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Weekly Fishing Report: May 17
Let the sun shine and warm the landscape and waters of Maryland this week. After several days of rain, cold temperatures and a root’n toot’n northeaster, I think we’re all ready for some dryer and warmer weather. The rain does bring out the green in everything, and this is a marvelous time of the year to be outdoors. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: May 10
Courtesy of Marybeth Downes
As most know (or better know!) this coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. For many of us who loved to fish in our youth, it was our moms who fussed over us about dressing properly, being careful and being home on time. They worried then and they worry now, but they let their little outdoorsman be free to taste the adventures of the world. We don’t see too many kids peddling down the road with fishing rods these days, perhaps due to busier traffic conditions or moms keeping an even closer eye on youngsters in these different times. These days it is often moms who succumb to the pleas of, “Please take me fishing!” To all the moms out there that fish, we hope you catch the biggest fish of the day. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: May 3
When fishing, the outdoors always presents a side show that can at times surpass the main event. Last Wednesday evening, I happened to find myself out on the bay and came upon the tall sailing ship, the Coast Guard Eagle. For some it has been known that she spent the winter at the Curtis Bay dry docks in Baltimore for maintenance. Read more…
Underwater Grasses in Maryland’s Portion of Chesapeake Bay Expand 10 Percent in 2016
Record Acreage Surpasses Restoration Goal
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that underwater grass abundance – a key indicator of improving water clarity and quality – increased for the fourth straight year in the state’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay, reaching a record of 59,277 acres.
This represents a 10 percent increase from 2015, and also surpasses Maryland’s 2017 restoration goal of 57,000 acres one year ahead of schedule. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 26
After a few days of cool rainy weather, the sun is beginning to peek through, and warm or perhaps hot weather is predicted for the rest of the week. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 19
Weekly Fishing Report: April 12
The Maryland landscape continues to be bathed in warm sunshine with warm temperatures; spring is definitely here and presents some wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. There are few experiences that can match spending time in the outdoors with children. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 5
The recent warm weather we’ve been experiencing can really raise some excitement about fishing, and the forecast for the weekend looks good! Trout stocking crews are busy this week and warming waters have many local fish in a very active feeding mood. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: March 29
Spring conditions throughout Maryland are presenting wonderful fishing opportunities as water temperatures steadily warm up and all manner of fish become more active. Except for some low-flow conditions in a few areas, the opening day of the traditional trout season was a big success with beautiful weather and plenty of trout. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: March 22
This coming Saturday will be an exciting day for put and take trout fishermen throughout the state as closure 1 and 2 trout management waters open up for what can be considered the traditional opening day of Maryland’s trout season. This is a wonderful time to gather up the family or neighborhood kids for a rite of spring. If your trout fishing posse has some youngsters in it, be prepared with an extra set of dry footwear and pants. It goes without saying that kids near water will get wet and muddy, and will be smiling and laughing the whole time.
Mid-Winter Fishing Report
February tends to be a tough month for playing outdoors. Most hunting seasons are closed, and it is a little bit early for comfortable fishing. Fortunately, the trout production program and the many fisheries biologists that stock the trout have given fishermen a chance to enjoy good trout fishing in the put and take trout management waters across the entire state as part of the pre-season stocking program. Read more…
Reel Experts: Celebrating state fishing records
Fishing at Gunpowder Falls; photo by Yudong Song
It was nearly noon and bitterly cold on the second day of a new year when the state cell phone, affectionately called the bat phone, indicated an incoming call. One might ask who would be fishing on a day like this and the answer is simple: Maryland anglers! The Department of Natural Resources maintains a program to celebrate the state’s amazing fisheries resources by recognizing large, trophy-sized game fish species and keeping records based on weight. Read more…
Illegal Deer Hunting Activity in Western Maryland
Illegal deer hunting topped the cases handled in recent days by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources App Receives Top Honors
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to be among the winners recently announced in the 2016 MarCom Awards competition. The department’s AccessDNR mobile app was awarded the Platinum MarCom Award, the competition’s highest honor, in the “App for Information” category.Two White Perch Records Set in Maryland
Anglers Broke State Atlantic and Nontidal Records
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today confirmed two new white perch state fishing records. James Stiars of Bel Air broke his own nontidal record in Loch Raven Reservoir in Baltimore County, and ten-year-old Ryan Timmons of Berlin broke the Atlantic record in Ayers Creek in Worcester County. Read more…
Nine-Year-Old Sets New Maryland Fishing Record
94.6-pound Cobia Caught by 65-pound Emma Zajdel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that Emma Zajdel, 9, of Ocean City, has set a new state fishing record with a 94.6-pound cobia. Read more…
Sandy Point State Park: The fastest-growing town in Maryland
Sunrise at Sandy Point; by James Phelps
The sky is just beginning to wake up when the line begins forming.
