows them to stay absolutely motionless when approached by potential predators. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 27
Reza Karimi was fishing Seneca Creek when he caught this trophy-sized rainbow trout. Photo courtesy of Reza Karimi
April has been a wonderful month for fishing, especially for our put-and-take trout anglers. Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff have been out each week stocking trout waters around the state.
The 2022 striped bass trophy season begins Sunday, May 1, and our Chesapeake Bay anglers will be out in force – be sure to check the DNR website for seasonal regulations in your area of the Bay.
Maryland Dedicates Trail Area to Conservationist Jim Gracie
Stretch of Gunpowder Falls State Park Adjacent to Fishing Spots
Photos by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has dedicated a portion of the Gunpowder North Trail in memory of Jim Gracie, trout fisherman and stream restoration advocate who died in 2020. A ceremony at Gunpowder Falls State Park was attended by his wife, Jane Gracie, numerous current and former state officials, and others in the fishing and conservation communities.
A plaque on the trail reads a list of Gracie’s accomplishments: “An avid conservationist and leader of the Maryland Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Jim was instrumental in working together with the Department of Natural Resources to negotiate an agreement with the City of Baltimore establishing a minimum flow of cold water from the Prettyboy Reservoir, thereby securing the healthy and ideal habitat necessary for the proliferation of wild trout, and establishing the Gunpowder River as a world-renowned Blue-Ribbon trout stream.” Read more…
Maryland to Dedicate This Year’s Sunflower Planting for Ukraine
Annual Planting for Wildlife Takes on Special Meaning
Photo: “Sunflowers After Storm at McKee Beshers” by Bob Julia, submitted to the 2018 Maryland DNR Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces that it will dedicate its sunflower plantings to the people of Ukraine this spring. Each year, the department plants about 130 acres of sunflowers on 15 wildlife management areas across 18 Maryland counties. Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine, which remains besieged by the Russian military. Read more…
Lt. Governor Rutherford and Department of Natural Resources Open Two New State Parks on the Upper Shore
State Park Week Ends with Celebration of Park Openings in in Kent and Cecil Counties
Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, and Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina plant a tree for Earth Day at Bohemia River State Park. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
In celebration of Earth Day and Maryland State Park Week, Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to open two new state parks to the public: Bohemia River State Park in Cecil County, and Cypress Branch State Park in Kent County.
“I want to thank the Maryland Park Service and the Department of Natural Resources for continuously searching for new opportunities of growth, access and preservation throughout our state parks,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “Bohemia River and Cypress Branch are two great examples of how our state parks provide not only great resources for outdoor recreation, but opportunities to learn about our state’s rich history and develop our local communities.”
“As we celebrate Earth Day, it is the perfect time to open these lands to the public as part of our tremendous system of parks,” said Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. “We are honored that the Lt. Governor, special guests, and visitors joined us today for this celebration.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 20
Amelia Wike had fun trout fishing with her dad recently. Photo by Christopher J. Wike
Chillier weather descended upon Maryland this past week, and areas of Western Maryland even received a significant amount of snow. Warmer weather is in the forecast ahead, just in time for a weekend of fishing together with family and friends. This month offers special opportunities for our younger anglers to enjoy fishing in the put-and-take trout fishing waters, which are being stocked each week.
Black Bears Emerging from Winter Dens
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild
Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists tranquilize and relocate a nuisance bear in Westernport in 2017. Photo by Nancy Doran, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Maryland’s black bears are leaving their winter dens and as they emerge, they are hungry. Bears will be searching for natural food sources such as acorns, plants, berries, and insects. With natural food sources in short supply until later in the spring, bears can be attracted to anything that smells like food.
