Maryland Fishing Regulations 2025: Licenses, Seasons, Limits & More

Are you planning to go fishing in Maryland in 2025? Ensure you have all the necessary licenses and follow the latest regulations by referring to this comprehensive guide. We’ll cover everything from licensing requirements and fees to fishing seasons, catch limits, and special regulations to help you stay compliant and make the most of your angling adventures in Maryland.

How to Get Your Maryland Fishing License for 2025

Getting a Maryland fishing license is essential for anyone aged 16 or older who wishes to fish in the state’s diverse waters . The process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that anglers can enjoy Maryland’s fishing opportunities while also contributing to vital conservation efforts. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fishing licenses and regulations .

Types of Maryland Fishing Licenses

Maryland offers various types of fishing licenses to accommodate different needs and fishing locations . The primary distinction is between tidal (saltwater) and non-tidal (freshwater) licenses.

Tidal/Saltwater Licenses

These licenses are required for fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, the Atlantic coast, and coastal bays .

• Resident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License: $15
• Non-Resident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License: $22.50
• Resident 7-Day Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License: $6
• Non-Resident 7-Day Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License: $12

Non-Tidal/Freshwater Licenses

These licenses are required for fishing in Maryland’s freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. Note that legislation has been proposed to increase these fees .

• Resident Non-Tidal Fishing License: $20.50
• Non-Resident Non-Tidal Fishing License: $30.50
• Resident 7-Day Non-Tidal License: $7.50
• Non-Resident 3-Day Non-Tidal License: $5

Proposed License Fee Changes

As of early 2025, Maryland lawmakers are considering House Bill 40, which proposes significant increases to fishing license fees to sustain the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) funding . These increases are intended to address financial challenges and prevent the depletion of the fisheries management fund, which is projected to run out by fiscal year 2027.

Here’s a summary of the proposed changes based on House Bill 40:

• Resident Nontidal: $32
• Resident 7-Day Nontidal: $16
• Resident Trout Stamp: $20
• Non-Resident Nontidal: $55
• Non-Resident 7-Day: $45
• Non-Resident 3-Day: $35
• Non-Resident Trout Stamp: $30
• Senior Consolidated: $12 (without trout stamp)

These proposed fees are based on factors such as inflation, price benchmarking with neighboring states, and current national/local average fees. If approved, these changes would ensure sufficient revenue to maintain quality fishing resources and prevent future fee increases in the near term .

How to Purchase Your License

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers several convenient ways to purchase your fishing license :

• Online: Through the COMPASS portal
• In-Person: From authorized license agents statewide
• By Mail: Download the application from the DNR website and mail it in with payment

Purchasing online is generally the most convenient method. The process is quick, and you can immediately print your license or save a digital copy.

Special Considerations

• Trout Stamp: A trout stamp is required for anyone 16 years of age or older to catch, attempt to catch or possess trout in non-tidal waters .
  • Resident: $5
  • Non-Resident: $10
• Senior Consolidated License: Maryland residents 65 or older can obtain a comprehensive license that covers all tidal and non-tidal fishing privileges, including trout, for a reduced fee .
• Saltwater Angler Registration: A free registration is required for saltwater anglers in certain scenarios. This is in addition to a license .

Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration Exemptions

Anglers fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays, Chesapeake Bay or tidal tributaries must be registered with the state unless one of the following applies:

• You are under 16 years of age .
• You are fishing with a licensed fishing guide or from a licensed commercial fishing pier .
• You are fishing on a free fishing day—June 7, June 14, and July 4 .
• You possess a valid commercial tidal fish license.
• You possess a Potomac River Fisheries Commission recreational fishing license.
• You possess a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License.

License Exemptions

Certain individuals are exempt from needing a fishing license :

• Anglers under 16 years old
• Individuals fishing on designated license-free fishing days
• Active-duty military residents on leave with official orders
• Passengers on licensed charter boats (registration with Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration may still be required)

Important Dates for 2025

• License Validity: Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase
• Free Fishing Days: June 7, June 14, and July 4, 2025
• Trout Season: Check the Maryland DNR website for specific dates

Fishing Regulations and Conservation

Purchasing a fishing license supports Maryland’s aquatic ecosystems through conservation efforts . Adhering to state fishing regulations, including size and catch limits, ensures sustainable fishing practices . The 2025 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is expected to be available by the end of February.

For the most up-to-date information on fishing regulations, consult the official Maryland DNR Fishing Regulations .

2025 Maryland Fishing Seasons: A Comprehensive Guide

Maryland’s diverse waterways provide anglers exciting opportunities throughout the year. This guide provides essential information on fishing seasons, regulations, and limits for 2025, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next fishing adventure.

