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Fishing in Maryland

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

Maryland has zero natural lakes but over 100 man-made reservoirs, about 50 of which are stocked routinely. The Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River provide world-class striped bass (rockfish) and blue catfish fishing. Maryland also offers free fishing days and free fishing areas where no licence is needed.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Western Maryland

Deep Creek Lake, Savage River, Youghiogheny River -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye

Central Maryland & Baltimore

Liberty Reservoir, Loch Raven, Gunpowder River -- Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Crappie, Catfish

Southern Maryland & Potomac

Potomac River, St. Mary's Lake, Mattawoman Creek -- Blue Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie

Eastern Shore & Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay, Choptank River, Pocomoke River -- Striped Bass, White Perch, Blue Catfish, Speckled Trout

Atlantic Coast & Ocean City

Ocean City, Assateague Island, Atlantic surf -- Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tuna, Mackerel