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…
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 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…
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…
There is plenty of good fishing to be found in Maryland this week and for those wishing to fish open waters and not owning a boat, there are fishing guides, light tackle fishing guides, charter boats, and party boats to take customers out fishing. They are in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces. Read the Rest…
Maryland anglers are seeing some wonderful fishing opportunities this week as freshwater species settle into predictable patterns and an influx of summer marine species begin to move into Maryland waters.
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.
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…
Maryland’s recreational and commercial striped bass fisheries is set for the 2025 season. While there remains uncertainty around future spawning potential for the species given recent population declines documented in juvenile surveys, Maryland is maintaining the recreational seasons, limits, and the commercial quota instituted last year based on the overall 2024 coastwide Atlantic striped bass 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…
This joint DNR-federal facility is critical for oyster science and other marine research for the region The Cooperative Oxford Laboratory is a unique collaborative research facility shared by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service and the Chesapeake Bay Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Located Read the Rest…
This will be the last weekly fishing report of 2024. All of us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wish you the happiest holidays with family and friends. There is still plenty of fishing to be had during the winter months so please be sure to check what’s in season and enjoy. The Maryland Read the Rest…
Although Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic waters are becoming cold, there is still plenty of excellent fishing to be found across Maryland and the ocean waters. Recreational striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake Bay closed on Dec. 10. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Read the Rest…
Cold weather has settled in, and if you dress warmly and keep your feet dry, there is plenty of good fishing to be found throughout Maryland. Coastal anglers are enjoying an epic bluefin tuna bite off Ocean City and tautog at the inlet. Inland, one fish that excites cold weather anglers is the chain pickerel. Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources wishes everyone peace and renewed family bonds this holiday, as we reflect on all the things we are grateful for and hopefully enjoy a long weekend. Despite the weather getting a little chilly out there, once the sun shines there is a wonderful array of fishing to be had Read the Rest…
There are plenty of good fishing opportunities this week across Maryland and our offshore waters. Anglers are urged to get out and enjoy the action, which may provide wonderful memories to reflect on this winter. Nick Perez of Perryville recently earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Department’s FishMaryland program. He is the 15th Read the Rest…
There are plenty of excellent fishing opportunities this week across Maryland and our offshore waters, don’t miss out on the exciting action. Bundle up and enjoy good fishing before the cold of winter descends upon us, and most importantly take the younger anglers with you. Memories and smiles will last a lifetime.
A change of seasons is all around us this week, vibrant colors abound, the mornings have a little more chill in them, and anglers are enjoying fishing across Maryland. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Read the Rest…
Mild weather conditions and a full spectrum of fall fishing opportunities await anglers this week from the mountains of Western Maryland to the Atlantic. With the fall fishing season well underway, anglers are encouraged to participate in the Department of Natural Resources’ volunteer angler surveys. This is a chance for anglers to directly help with Read the Rest…
Low spawning success documented for sixth consecutive year The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2024 young-of-year index is 2.0, well below the long-term average of 11.0, and marks the sixth consecutive year Read the Rest…
The mornings show signs of the approaching colder weather, but the daytime air temperatures and sunny weather are delightful. Trout anglers are enjoying the fall stocking of trout, while Chesapeake Bay and coastal anglers are focusing on a variety of fish. With the fall fishing season well underway, anglers are encouraged to participate in the Read the Rest…
Marylanders continue to see temperatures dip as we move our way through October. Fishing could hardly be better for a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish. To the delight of trout anglers, the fall trout stocking program has begun. Other anglers set their sights on fish like the invasive flathead catfish. With the fall Read the Rest…
October temperatures and hungry fish are setting the stage for fun fishing adventures. Families and friends are taking advantage of setting out to enjoy the outdoors from western Maryland to our coastal waters. Don’t miss this extraordinary time to enjoy fishing together.
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.
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…
Maryland anglers are always able to adjust to conditions, if it involves catching fish. During the current striped bass closure in effect through July 31, many anglers are focusing on blue catfish. The action tends to be non-stop. As a reminder to all Maryland anglers, please participate in the Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Angler Read the Rest…
Sly and the Family Stone sang about “Hot Fun in the Summertime” back in 1969, and it seems very appropriate at the moment. As the temperatures stay high, summer fishing and crabbing is in full swing – freshwater, tidal, and Atlantic fish are providing plenty of exciting action! The striped bass season in Maryland waters Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds recreational anglers that targeting striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is prohibited from July 16 through July 31. This closure is necessary to protect the species, because when water and air temperatures rise in the hottest part of summer, fish are more vulnerable to Read the Rest…
It is time for summer vacations. Our youngest anglers are off from school and many parents and grandparents are creating lifetime memories with them, often through fishing together. As a reminder, all striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake Bay will be on hold from July 16-31 , in order to protect the fishery during what Read the Rest…
It’s the Fourth of July – time for family gatherings and barbecues, and steamed blue crabs will be on the most wanted list for many. Blue crab catches have been good recently, so we wish all our recreational crabbers the best of luck. On July 4, unlicensed anglers are free to fish anywhere in the Read the Rest…
It is now officially summer, but with this heat we didn’t need a calendar to tell us that! The early mornings and evenings offer some relief for anglers — wading or an overhead canvas, T-tops, or the simple shade of a shoreline tree, or wading can offer a cool and peaceful place to fish. July Read the Rest…
Father’s Day was a wonderful day for people to spend time with family – and many chose to go fishing and enjoy the day together. As summer officially begins this week, we can look forward to many more opportunities to join friends and family in the great outdoors. For anglers who catch striped bass in Read the Rest…
Summer breezes and warm temperatures set the stage for all kinds of fishing this week. Whether fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or Chesapeake Bay, or just lazily watching a fishing rod nestled in a forked stick at your favorite freshwater fishing hole, it’s all good. We can all find a bit of peace and reflection Read the Rest…