Tidal Waters Fishing Seasons

• Striped Bass (Rockfish) Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are a prized catch in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries. The 2025 season is structured to protect the species while allowing for recreational and commercial fishing. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted to maintain existing restrictions and regulations for the 2025 season .
  • Summer/Fall Season: May 16, 2025, through July 15, 2025, and August 1, 2025, through December 10, 2025.
    • Limit: One fish per person per day, with a 19-24 inch size limit.
  • Closed Seasons:
    • April 1 – May 15, 2025: No targeting of striped bass is allowed.
    • Targeting of striped bass is additionally prohibited in the Susquehanna River, Susquehanna Flats, and Northeast River from May 16–May 31.
  • Important Regulations: Striped bass must be landed whole and cannot be filleted on the water.
• Black Sea Bass
  • Season: May 15 through September 30, and from October 10 through December 31.
  • Limit: 15 fish per person per day, with a minimum size of 13 inches (excluding the tail filament).
• Summer Flounder
  • January 11 through May 31: Four fish per day, with a 16-inch minimum size.
  • June 1 through December 31: Four fish per day, with a 17.5-inch minimum size.
• Bluefish
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Limit: Three fish per person per day from a private boat or shore, five fish per person per day from a charter or for-hire boat; 8-inch minimum size.
• Cobia
  • Season: June 15 – September 15.
  • Limit: One cobia per person per day, or up to two cobia per vessel per day if there are two or more individuals on the vessel; 40-inch minimum size.
• Tautog
  • Season: January 1 through May 15, July 1 through October 31, and November 1 through December 31 .
  • Limit: Four fish per day per angler from January 1 through May 15, two fish per day per angler from July 1 through October 31, and four fish per day per angler from November 1 through December 31; 16-inch minimum size for all seasons .
• Sheepshead
  • 12-inch minimum size limit.

Freshwater Fishing Seasons

• Trout Maryland DNR staff have been working hard at the trout hatcheries to keep ice from clogging the rearing raceways and working in the bitter cold . They report that the trout that were reserved from the normal fall trout stockings are growing out well and trout anglers fishing the put and take trout management waters should be pleased . The 2025 trout fishing season is kicking off with early stockings as conditions permit .Note: Check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for updates on specific locations .
  • Put-and-Take Trout Fishing Areas: Areas are closed to all fishing from 10 p.m. of the first date, to 6:30 a.m. of the second date, except as provided for by special regulation or where more restrictive fishing hours are posted.
    • On March 29, 2025, the start time in all Closure 1 areas is 6:30 a.m.
  • Creel Limit (all other species of trout combined): 5 Daily/10 Possession.
  • Minimum Size: No minimum size.
• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Limit: 5 fish per day.
• Walleye
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Limit: 5 fish per day, 15-inch minimum size.
  • Special Regulation for Deep Creek Lake: 18-21 inch protected slot size.

Important Changes for 2025

• Statewide:
  • Northern snakehead was renamed Chesapeake Channa in Maryland .
  • There is now a recreational oyster license required for residents to harvest oysters .
• In Tidal Waters:
  • There is a 12″ minimum size for sheepshead .
  • The aggregate catch limit for snapper remains 20 fish per day, but there is a limit of 10 of any one species of snapper per day .
• In Nontidal Waters: Some put-and-take trout closures have changed .
• In the Chesapeake Bay and Its Tidal Tributaries:
  • There is no targeting of striped bass allowed from April 1–May 15 .
  • Targeting of striped bass is additionally prohibited in the Susquehanna River, Susquehanna Flats, and Northeast River from May 16–May 31 .
• New Bait Restrictions: It is illegal to use largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass (and hybrids), walleye, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, Northern pike, pickerel, brown trout, or brook trout as bait.
• Cut Bait in Non-Tidal Waters: Anglers are allowed to use cut bait (limit of 1 quart) in non-tidal waters.

License-Free Fishing Days

In 2025, Maryland offers three days when anyone can fish without a recreational fishing license :

• June 7, 2025
• June 14, 2025
• July 4, 2025

Remember: All other fishing regulations still apply on these days .

Size and Creel Limits for Popular Maryland Fish Species

To promote sustainable fishing, Maryland DNR sets minimum size limits and daily creel (catch) limits for many game fish species. Here are the key limits to know for 2025:

Tidal Waters

• Striped Bass: 1 fish/day, 35″+ (Spring Trophy Season), 1 fish/day 19-28″ (Summer/Fall Season)
• Summer Flounder: 4 fish/day, 16″ minimum (Jan-Apr), 17″ minimum (May-Dec)
• Black Sea Bass: 15 fish/day, 13″ minimum
• Bluefish: 3 fish/day private, 5 fish/day charter, 8″ minimum
• Speckled Trout: 4 fish/day, 14″ minimum
• Red Drum: 1 fish/day, 18-27″ slot
• Tautog: 4 fish/day (Jan-May, Nov), 2 fish/day (Jul-Oct), 16″ minimum

Non-Tidal Waters

• Trout: 2 fish/day, no minimum size, no more than 5 trout in possession
• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass: 5 fish/day, 15″ minimum (March 1 – June 15), 12″ minimum rest of year
• Walleye: 5 fish/day, 15″ minimum
• Chain Pickerel: 10 fish/day, 14″ minimum
• Northern Snakehead: No limits, harvest encouraged
• Catfish: No limits

Some waterways like Deep Creek Lake have special regulations, so always check for location-specific rules.

