How to Get a Maryland Fishing License

Maryland’s 7,700 miles of shoreline and 400+ freshwater streams make it a fishing paradise—but improper licensing risks fines up to $500 and jeopardizes conservation efforts funding 2.1M annual trout stockings. This guide combines 2025 fee structures, interactive boundary maps, and Chesapeake Bay charter captain insights to ensure full compliance while maximizing your angling ROI.

Maryland’s Dual License System Explained

Tidal vs. Nontidal Waters: Know Before You Cast

Maryland’s unique dual licensing system divides waters into:

1. Tidal Waters (Saltwater/Brackish)

• Covers: Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic coastal bays (Assateague, Ocean City Inlet), and tidal portions of the Potomac/Susquehanna Rivers.
• 2025 Exemptions:
  • Fishing from boats with a Chesapeake Bay Sport Boat License ($50 resident)
  • Free fishing days: July 4 + June 7 & 14, 2025

1. Nontidal Waters (Freshwater)

• Required For:
  • Deep Creek Lake trophy walleye
  • Gunpowder Falls wild trout streams
  • Conowingo Reservoir smallmouth bass (reciprocal PA access)
• Critical 2025 Update:
  • New Catoctin Creek added to trout stocking program (January 24–March 15)

Interactive Boundary Tool

Avoid $150+ fines by using the Maryland DNR’s Tidal/Nontidal Boundary Map:
Maryland DNR Fisheries Map

2025 License Costs & Discounts

Resident vs. Non-Resident Fees

License Type	Resident	Non-Resident
Annual Nontidal	$20.50	$30.50*
7-Day Nontidal	$7.50	$7.50*
Annual Chesapeake Bay	$15	$22.50
Trout Stamp	$5	$10
*Non-resident fees match home state charges if higher

Verified 2025 Discount Programs

1. Maryland Seniors (65+)

• Senior Consolidated License: $5/year (includes tidal, nontidal + trout)
• Apply via: DNR Senior License Portal

1. Military/Veterans

• 100% Disabled Veterans: Free lifetime license (submit VA letter to DNR)
• Purple Heart Recipients: 50% discount on all licenses

1. Reciprocal Agreements

• Virginia/DC: Fish Potomac tidal waters with home license
• Pennsylvania: Conowingo Reservoir access with PA license (valid through 12/31/2025)

3 Application Methods Compared

1. Online via COMPASS Portal (Instant)

Steps:

1. Visit Maryland DNR COMPASS Portal
2. Select license type (tidal/nontidal)
3. Enter SSN or driver’s license number
4. Pay with Visa/Mastercard/Discover

2025 Upgrades:

• Digital Wallet Integration: Save license screenshot to Apple Wallet/Google Pay
• 365-Day Validity: Licenses expire 1 year from purchase date (not calendar year)

2. In-Person at Licensed Agents

Top 2025 Locations:

• Bass Pro Shops Hanover (Open until 9 PM): 7000 Bass Pro Blvd, Hanover, MD
• Angler’s Sport Center: 8498 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD (Expert tidal boundary advice)
• West Marine Annapolis: 222 Severn Ave, Annapolis, MD (Same-day crab trap stamps)

Required Documents:

• Government-issued ID
• Utility bill for residency proof

3. Mail Applications (10 Business Days)

Download Form DNR-F-15.11 from:
Maryland DNR Forms Page
Mail to:
MD DNR Licensing Service, 580 Taylor Ave, E-1, Annapolis, MD 21401

2025 Fishing Hotspots & Seasonal Strategies

Tidal Waters

1. Chesapeake Bay (Thomas Point)

• Target: Striped Bass (April–June 2025)
• License Hack: Book charters with Sport Boat License to cover all passengers

1. Ocean City Inlet

• Target: Tautog (October–December 2025)
• Pro Tip: Use DNR’s Tidal Fish Forecast

Nontidal Waters

1. Gunpowder Falls

• 2025 Stocking Dates: March 1–April 15
• Required: Trout stamp + nontidal license

1. Deep Creek Lake

• Ice Fishing Update: New safety guidelines at Deep Creek Lake Status

Avoid These 2025 Penalty Traps

1. Tidal Boundary Errors
   The Susquehanna’s Conowingo Dam area requires constant vigilance—a 2024 angler faced $150 fines for fishing 50 yards into tidal waters.
2. Expired Trout Stamps
   New for 2025: Mandatory in 37 streams vs. 2024’s 35. Check updates at:
   MD Trout Streams List
3. Crab Trap Oversight
   Youth under 16 need a $2 Crab Stamp for collapsible traps—available at West Marine locations.

Conservation Impact of Your License

Every $20.50 resident fee directly funds:

• Habitat Restoration: 127 acres of oyster reefs rebuilt in 2024
• Public Access: 23 new ADA-compliant piers since 2020
• Research: Tagging studies for Chesapeake blue catfish

Track projects via:
MD DNR Annual Report

Expert-Approved Tactics

1. Digital Backup: Email license PDF to two accounts—waterproof phones aren’t foolproof.
2. Non-Resident Savings: Delaware residents save $8 using Maryland’s reciprocal fee match.
3. Free Fishing Days: July 4 + June 7 & 14 ideal for introducing kids to Patapsco River panfish.

2025 Regulatory Changes

1. New Size Limits:

• Striped Bass: 19-26″ in Chesapeake Bay (reduced from 2024’s 20-28″)
• Blue Catfish: No size limit in tidal waters

1. Invasive Species Alert:
   Report snakehead sightings via MD DNR Hotline

Verified Resources

• License Questions: 1-855-855-3906 (MD DNR Hotline)
• Real-Time Closures: MD DNR Twitter
• Boating Regulations: MD DNR Boating Portal

Final Cast

With 99,405 non-residents purchasing Maryland licenses in 2024, proper compliance ensures access to world-class fisheries while funding tomorrow’s conservation. Bookmark these verified resources and revisit Teenfish.com for 2025 regulation updates.