| The 2026 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is now available online and in print. The guide includes everything you need to know about fishing and crabbing in Maryland in 2026, including rules, license information, tips, free fishing opportunities, and more. Physical guides are available at your local tackle shop and up-to-date regulations and information are live online: View the rules on the eRegulations website. Download a PDF version of the guide |
| Fishing LicensesDo you have a fishing license? Purchase or renew your license online for 365 days of Maryland fishing. Fishing licenses, as well as tackle, boat, and marine fuel purchases, fund DNR’s fish conservation work and programs that promote recreational fishing opportunities. |
What’s New for 2026
- Effective December 22, 2025, anglers and charter captains in Maryland possessing Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permits from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will be required to report recreationally landed bluefin tuna and dead discards, plus non-tournament landings of billfishes and swordfish electronically, using either the HMS Catch Reporting smartphone app, HMS permits website, or through alternate reporting programs specified below. HMS catch reports must be submitted to NMFS within 24 hours of completing the fishing trip. See Highly Migratory Species for more details.
- Recreational shark reporting was eliminated.
- The yellow perch catch limit in all tidal waters and nontidal rivers and streams has been decreased to 5 per person per day.
- Hook rules when livelining have changed — see Saltwater Fishing Regulations for more details
- Striped Bass regulations have not been finalized at the time of printing and will be available online when confirmed.