Fishing in Maryland
Maryland is Chesapeake Bay country. The Bay is the most important striped bass nursery on the East Coast, trolling, jigging, and live-lining produce cow rockfish into the fall. The Susquehanna Flats run a famous spring catch-and-release stripers fishery. The Choptank and other tidal rivers hold white perch, blue catfish, and seatrout. Out west, Deep Creek Lake gives up walleye and smallmouth, and the Savage and Youghiogheny are wild trout streams.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Non-Tidal (Freshwater) Annual | $32.00 |
| Resident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport | $15.00 |
| Resident Senior Consolidated | $12.00 |
| Resident Trout Stamp | $20.00 |
| Non-Resident Non-Tidal Or reciprocal for state of residence, whichever is greater | $55.00 |
| Non-Resident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport (Annual) | $22.50 |
| Non-Resident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport (7-Day) | $12.00 |
| Non-Resident Trout Stamp | $30.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website before purchasing.
Log Your Maryland Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Maryland.
Maryland Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Maryland fishing license cost?
A resident non-tidal (freshwater) annual fishing license in Maryland costs $32.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a Maryland fishing license?
Maryland fishing licenses are sold online by Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Maryland?
Fishing licenses in Maryland are issued by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.