In the time it takes the horizon to go from inky black to soft blues and pinks, cars multiply and snake from the entrance of Sandy Point back toward the U.S. Route 50 exit ramp. Read more…
Free Fishing Days Announced in Maryland
No License or Trout Stamp Required on June 4, 11 and July 4
Get outside with your rod and reel, and take advantage of Maryland’s excellent angling opportunities during three, free fishing days (June 4 and 11, and July 4). No license or trout stamp is required to recreationally fish in state waters on these days. Read more…
53,000 Acres of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Mapped in Maryland
Record Grass Abundance Indicates Progress on Bay Restoration and Improved Water Quality
Widgeon grass in clear mid bay water
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that underwater grass abundance – a key indicator of water quality– in the state’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay increased 29 percent between 2014 and 2015, reaching a new record of 53,277 acres. This puts Maryland at nearly 94 percent of its 2017 restoration goal of 57,000 acres. Read more…
Man Gets Jail Time for Stealing Gear During Ocean City Fishing Tournament
A Berlin man will spend one year in jail after pleading guilty Tuesday in Worcester County Circuit Court to stealing fishing gear from vessels participating the White Marlin Open, the Maryland Natural Resources Police said. Read more…
Upper Marlboro Sportsman Sets New Maryland Snakehead Record
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that Michael Meade of Upper Marlboro, Maryland set a new state sport fish record with a 17.49-pound northern snakehead while fishing with bow and arrow along the marshes of Mattawoman Creek.
“It was about 10:30 at night when I brought it onboard, and it was the biggest snakehead I had ever seen,” Meade said. “When I got home, I stepped on a bathroom scale with the fish, and it was over 17 pounds. So, I put it in a bucket of ice water and went looking for a certified scale.”
The next day in Marbury, Gray Brothers Market Store Manager Stacy Long confirmed the weight on a Maryland Department of Agriculture-certified digital scale. Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist Mary Groves subsequently confirmed the species, making the record official.
Hyattsville Boy Wins Boat Grand Prize at Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale
Grand Prize winner, Luke Adams, with his new boat
DNR awards more than $40,000 in cash and prizes
More than $40,000 in cash, prizes and merchandise was awarded to lucky anglers this morning at the 2015 Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale. Nearly 2,000 people, including sponsors, contestants and their guests, attended the celebration held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announces New Fisheries Director
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the appointment of David Blazer as the new director of fisheries. In this capacity, Blazer will manage the state’s fisheries by keeping balance with the ecosystem, while providing high quality, diverse and accessible fishing opportunities.
“The common thread throughout his career is his demonstrated ability to bring a range of diverse stakeholders together for a common goal,” DNR Secretary Mark Belton said. “His environmental, management and policy experience – and firsthand knowledge of the department – will serve the state and its natural resources well.”
Marbury Archer Sets Maryland Snakehead Record
Todd Murphy of Marbury caught a state record, 17.47-pound northern snakehead while fishing with bow and arrow on Mattwoman Creek in the early hours of August 8, beating the previous record of 16.94 pounds set by Teddy McKenzie in 2014.
“I went out on the high tide expecting to find catfish up in the flooded grass,” said Murphy. “I was surprised to find snakeheads instead, and ended up with seven of them and not a single catfish.”
Murphy bagged the record just before 2:30 a.m.
