Maryland is one of the most unique fishing states in the country. With the Chesapeake Bay — the largest estuary in the United States — as its centerpiece, plus mountain trout streams in the west and Atlantic Ocean access on the Eastern Shore, Maryland offers an extraordinary range of fishing opportunities. But the license system reflects this complexity: you need different licenses for tidal (Chesapeake Bay/coastal) and nontidal (freshwater) fishing.
This guide covers everything you need for 2026, including the recent fee increases that took effect on June 1, 2025.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), updated for 2026 fishing season. New fees effective June 1, 2025 — the first increase in nearly 20 years.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Maryland?
Anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Maryland waters.
Exemptions (No License Required)
- Children under 16 — no license required
- Maryland residents 65+ — Senior Consolidated License ($12)
- Maryland residents with 100% service-connected disability or former POWs — exempt
- Anglers fishing from licensed charter vessels — covered by boat license
- Anglers on Free Fishing Days (see below)
- Fishing in designated License Free Fishing Areas — free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration may be needed
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Maryland Fishing License
Step 1: Determine Your Fishing Environment
This is the most important decision for Maryland:
- Nontidal (freshwater) fishing — rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs → Nontidal Sport Fishing License
- Tidal (Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays, ocean) fishing → Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License
- Both → You need both licenses
Step 2: Determine Your Residency Status
Maryland Resident: You must be a bona fide resident of Maryland with a valid Maryland driver’s license or state ID.
Non-Resident: Anyone who does not meet the residency requirements.
Step 3: Choose Your License Type
Nontidal (Freshwater) Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Nontidal Sport Fishing | $32.00 | $55.00* |
| 7-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing | $16.00 | $45.00* |
| 3-Day Nontidal Sport Fishing | N/A | $35.00* |
| Trout Stamp (add-on) | $20.00 | $30.00 |
*Non-resident nontidal fees may be higher based on reciprocal pricing with the angler’s home state.
Chesapeake Bay and Coastal (Tidal) Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Ches. Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing | $15.00 | $22.50 |
| 7-Day Ches. Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing | $6.00 | $12.00 |
| Ches. Bay & Coastal Sport Boat License | $50.00 | $100.00 |
Senior and Special Licenses (Residents Only)
| License Type | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Consolidated (65+) | $12.00 | Tidal + nontidal fishing (trout stamp separate) |
| Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration | Free | Required in some tidal license-free situations |
Source: Maryland DNR, current as of March 2026. New nontidal and trout fees effective June 1, 2025.
Step 4: Add Trout Stamp If Needed
If you plan to fish for trout in nontidal waters, you must purchase a Trout Stamp in addition to your nontidal fishing license:
| Trout Stamp | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | $20.00 | $30.00 |
Maryland stocks over 275,000 trout annually in streams and lakes across the state — primarily rainbow and brown trout in western Maryland.
Step 5: Purchase Your License
Option 1: Online (Recommended)
Visit compass.dnr.maryland.gov — available 24/7.
Option 2: In Person
- Maryland DNR service centers
- Authorized license agents — sporting goods stores, tackle shops
Option 3: By Phone
Call Maryland DNR’s licensing line during business hours.
Step 6: Carry Your License
Carry your license and any stamps on your person while fishing. Present them to any Natural Resources Police officer upon request. Digital licenses are accepted.
Maryland’s License Validity
Maryland fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise specified.
Maryland Free Fishing Days 2026
Maryland offers three free fishing days in 2026:
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2026 | Saturday |
| June 13, 2026 | Saturday |
| July 4, 2026 | Saturday (Independence Day) |
On these days:
- No fishing license, Chesapeake Bay license, or stamps required
- Applies to all tidal and nontidal waters
- All size limits, bag limits, and other regulations still apply
- Open to residents and non-residents
Where to Fish in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay (Tidal)
| Location | Key Species |
|---|---|
| Upper Bay (Susquehanna Flats) | Striped bass, white perch, catfish |
| Middle Bay (Kent Narrows, Eastern Bay) | Striped bass, bluefish, white perch |
| Lower Bay (Tangier Sound) | Striped bass, croaker, speckled trout |
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area | Striped bass, tautog, flounder |
| Ocean City (Atlantic) | Flounder, sea bass, tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi |
Nontidal (Freshwater)
| Water | Location | Key Species |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Creek Lake | Western MD | Walleye, bass, pike, perch |
| Savage River | Western MD (C&R) | Brown trout, brook trout |
| Gunpowder Falls | Central MD (tailwater) | Rainbow trout, brown trout |
| Liberty Reservoir | Central MD | Largemouth bass, crappie, trout |
| Youghiogheny River | Western MD | Brown trout, smallmouth bass |
| Potomac River | Central/Western MD | Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish |
Trout Waters
Maryland has designated Delayed Harvest, Catch-and-Return, and Put-and-Take trout waters. The Trout Stamp funds stocking in these waters.
Maryland Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
Tidal (Chesapeake Bay) Key Limits
| Species | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | 19″ (1 fish over 28″) | 2 fish |
| Blue Crab | 5″ (males) / 6½” (females) | 1 bushel |
| Summer Flounder | 17″ | 4 fish |
| Bluefish | 12″ | 3 fish |
| White Perch | 9″ | 25 fish |
Nontidal (Freshwater) Key Limits
| Species | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12″ (some waters 15″) | 5 fish |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12″ | 5 fish |
| Trout (put-and-take) | 7″ | 5 fish |
| Walleye | 15″ | 4 fish |
| Channel Catfish | No min. | 5 fish |
Penalties for Fishing Without a License
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Fishing without a valid license | Fine of $50–$500 |
| Nontidal fishing without trout stamp | Additional citation |
| Exceeding bag limits | Fine + potential license suspension |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate licenses for the Chesapeake Bay and freshwater fishing?
Yes. Maryland requires a Nontidal Sport Fishing License for freshwater and a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License for tidal waters. If you fish both, you need both.
How much is the trout stamp in Maryland?
$20.00 for residents, $30.00 for non-residents. Required for trout fishing in nontidal waters. Not included in the Senior Consolidated License.
When are Maryland’s free fishing days?
June 6, June 13, and July 4, 2026. No license, Chesapeake Bay permit, or stamps required on these three days.
Is there a senior discount?
Yes. The Senior Consolidated License for Maryland residents 65+ costs $12.00 and covers both tidal and nontidal fishing (trout stamp is extra).
Are the nontidal fees new?
Yes. Maryland raised nontidal fishing license and trout stamp fees effective June 1, 2025 — the first increase in nearly 20 years. Revenue supports fish stocking, habitat restoration, and stream access.
Related Resources
Trout Fishing License Requirements by State
How Much Is a Fishing License in Maryland?
Best Fishing Spots in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay Fishing License: Multi-State Guide
