Maryland
Fishing
A resident fishing license in Maryland costs $20 a year and a non-resident license $30, as of May 2026. This guide lists 5 top species (Striped bass, Largemouth bass, Bluefish, Perch, Catfish) and 4 notable waters, led by Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River. Maryland has saltwater access and no notable wild trout fishery; it earns a B- grade here, shared with 6 other states.
Top Species
Resident License
Non-Resident License
Saltwater Access
Trout Streams
Wildlife Agency
Maryland fishing is defined by the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay is the most important striped bass estuary on the East Coast — rockfish, as locals call them, are a Maryland obsession. Spring and fall migrations produce large fish, and the Bay holdover population supports year-round opportunities. The regulations are significant and have tightened in recent years as the striper population has faced pressure. Check current limits carefully before each season.
Freshwater fishing is less distinctive. The Potomac River holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. Deep Creek Lake in the western mountains is stocked with trout and holds decent bass.
Resident licenses cost $20.50. Maryland is a decent fishing state if you orient yourself toward the Bay and the coastal bays on the Atlantic side. The striper fishery, when regulations allow, is genuinely world-class. The challenge is that the best Bay fishing requires a boat. For an urban state with high density, the fishing options are meaningfully good.
The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most important estuaries in North America for striped bass (rockfish). Striper regulations have tightened significantly due to population concerns. Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland offers bass and trout in a resort setting.
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Also on Maryland: the full Maryland profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the Maryland country music guide and the Maryland gambling laws guide.
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Sources: State wildlife agencies, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bassmaster, Field & Stream, In-Fisherman, Fly Fisherman magazine. License costs reflect annual resident/non-resident fishing license only; additional stamps (trout, salmon) may apply. Updated May 2026.