Survey Says: Visitors Prefer Maryland for Hunting and Fishing
Landing that prize rockfish or tagging a world-class deer in Maryland may be more enjoyable than the same victory somewhere else, according to a recent survey that reveals most out-of-state anglers and hunters rank their experience in Maryland superior to that of their home state. Read more…
Fish Free in Maryland June 6, 13 and July 4
Photo by Patricia Colletti
Everyone is encouraged to grab a rod, get outside and take advantage of Maryland’s excellent angling opportunities during free fishing days June 6, June 13 and July 4. No license or trout stamp is required to recreationally fish in state waters on these days. Maryland also features 23 unique license-free fishing areas, where anglers can fish without a license throughout the year.
Maryland Fishing Challenge Heats Up
More than 500 anglers eligible for cash and prizes
Last year’s boat package winner, Rick Snider of Biglerville, Pa. Prize sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats.
Landing a big fish in Maryland could also land anglers big prizes, including cash, a powerboat, a tropical vacation, tackle packages, and Under Armour and Costa gear. Hosted by DNR and now in its eleventh year, the Maryland Fishing Challenge continues to showcase Maryland as a premier recreation destination with anglers reporting excellent fishing from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Read more…
Maryland Park Service, NRP Urge Ice Safety Awareness
Monty Cowan caught and released this 32-inch northern pike while ice fishing in the Sky Valley area of Deep Creek Lake.
As winter reaches its coldest weeks, the Maryland Park Service and Natural Resources Police remind outdoors enthusiasts to stay smart and safe. Cold-weather hazards are hard to see ─ particularly at night ─ and even a small mistake can quickly turn an outing into a struggle to survive. Read more…
Anglers Open the New Year with Two State Fishing Records
Westerfeld’s state record tautog. Photo by Capt. Kane Bounds
Possible world record tautog caught
On January 2, two anglers brought in the New Year with Maryland state record tautog and chain pickerel catches.
Kenneth Westerfeld of College Point, NY reeled in a 28.8-pound tautog 20 miles southeast of Ocean City while fishing in about 75-feet of water with Captain Kane Bounds on the charter boat Fish Bound. Maryland’s previous record was a 23-pound tautog caught by Charles Donohue near Ocean City in 2012. The current world record is 25 pounds. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – Spring Forth into Nature
First Lady Dawn Moore joined DNR and a group of local high school students for the “Global Day of Unplugging” March 1 at Patapsco Valley State Park. Maryland DNR photo.
March is a transition month – the beginning of spring is perhaps the most visible and dramatic of all seasonal changes within a short span of time. While our public lands and waters offer access to nature all year, March is an especially busy time as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) makes preparations for the warm weather months ahead.
Staff in our parks and state forests are readying campsites for reopening in spring. It’s a great time to start planning your outdoor adventures this year by visiting our online reservation system. All parks that offer camping will have campsites available for rent before or by Memorial Day. At the same time, there are a few remaining weeks for wintertime activities, especially in the western region of our state, where the cold weather lasts a little longer. One of late winter’s big activities in Maryland is the Maple Syrup Festival in Cunningham Falls State Park. Read more…
Fall Trout Stocking Starts in October
Maryland Waters to be Ready for Harvest
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the fall trout stocking season will begin in early October.
Thousands of brown, golden, and rainbow trout will be released in several creeks, ponds, and lakes throughout Maryland. Anglers should consult the 2021 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing for all regulations and any seasonal restrictions for their favorite waters. Read more…
At Your Service: Natural Resources Professionals Are Standing By
Ranger Cierra Maszkiewicz answering a call at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
A key function of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing the best information possible to the public we serve. To that end, the department provides a customer service email, customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov, as well as dedicated phone lines, email newsletter subscription services, and social media platforms through which the public can contact the department. Questions or concerns coming into the department are funneled to experts in all of the different department divisions. For example, a question concerning hunting seasons would be forwarded to the Wildlife and Heritage Service, and a question concerning a waterman’s permit would be answered by a licensing and permitting expert in Fishing and Boating Services. Read more…
Secretary’s Message — March 2020
In Maryland, Fishing Springs Eternal!
Each March I look forward to the return of the osprey. While this generally happens before spring’s official arrival on the equinox, it makes me feel that spring – and fishing season – have arrived.
March is also when the Department of Natural Resources resumes our weekly Maryland Fishing Report, available on our website, through our email newsletter, and also via your Amazon Echo device by saying “Alexa: open the Maryland Fishing Report.”