Homeowners who leave human-generated food sources out in the open may unintentionally draw bears to residential areas. Residents of Maryland’s bear country are urged to be proactive and exercise good judgment to avoid creating man-made attractions for bears. Read more…
Lt. Governor Rutherford Kicks off Maryland State Park Week With Sandy Point Nature Center Dedication Ceremony
Announced Two New State Parks Will Open During State Park Week, April 15-22
Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford and Secretary Jeannie Haddaway Riccio Kick Off State Parks Week 2022
Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to announce the second Maryland State Park Week, with a ribbon-cutting at the Sandy Point State Park Nature Center. The new center features a Chesapeake Bay themed playground and a redeveloped plaza. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 13
This little guy was lucky enough to get out fishing with his dad, Photo by Vince Gray
Maryland appears to be taking a big leap into spring weather this weekend, so be sure to find yourself outdoors fishing with family and friends. Trout fishing is on the top of the list for many freshwater anglers, especially our youngsters.
Be sure to check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for the Chesapeake Bay striped bass regulations for 2022.
DNR Tagging Program Studies Walleye at Deep Creek Lake
Anglers Asked to Report Tagged Fish They Catch; Prizes Offered
Department of Natural Resources biologist Matt Sell holds a walleye with a yellow tag. Photo by John Mullican, Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces a new survey to track and understand the walleye fishery at Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. To help better understand the fishery, staff biologists have tagged 450 walleyes throughout the lake.
These yellow tags are located along the soft dorsal fin on the left side of the fish. Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to report it to DNR by calling the number on the tag – 301-334-8218 – and reporting the date and location of the catch, the tag number, and whether the walleye was kept or released If a fish is to be released, the department asks the angler to report the tag information but to not remove the tag from the walleye. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – April 2022
Planting Seeds for Future Growth
First Lady Yumi Hogan and Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, with long-time Maryland Forest Service employee Romcesa Estep, helped judge the 2022 Maryland Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest. Photo by Joe Andrucyk, Maryland State House
Recent cold weather aside, spring is in full swing, and this year is definitely one to celebrate. As flowers begin to bloom and birds begin to nest, we are pleased to return to many of our favorite warm-weather traditions — including burning socks and planting trees! In fact, I recently burned my socks with Governor and First Lady Hogan, and other special guests at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s annual Sock Burning Party. Now that spring feels official, we at DNR are gearing up to lead tree plantings at locations statewide, including at the schools of our Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest winners. Read more…
Maryland Spring Turkey Season 2022 Set to Open
Junior Hunt Starts April 16; All Hunters Begin April 18
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces that the statewide spring turkey season will kick off April 16 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can try to bag a bird during the regular statewide spring turkey season, April 18 through May 23. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Proclaims April 6 Maryland Arbor Day
Maryland Honors Forest Service, Forest Products Industry
Governor Hogan proclaims Maryland Arbor Day for 2022. Photo by Joe Andrucyk, Maryland State House
Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed April 6, 2022 to be Maryland Arbor Day, marking the 150th anniversary of National Arbor Day, celebrated the last Friday of April each year, and the 139th Maryland Arbor Day, celebrated the first Wednesday of April.
“Arbor Day is a great reminder of the importance of Maryland’s forest lands and the importance of planting trees,” said Governor Hogan. “Our state is proud of the small businesses that support our economy by engaging in natural resources-based industries. We also recognize the important role the hard work and dedication of the Maryland Forest Service in ensuring Maryland’s forests remain a point of pride.”
Resuming an annual tradition that was on hold during the pandemic, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio honored Maryland Arbor Day by presenting tree seedlings grown at the state nursery in Caroline County to the members of the Board of Public Works – Governor Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and state Treasurer Dereck E. Davis. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 6
Brent Fletcher took his opportunity to fish the upper Patapsco River and catch this beautiful rainbow trout. Photo courtesy of Brent Fletcher
March finished with some cold and blustery conditions for anglers, and April promises milder temperatures. Trout fishing in the put-and-take areas has been getting the premier attention of many anglers enjoying the daily and generous stocking of trout, which will last through the month of April. Don’t miss it!
As a reminder, Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries except the Potomac River remain closed to all striped bass catch-and-release fishing until May 1. Anglers should become familiar with areas that will open May 1 and later season change dates using the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online striped bass regulation map.
In the meantime, fishing in Maryland for multiple species abounds in April.
Regulations Issued for 2022 Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Fishing
Summer-Fall Season Limits Remain Same
Fisheries biologists survey and tag striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay as part of an annual survey of the population. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that recreational striped bass regulations for the 2022 Chesapeake Bay summer-fall season will remain the same as last year.
