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Maryland Fishing Report: Dec. 12
This will be our last fishing report for 2018, but we will return in mid-January with a report on winter fishing activities and some news about upcoming outdoor shows.
The 2018 striped bass season closes Dec. 15. The season ends a few days earlier than last year, as part of the conservation-minded regulations that included reducing the minimum length for Chesapeake Bay rockfish to 19 inches. The Potomac River below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge will be open to striped bass fishing until Dec. 31. Our readers should also keep in mind that there are other species that will still be in season for die hard cold-weather anglers.
Happy holidays from everyone at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources!
Maryland Fishing Report: Dec. 5
Daniel Irons tried his hand at recreational oystering, hand-tonging a nice pile of large oysters that may wind up stewed or fried. Photo by Mike Irons
We are approaching the end of the 2018 striped bass season, which closes Dec. 15. The season ends a few days earlier than last year, as part of the conservation-minded regulations that included reducing the minimum length for Chesapeake Bay rockfish to 19 inches. Of course there are other species that will still be in season for cold-weather anglers.
Expanding your outdoor experiences is a new, learning adventure. It may involve trying a new sport such as bow hunting for a traditional firearm hunter or perhaps fly fishing when you’ve always used spinning gear. There is always something new to explore.
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 28
Travis Long holds up a beautiful fall striped bass to prove there is still good times to be had out on the water. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
Cold winds are blowing and minds are beginning to drift from fishing, but there will still be days where the outdoors call us away from the holiday rush. For those times, there are plenty of good fishing opportunities to be found from the streams and lakes of western Maryland to the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 21
Don Goff and Chris Walker found their special place on a calm morning while fishing from their kayaks. Photo by Todd E. Burnett
As the month of November approaches its end, we have a lot to be thankful for here in Maryland. Outdoor opportunities abound from the mountain streams of western Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay and coastal beaches. Here’s hoping you find your own place in nature for reflection during this special time of the year.
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 14
Young Isaac looks like he was having a great time catching catfish recently. Photo by Eric Packard
As cold weather prevails, water temperatures are dropping, which is limiting some fishing opportunities but is expanding others. Many of our resident fisheries are in transition — striped bass fishing is still good but slowing down, white perch are active but now are schooled up in deeper water. Trout fishing is very good as is fishing for walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. At the coastal areas, summer species are being replaced by cold water fish such as sea bass and tautog.
An often overlooked species is our catfish in Maryland, and cooler water temperatures tend to kick their feeding activity into high gear. We have two native species of catfish in Maryland, the white and the bullhead. Introduced catfish species are the channel, flathead and blue catfish.
Whether you choose to eat them or just catch them, they can provide some exciting and fun fishing from docks and piers, a favorite shoreline or a small boat. They can be caught by watching a baited line while relaxing along a sunny shore and they provide plenty of enjoyment for our younger anglers. If a good tussle and plenty of fishing action that is easy to arrange sounds good to you, give it a try.
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 7
Brian Morgan sent in this picture of a rainbow trout caught recently. Photo by Brian Morgan
Frosty mornings are now common, the Canada geese are arriving and the fall foliage is in various stages of color change throughout the state. Old man winter is beckoning off in the distance and soon will be knocking on our door. Colder weather will be here soon, so be sure to enjoy the outdoors during this special time of the year.
Anglers continue to enjoy the results of the fall trout stocking program. Many trout management waters have been stocked and offer quality fishing, often close to home.
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 31
Shane Cole caught a nice striped bass near Chesapeake Beach on a jig with pink plastic trailer. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
Happy Halloween! A Nor’easter last Saturday kept many anglers off the bay. However, some boaters were able to find a lee area on the Eastern Shore, or they fished Friday or Sunday. These die-hard anglers were rewarded with good striped bass fishing, with most folks now jigging or trolling with artificial lures.
On the freshwater scene, many anglers are finding good trout fishing and more activity from coldwater species such as yellow perch, pike, walleye and pickerel in Western Maryland.