Regularly scheduled stocking of trout in Maryland’s streams, rivers, and ponds occurs across the state. And anglers are awaiting the beginning of the yellow perch run which will start as soon as water temperatures start rising in Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland creeks and rivers. Read more…
Timeline: Our Story Begins
The units that make up today’s Department of Natural Resources mostly date back farther than 1969, many having gone through numerous names and structural changes before and even after becoming part of the department.
The earliest version of what is now a Department of Natural Resources function is the Maryland Geological Survey, which originated with a brief tenure from 1834-41 and resumed activity in 1896.
The oldest continuing unit is the Maryland Natural Resources Police, which was organized as the State Oyster Police force in 1868. Read more…
Striped Bass Advisory System Helps Anglers Protect Species
Alerts Will Advise of Fishing Conditions
Photo by Roy Julie
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching a new awareness campaign to reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season. A color-coded recommendation system will advise of fishing conditions, allowing anglers to plan their striped bass fishing trips up to seven days in advance.
Seasonal high water and air temperatures as well as low oxygen can cause fish to become sensitive and stressed, with increased mortality during catch-and-release fishing. Larger striped bass – 24 inches or larger – have the most difficulty with these conditions.
Read more…
Ask an Expert: Spring 2019
Distinguishing between invasive and non-native species; keeping our Eyes on the Bay. Read more…
Short Takes: Summer 2018
In this issue, a reader shares a unique experience at Assateague and the department explores new technology. Read more…
Spanish-Language Outreach on Safety and Stewardship Expands Access, Earns National Recognition
“Splash” the water safety dog joins a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Sandy Point State Park. Maryland DNR photo.
For many years, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized a disparity in relating laws, regulations, and safety information to one of the fastest-growing communities enjoying the outdoors. Spanish-speaking residents faced multiple barriers to access at the parks, particularly with customer service and community programming.
In 2016, DNR launched its program, Es Mi Parque – Spanish for “It’s My Park” – to better connect the Maryland Park Service to visitors of Hispanic descent, and for Natural Resources Police to more effectively communicate with an important constituency. The department has also created a full Spanish version of its online licensing system.
And today, Maryland is recognized as one of the first states in the country to produce its boating regulations in both English and Spanish.
“It’s important to reach all of our cultural communities in Maryland when it comes to boating safety,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “Our agency has made it a priority to effectively engage with our Spanish-speaking population, and our outreach continues to provide a wealth of information to the Hispanic and Latino community interested in safely enjoying our state’s natural resources.”
Boating Accidents Trend Down, Arrests Up During Operation Dry Water 2024
Newly enacted ‘Nick’s Law’ increases penalties for boating while impaired
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Natural Resources Police reported a statistically safer weekend than years past during the July 4 weekend this year.
Despite being the busiest boating holiday, no boating fatalities were recorded on Independence Day weekend. Nine boating accidents occurred on Maryland’s waterways, down from 12 in each of the previous two years.
NRP officers made nine Operating While Under the Influence of Alcohol (OUI) arrests during the agency’s “Operation Dry Water” heightened enforcement period from July 4-6. This was the highest number of arrests NRP recorded since making 12 arrests during Operation Dry Water in 2018. Read more…
Public Lands Visitors Urged to Practice Vehicle Safety And Theft Prevention
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
As visitation at state parks climbs during the busy summer season, it unfortunately also brings an increase in reported criminal activity. Vehicles parked in Maryland state parks and other public lands can often be susceptible to theft. Criminals target cars parked at trailheads and parks as they are typically in remote areas, where the owner is likely to not be near, and may have valuables stowed inside.
In 2023, more than 50 thefts were reported from vehicles in Maryland state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas, fishing management areas, natural resources management areas, and other Department of Natural Resources managed lands. Most occurred during peak season, primarily during the summer months of June, July, and August. Read more…
At Another Key Juncture for Blue Crabs, Scientists Look Back at Two Decades of Management
Lessons learned from past management give hope for new stock assessment
Regulations that focused on female crabs starting in 2008 helped bring a back the population of the iconic crustacean in the Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Stephanie Kendall
In the late 2000s, the outlook for blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay was grim.
Known for its ups and downs, the blue crab harvest was going through a long stretch of almost all downs. The crab population steeply declined after 1997 and remained at record low harvests for a decade. The region lost nearly 4,500 crab-related jobs between 1998 and 2006.
