Maryland recently raised its nontidal fishing license and trout stamp fees for the first time in nearly 20 years (effective June 1, 2025). Even with the increase, Maryland remains competitively priced — especially the $15.00 Chesapeake Bay tidal license, which gives access to one of the greatest estuaries on Earth.
This guide covers every 2026 fee, including the new pricing.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), updated for 2026 fishing season. Nontidal and trout fees updated June 1, 2025.
2026 Maryland Fishing License Fees at a Glance
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 fees may be higher based on reciprocal pricing.
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 |
| Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration | Free | Free |
Senior and Special Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Consolidated (65+, residents) | $12.00 | Tidal + nontidal fishing (trout stamp extra) |
Source: Maryland DNR, current as of March 2026.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Resident Chesapeake Bay Angler Only
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ches. Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License | $15.00 |
| Total | $15.00 |
Resident Freshwater Angler (No Trout)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nontidal Sport Fishing License | $32.00 |
| Total | $32.00 |
Resident Who Fishes Bay + Freshwater + Trout
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nontidal Sport Fishing License | $32.00 |
| Ches. Bay & Coastal License | $15.00 |
| Trout Stamp | $20.00 |
| Total | $67.00 |
Resident Senior (65+)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Senior Consolidated License | $12.00 |
| Trout Stamp (if trout fishing) | $20.00 |
| Total (with trout) | $32.00 |
Non-Resident 7-Day Chesapeake Bay Trip
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 7-Day Ches. Bay & Coastal License | $12.00 |
| Total | $12.00 |
Non-Resident Annual (Full Access)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nontidal Sport Fishing License | $55.00 |
| Ches. Bay & Coastal License | $22.50 |
| Trout Stamp | $30.00 |
| Total | $107.50 |
How Maryland Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Resident Annual (FW) | Non-Resident Annual (FW) |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland (nontidal) | $32.00 | $55.00 |
| Virginia | $23.00 | $47.00 |
| Pennsylvania | $22.97 | $52.97 |
| Delaware | $11.50 | $20.00 |
| West Virginia | $19.00 | $37.00 |
Maryland’s nontidal fee is above average for the region, but the Chesapeake Bay tidal license ($15 resident) is a bargain for world-class estuarine fishing.
Understanding the Fee Increase
Maryland’s 2025 fee increase was the first nontidal license adjustment in nearly 20 years:
| Item | Old Fee | New Fee (Jun 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Nontidal | $20.50 | $32.00 | +$11.50 |
| Non-Resident Annual Nontidal | $30.00 | $55.00 | +$25.00 |
| Resident Trout Stamp | $5.00 | $20.00 | +$15.00 |
| Non-Resident Trout Stamp | $10.00 | $30.00 | +$20.00 |
Revenue supports fish stocking (275,000+ trout annually), habitat restoration, stream access improvements, and fisheries management.
Maryland’s Dual-License System
| Want to Fish… | License Needed |
|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay / coastal bays / Atlantic | Ches. Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License |
| Rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs | Nontidal Sport Fishing License |
| Both tidal and nontidal | Both licenses |
| Trout in nontidal waters | Nontidal License + Trout Stamp |
Who Fishes Free in Maryland?
| Group | Nontidal | Tidal |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 16 | ❌ Free | ❌ Free |
| Free fishing day participants | ❌ Free | ❌ Free |
| 100% disabled vets / former POWs | ❌ Free | ❌ Free |
| Charter vessel passengers | N/A | ❌ Covered by boat license |
Free Fishing Days 2026
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2026 | Saturday |
| June 13, 2026 | Saturday |
| July 4, 2026 | Saturday |
No license, Bay permit, or stamps required. All regulations still apply.
Where to Buy
Online (24/7)
Visit compass.dnr.maryland.gov.
In Person
- Maryland DNR service centers
- Authorized retail agents
By Phone
Call Maryland DNR’s licensing line during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Maryland fishing license?
Resident nontidal (freshwater): $32.00. Chesapeake Bay tidal: $15.00. If you want both plus trout, total is $67.00.
Why did the fees go up?
Maryland raised nontidal and trout stamp fees in June 2025 — the first increase in nearly 20 years. Revenue directly supports fish stocking, habitat restoration, and stream access.
How much is the trout stamp?
$20.00 for residents, $30.00 for non-residents. Required for trout in nontidal waters. Not included in the Senior Consolidated License.
Is the Chesapeake Bay license expensive?
No — $15.00 (resident) or $22.50 (non-resident) for one of the best estuarine fisheries in the world. 7-day options start at $6.00 (resident).
When are the free fishing days?
June 6, June 13, and July 4, 2026. Three days — more than most states offer.
Related Resources
Trout Fishing License Requirements by State
How to Get a Fishing License in Maryland
Best Fishing Spots in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay Fishing License: Multi-State Guide