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 24
Photo by Travis Long
We are now deep into a fall fishing pattern, with classic cold fronts and gusty northerly winds. This past weekend, anglers who were able to get out before or after the winds found good striped bass fishing over a wide area of the Chesapeake Bay, from Love Point down to the Calvert Cliffs gas docks area.
Maryland Fishing Report: October 17
One of the first things any young angler learns is to get a good grip on that trout! Photo courtesy of Nathan Williams
This week offers some exciting fishing opportunities for Maryland anglers – the weather is just about right, the changing color of the leaves paints a beautiful backdrop to outdoor activities and there are plenty of eager fish to catch.
For the next few weeks, state hatcheries are stocking most trout management waters throughout Maryland. The trout are providing quality fishing close to home and allowing success on a fishing adventure, especially for our young anglers.
At the Atlantic coast, sea bass, flounder and dolphin are biting.
And in the Chesapeake Bay, autumn is one of the most anticipated times for striped bass fishing. Rockfish like the cooler water temperatures and begin to feed aggressively to build up lost body stores. Cooler water also forces baitfish in the form of bay anchovies, juvenile menhaden and silversides to exit the tidal rivers and head down the bay.
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 10
Grant Morris caught this nice snakehead while kayak fishing. Photo by Don Goff
We have been in a warmer, dry “Indian summer” weather pattern. Many anglers have been getting out on the bay to enjoy action with top water striped bass, late season bluefish and the last of the Spanish mackerel.
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 3
Photo by Rich Watts
Welcome to “Rocktober!”
Heavy rains continued through much of last week, but we finally had some beautiful sunny weather over the weekend. Many anglers got out on the bay to enjoy action with striped bass, bluefish and southern visitors such as speckled trout and red drum.
Maryland Fishing Report: September 26
As the sun sets in all its glory over the Tred Avon River, it seems to say goodbye to summer. Photo by Keith Lockwood
With the fall equinox behind us, the days are getting noticeably shorter. There’s no sweeter time of the year – or place to be — than late September and October in Maryland, whether you are a fisherman or a hunter or just someone who likes to enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn.
Maryland Fishing Report: September 19
La’Tanya Demory recently had a favorable day of fishing at Perry Point on the lower Susquehanna River. Photo courtesy of La’Tanya Demory
For those who work hard, a day off is a precious opportunity to spend time the way we want. Few activities afford us the peace to be had dangling a line in the water and being with our thoughts. Sometimes fate smiles on us and we actually have one of those days where everything works in our favor.
Some upcoming events offer some opportunities for anglers of all ages.
National Hunting and Fishing Day will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Washington County Izaak Walton League in Clear Spring. Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff will be there to run a casting clinic and answer questions about fishing around the state, along with shooting sports demos and hunter safety clinics.
The Second Annual Rod and Reef Slam Tournament will be held Sept. 22 at various artificial and restored oyster reef sites along the Eastern Shore. This is a catch, release and photo tournament.
Note to anglers: The Talbot County section of Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park will be closed to the public until further notice while the staff installs new lighting fixtures. The trails and parking lot will remain open.
Maryland Fishing Report: September 12
Young Isaac rose to the occasion when grandad asked if he wanted to go fishing in the rain, and he loved every minute of it. Photo by Eric Packard
Living close to the water gives one an interesting perspective on impending storms. At ports all-around the bay and coastal areas, boat owners have been lining up at boat ramps and moving their vessels to safer areas. Low-lying areas can expect flooding and it sounds like we may in for some more rain, which is nothing new. Please pay close attention to the forecast and any safety advisories issued for Maryland waters before fishing this weekend.
The fact is most fishermen seem to have a disdain for fishing in the rain but others just make the most of it — the fish don’t care, since they’re already wet.
Maryland Fishing Report: September 5
Photo by Meredith Bradshaw
Labor Day weekend is a fleeting memory now and although we are under an intense heat wave cooler weather is anticipated as we move through September.
There is still plenty daylight at the end of the day to spend some time in the outdoors with family and friends.
