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Youth Angler from Cumberland Catches Maryland State Record Fallfish
Record 2.27-pound Fish Reeled in from Upper Potomac River
Crosby Abe caught this record fallfish in the upper Potomac River. Photo courtesy Crosby Abe.
An Allegany County youth has been recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a new state record holder for fallfish – Semotilus corporalis — in the state’s nontidal division.
Crosby Abe, 14, caught the 2.27-pound fish May 29 while fishing on the North Branch of the Potomac River, near the Cumberland Industrial Park boat launch. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announces Three License-Free Fishing Days Scheduled for 2023
Dates in June and July Opportune Time to Try Fishing
Photo by Nicki Strickland, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers license-free fishing days for all state residents and visitors on Saturday, June 3, Saturday, June 10, and Tuesday, July 4.
Maryland’s annual license-free fishing days offer anglers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse fishing without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. All anglers must follow current size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide. Read more…
Annual Horseshoe Crab Migration Returning to Maryland
Citizens Can Help Scientific Survey of Ancient Creature
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The annual spawning migration of horseshoe crabs – Limulus polyphemus – is now returning to Maryland beaches, providing an opportunity to view one of nature’s oldest wildlife phenomena and participate in citizen science.
The migration usually takes place from May through July, and its peak culminates with high tides 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. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reports Encouraging Results from the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey
Increases Recorded in Adult Crab Population, Juvenile Recruitment Still Concerning
Scientists and fishery managers from Maryland and Virginia visit 1,500 sites around the Chesapeake Bay to conduct the annual blue crab winter dredge survey. Maryland Department of Natural Resources phot0
The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), estimates 323 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2023, an increase from last year’s low of 227 million crabs.
The number of spawning age female crabs increased from 97 million crabs in 2022 to 152 million crabs in 2023, a substantial increase and well above the management threshold of 72.5 million crabs. Additionally, adult male crabs increased from 28 million crabs in 2022 to 55 million crabs in 2023. Read more…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Gears Up for National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26
Natural Resources Police and Partners Remind All that Life Jackets Save Lives
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
As boating season kicks into high gear, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is encouraging all waterway users – whether boating, kayaking, swimming, or fishing – to take proper precautions on the water. The department and its partners will provide opportunities to promote the use of personal flotation devices and other lifesaving habits and equipment throughout May and into the summer.
All waterway enthusiasts can participate in the worldwide Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on May 19, followed by National Safe Boating Week, a national awareness campaign that encourages waterway users to make the most of their adventure by being responsible. Given the importance of waterway recreation in our state, the Maryland Natural Resources Police is a long-time partner in these efforts. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report — Summer-Fall
Photo by Lauren Moses, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) this summer and fall issued citations for various violations of Maryland conservation laws including blue crab poaching, oyster harvesting violations, false deer harvest reports, hunting without permission, and others. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 13, 2022
This fall season is shaping up to be a memorable one, and if you’re lucky enough to live in or visit Western Maryland right now, you’ll soon know why. The fall foliage show is on in mountainous Western Maryland with a full spectrum of fall colors on display. This week we have an extended report from our park staff and foresters out west to help you figure out what’s happening where and plan your visits accordingly.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report — Summer
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) this summer issued citations for illegal possession of coyotes, boating safety violations, poaching fish in a state park, and more. Read more…
Maryland Underwater Grasses Hold Steady in 2021
Annual Report Shows Overall Improvement in Chesapeake Bay
Photo by Brooke Landry, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the 2021 underwater grass abundance in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay remained stable compared to the previous year, with a slight decrease of 1%, or 350 acres. Baywide, underwater grasses increased by 7%.
