Maryland Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
How much is a fishing license in Maryland?
A resident annual Maryland fishing license costs $32.00, and a non-resident annual license is $55.00. Saltwater fishing also needs a separate stamp ($15.00). Maryland also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
🎫 Buy a Maryland Fishing License →Fishing in Maryland
Maryland fishing is built around the Chesapeake Bay, where striped bass — locals call them rockfish — are king through the spring trophy season and again in fall. The Bay also holds white perch, bluefish, croaker and a booming population of invasive blue catfish. Inland, the reservoirs and the upper Potomac give up largemouth and smallmouth, and the western mountains hold trout. A Bay sport license covers the tidal water year-round.
Maryland Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$32.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$55.00
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$45.00
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$12.00
MD resident 65+: Senior Consolidated (non-tidal + Bay/Coastal)
Youth (under 16)
Free🌊 Saltwater stamp: Maryland requires a separate saltwater stamp ($15.00) for saltwater fishing. Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License required for tidal waters
Resident jumped $20.50→$32 (2 official sources agree; worth a cart glance).
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Maryland fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Maryland. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Individuals under 16 need no license to fish recreationally in Maryland.
- Seniors (65+)
- $12.00 Resident Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing license for residents 65 and older (covers non-tidal plus Chesapeake Bay & Coastal sport fishing). There is no free 70+ tier and no $5 senior product.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Complimentary annual tidal and non-tidal fishing licenses for blind Maryland residents (and non-residents). Maryland residents adjudged 100% disabled / unemployable by the VA qualify for a complimentary lifetime license (see veteran).
- Veterans & military
- Complimentary lifetime fishing license for Maryland residents who are 100% service-connected disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, or deemed unemployable by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Purple Heart recipients get a 50% discount on Maryland hunting and fishing licenses.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- The first two Saturdays in June and July 4 each year — for 2026 that is June 6, June 13 and July 4 — no non-tidal fishing license or trout stamp required. Size limits, creel limits, seasons and area rules still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Maryland Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Maryland species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass (Rockfish)Slot and season set annually — confirm current Bay rule | 1 | 19" | Varies (Chesapeake seasons) |
| Largemouth BassStatewide general limit | 5 | 12" | Year-round |
| Blue CatfishInvasive — no limit; harvest encouraged | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
| TroutPut-and-take vs special regulation areas differ | 5 | No limit | Varies |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Maryland Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Maryland?
A resident annual fishing license in Maryland costs $32.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $55.00. Maryland also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Do you need a fishing license in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $12.00 Resident Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing license for residents 65 and older (covers non-tidal plus Chesapeake Bay & Coastal sport fishing). There is no free 70+ tier and no $5 senior product. Always confirm current rules with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Do you need a saltwater stamp to fish in Maryland?
Yes — Maryland requires a separate saltwater stamp or endorsement for saltwater fishing, which costs $15.00 on top of the regular license. Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License required for tidal waters
Where do you buy a Maryland fishing license?
Buy directly from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Maryland.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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