Children love adventure and when Vincent Casagrande of Frederick went crabbing for the first time with his grandfather in the South River, it was a time he’ll never forget. They managed to catch a bushel using collapsible crab traps. Vincent even got to drive the boat under grandad’s supervision.
You can read their story and others in the Angler’s Log.
Maryland Fishing Report: August 29
Photo by Eduardo Marte
Labor Day weekend approaches and many of us are wondering, “How did we get here so soon?”
The kids will be going back to school and we will slowly start to see cooler temperatures in September. If you’re trying to fit in some family fishing time, remember who your audience is – kids just want to have fun. They will enjoy the action fishing for bluegill sunfish in a local pond or for white perch in a nearby tidal river. Leave your own fishing rod at home and give them your full attention, and just enjoy the smiles.
Maryland Fishing Report: August 22
Photo by Andrew Ashby
This past weekend, I happened to pull up behind a pickup truck at a traffic light and I could not help but notice something about the license plate that impressed me.
First off, there was a bumper sticker that said “Stress is caused by a lack of fishing” and there were several years’ worth of ramp passes stuck one on top of each other, but what impressed me most was the license plate.
It was an older Maryland plate and it looked like it had been attacked by a gorilla with a 5-pound ball peen hammer. That relayed to me that this guy had spent a lot of time hooking up a boat trailer by himself and the trailer tongue hit the license plate now and then signaling “far enough.” The plate showed years of this and that this guy spends a lot of time fishing out of his boat.
As he pulled away, I gave him a mental salute. Here was a guy who knows how to handle stress.
Maryland Fishing Report: August 15
Travis Long was enjoying catch-and-release fishing for large red drum in the Chesapeake Bay recently and holds up a prize caught while jigging, before slipping this big girl back into the bay waters. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
One of the fun and exciting things about fishing is you just never know what surprises await when you cast your fishing line into the water. Some have been surprised with a record-breaking catch, a novelty catch or just a fun encounter with a fish to help round out a peaceful day. Enjoying the outdoors tends to be that way; you never can be sure what is around the next bend in a trail, or what a day out on the water has in store for you.
Maryland Fishing Report: August 8
Poppy Lewis is all smiles with her white perch that she caught all by herself. Photo by Keith Lockwood
It is often said that summertime is for kids, and truer words could not be spoken this month.
August will be gone in a flash so don’t delay getting any youngsters you know out or near the water to enjoy some fun fishing.
Two fish that are always ready to accommodate our young anglers are bluegill sunfish and white perch. Kids need plenty of action to keep them interested and these two species can provide that if you take the steps to ensure success.
It is pretty hard to beat worms and a bobber for bluegills at a local pond or fishing under a dock with grass shrimp and a simple one-hook bottom rig for white perch.
Maryland Fishing Report: August 1
Photo by Kevin McMenamin
Recent heavy rains caused a lot of changes to our Chesapeake Bay waters. Large volumes of water coming down from Pennsylvania necessitated the opening of more than 20 gates at Conowingo Dam, causing high water levels in the lower Susquehanna River and floating debris entering the bay.
Boating will be difficult in the upper and middle bay, and water contact should be kept to a minimum. Boaters should report any navigation hazards to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888, or the U.S. Coast Guard at 410-576-2693.
One positive side effect of the water release is that the striped bass in the upper bay got a break with cooler temperatures and mixing of oxygenated water.
Maryland Fishing Report: July 25
Jane Millman made time to go fishing with friends off Ocean City and holds up a beautiful blueline tilefish she caught. Photo by Kevin Thomas
We all face daily challenges that tug at how we spend the dear time that is given to us. All anglers and outdoor enthusiasts know how hard it is to follow their favorite pursuits.
Summer is fleeting, make time.
Maryland Fishing Report: July 18
Sandy Point State Park
We’ve all learned in our lives that nothing ever stays the same, and this certainly holds true for the Chesapeake Bay. She started out as a river valley and became flooded after the last ice age to become the largest estuary in the United States.