Determined to save the crabbing industry—the most profitable fishery in the Bay—and increase the population of blue crabs, officials from Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission took action, enacting a spate of bold regulations that changed the way the species was managed. Read more…
Researchers Prepare for Blue Crab Stock Assessment To Help Guide Future Management
Multi-year analysis to look at questions around juvenile recruitment, environmental factors
Crew on the winter dredge survey boat sort through blue crabs found in the Choptank River. Data from this survey will be included in the stock assessment. Photo by Joe Zimmermann, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
A team of researchers is preparing for a large-scale analysis of the blue crab population in the Chesapeake Bay that will help guide future management of the crab fishery and investigate factors that influence the animal’s survival and reproduction.
The stock assessment comes as a response to ongoing questions about the regional population of the iconic crustacean, particularly around the recent juvenile recruitment, or the amount of young crabs in the system. This number has been below average for five consecutive years, including the results of the 2024 blue crab winter dredge survey.
Chesapeake Bay 2023 Fall Oyster Survey Records Outstanding Spatfall
Strong oyster reproduction observed in Maryland waters
DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz joins Fishing and Boating Services staff analyze to oyster spat during the fall survey. Photo by Robert Bussell, Maryland DNR.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Oyster Survey recorded a remarkable year for juvenile oysters in Maryland waters, finding both prolific numbers and a widespread distribution throughout many regions of the Chesapeake Bay.
The survey’s spatfall intensity index, a measure of reproductive success and potential population growth for oysters, was 86.8 spat, or juvenile oysters, per bushel, nearly four times the 39-year median of 23.6 spat per bushel and the fifth highest in that timeframe.
“We have not recorded this extent of oyster spat recruitment in the fall survey in a generation,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “Both the quantity and the wide distribution of spat throughout the Bay, including several areas where our biologists have rarely observed spat in nearly 40 years of results, are outstanding. We plan to build on these natural spatsets by continuing oyster restoration efforts and promoting aquaculture to bolster the overall oyster population.” Read more…
Secretary’s Message – October 2022
Find an October Treat in Maryland’s Outdoor Spaces
Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
October is a time when the natural world puts on a spectacular show; and outdoor activities in Maryland provide a great opportunity to enjoy it! It is an ideal time to visit the public lands throughout our beautiful state. Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and I recently joined a group of veterans and staff from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs for a wellness hike at Patuxent River Natural Resource Management Area in Hughesville. The hike was organized to raise awareness for suicide prevention and the new Veterans Crisis Line, which can be accessed by dialing 988 (then pressing 1) or texting 838255.
Similarly, DNR participated again this year in Maryland’s multi-agency Walktober campaign to highlight the health benefits of walking – our official state exercise – and to remind everyone of the responsibility we share regarding pedestrian safety on our roads and in our recreational areas. Read more…
Fall Foliage Preview for 2022
Overview
Welcome to the fall foliage report for 2022. Fall officially begins on Thursday, September 22 at 9:04 p.m. and the outlook for this year is positive. It’s hard to predict what kind of season Maryland will have, but there are a few factors that affect fall foliage, helping us to develop a science-based forecast. In western Maryland we’re already seeing the falling black gum leaves decorating the dark forest floor with pops of pink. There are similar reports from Southern Maryland, where the yellow poplars are also joining in, as summer waves its last goodbye.
Black Gum leaves – Photo: Melissa Carson, Maryland Park Service
Archery Hunting for Deer Starts September 9 Statewide
Bowhunting Open Through Jan. 31, Plus Primitive Hunt
Photo by Matthew Doged
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 9, and continues through Jan. 31, 2023. Archers may also use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1-3, 2023 during the annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Read more…
State Record Common Carp Caught in Susquehanna Flats
Baltimore County Angler Breaks Record Held 44 Years
Logan Kuhrmann of Essex is the new state record holder for common carp in the state’s Chesapeake Division. Photo by Matt Weber, used with permission.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed Logan Kuhrmann of Essex is the new state record holder for common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) in the state’s Chesapeake Division. Kuhrmann, 24, caught the 49-pound carp June 4 while bass fishing in the Susquehanna Flats area of the Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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