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Do You Need a Fishing License in Maryland?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older must have a Maryland fishing license to fish public waters. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issues all licenses.
Maryland has three distinct license categories: Non-Tidal (freshwater), Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing (tidal saltwater), and a combined license. A Trout Stamp is required in addition for trout.
Residents under 16 fish free. Maryland residents 70 or older receive a free Senior Consolidated License. Active military Maryland residents fish free while on leave.
How Much Does a Maryland Fishing License Cost in 2026?
Resident Non-Tidal Annual: $20.50. Resident Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing: $15. Resident Consolidated (Non-Tidal + Bay/Coastal): $25.50. Non-Resident Non-Tidal Annual: $30.50. Non-Resident Bay & Coastal Annual: $22.50.
Non-Resident 3-day Non-Tidal: $7.50. Non-Resident 7-day Bay & Coastal: $7. Trout Stamp: $5 (residents) / $10 (non-residents). Resident senior (65+): $5 (consolidated).
Charter boats and licensed fishing piers cover anglers under their boat or pier license, so you may fish without a personal license when on these.
Where to Buy a Maryland Fishing License
Online at compass.dnr.maryland.gov for instant delivery to your phone or printer. The DNR's COMPASS portal handles all licensing transactions.
Walk-in vendors include Bass Pro, Dick's Sporting Goods, most Walmart locations, and over 250 independent tackle shops. Look for the Maryland DNR licensing decal.
DNR Service Centers in Annapolis, Cumberland, Salisbury, La Plata, and other regional locations sell licenses Monday through Friday.
Free Fishing Days in Maryland
Maryland holds three Free Fishing Days each year. In 2026, they fall on Saturday June 6 (statewide), Sunday June 7 (statewide), and Saturday July 4 (statewide).
No fishing license, Bay sport license, or Trout Stamp is required on these days. Both residents and non-residents fish for free statewide.
DNR hosts family fishing rodeos at Sandy Point State Park, Deep Creek Lake, and Patapsco Valley with free bait and loaner gear.
Key Maryland Fishing Regulations You Need to Know
Striped bass (rockfish) has the strictest rules in the state. Trophy season runs in May with a 1-fish daily limit at 35 inches minimum. Summer-fall season allows 1 fish daily at 19-24 inches in many regions, with frequent emergency rule changes.
Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and 5-fish daily limit statewide. Smallmouth bass on the Potomac and Susquehanna have a 12-inch minimum and 5-fish limit.
Trout limit is 5 daily with a Trout Stamp; many put-and-take streams open the last Saturday of March. Catch-and-release Wild Trout Management Areas are fly-fishing-only.
Best Fishing Spots in Maryland
The Chesapeake Bay is Maryland's signature fishery and produces striped bass, bluefish, white perch, croaker, and Spanish mackerel. The Bay Bridge pilings and Eastern Bay are top spring rockfish spots.
Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland holds the state's best smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch. It's also one of the few cold-water lakes for stocked rainbow trout.
The Susquehanna River below Conowingo Dam produces trophy smallmouth bass and shad runs in spring. The Potomac River around Washington holds Maryland's record largemouth bass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resident Non-Tidal Annual is $20.50, Bay & Coastal is $15, and the Consolidated combo is $25.50. Non-resident Non-Tidal is $30.50 and Bay & Coastal is $22.50.
Yes. Saltwater and brackish waters require a Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License, separate from the Non-Tidal (freshwater) license. The Consolidated License covers both for $25.50 resident.
Saturday June 6, Sunday June 7, and Saturday July 4, 2026. No license or stamps required statewide. Bag and size limits still apply to all species.
Yes. A Trout Stamp ($5 resident, $10 non-resident) is required in addition to your fishing license to possess trout in Maryland. The stamp is required statewide.
Buy online at compass.dnr.maryland.gov for instant delivery, at any DNR Service Center, or at Bass Pro, Dick's, Walmart, and 250+ independent tackle shops statewide.
It varies by season and region. Trophy season (May) is 1 fish at 35-inch minimum. Summer-fall regulations typically allow 1 fish daily at 19-24 inches with frequent in-season updates from DNR.