The view from a drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge shows how much this treasure means to so many people — bulk carrier ships anchored and waiting to pick up their cargo, fleets of sailboats off the mouth of the Severn River, commercial crab boats tending their strings of traps, anglers fishing near the piers and throngs of people enjoying Sandy Point State Park.
More than 18 million people live in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The bay has had a difficult time putting up with us, but she always promises hope and keeps showing us that she is resilient.
Maryland Fishing Report: July 11
Photo by Mike Eversmier
If you spend enough time hanging around seasoned commercial or sport fishermen, you’ll often hear that it’s impossible to figure out why finfish and blue crabs are in certain places at certain times.
These thoughts came to mind this week as I spoke to some of the most respected captains on the Chesapeake about how this season’s fishing is shaping up. There is not enough space to share all of the classic statements, but many captains repeated the two that I have heard throughout my life on the water: “No two years are the same,” and “Just when you think you have them figured out, they make a fool of you.”
Maryland Fishing Report: July 4
Ryan Bishop is all smiles as he holds a big jimmy destined for some crab picking. Photo by Sherry Bishop
The Fourth of July is upon us, and although it falls on a Wednesday — missing that three-day weekend luster – it’s still a little extra time off to enjoy family and friends. Here in Maryland a lot of activities will focus on a nearby body of water, from Deep Creek Lake to the Atlantic Ocean and everywhere in between.
For those living near the bay or coastal waters, the Fourth of July often means crabs and sweet corn. Judging by early observations of recreational crabbers, there were a lot of crab feasts promised, and hopefully the gatherers will be able to deliver.
Recreational crabbing continues to slowly gain momentum as more crabs enter the legal fishery after shedding – and most likely last week’s full moon was a big shed.
Those crabbing in less than 12 feet of water tend to be catching the most crabs in the lower and middle bay. Razor clams tend to top the list as the best bait.
Maryland Fishing Report: June 27
Nick Pirchio caught this striped bass fishing with his dad in Chesapeake Bay, when they tried some jigging after spotting some bait. Photo courtesy of Nick Pirchio
We’ve all heard it – 10 percent of anglers catch 90 percent of the fish. Good fishermen are often able to anticipate or adjust to changes in conditions or fish behavior. This trait lies deep in that hunter-gatherer instinct of those who can read the signs that Mother Nature provides them.
This kind of savvy and experience is usually part of what you’re paying for when hiring a charter or guide. Of course it is all the more exciting and certainly more rewarding when we can figure it out by ourselves.
In this first full week of summer, our freshwater fisheries have settled into a predictable pattern. Chesapeake Bay and ocean fisheries are usually in a state of flux and that is especially evident at the moment.
Don’t forget there is one more free fishing day coming up July 4. If you can think of someone who might like fishing, this is a great opportunity for someone to try the sport without buying a license.
Maryland Fishing Report: June 20
Ava Krasauskis enjoying a day fishing with her father. Photo by Karl Krasauskis
Fishing offers many things to many people, and they all have their own reasons why it’s so special.
For some it’s an adventurous location or pursuit of a certain fish, usually preceded by a lot of study and anticipation before the big trip. For others it may be the unwinding process from a stressful day.
One thing many anglers get particular joy out of is sharing the experience with others – often the sign of a true sportsman is when they involve first-time anglers or children.
That’s why in these fishing reports we like to show our fishing community holding large, admirable fish, to inspire us all and to highlight the bounty we have available to us here in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: June 13
Photo by David Jackson
Many of us who have spent a lifetime fishing remember the first fish we ever caught. For some, that memory might include a tough and pugnacious little rascal called the bluegill sunfish. It has a habit of attacking most any bait with total abandon and have the fighting strength of a bull – making it a perfect target for our youngest fishermen. A simple bobber-and-worm rig cast into a local pond is just the right recipe for impatient youth.
Maryland state fish hatcheries do a little genetic engineering to create a hybrid bluegill by crossing it with a green sunfish, sort of the Jack Russel terrier of the sunfish world –making an even feistier adversary for the bobber-and-worm crowd. Our department has a program that stocks these hybrid bluegill sunfish in ponds for youth fishing events.
