Maryland Fishing: Best Fishing Spots 2025
Want to reel in a trophy catch? Maryland is a fishing paradise, offering everything from freshwater lakes to deep-sea adventures. Whether you’re chasing striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay or trout in mountain streams, this state has it all.
Let’s explore the best fishing hotspots across Maryland, from freshwater gems to saltwater favorites. Plus, we’ll break down top fish species, best fishing seasons, and license requirements. so you’re fully prepared for your next trip.
Freshwater Fishing Hotspots
Maryland is home to a variety of freshwater fishing spots, offering something for every angler. From scenic mountain lakes to calm river streams, each location provides a unique fishing experience. Here are some of the top freshwater fishing hotspots in Maryland:
Allegany County
Located in the western part of the state, Allegany County offers a mix of lakes and rivers perfect for freshwater fishing. Deep Creek Lake is the most popular fishing destination here, where anglers can find largemouth bass, northern pike, and crappie. The Potomac River also flows through Allegany, providing ample opportunities for fishing with species like smallmouth bass and walleye.
Garrett County
Garrett County, neighboring Allegany, is another must-visit destination for freshwater fishing. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, is a prime spot for fishing year-round. Here, you can catch everything from bass to trout. If you prefer a river setting, the Youghiogheny River is a great place for fly fishing, especially for trout.
Baltimore County
Baltimore County is home to several excellent fishing spots. Prettyboy Reservoir is a hidden gem for bass fishing, offering a quiet, serene environment. The Loch Raven Reservoir is another popular spot, known for its healthy populations of trout, bass, and panfish. The Gunpowder Falls State Park offers ample shoreline fishing opportunities, with rivers and streams teeming with smallmouth bass and trout.
Charles County
For anglers in the southern part of the state, Charles County is the place to be. The Potomac River provides excellent fishing opportunities, especially for species like largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. The Mattawoman Creek is another great location for catching bass and other freshwater species, making it a favorite among local anglers.
Caroline County
Located on the Eastern Shore, Caroline County is famous for its access to the Choptank River. This river is a hot spot for freshwater fishing, offering a mix of largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. The Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County is also a great location for fishing, especially during the warmer months when the fish are more active.
Saltwater Fishing Destinations
Maryland’s saltwater fishing scene is a dream for anglers looking for big catches and diverse fishing environments. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, the state offers incredible saltwater hotspots. Here are the top locations you shouldn’t miss:
Deale
Deale is a small fishing town on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, known for its striped bass (rockfish). This spot is ideal for those looking to charter a boat and explore deep waters. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can fish here year-round. Besides rockfish, expect to catch bluefish, white perch, and croaker.
Ocean City
Ocean City is one of Maryland’s most popular saltwater fishing destinations, offering everything from pier fishing to deep-sea adventures. You can target flounder, bluefish, sea bass, and tautog right from the shore. If you head offshore, you’ll find tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin in deeper waters..
Assateague Island
If you love shoreline and surf fishing, Assateague Island is perfect. This barrier island offers miles of unspoiled beaches, where you can catch striped bass, red drum, bluefish, and kingfish. The fall season is the best time to hook large bull reds.
Offshore Canyons
For serious anglers looking for deep-sea action, Maryland’s offshore canyons, like the Baltimore Canyon and Poor Man’s Canyon, are where you’ll find trophy-sized fish. These deep waters are home to tuna, marlin, wahoo, and swordfish.
Best Shore Fishing Locations
Shore fishing in Maryland offers easy access to some of the best catches, all without the need for a boat. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of spots along the coast and bay that provide great opportunities for anglers of all levels. Here are the top shore fishing locations to check out:
Sandy Point State Park
Located near Annapolis, Sandy Point State Park is a prime location for shoreline fishing. The park stretches along the Chesapeake Bay and offers scenic views, making it a popular spot for families and anglers alike. You can catch a variety of fish here, including striped bass, bluefish, and perch. The park also features a fishing pier, making it even easier to cast out into deeper waters.
Point Lookout State Park
At the southern tip of Maryland’s western shore, Point Lookout State Park offers some fantastic shoreline fishing. The park is known for its excellent striped bass fishing, especially during the spring and fall migrations. You can fish from the beach or the jetties, where you’re likely to reel in rockfish, spot, and croaker. Plus, its remote location means fewer crowds, giving you more space to fish peacefully.
