Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Recreational and commercial fisheries news and general information. Fishing reports, notable catches

Maryland is home to a broad diversity of aquatic species, habitats and fishing opportunities including freshwater streams and lakes, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and offshore coastal waters. The Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services is charged with managing all fishing in Maryland in the interests of conservation and the equitable use of our fishery resources. To

that end, the Fishing and Boating Services works with stakeholders, scientists, and the public to develop management plans in balance with the ecosystem for the benefit of present and future generations. The Fishing & Boating Services works to enhance fishing with public access, education, outreach and the development of sustainable economic opportunities.

On this day in 2012, Ed Jones caught a state record 84-pound blue catfish near Fort Washington in the Potomac River.If y...
08/13/2026

On this day in 2012, Ed Jones caught a state record 84-pound blue catfish near Fort Washington in the Potomac River.

If you think you caught a record-breaking fish, you need to:

1️⃣Keep the fish whole (in ice water is recommended) until you have it weighed on a certified scale.

2️⃣Contact 410-991-0748 or [email protected]

3️⃣Complete and submit the State Record Application within two weeks of when the fish was caught

FishPit Charters recently took out Reel in the Blues Bonanza winners on their free Chesapeake Bay blue catfish charter t...
08/12/2026

FishPit Charters recently took out Reel in the Blues Bonanza winners on their free Chesapeake Bay blue catfish charter trip.

They caught over 20 blue catfish, with the biggest being around 26 inches.

Photos by Todd Bellamy

Women on the Water at Seneca Creek State Park on June 25th was a great success!DNR hosted 15 women for a beautiful three...
08/11/2026

Women on the Water at Seneca Creek State Park on June 25th was a great success!

DNR hosted 15 women for a beautiful three-hour evening session dedicated to fishing and kayaking (and kayak fishing!) skills. A diverse team, including help from the USFWS and Seneca Creek State Park Rangers, supported the event.

We hope that participants continue their outdoor recreation journey and that you will join us for future fishing events! Find events: https://mddnr.info/fishing-events

Secretary’s Message – There’s Plenty of Fish to Chase During the Dog Days of Summer While We Protect Striped Bass. Read ...
08/11/2026

Secretary’s Message – There’s Plenty of Fish to Chase During the Dog Days of Summer While We Protect Striped Bass.
Read more: https://mddnr.info/4fSba7j

Bluegills like to build their nests around other bluegill nests. Sometimes there are so many nests that the nest beds to...
08/10/2026

Bluegills like to build their nests around other bluegill nests. Sometimes there are so many nests that the nest beds touch and look like underwater honeycombs.

Learn more Maryland fish facts: https://mddnr.info/44ctOB7

DNR’s Go Fish Maryland hosted the Youth Bass Bash at Sharpsburg Pond on June 20 with help from Western Regional staff.Th...
08/09/2026

DNR’s Go Fish Maryland hosted the Youth Bass Bash at Sharpsburg Pond on June 20 with help from Western Regional staff.

This event concluded a month-long fishing incentive program, where youth could fish for tagged bass in the pond.

Event Highlights:

🏷️Two tagged largemouth bass were caught at the event
🐟Participants caught rainbow trout, a smallmouth bass, and some bluegill
🪝Williamsport Hardware and Tackle provided free bait and had a viewing tank for a variety of bait species.
🏆Every youth participant left with a prize, and the grand prize winners of the youth anglers who caught tagged bass were announced!

Check out our Fishing Events page for our program and fishing events calendar!

Some anglers are required to obtain a free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration to legally fish in tidal waters. By re...
08/09/2026

Some anglers are required to obtain a free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration to legally fish in tidal waters. By registering with Maryland, you will not need to register with NOAA.

View a complete list and register with MD Outdoors: https://mddnr.info/4tJxMuS

Fishing Report Highlight: The August striped bass closure offers anglers the opportunity to focus their fishing efforts ...
08/08/2026

Fishing Report Highlight: The August striped bass closure offers anglers the opportunity to focus their fishing efforts on blue catfish that can be found throughout the region’s tidal rivers. Some may be encountered in the Bay, but most have moved up the tidal rivers for the summer months, seeking cooler waters in the deep channels. The lower Susquehanna River and Chester River are two of the best places to fish for blue catfish, but they can be found in all the region’s tidal rivers.

A variety of baits will work when fishing for blue catfish. Oily baits in the form of gizzard shad and menhaden are at the top of the list for natural baits. Chicken meat soaked in garlic powder juice works well as chicken livers. One insider’s favorite cheap hot dogs cut to the appropriate bait size and placed in a plastic bag with cherry or strawberry gelatin powder and garlic powder.

Read the full report: https://mddnr.info/4fWkyWk

Photo: Gage Andrews

📰: Waterway Users Urged to Boat Smart to Avoid Propeller Strikes, Other Risks on the WaterRead boating safety tips: http...
08/07/2026

📰: Waterway Users Urged to Boat Smart to Avoid Propeller Strikes, Other Risks on the Water

Read boating safety tips: https://mddnr.info/4geoaE9

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580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD
21401

Telephone

+14102608300

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