If you want to enjoy a fun day with young aspiring anglers, check out our fishing rodeo schedule.
Maryland Fishing Report: June 6
Photo courtesy of Andy Fox
Note: If you’re looking for the June 13 report, please click here.
The northern snakehead has gotten a lot of press attention and has been called “Frankenfish.” It inspired a movie called “Snakehead Terror” about 8-foot long fish terrorizing a lakeside community, which helped create a common belief that snakeheads can walk on land.
In reality, snakeheads are an invasive species that is spreading quickly through the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They eat anything that moves within their watery environment and they grow large. One saving grace is they make excellent eating and are often what’s for dinner for many fishermen.
The use of any legal recreational gear is considered eligible for a Maryland state record in the invasive division of state records. A Virginia angler currently holds the world record for a hook-and-line snakehead at 17 pounds, 12 ounces. Maryland anglers have taken several larger than that with bow and arrow, including our new state record of 19.9 pounds set on May 24 by Andy Fox in Charles County.
Now we need someone to top these records with hook and line and bring Maryland the bragging rights for the world record – so here’s a tip: Northern snakeheads are aggressive predators and nothing seems to drive them crazier than a buzzbait over or near grass beds.
Maryland Fishing Report: May 30
Photo by Letha Grimes
Memorial Day weekend is now behind us – an important pause to remember and reflect on those who gave their lives for the freedoms and rights that we all enjoy. It also means the “summer” season has begun.
The fishing rodeo season is in full swing. For those not initiated, these are free youth fishing events held around the state by civic organizations and partners for the enjoyment of children and families. The sites are usually well stocked with fish and it is great fun with a little bit of a competitive edge tossed in for the kids, with prizes and trophies.
Gather up your kids – or perhaps a group of neighborhood kids – and head out to one of these fun events near you.
Maryland Fishing Report: May 23
Photo by Letha Grimes
Many of us found ourselves fishing in the rain last week. I was with a friend on the lower Choptank River last week enjoying some striped bass topwater action — the fishing was fun and the overcast weather showed us one of nature’s many moods to be enjoyed.
Often less-than-perfect weather gives us a unique perspective on the world around us. As we all know, the fish do not care if it’s raining and low light conditions can be beneficial.
Heading into Memorial Day weekend it looks like we’ll have a little respite from the rain. Whether you will be heading to the mountains of Maryland, to the coastal areas, or staying closer to home, be sure to spend close-up time with those dear to you. There is no better way to do that than fishing together.
Maryland Fishing Report: May 16
Rodney Butler got to spend a fine day with his brother Derrick while fishing at Piney Run Park. Photo by Derrick Butler
Most anglers know we had been going through a bit of a dry spell for several weeks, but, oh boy, did that come to an end. The heavy rains and stormy conditions moving through the state the past few days are expected to last through the weekend.
But the sun will shine again and it will be time to share the outdoors with family and friends. Fishing offers family time – catching up or reminiscing about growing up together – like no other activity.
There are some free fishing days coming up June 2, 9 and July 4. If you can think of someone you might like to introduce to fishing, this is a great opportunity for someone to try the sport without buying a license.
Maryland Fishing Report: May 9
Nick Long had some topwater catch and release fun while fishing with his mom and dad on the Chesapeake Bay this past weekend. Photo by Travis Long
Those who fish know that the waters they love have many moods, and perhaps one of our favorites is when they are quiet and calm.
This past weekend with overcast skies and little wind was one of those times that the waters we fish seem to talk to us – from the bubbling mountain streams, to the calmer waters of ponds, lakes and Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland Fishing Report Now Available as Amazon Alexa Skill
Innovative Partnership Enhances Communications and Customer Service
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that it is expanding its communications channels and services to include Amazon Echo.
Through an innovative partnership with NIC Maryland, the department will now offer the Maryland Fishing Report, which provides anglers with the latest fishing hotspots, catch of the week, water and weather conditions and more, as an Alexa Skill.