Catch-and-Release and Special Fishing Areas

Maryland DNR uses various special regulations to protect fish populations and enhance recreational angling opportunities:

Catch-and-Release Areas

Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged or required in some areas and seasons:

• Striped Bass: Catch-and-release only from Jan 1 – April 30 and Aug 1 – 31 in Chesapeake Bay and tributaries.
• Trout: Some waters are designated as catch-and-release only, often with artificial lures/flies only.
• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass: Catch-and-release encouraged, handle fish carefully.

To minimize mortality, use non-offset circle hooks when bait fishing, land fish quickly, handle them gently with wet hands, and release them back into the water promptly.

Non-Tidal Trout Fishing Areas

Maryland has three trout management areas with different regulations:

• Put-and-Take Areas: Open for harvest of stocked trout (2 fish/day creel limit).
• Delayed Harvest Areas: Catch-and-release only with artificial lures Jan 1 – June 15, then open to harvest June 16 – Dec 31.
• Catch-and-Release Areas: Catch-and-release only year-round, often artificial lures/flies only.

Some premier trout streams are managed as Trophy Trout Areas or Wild Trout Watersheds with special rules to protect native trout.

Invasive Species Regulations

To control invasive fish, Maryland encourages harvesting them with no size or creel limits:

• Northern Snakehead: Anglers must kill all snakeheads caught and not release them alive.
• Blue and Flathead Catfish: No limits, harvest encouraged, especially in tidal waters.

Penalties for Violating Regulations

Maryland enforces strict penalties to protect its aquatic ecosystems and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Below is a detailed overview of current enforcement measures, updated to reflect 2025 standards and trends.

1. Monetary Fines

Fines for violations range from $50 to $2,500, depending on severity. Minor infractions (e.g., exceeding catch limits) typically incur lower fines ($50–$300), while major violations, such as harvesting endangered species or using prohibited gear, may result in penalties exceeding $1,000.

2. License Suspensions

Repeated violations can lead to temporary or permanent revocation of fishing licenses. For example, a second offense for illegal gear use may trigger a 1-year suspension, while chronic violations (e.g., poaching) risk permanent revocation.

3. Criminal Charges

Serious offenses, including trafficking protected species (e.g., Atlantic sturgeon) or deliberate habitat destruction, may escalate to misdemeanor or felony charges, punishable by fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment.

4. Enforcement and Restitution

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) actively monitor compliance through patrols and geospatial tools like GIS, which track ecological impacts in watersheds . Violators may face court appearances and restitution payments to fund habitat restoration, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Chesapeake Bay sub-watersheds .

5. Avoiding Penalties

• Licenses: Ensure all permits are up-to-date (see Maryland Department of Commerce licensing portal for local requirements) .
• Gear and Practices: Use only approved equipment (e.g., non-lead tackle) and adhere to seasonal restrictions.
• Education: Participate in state-sponsored workshops on sustainable fishing, which may reduce penalties for first-time offenders [inferred from trends in conservation outreach].

Key Updates for 2025

• Increased Surveillance: Enhanced use of remote sensing technology to detect illegal activities in protected zones .
• Community Partnerships: Collaboration with organizations like the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police to bolster enforcement capacity .

Note: For the latest regulations, consult the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or local authorities.

Responsible Fishing Practices

To help conserve Maryland’s aquatic resources, responsible anglers can adopt sustainable fishing practices in addition to adhering to fishing regulations. These practices contribute to the long-term health of fish populations and the overall ecosystem .

Sustainable Practices for Anglers

• Practice Catch-and-Release: Release fish that you do not plan to consume, especially larger breeding females. Handle fish carefully to minimize stress and injury, increasing their chances of survival after release .
• Use Appropriate Gear: Employ barbless hooks or circle hooks, which reduce injury and simplify fish release. When targeting striped bass with bait, non-offset circle hooks are required .
• Proper Disposal of Waste: Remove all trash, including fishing lines and tackle, to maintain clean waters and protect aquatic life. Discarded fishing line can entangle wildlife, causing harm or death.
• Protect Spawning Areas: Refrain from fishing in known spawning areas, particularly during spawning seasons, to allow fish to reproduce undisturbed. For striped bass, targeting is prohibited in certain areas during specific times of the year to protect the spawning stock.
• Support Conservation Efforts: Consider purchasing a Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund stamp or contributing to the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund, which supports fish and wildlife habitat, clean water initiatives, and educational programs.

Additional Considerations

• Target Invasive Species: Participate in programs like the Reel Rewards Program, which incentivizes the catching of invasive species such as Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish in the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River .
• Stay Informed on Regulations: Keep up-to-date with the latest fishing regulations, as they can change. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides updates on their website and expects the 2025 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing to be available by the end of February .

Benefits of Sustainable Fishing

By observing Maryland’s fishing regulations and embracing responsible practices, anglers can help sustain rewarding fishing experiences and aid in conserving the state’s aquatic resources for future generations . Sustainable fishing ensures the health and balance of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, supporting both recreational and commercial fisheries .

Stay up-to-date on the latest rules by bookmarking the Maryland DNR Fishing Guide and checking for any updates before your next fishing trip. Tight lines!