Despite record high rainfall and stream flows in 2018 and 2019, long-term monitoring by DNR has identified major reductions in polluted runoff entering the Bay as a result of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay restoration activities. These improving trends in cleaner water provide multiple benefits including being beneficial to the Bay’s underwater grasses. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report — Spring
Maryland Natural Resources Police photo
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) this spring issued citations throughout the state for waterfowl poaching, deer spotlighting, turkey baiting, illegal fishing and oystering, outdoor fire violations, and more.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website lists all state regulations for hunting and fishing. 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 Natural Resources Police Report — February 2022
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) issued citations for illegal hunting and fishing activities in February. Read more…
Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation is Up and Running
J. Daryl Anthony (left) with Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford
In September 2021, Governor Larry Hogan created the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and I am honored and pleased to serve as its inaugural executive director. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — December 2021
A Natural Resources Police Officer on patrol. Maryland DNR file photo.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) cited numerous individuals for hunting and fishing violations throughout the state in December. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — November 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged numerous individuals in November for conservation law violations including striped bass poaching and illegal deer hunting. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 24, 2021
The meteorological fall season comes to a close on December 1, and we are beginning to experience consistently cooler temperatures and brisk winds across Maryland. Fall foliage enthusiasts who bundle up and head east will be rewarded with leaves of crimson, amber, and gold adorning the Eastern Shore’s beautiful waterfront landscapes. A few pops of color remain in the central part of our state, and our citizen reporters spotted gorgeous burgundy-red leaves in Frederick and mellower tones of yellow and orange at Seneca Creek State Park. We’d like to thank all of the Marylanders that submitted photos capturing the fall season this year. We were thrilled with the response, and your photos helped us with our foliage forecasting.
Fall Foliage Report – November 18, 2021
GO EAST! Western portions of the state have passed peak conditions and even had a little snow. Although there are still patches of fall scenery in the central part of the state, the fall color has shifted east of I-95 in Maryland. Based on our reports, the last of fall’s glory can be seen in bright reds, oranges, and yellows; even driving around the neighborhood can provide some beautiful views. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore there are also plenty of conifers, and the pops of green mixed in with traditional fall colors make for great scenic landscapes in vast open spaces.
Natural Resources Police Report — October 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) filed charges in October for a variety of conservation law violations including illegal bear hunting, striped bass violations, and deer poaching. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 11, 2021
The corn mazes are wrapping up, farmers markets are shifting to their winter offerings, and the trees across Maryland are preparing for their winter break. But there are still opportunities to see fall color, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. A good way to enjoy the remaining fall days is with a drive along one of Maryland’s Scenic byways. At this point, the Roots and Tides, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Chesapeake Country, Religious Freedom, and John Wilkes Booth trails are your best bets for capturing fall’s final curtain call. Colors are still muted compared to previous years but there are plenty of beautiful spots that make it worth the trip.
What’s in a Name? Many Maryland State Parks Have Notable Namesakes
From Assateague Island to the Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area, Maryland’s public lands are named after a lot of geographic, historical, and cultural landmarks. Several parks are named after Marylanders who had a hand in their creation or made notable contributions to the Old Line State that others found worthy of remembrance.
Here are a few of their stories. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 28, 2021
Overview
Halloween week is here and this year’s fall foliage has been full of tricks and treats. We’re seeing a wide range of conditions based on location, elevation, and tree types. The wild weather has been throwing things off kilter too, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. Regardless, with the uptick in wind and rain, it looks like things will be wrapping up within a few weeks. As in past weeks, you’ll find varying conditions within individual regions. A thirty-minute drive in one direction or another can make a difference.
DNR Introduces ‘Wild Maryland’ Cookbook Online
Recipes Feature Foods Fished, Foraged, and Hunted
Snakehead Etouffee by Peter Turcik
For anyone who likes their food on the wild side, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has published a new online cookbook. Wild Maryland includes recipes submitted by Maryland residents and featuring the state’s waterfowl, seafood, deer, and other wild game that can be hunted, trapped, or caught. The book also includes a section of recipes that features ingredients found while foraging in the wild. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 21, 2021
It’s mid-October here in Maryland and we have something to offer every fall foliage enthusiast. Crossing our state from west to east, you will experience it all — glorious autumn jewel tones decorating the skyline in the west —breathtaking sunrises and local critters basking in the last warm days of fall in the east. We cover it all this week, and we’ve received some of the best photos yet from our park managers, forestry staff, and loyal readers to beautifully illustrate this magical time of year.