Anglers can use the new Skill on a desired Amazon device by simply saying “Alexa, open Maryland Fishing Report.” Then they can choose to hear the entire fishing report or information for specific areas or regions, including the upper, middle or lower Chesapeake Bay, freshwater fishing or Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays.
Maryland Fishing Report: May 2
Violet Sisler spent a fun time with her mom using her Barbie fishing rod to catch her first trout. The smiles say it all! Photo by Rebecca Sisler
Warmer and more seasonable weather has finally descended upon the Maryland landscape, offering a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors. The warm air temperatures and sunny weather, along with relatively cool water temperatures make for perfect fishing conditions in many local waters.
Community ponds, trout management waters and lakes offer fun shoreline fishing adventures that are particularly tuned for children. Many are stocked with bluegills, and some are stocked with trout and set aside for youth fishing. There are also fishing rodeos and other youth events held all over the state.
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Migration Arriving in Maryland
Photo: “Horseshoe Crab Family Gathering” by Willy Conley, submitted to the 2023 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Thousands of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) have started landing on Maryland’s shores this spring for what is believed to be the world’s oldest wildlife migration. Dating back an estimated 350 million years, the annual spawning occurs from May through July, peaking with high tides on or around the full and new moons in June.
One spawning female horseshoe crab will deposit an average of 20,000 eggs into the sand, with a mate grasping onto her shell and fertilizing the eggs. In addition to perpetuating the ancient species, the eggs are a seasonal buffet for migratory shorebirds preparing to return to their summer nesting grounds in northern Canada. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reports Increase in Juvenile Blue Crabs and Total Population in 2026 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey
Blue crabs counted and measured by blue crab biologists during the Winter Dredge Survey in Maryland. Photo by Joe Zimmermann/DNR
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, estimates a total of 349 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2026, a 46% increase over the estimate of 238 million crabs last year.
The survey also estimated 228 million juvenile blue crabs, an increase of 121% from last year. This above-average abundance is a promising result to fisheries biologists, after what had previously been six consecutive years of below-average juvenile recruitment. The total abundance and juvenile abundance were at the highest levels since 2019. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – Good Weather, Diverse Opportunities, and Great Guides Make Spring the Perfect Time to Discover Maryland Fishing
A worldwide charter booking service lists Maryland as the No. 2 fishing destination state. Fishing charters and guides introduce many new anglers to Maryland’s waters. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
For many Marylanders, springtime is synonymous with fishing and the state’s waterways offer a bounty of different fish to pursue. Most Maryland anglers already know about the diverse fishing opportunities throughout the state, but now the word is spreading about what makes Maryland a premier fishing destination.
The website FishingBooker recently published its fourth annual list of the best US fishing states, and this year Maryland moved up several spaces to No. 2. Maryland previously placed seventh in 2025 and eleventh in 2024. The worldwide online charter booking service considered factors such as consistent demand and widespread appeal among anglers; exceptional access to bays, rivers, tidal systems, and nearshore Atlantic waters; and being a comparatively cost-effective destination.
“With roughly a fifth of the state covered by water, Maryland offers outstanding opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater anglers,” the website noted. I couldn’t agree more.
In addition to being a point of pride, our fishing reputation also means investment. The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently reported that activity related to boating and fishing brought in more than $700 million in added value to Maryland’s economy. That’s a significant portion of an overall $10.6 billion generated by the entire outdoor recreation industry in our state. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Winter 2025-26
Oysters seized by police on January 14 after officers found them stored underwater at a St. Mary’s County dock. They were returned to the water in a non-harvest area. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police took action related to alleged violations of criminal and natural resource laws from December 2025 through February of 2026. During the winter months, individuals were charged for violations including spotlighting, hunting out of season, weapons charges, oyster harvest violations, crimes on public lands, and other offenses. Read more…
Outdoor Recreation Industry Provides $10.6 Billion Impact on Maryland Economy
DNR Office of Outdoor Recreation Supports Growth with New Business Directory
The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that activity related to boating and fishing brought in more than $700 million in added value to Maryland’s economy. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Maryland’s outdoor industry generated 1.9% of Maryland’s gross domestic product in 2024, according to a recent report by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, generating $10.6 billion through boating, hiking, hunting, fishing, cycling, RVing, camping, skiing, and much more. The recreation industry generated more than $5 billion in total compensation for Marylanders for the first time in 2024, and employed more than 85,000 people. Read more…
Governor Moore Announces Historic Year for Oyster Reproduction in Maryland Waters
Maryland biologists, including Mitch Tarnowski (center), who leads the survey, count the spat, or juvenile oysters, in samples of dredged material as part of the annual fall oyster survey. Photo by Joe Zimmermann/DNR
Governor Wes Moore today announced a historic year for oyster reproduction in Maryland waters. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the concentration of new oysters in 2025 was nearly six times higher than the long-term spatset average and the second highest ever recorded in the 41-year modern history of the state’s annual fall oyster survey.
