Maryland Fishing Report – December 3
Maryland anglers are adjusting to the colder weather and water temperatures and enjoying good fishing when the weather allows
Maryland anglers are adjusting to the colder weather and water temperatures and enjoying good fishing when the weather allows
Warm days of early fall are well behind us and the leaves have fallen, but there is still a lot of good fishing to be had in the Chesapeake Bay and freshwater areas.
The colder weather of late fall and early winter is knocking on our door. A cold front has swept across Maryland this week, so anglers will need to bundle up.
Late fall is definitely arriving, with frost showing up in the mornings, leaves falling, and anglers bundling up when fishing. Sneakers are being replaced with knee boots and warm hats and coats prevail and gloves are soon to follow. The sunny days of fall offer fun opportunities for a day of fishing.
The fall months offer comfortable temperatures for plenty of outdoor fun and the scenery of the changing foliage is icing on the cake. It is a wonderful time to share good times fishing together.
Despite the strong autumn winds we’ve been experiencing lately, anglers can find a lee shore or perhaps a tucked away quiet piece of water to enjoy fishing and the fall foliage. This is a wonderful month to enjoy the outdoors, so don’t miss it. The 2025 striped bass young of the year survey results have Read the Rest…
Fair skies abound this week as the recent Nor’easter is just a memory. There is plenty of good fishing to be found this week as mild temperatures and sunny weather have moved in across the state.
October presents a wonderful opportunity to spend some time fishing in the comfort of mild temperatures and the beautiful settings of fall foliage and peaceful waters.
It is always fun for anglers to strike out on a new fishing adventure. Venturing to an unexplored body of water or looking for a different species than usual can add a little spice to your fishing experience.
Anglers are finding many of our fisheries in a transition from warmer summer to cooler fall temperatures, and fish are feeding aggressively.
We will experience some wet weather for a few days, but the forecast looks good for the weekend. Anglers are enjoying good fishing in all areas of Maryland.
September is a remarkable month, with one foot dragging along a little summer weather and yet taking another noticeable step into fall. It is the best of both worlds and fishing could hardly be better.
Labor Day is now to our stern, but there is still plenty of time to take the kids fishing after school and on the weekends to enjoy the marvelous weather.
The Labor Day weekend is arriving and the traditional end to summer is upon us. Family vacations usually come to a halt when children head back to school, but there is always time for fishing after school or on weekends. The Department of Natural Resources’ Striped Bass Advisory Forecast also ends for the season this Read the Rest…
The coastal areas are seeing heavy surf and higher than normal tides, and perhaps strong winds will occur later this week. It’s a good time to fish in more protected waters or perhaps just stand on the beach and watch nature’s fury. A reminder to all Maryland anglers, please participate in DNR’s Volunteer Angler Surveys. Read the Rest…
As we approach the halfway mark of August, fitting in a vacation before school starts is often on the mind of parents. Enjoying fishing adventures is a big part of family memories spanning the generations. With some hot days back in the forecast, remember to take care when catching and releasing any striped bass. Visit Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed Dominic Vuotto of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, as a new state record holder for blueline tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) in the Atlantic Division. Vuotto landed a 21.3-pound blueline tilefish July 26 while fishing offshore near Washington Canyon. The outing was Vuotto’s first time fishing. Vuotto was fishing aboard Foolish Read the Rest…
The summer fun continues across Maryland, as the White Marlin Open in Ocean City has begun and is attracting anglers from many distant ports. Many anglers are also seeking out more local and satisfying fishing such as Chesapeake Channa, AKA northern snakehead, in the Bay’s tidal rivers this week.
It may be hot out but there is plenty of great fishing to be had throughout Maryland. Be sure to pack some fishing gear or charter a fishing trip and make some lasting family memories. The 2025 striped bass season will reopen in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay this coming Friday, August 1. Once Read the Rest…
New state mark for species set just eight days after 30-year-old record fell The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized Jack Dorman of Mt. Airy as the new state record holder for false albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus) in the Atlantic Division. Dorman’s 26.0-pound catch surpasses the previous record of 23.5 pounds that was just Read the Rest…
Marylanders are out enjoying the outdoors as we find ourselves in the peak of the summer vacation season. Anglers are finding good fishing in the tidal rivers for Chesapeake Channa. Anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are reminded that all fishing and targeting of striped bass is closed from July 16 through July Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recognizes Timothy K. Shaarda of Clayton, North Carolina, as a new state record holder for false albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus) in the Atlantic Division. Shaarda’s 23.5-pound catch breaks a record that had stood for 30 years.
We’re in the peak of summer and people across Maryland can be seen traveling the roads for family vacation destinations. For many, fishing and enjoying the outdoors will be part of the fun, and with school out our younger anglers get to indulge in fishing. Anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are reminded Read the Rest…
The peak of the summer season is here and a time for vacations, relaxing on the water, and of course, fishing. As a reminder, striped bass fishing of any kind will be off limits in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from July 16-31. This annual summer break for our state fish helps protect them Read the Rest…
It’s Independence Day weekend, the kids are out of school, and summer is officially here – all wonderful things. Summer offers a fantastic time to get the whole family out for a fishing adventure tuned to their capabilities. July 4 is designated as a Free Fishing Day where no fishing license is needed to fish Read the Rest…
One of the most wonderful things about fishing is that anyone can do it anytime and almost anywhere.