Natural Resources Police Report — September 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) filed charges in September for a variety of conservation law violations including boating while intoxicated, possessing live snakeheads, illegal fishing and hunting, and selling potentially unsanitary crabs and oysters. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 7, 2021
Here we go folks, we’re seeing more color out west and the rest of the state is being blanketed in subtle yellows and reds. In the far western portions of the state our reports are indicating we’re at the mid-point, especially in the higher elevations. Through central and southern Maryland, we have a mixed bag mainly because summer weather has been slow to depart. The eastern portion of the state is still mainly green with a few hints of fall color; this landscape remains perfect for pollinators, spending autumnal hours collecting nectar and pollen.
Fall Foliage Report – September 30, 2021
Cooler evenings and crisp mornings bring a change in the air, and the leaves are responding. Thanks to submissions from our readers, it looks like fall colors have finally spread across Maryland. Keep checking back each Thursday for the latest information.
Natural Resources Police Report — August 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced charges for individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including boating while intoxicated, drunk driving, illegal fishing, and more. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — July 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) recently charged several individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including impaired boating, having a concealed machete, illegally harvesting striped bass during the season closure, and other violations. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — June 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged several individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including weapons charges at a state park, operating watercraft while intoxicated, illegal fishing, and more. Read more…
Citations Issued for Poaching, Illegal Fishing, and Other Violations
As more people head outside for warm weather activities, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) have remained busy protecting the state’s wildlife, fisheries, and public lands. The following individuals were recently cited for a variety of conservation law offenses in Maryland: Read more…
Horseshoe Crab Migration Arriving on Maryland Shores
Annual Event Spawns New Generation of ‘Living Fossils’
Maryland’s shores welcome back the annual return of the horseshoe crab – Limulus polyphemus — in one of the world’s oldest and largest wildlife migrations.
For an estimated 350 million years, these prehistoric creatures have migrated into Maryland’s coastal bays from their winter habitats to spawn along the coastline and subtidal habitats. Although called “crabs” they are in fact arthropods.
The height of horseshoe crabs spawning revolves around late spring and early summer high tides, culminating on or around each full and new moon in June. On average, one spawning female horseshoe crab will deposit 20,000 eggs into the sand. Read more…
Maryland License-Free Fishing Days Offered in June and July
Opportunity for New and Returning Anglers Statewide
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces upcoming license-free fishing days for 2021 on June 5, June 12, and July 4 — a free option to explore Maryland’s diverse and unique fishing experiences without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration.
Maryland hosts license-free fishing days annually on the first two Saturdays in June and on the Independence Day holiday. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland, as long as it’s for recreational purposes. All anglers must follow current size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide. Read more…
Maryland Joins Cooperative Largemouth Bass Management for the Potomac River
Tagging Program to Help Regional Effort for Popular Fishery
Photo by Karin Dodge/Maryland DNR
Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have agreed to a cooperative management plan for Potomac River largemouth bass, one of the most popular sport fisheries in the mid-Atlantic region.
To help seek a unified assessment of the fishery, state agencies and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission — who share authority to manage the river system for largemouth bass — are jointly collaborating on monitoring and assessing the fishery with an update produced every three years. Work begins in March 2021, though planning for the project has been underway for more than a year. Read more…
Open Water: Kayak Fishing Offers Pursuit of Sport and Serenity
Kayak Angler Bruce Kellman
It’s 5 a.m. The sun hasn’t yet ventured above the horizon. Just minutes ago, the last bits of waning moonlight flickered sparingly along the shoreline and gently lit the glassy calm waters that now await me. The rhythm of the waves pairs with a cooling sea breeze and my thoughts steady. Until this moment, my mind has been aflutter—intensely focused on pre-launch routines and equipment checklists.