“Oysters are the bedrock of the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay and provide economic opportunities for communities throughout the state,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland is now seeing the best news for our oysters in decades; our robust and growing oyster population will help make sure we pass our Bay along to future generations as an heirloom—both as an economic driver for our seafood industry and for the environmental health of our waterways.” Read more…
DNR Study: Bowfishing Contributes Heavily to Chesapeake Channa Harvest
Maryland DNR biologists Joe Love (second from right) and Dan Goetz (second from left) worked with Captain Nick Mather (left) of Working Class Outdoors to harvest 23 Chesapeake Channa, or northern snakeheads, as part of its collaborative project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The team is working to learn more about how bowfishing is helping to control the invasive predator’s population. Maryland DNR photo
A new Maryland Department of Natural Resources study revealed that bowfishing and gigging – using a pronged spear – are the most common ways Chesapeake Channa (also known as northern snakehead) are harvested in Maryland. These methods eclipse hook-and-line, commercial, and departmental management harvest of the invasive fish.
The study, published in Integrated and Comparative Biology, also found that bowfishermen are successfully removing larger, more fecund female Channa (those with more eggs) than traditional anglers, a key factor in limiting population growth. Read more…
DNR Extends Maryland Commercial Oyster Season for Two Additional Weeks
Extended season is being put in place to help watermen who have been unable to harvest due to ice-covered waterways
Photo by William Whaley, submitted to Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with a two-week extension of the commercial oyster season to help watermen make up for lost harvesting opportunities after many waterways and parts of the Chesapeake Bay froze during frigid temperatures in January and early February.
The change will extend the state’s commercial oyster season to April 14 this year. It was originally scheduled to end on March 31. Under the extension, all current gear restrictions and bushel limits will remain in effect. Handscraping for oysters in hand tong areas is not permitted under the extension.
“Maryland’s watermen have faced a difficult oyster season after recent declines in market demand and ice on waterways blocked access to traditional harvest areas,” said DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz. “This oyster season extension will give them additional opportunities to boost their livelihoods and the local communities where they live. DNR made this decision after extensive conversations with industry stakeholders and scientists. Coordinated oyster restoration and management efforts led by DNR have resulted in a multi-year increase of the overall oyster population in Maryland. We are confident that extending the season will not affect the ongoing resurgence of oysters in the Bay and local rivers.” Read more…
Maryland DNR Offers Enhanced Trout Stocking Program for 2026
Anglers will see a 26% increase in stocked trout, monthly schedule, and allocation adjustments to enhance their experience and catch rates
Maryland DNR Fishing and Boating Services staff stocking trout in Garrett County last fall. Maryland DNR phot
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has spent the cold winter preparing for trout fishing, one of spring’s most anticipated traditions. Based on feedback from angler surveys, the department is making some changes to the put-and-take trout stocking program to enhance angler experience, opportunity, and catch.
Adjustments to trout stocking timing, allocations, and frequency will be implemented to increase the number of stocked trout that anglers catch.
DNR’s coldwater hatchery program anticipates stocking about 240,000 adult brown, golden rainbow, and rainbow trout during the four-month spring 2026 stocking season, a 26% increase over the previous year, largely due to improved summer conditions at the Bear Creek facility.
