Maryland Fishing Spots, Maps and Reports

For some action on the east coast you cannot be disappointed with Maryland. This state is lucky to have New England’s noteworthy Chesapeake Bay. There is a wealth of vibrant inland fishing for the freshwater angler, too. Though renown for their bass fishing, Maryland features catfish, crappie, trout, salmon, walleye, muskellunge and many more.

Chesapeake Bay is a legendary site for fishing. Being the largest estuary in the country, there is no reason to wonder how fishermen find such an array of fish within it. Flounder, bluefish, striped bass, largemouth bass, black and red drum, catfish, king mackerel, and perch gracefully dart through the Bay’s waters along with too many other types to list. The Chesapeake is so diverse it can accommodate fishermen on both boats and kayaks. An additional Chesapeake Bay license is required for the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River, and their tributaries.

Bass fishing is Maryland’s annual bread and butter. Species include small and largemouth, black sea bass, striped bass, and rock bass. You may be surprised how big the bass can get in Maryland! For bass fishing on a large body of water try the Liberty Reservoir, site of the state record smallmouth bass, and home to many trophy sized striped bass. Deep Creek Lake is also great for consistently good bass fishing, as well as being a stocking location for trout. Deep Creek Lake is a man made lake that provides habitats for walleye, northern pike, catfish, panfish, and crappie.

Although healthy bass populations are widespread the Potomac is a prominent bass fishing locale. It is known for impressive bass tournaments. The Potomac Creek can spawn some particularly large bass. Not only is it a bass specialty, the Potomac River is also popular for trout, walleye, catfish and crappie fishing.

If you would rather fish for trout, then stay on the Potomac! The northern branch offers particularly great smallmouth bass, but also fantastic trout fishing. There are an abundance of brook, brown, and rainbow trout swimming its waters. The freshwater trout state records for brown, cutthroat, and brook trout all come from the north branch of the Potomac. For quiet inland trout fishing Gunpowder Falls, a state park, may be to your liking. If you prefer fly fishing, visit the Savage River for brown and brook trout. The Savage River Reservoir also holds the state record for rainbow trout. An additional trout stamp must be bought, and remember to observe restrictions placed on trout harvesting.

Maryland can be a perfect vacation spot for the family that enjoys fishing together. Point Lookout State Park, which provides access to both the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, has excellent fishing and family entertainment. Point Lookout offers campgrounds, cabin accommodations, a beach area, and is handicap accessible.

No angler should miss the opportunity to fish in the deep waters off Maryland’s coast. The tourist town Ocean City has excellent fishing, with impressive state records in bigeye tuna, winter flounder, sheepshead, and the majority of the state’s many shark fishing records.

Bass fishing is just as vibrant in the sea as it is in Maryland’s inland waterways, too! For trophy sized striped bass you need not look farther than their coast. The Jackspot, an artificial reef site off the coast, is known for good black seabass fishing. Be mindful of the varying restrictions on bass. For saltwater fishing you are required to have a Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration. Due to an agreement with Virginia many Virginia licenses are accepted for fishing in Maryland’s saltwaters.

Unless fishing during one of Maryland’s free fishing days, anyone over sixteen years old must have a valid recreational fishing license. Licenses are available for a week, or annually, to both residents and non-residents. Only non-residents can opt for a three day license intended for shorter vacationers. Licenses can be ordered online and printed immediately, by telephone, by mail to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, or in person ac a local licensing agent.

Whenever you head out fishing to a new place, it's always best to speak to local anglers. Use fishing forums to ask questions and learn about the most accurate and up to date conditions.