I’m not even in the water yet—my fish box is empty—but I know already it’s going to be a spectacular day. Without question, kayak fishing has changed my life. Read more…
Maryland’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Program is Operational
Public Should Report Stranded Marine Animals to 24-hour Hotline
Photo by Mark Odell
During the summer months, marine mammals and sea turtles are making their seasonal return to the Atlantic coast, the Chesapeake Bay, and its tributaries. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources requests people report any distressed or deceased marine mammals or sea turtles in Maryland waters to the Natural Resources Police hotline anytime at 1-800-628-9944.
Maryland’s most common visitors are bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles, although more than 25 other marine mammals and four species of sea turtles have been recorded in state waters. While these ocean-dwelling creatures often enter our waterways and can survive in brackish water for several days to weeks, they may be at risk. Read more…
Free Fishing Days Scheduled in June and July
Annual Opportunity to Discover Fishing in Maryland
Photo by Stephen Badger
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers license-free fishing days on June 6, June 13, and July 4 — a free option to explore Maryland’s diverse and unique fishing experiences without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration. Read more…
Flow of Information: Surveying the Health of Maryland Streams
Gunpowder River by Tim Ray
Maryland has more than 10,000 miles of freshwater streams—an extensive system of waterways flowing downstream where (depending on their geography) they ultimately contribute freshwater to the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Coastal Bays, the Ohio River, or the Delaware River. The condition of these streams is vitally important to downstream waters. But these streams also possess significant inherent value. Read more…
Department Names First FishMaryland Master Angler
Nottingham Resident Catches Ten Species to Earn Award
Gary Simpson caught this carp on his way being named a FishMaryland Master Angler.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized its first FishMaryland Master Angler Award recipient. Gary Simpson of Nottingham, Baltimore County, caught a total of 10 different species meeting all the minimum set requirements of the department’s new recreational fishing award program.
Simpson’s award-sized catches include: chain pickerel, largemouth bass, white perch, walleye, striped bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, blue crab, red drum, and the common carp. Read more…
Easton Angler Sets Maryland Record for Florida Pompano
Youth Claims Species’ First Entry
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized 14-year-old Scott Hartzell Jr. of Easton as the first official state record holder for a Florida pompano. Hartzell caught the 3.375-pound fish on Stone Rock near Tilghman Island. Read more…
Maryland’s Regular Striped Bass Season Opens
State Expands Conservation Message and Outreach
Maryland’s regular striped bass season gets underway on May 16, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that conservation regulations put in place last year are in effect through the end of 2019.
When fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming, and must use circle hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs, worms, or processed baits.
The minimum size striped bass that may be kept is 19 inches. Catch limits are two fish per day between 19-28 inches, or one fish between 19-28 inches and one fish over 28 inches. Read more…
Natural History: Centuries of Maryland conservation laws in one document
Albert Powell Hatchery; by Jim Thompson
In 1967, a retired Maryland fisheries manager felt compelled to tell the full history of fishing regulation in the Old Line State. Albert Powell wrote a 369-page report with the weighty title and subtitle, “Historical information of Maryland Commission of Fisheries, with some notes on game: Based on Annual Reports, legislative enactments and personal observations; also the compiled laws of the Game and Inland Fish Commission, 1654-1965.” Read more…
Enhanced Effort to Curb Illegal Fishing and Hunting
Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers Can be Reached Anytime, Anywhere
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police is cracking down on the illegal killing of fish and wildlife through a partnership with Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers. This newly established nonprofit organization serves as the state affiliate of International Wildlife Crimestoppers, a group dedicated to stopping illegal hunting and fishing across the globe.
Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers was established to increase public awareness of the impact of potential poaching on fish and wildlife populations, and encourage anyone with knowledge of these activities to connect with Maryland Natural Resources Police. Neighboring states Delaware and Pennsylvania host similar partnerships with International Wildlife Crimestoppers. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Nov. 10-11, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The good news is that leaf peepers have an excellent chance of catching fall foliage at its peak in many parts of the state. However, predictions are that this is a very small window of opportunity. So plan to get outdoors in the next few days and catch the best color for autumn 2018. Read more…
Maryland Coastal Bays Report Card Shows Historic High Score
Scientific Collaborative Sees Best Bay Progress in Decades
Maryland’s Coastal Bays have received their highest grade ever reported according to the new 2017 Coastal Bays Report Card from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, a snapshot assessment on the health and resiliency of the coastal bays surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island. The “B-” grade reflects the positive trend nutrient reductions have shown in many locations since 1999.