All areas of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, except the Potomac River, will be closed to striped bass targeting from April 1 to May 1.
The 2022 summer-fall season in most areas of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries will be open May 16 through July 15, All areas will be closed to any targeting of striped bass from July 16 through July 31, and reopen August 1 through December 10. Anglers may keep one striped bass per person, per day, with a minimum size of 19 inches. During a chartered fishing trip, the captain or mate would not be permitted to land or possess striped bass for personal consumption. Read more…
Fishing Rodeos Kick off for 2022 Season
Young Angler Events Return Across Maryland
Among the fishing rodeo locations is Fort Frederick State Park’s Beaver Pond, held this year 8 a.m. to noon on April 2. Photo by Cpl. Chris Warden, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Youth anglers of all ages are encouraged to hone their fishing skills at any of Maryland’s nearly 50 youth fishing rodeos spread out across the state this year.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working with dozens of organizations in 14 counties crisscrossing the state to offer free and engaging fishing opportunities for thousands of youth. Many of the events are held on Maryland State Parks and other public lands. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 30
The proud and happy face of Jason Punsalon says it all. Photo by Rodney Punsalon
Trout anglers had their big day last Saturday for what most call the opening day of trout season, although trout have been generously stocked for months. It is a time for our younger anglers to enjoy some success in pursuing trout in local waters with moms and dads.
All Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries except the Potomac River will be closed to all striped bass catch-and-release fishing starting Friday, April 1 until May 1. Anglers are urged to become familiar with areas that will open May 1 and later season change dates at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online striped bass regulation map.
Maryland’s Recreational Crabbing Season Begins April 1
Traditional Opening Day for State’s Iconic Crustacean
Photo by Christine Edwards, entry in the 2018 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces the recreational crabbing season in Maryland officially opens on April 1 for the Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries as well as in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays, and their tributaries. Read more…
Pumpout Operations and Maintenance Grants Available for 2022 Season
Funding for Marinas to Support Clean Waterways
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications from marinas for grants up to $2,500 for operations and maintenance of marine sewage pumpout stations. Applications are available online and are accepted now through April 15.
This program assists marinas in offering reliable pumpout service to area boaters. Pumpout stations give boaters a proper method of disposing of their sewage and thus prevent it from entering Maryland’s waters. The department supports their installation and operation as part of the overall strategy of reducing nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 23
Photo by Steve Peperak
Put-and-take trout anglers will have their day this Saturday, March 26, as the traditional opening day kicks off at 5:30 a.m. throughout Maryland. This is a wonderful time for our younger anglers to achieve success in catching some trout, and for adults to share it with them. Maryland Department of Natural Resources hatchery crews and biologists have been working hard to get all of the trout out this week, and we hope you have a wonderful time!
Anyone who needs to register a boat at a DNR regional service center, be advised that you need to make an appointment, which is easy to do online or by calling the service center directly. The same is true at Motor Vehicle Administration offices, if you need to register a trailer.
Remember you can buy licenses and other services online through the DNR COMPASS portal.
Washington County Angler Catches Record Muskellunge
At 33 Pounds, Muskie Beats 2017 Record
Photo courtesy Kyle Mullenix, submitted to Maryland DNR
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed a Washington County man has set a new nontidal state record for muskellunge. Kyle Mullenix of Hagerstown caught the 33-pound, 49-inch long record muskie on March 2 along the banks of the upper Potomac River.
Regarded as the “fish of ten thousand casts,” muskies are the largest freshwater fish in Maryland and among the most difficult to catch. Read more…
Maryland Offers Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Removal
Department Providing up to $10,000 to Community Based Programs
Zebra mussels that were intercepted by the Deep Creek Lake Launch Steward Program. Photo by Julie Bortz, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces a new grant program to aid in the removal of aquatic invasive species in Maryland waters.
The Invasive Species Control Proposal Solicitation is searching for community-based programs or individuals to help the department engage with the public and organizational partners in the control and removal efforts of invasive aquatic species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report — February 2022
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) issued citations for illegal hunting and fishing activities in February. Read more…
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