Maryland Fishing Report – December 3
Maryland anglers are adjusting to the colder weather and water temperatures and enjoying good fishing when the weather allows
Posts Tagged ‘Chesapeake Bay’
Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Shows Hypoxia Conditions Near Average for 2025
Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University showed that 2025 seasonal hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—was slightly above average in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia. Hypoxia was below average in May and early June, then higher than average in late June through early Read the Rest…
Governor Moore and Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council Approve Revised Agreement to Protect Jobs, the Environment, and Coastal Communities
Governor Wes Moore on Dec. 2 led the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Executive Council in approving the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which includes goals that will improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, increase access to nature, and support livelihoods that depend on this nationally treasured resource. The revised agreement supports the environmental and economic Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 26
Colder weather is upon us but there are wonderful fishing opportunities for anglers who dress warmly.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 19
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.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 12
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.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 5
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.
Sec. Josh Kurtz and Dr. Bill Dennison: Revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement Reaffirms Partnership and Protects the Bay’s Future
Last month, Maryland representatives joined officials from around the Mid-Atlantic region to put forth a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that includes firm timelines, required pollution reductions, and ambitious, yet reachable goals for improving the health of the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Principals’ Staff Committee approved the revised Agreement at its Oct. 28 meeting Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 29
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.
Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Shows Hypoxia Conditions Improved in Late August and September
Hypoxia volumes decreased in late summer from earlier highs Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University showed an above average volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in early August, that then decreased to below average in late Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 22
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…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 15
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.
Chesapeake Bay 2025 Young-of-Year Striped Bass Survey Results
Slight improvement documented, but spawning success is still below average The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2025 juvenile striped bass survey recorded a young-of-year index of 4.0. This is an improvement over recent years, but still well below the long-term survey average of 11. This marks the seventh consecutive year of low spawning success Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 8
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.
Secretary’s Message: Maryland Fights for Stronger Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement
Federal government shutdown could impact Agreement’s finalization Last week, Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff joined representatives from other jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to recommend proposed changes to the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement based on the public feedback we received this year. The updates to this important agreement took place at the Read the Rest…
Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Maryland Clarifies Potential from a Muddy Term
A secret to restoring the Chesapeake Bay is just waiting to be unearthed. In the maritime state of Maryland, dredging is done routinely to keep waterways navigable by removing shoals and making sure channels are deep enough for boats to pass. But the materials removed from the waterways — sediment, sand, mud — have to Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 1
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.
Governor Wes Moore Names Professor Thomas Miller ‘Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay’
Governor Wes Moore has commissioned Solomons resident and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Professor Thomas Miller as the 111th Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay. The Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay is a lifetime achievement award bestowed upon individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 24
Anglers are finding many of our fisheries in a transition from warmer summer to cooler fall temperatures, and fish are feeding aggressively.
Maryland Fishing Report – September 17
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.
Maryland Fishing Report – September 10
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.
Secretary’s Message – Maryland is Experiencing a Bivalve Boom
Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay are in the midst of a comeback. During the past 20 years, the oyster population in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay has tripled, according to this year’s stock assessment conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Maryland’s success Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 3
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.
Maryland Fishing Report – August 27
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…
Governor Wes Moore Announces Completion of Maryland’s Five Tributary-Scale Oyster Restoration Sanctuaries
The oyster restoration projects–among the largest in the world–have been highly successful at helping bring back oyster populations and build habitat in the Chesapeake Bay Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland will formally meet its commitment to restore five oyster tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay by completing oyster restoration in the Manokin River Sanctuary Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 20
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…
Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Shows Hypoxia Volumes Remained Above Average in July
Dissolved oxygen conditions increased in early July but decreased later in the month Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show an above average volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in early and late July. Early July Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 13
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…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 6
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.
Maryland Fishing Report – July 30
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…
Public Input Sought for Next Chapter of Chesapeake Bay Restoration Work
On Tuesday, August 5, Maryland will host an open house in Annapolis to provide information for the public about the recently released draft revisions to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The Agreement is the voluntary plan – signed by Maryland, New York, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the U.S. Environmental Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 23
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…
Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Provides $20 Million in Capital Grants for Public Boating Access, Navigable Waterways and Safety
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide $20 million in Waterway Improvement Fund allocations to communities and projects throughout Maryland in Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1. The funds will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other important Read the Rest…
Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Shows Hypoxia Increased in June After Rainy May
Dissolved oxygen conditions show mixed results in May and June 2025 Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show an increasing volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia from early to late June. No hypoxia was observed in Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 16
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…
Maryland’s Summer Closure of Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Fishing Begins July 16
The Department of Natural Resources reminds Maryland recreational anglers that targeting striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is prohibited from July 16 through July 31. This closure, now in its sixth season, is necessary to protect the species, because when water and air temperatures rise in the hottest part of summer, Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 9
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…
Secretary’s Message: We’re Moving Together to Make the Chesapeake Bay Better
The long-term effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay has made steady progress, and there is still more work to do. We’re on track to complete or have already completed more than half of the outcomes we set for ourselves in 2014, when all seven watershed jurisdictions (six states and DC), the federal government, and the Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 2
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…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 11
One of the most wonderful things about fishing is that anyone can do it anytime and almost anywhere.
Maryland Fishing Report – June 4
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…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 28
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…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reports Sustainable Population in 2025 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey
Next year’s blue crab stock assessment expected to inform management options, help better understand low juvenile recruitment 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 238 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2025, a decrease Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 21
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.
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Migration Arriving in Maryland
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.
Maryland Fishing Report – May 14
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.
Secretary’s Message – New State Laws Will Help Protect Public Lands and the Chesapeake Bay
Now that the Maryland General Assembly legislative session has ended, the Department of Natural Resources is working to act on the laws they have passed. I wanted to thank the team at the Department who dedicated countless hours providing information to state legislators on the numerous bills that impact our work to improve ecological, social, Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 7
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.
Project Spotlight: DNR’s Watershed and Climate Services Partners With Environmental Education Preserve To Build a Living Laboratory of Restoration Science
Projects create habitat and public access at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Located in Grasonville near Kent Island, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center — known as CBEC – has been the site of living shoreline and marsh enhancement projects for more than 23 years. From work that turned concrete rubble from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium into oyster Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 30
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.