We approach the longest daylight hours of the year that reach a peak on the summer solstice June 20. There are extra daylight hours to go fishing so get outdoors! The first two Saturdays in June – this year, June 7 and June 14 – are free fishing days in Maryland, when anglers do not Read the Rest…
There are fun fishing adventures waiting out there and hopefully everyone can spend some time at their favorite fishing hole, or perhaps seek out a new spot or species. The first two Saturdays in June are free fishing days where no fishing license is required, so consider taking a friend fishing – it could change Read the Rest…
There is a lot of great fishing to enjoy this week from western Maryland to the coastal regions. One fishing scene that will be enjoyed by our youngest and oldest anglers are white perch, which can now be found near docks in every tidal river and creek of the Chesapeake Bay.
Thousands of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) have begun landing on Maryland’s shores 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.
The warmer weather of late spring beckons us all to explore the Maryland outdoors, and fishing is a wonderful way to introduce our youngest explorers to it. Most adult anglers can remember their first introduction to fishing and the feisty bluegill sunfish often provided that first catch.
May is upon us and warm temperatures beckon all to enjoy the outdoors of Maryland. Fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy nature and the peace and solitude that comes with being near water.
This week holds promise for anglers across Maryland from the western mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Warmer weather makes being outdoors – and especially fishing – a fun experience.
Warm springtime temperatures not only provide us with comfortable outdoor activities, but rising air temperatures and bright sunlight also warm our Maryland waters and cause many fish to become more active. The Chesapeake Channa, commonly known as the northern snakehead, is one of those fish that is responding to the weather. The Cooperative Oxford Laboratory Read the Rest…
There are many fishing opportunities in Maryland this week for angler of all ages, from excellent trout fishing provided by generous stockings, to many different freshwater species becoming active statewide, to surf and offshore fishing in the Ocean City area.
Winter is not quite ready to release its grasp, but the fishing is good regardless of the air temperature, from the Atlantic coast to the western mountains. Trout fishing in the put-and-take areas is very popular this month with anglers of all ages. Meanwhile, hickory shad are showing up for some exciting catch-and-release action.
Recent warm and sunny weather was all it took to encourage families and friends to be outside and enjoy the Maryland outdoors. The traditional opening day of trout season brought out anglers young and old this past weekend as well as other places to fish in Maryland.
Maryland’s second second annual youth trout fishing day was beautiful and sunny, perfect to introduce our next generation of anglers to streams and ponds across the state. The traditional opening day for all trout anglers is Saturday, March 29, and it also promises to be a bright and sunny day for everyone. Based on angler Read the Rest…
Spring is making its presence known, and the warm sunny days are bringing out anglers. Maryland’s special youth trout fishing day is Saturday, March 22 and the traditional opening day of trout season is March 29. No matter what you fish for, enjoy the peace and serenity of the outdoors and perhaps a beautiful sunset Read the Rest…
Spring is slowly beginning to emerge with signs of warmer weather ahead. Spring fishing is already kicking into high gear with yellow perch and white perch spawning runs, plus the promise of the traditional opening day of trout season on March 29. In addition to stocking waters under closure until that day, hatchery crews are Read the Rest…
Aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have completed their annual population estimates of ducks, geese, and swans along the state’s Chesapeake Bay, tidal Potomac River and Atlantic coast shorelines. This year, the teams counted about 705,300 waterfowl, which was higher than both the 593,200 birds Read the Rest…
The cold hand of winter may be loosening its icy grip on the Maryland landscape with warmer temperatures forecast this week. Fast-moving streams and creeks in the western region are providing excellent trout fishing opportunities. The 2025 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is expected to be available by the end of February. A few Read the Rest…
Lethargic sea turtles and marine mammals should be reported to 800-628-9944 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks those visiting the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic coast to be vigilant of sea turtles who exhibit signs of cold-stunning, a condition that causes animals to become debilitated and experience hypothermia-like symptoms due to prolonged exposure to cold Read the Rest…
Little by little, summer is losing its grip on the Maryland landscape, with cooler nights and milder daytime temperatures. Fish feel it too, and they are feeding aggressively and putting on body stores for what lies ahead. A perfect example are the bluefish in the Chesapeake Bay that are large and fat.
Glorious September is here, and although summer will sweep her hand across Maryland a few times before it is all over, we can all look forward to more comfortable weather. Water temperatures will begin to cool also and fishing in general will shift into high gear.
The 38.0-pound grouper caught in the Atlantic Ocean is only 10 pounds short of the world record. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognizes Jian Feng Li of Silver Spring as the first state record holder for yellowedge grouper (Caulolatilus microps) in the Atlantic division. Li caught the 38.0-pound, 43-inch fish on August 27 Read the Rest…
Labor Day is upon us and September is on the horizon, promising cooler weather and excellent fishing and crabbing. There will be many crab feasts scheduled for families and friends across Maryland this weekend and recreational crabbers will go out on the water to provide the crabs.
Fishing is always better in the company of family or friends, and when an angler is successful and has their friends to cheer them on and offer encouragement it makes all the difference when battling a fish of mammoth proportions. As a reminder to all Maryland anglers, please participate in the Department of Natural Read the Rest…
Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries experienced unusually high tides last week, and the Conowingo Dam had several flood gates open. Conditions are beginning to return to more moderate flows but anglers fishing on the Bay and tidal rivers need to keep an extra watch for floating debris.
The excitement of seeing a young angler catch their first fish is enough to warm the heart of anyone, much less a veteran angler. Bluegill sunfish and white perch often fit the bill for this first fishing adventure. The Chesapeake Bay striped bass season reopens August 1, and although it is legal to fish for Read the Rest…