“Maryland’s Coastal Bays are an integral part of our region, and are unique ecological treasures in the landscape of the Eastern Shore and our great state,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “The marked improvement we see in the bays’ health is the result of significant state investment, as well as the work and dedicated stewardship of many Marylanders.” Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Sept. 29-30
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the first full weekend of fall, Sept. 29 and 30, 2018, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
As September comes to a close, it appears the rain will diminish and we’ll have some partly cloudy to sunny days to look forward to this weekend. Reports out of Western Maryland confirm the first signs of the season, as the region’s early reds, yellows and oranges are starting to pop, particularly visible in Garrett County’s higher elevations above 2,500 feet. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Sept. 22-23, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the first weekend of fall, Sept. 22 and 23, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Soon the landscape will explode with vibrant colors of orange, red and yellow. Kids will be jumping into leaf piles you just raked and we’ll all “fall” back, setting clocks back an hour and grabbing that extra bit of sleep.
Having sweated our way through a typically hot and humid Maryland summer – exceptionally wet as well – you might be looking forward to the autumnal equinox (also called the September equinox) happening Saturday at exactly 9:54 p.m. This is also the best time to view Mars as the planet will be at its brightest. Join the Westminster Astronomy Club at Cunningham Falls State Park Saturday night to see the stars!
Sign up to receive weekly reports showcasing the Old Line State’s vibrant fall foliage and the best autumn festivals at dnr.maryland.gov.
Youth Fishing Rodeos Reach Thousands of Anglers
Sponsors Should Sign up Now for 2019
Despite record rainfall throughout much of the state, more than 3,500 aspiring anglers participated in Youth Fishing Rodeos this spring and summer, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
These free events were held throughout the Old Line State, with more than 30 different nonprofits organizations and partners from 11 counties participating this year. Read more…
Wicomico County Man Charged for Illegal Fishing Guide Service
Nicholas George Ager
A Wicomico County man who billed himself as “OCSharkHunter” on social media was charged Sunday with guiding fishing trips without a license.
Nicholas Ager, 43, of Willards, was cited after a two-month investigation of complaints about offers of paid shark fishing excursions on Assateague Island.
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were able to identify Ager as the unlicensed guide and administrator of “OCSharkHunter” social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Those accounts had been reported for displaying pictures of Ager with illegally beached species of sharks taken from waters off Worcester County. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 25
Gregory Martin was fishing the area where Nanticoke River striped bass exit into the bay and caught this beautiful 51-inch, 48-pound striped bass. Photo by Brad Martin
Patience is supposed to be the hallmark of an angler, but many had theirs strained this past opening weekend for trophy striped bass season. Most understand it has been a chilly spring, and low water temperatures have delayed striped bass spawning in the tidal rivers.
In the past couple of days we have seen water temperatures finally reach acceptable temperatures for the fish. There was a big spawn on the Choptank River, and the Nanticoke, Patuxent and Potomac rivers should be on the same general schedule.
The striped bass that have spawned in the past few days will make their way down the tidal rivers and should hit bay areas in a few days. There is warmer weather predicted so there will be more spawning action – meaning the 2018 trophy striped bass season should kick into gear this weekend and for the next couple of weeks. Good luck out there and remember fishing is supposed to be fun.
Maryland’s Underwater Grass Exceeds Record 60,000 Acres
Baywide Total Breaks 100,000 Acres
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports 2017 was the third consecutive record-breaking year for underwater grass abundance in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay.
An annual baywide survey showed 62,356 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in Maryland’s tidal waters, a 5 percent increase from 2016. This is the fifth straight year of expansion for Maryland’s underwater grasses, which surpassed the 2017 restoration goal of 57,000 acres in 2015 and continues to rise.
Baywide, the total acreage of underwater grasses exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 104,843 acres. Read more…
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