Fall Fishing Highlights

This fall, trout were stocked in a variety of trout management waters. Anglers can try their luck at any number of locations. The put-and-take areas will still hold trout, and the delayed harvest, youth only and catch and release waters will hold trout throughout the winter months. The preseason stocking of trout will begin in January and is usually very generous in the number of trout stocked. 

Blue catfish and chain pickerel become more active with cooler water temperatures. The blue catfish can be found in the deeper waters of the bay’s tidal rivers during the winter months. A variety of baits fished close to the bottom work well. Chain pickerel become more available as grass beds diminish, and the chain pickerel hold close to shoreline sunken wood. The upper sections of the tidal rivers and many inland waters hold good populations of chain pickerel. A variety of lures including spinners and paddletails work well.

License-Free Fishing Areas Map

Know The Rules

The Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing and the eRegulations website are your guide to Maryland's rules. 

Check seasons, size and creel limits before you cast a line.

Look for next season's guide to come out early in the New Year.

Video: Fishing Best Practices

There's always something new to learn about fishing, and using the best fishing practices is a great way to responsibly enjoy the outdoors. 

Watch DNR's best practices video playlist to learn tips for catching, keeping, and releasing fish. 

Visit DNR's licensing page for more information about licenses and how to get yours.

Thanks to our fishing, boating, hunting, and shooting sports enthusiasts who help fund the protection of our natural resources! The purchase of licenses, equipment, and boat fuel supports our fish and wildlife conservation work. We welcome new and returning participants from all backgrounds.  

From The Angler's Log

Jake Evans reported, "I was fishing a local pond with my two sons (Fischer and Chase) using artificial lures we make. My youngest, Chase got his personal best largemouth bass using a swimbait. And I got my biggest bass of the season on a larger sized swimbait. I wish I would have pulled tape on her, if she wasn't a citation, she was close."

Congratulations on some great catches. Anyone can submit an entry to the Angler’s Log. Contributors provide fishing hints, suggestions, and even prime fishing locations. Email your name, hometown, photos, location information, and any interesting details of your fishing story to fishingreports.dnr@maryland.gov. All information is optional but encouraged. Reports and images may be shared on the Fishing and Boating Services website and social media pages.