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Fishing in Maryland

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Want trophy-size catches? These Maryland spots deliver

About Maryland fishing

Maryland fishing blends freshwater lakes and rivers with Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic waters. Striped bass, trout, bass, and panfish thrive, making the state a versatile fishing destination for year-round anglers.

Maryland fishing license

Fishing in Maryland requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident, non-resident, daily, and annual licenses, purchasable online or at authorized vendors.

In Maryland, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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Top fish species caught in Maryland

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Biggest catches in Maryland

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in Maryland

SpeciesWeightStriped bass67.5 lbsChannel catfish29.6 lbsLargemouth bass11.4 lbsSmallmouth bass8.2 lbsBluegill3.4 lbs

Latest Maryland fishing reports

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Redbreast sunfish

Monocacy River

length · weight

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Rock bass

Deep Creek Lake

6 in · 3 oz

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Rock bass

Deep Creek Lake

6 in · 3 oz

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Rock bass

Deep Creek Lake

6 in · 3 oz

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Rock bass

Deep Creek Lake

9 in · 1 lb

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Bluegill

Guilford Park

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Bluegill

Green Branch

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Watts Creek

length · weight

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Northern snakehead

White Marsh Park Pond

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Patapsco at Bell Grove

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Fishing regulations in Maryland

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Maryland can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Bluegill as of July 29th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Bluegill

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

15

Aggregate

15
Restrictions & requirements
Required licenses
A person may not catch or attempt to catch game or freshwater fish without first obtaining an angler's license in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-604, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Additional information
No closed season. No size limit.Possession limit = 30 sunfish in aggregate.
Edibility
Catch, Clean, Cook Bluegill
Synonyms

Lepomis macrochirus

Regulations for

38°58′22.6″N 76°30′4.2″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ about Maryland fishing

📜 What are the fishing regulations in Maryland, United States?
Fishing regulations in Maryland, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
🐟 What are the best fish species to catch in Maryland, United States?
Some of the most popular species anglers target in Maryland, United States include Bluegill, Blue catfish, and Smallmouth bass. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
🌊 Where are the top fishing spots in Maryland, United States?
Some of the most popular fishing spots in Maryland, United States include Chesapeake Bay (North), Potomac River, and Potomac River (Washington - Chesapeake Bay). Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.