A monthly stocking breakdown is available on DNR’s Trout Stocking webpage, showing the areas that are to be stocked. Daily stocking reports will continue to be posted on the trout stocking webpage and sent to email subscribers. Read more…
Maryland Joins Global Commitment to Protect 30% of Land and Water by 2030
Yurts at Savage Highlands State Park, which was purchased in 2024 using Program Open Space Stateside funds. DNR photo
To continue progress on land conservation and enhancing biodiversity, Maryland has joined the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, a group of member countries, states, and territories committed to preserving at least 30 percent of natural areas by 2030.
By joining the coalition, Maryland officials will work with members to understand new and innovative ways to propel land conservation forward in a way that benefits ecosystems and communities. Maryland has long been a leader in land conservation since approving the Program Open Space initiative in 1969, which is used to fund purchases of public lands and conservation easements.
In 2024, Gov. Wes Moore announced that Maryland had met its state-mandated goal to conserve 30 percent of the state’s land—about 1.85 million acres—by 2030. The state is now working to conserve 40 percent of its land by 2040. Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff will take the lead on working with the High Ambition Coalition to share information and develop ideas to achieve this goal. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Fall 2025
A Maryland Natural Resources Police patrol vehicle, photographed at Sandy Point State Park in October 2025. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police took action related to alleged violations of criminal and natural resource laws from September through November of 2025. During the fall months, individuals were charged for violations including spotlighting, hunting out of season, weapons charges, oyster and crabbing violations, illegally baiting wildlife, and other crimes. Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Recap for 2025 Season
Yellow hickory leaves. Photo by Melissa Nash.
Maryland State Park rangers and foresters found color this fall in the leaves, mushrooms, fruits, and flowers of Maryland, even a seasonal drought tamping down some of autumn’s glory.
Here is a look back at some of the most impressive photos from this year’s Maryland Fall Foliage reports.
While the opportunities to go leaf-peep may be fading, opportunities to enjoy the Maryland outdoors – fishing, hunting, hitting the trails, or watching the skies – are boundless in the second half of autumn and beginning of winter. Visit mdoutdoors.maryland.gov to purchase or renew your license. Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Report for Nov. 6
Leaves in western Maryland are well past peak, as are leaves in central Maryland. Lots of crunching underfoot.
On the Eastern Shore, leaves are at their peak, with some vivid hues on display along fields and roads. Sweet gums and black cherry trees are turning orange and yellow; shrubs like lowbush blueberry are turning light green and yellow. Staghorn sumac is showing off vibrant reds.
This is our last weekly report for the year – thanks to the foresters and rangers who offered field reports, and to the public who submitted photos!
We hope you tune in again in 2026!
A view along the Black Marsh Trail at North Point State Park. Photo by Christopher Szumlanski.
Maryland Fall Foliage Report for Oct. 30
Fall Foliage Map Oct. 30
As cool temperatures set in, fall foliage is at its peak in Maryland – and past peak in Garrett County, where fallen leaves offer crisp contrast to the grays and greens of rocky trails.
Trees along the Catoctin Mountain range have continued to change through the past week. The region is currently at peak color, with most trees seeing at least moderate change at this point, although species and location play into this. Wind and precipitation have continued to bring leaves down.
Howard, Montgomery, Carroll, Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil counties are at peak.
The Eastern Shore is near peak, with foresters reporting fiery reds, deep purples, and bright oranges.
Maryland Fall Foliage Report for Oct. 23
Much of Maryland is experiencing midpoint, near-peak, or peak foliage. Dry conditions and crisp temperatures are expected this weekend throughout the state, ushering in ideal conditions for fall foliage.
The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for Washington County Thursday evening.
Maryland Fall Foliage Report for October 16, 2025 – Western Maryland Reaches Peak
Fall Foliage Map Oct. 16
As we hit mid-October, our foresters are reporting past-peak conditions at high elevations, while farther east leaves are still only starting to change.
Garrett County is experiencing peak foliage this week, with brilliant yellow leaves on shagbark and pignut hickory trees.