Assateague Island
For a more rugged and scenic experience, head to Assateague Island. This barrier island offers miles of pristine beaches and some of the best surf fishing in Maryland. The waters around Assateague are home to a variety of species, including red drum, flounder, and striped bass. It’s a great spot for anglers looking for a more secluded environment and a chance to fish in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings.
Ocean City Inlet
Ocean City is a major hub for anglers, and the Ocean City Inlet is one of the most popular shore fishing spots. The inlet offers easy access to both saltwater and brackish water fishing. Anglers often target rockfish, flounder, and bluefish here. The inlet’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means you’ll find a variety of species, especially during the summer months. Be sure to check the tides, as they can have a big impact on your catch.
Greenbury Point
Located on the Severn River near Annapolis, Greenbury Point offers another great shore fishing option. It’s a quieter spot that’s perfect for anglers who prefer a more peaceful fishing experience. Fish species you’ll find in this area include striped bass, perch, and croaker. The location also offers fantastic views of the river, making it a pleasant place to spend a day fishing.
North Beach
Situated on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, North Beach is a popular destination for anglers looking to fish from the shore. This small town offers a fishing pier, and the waters here are home to a variety of fish species, including striped bass, spot, and perch. North Beach is particularly known for its spring and fall runs of striped bass, making it a go-to spot during these seasons.
Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach, located in Calvert County, offers multiple shore fishing opportunities, including from its fishing pier. Anglers here target rockfish, flounder, and croaker. The beach also has a variety of access points along the bay, making it easy to set up for a day of fishing. The waters near the pier are deep enough to catch a variety of fish, and the town’s location makes it a convenient spot for both local residents and visitors.
Fish Species to Catch in Maryland
Maryland’s diverse waters are home to a variety of fish species, making it an exciting destination for anglers. Here are the top fish you’ll want to target during your visit:
Striped Bass
Often considered the state fish, striped bass (also known as rockfish) are abundant in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. These strong and fast swimmers are prized for their size and fighting ability, making them a favorite among both beginner and experienced anglers.
Flounder
Flounder fishing in Maryland is a popular activity, especially in the saltwater areas. These flatfish are known for their distinctive, sideways shape, and their delicious, mild-tasting meat. While they can be tricky to catch, the thrill of landing a flounder makes the effort worthwhile.
Trout
Maryland offers exceptional opportunities for trout fishing, especially in the cooler, mountain-fed streams. Species like brook, rainbow, and brown trout are abundant in freshwater locations. Whether you’re casting in a quiet mountain stream or a stocked lake, trout fishing is a relaxing and rewarding experience.
Tautog
Also known as blackfish, tautog are a challenging but exciting catch for anglers who enjoy bottom fishing. These fish thrive around rocky structures, reefs, and wrecks in Maryland’s coastal waters. Tautog are known for their strength and their tendency to “wrap” around underwater structures, making them a fun yet tricky fish to reel in.
Best Time to Fish in Maryland
The best time to fish in Maryland depends on the species you’re targeting and the type of fishing you plan to do. For freshwater fishing, the spring and fall months are ideal, as fish are more active and feeding heavily. The water temperature is cooler, making it more comfortable for both anglers and fish.
For saltwater fishing, summer months (June to September) are perfect for targeting species like striped bass and flounder. Warmer waters attract more fish close to shore. If you’re into offshore fishing, the best time is late spring to early fall, when the weather is stable, and big fish like tuna and marlin are more likely to bite.
Shoreline fishing is great year-round, but early mornings and late afternoons are the most productive. Fish tend to feed more during these cooler times of the day.
Fishing License Requirements & Regulations
In Maryland, you need a fishing license to fish in most public waters. This applies to both residents and non-residents. You can get your license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or from local retailers.
There are different types of licenses available, depending on the type of fishing you plan to do. For example, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license for ocean or bay fishing, while a freshwater license covers lakes, rivers, and streams. You can also opt for a combined license if you plan to fish in both.
Remember, some areas, like state parks and protected waters, may have specific rules or additional fees. Always check for any special regulations before fishing in those locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Maryland’s fishing scene is diverse and exciting, with something for every angler. Whether you’re casting from a pier, reeling in a big catch offshore, or exploring freshwater lakes, there’s always a spot for you. By understanding the best locations, top fish species, and fishing regulations, you’ll be prepared for an unforgettable fishing adventure in the Old Line State.
