The Hagerstown Valley sits atop miles of underground limestone caverns which support Maryland’s largest spring creek, Beaver Creek, which rises up with cool water just below South Mountain in Washington County. The Catch and Release stretch begins below the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery and Interstate 70. This section down to Route 40 has a healthy naturally reproducing stream population of brown trout. Beaver Creek provides fly fishers with this unique, sometimes challenging opportunity to cast[...]

The ride over to Smith Island from Crisfield alone is worth traveling to this Trail site, whether by ferry or mailboat or your own boat. You can even make arrangements for the transport of your own kayak or rent one on the Island. Be sure to make time to explore the Island and its towns, but don’t forget you also made the trip to hook into the striped bass, speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and bluefish[...]

Bluegill Members of the sunfish plan, Bluegills are olive green with some light yellow on their belly with dark bands running up and down. They have small mouths and an oval shaped body. Typically about 6 inches, they are found inshore from the Great Lakes to Florida—and here in Maryland in all tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay with salinity less than 18 ppt. Freshwater fish, although they will venture into slightly salty water, blue gills[...]

Book up Non-resident hunters are encouraged to take advantage of Maryland’s abundant public land waterfowl hunting opportunities They may also hunt the open waters of the Offshore Waterfowl Hunting and Special Sea Duck Zones if they are accompanied by a Maryland resident. Alternatively enlisting a guide can really help you make the most of some of the best duck hunting opportunities on the East Coast. Dabbling Ducks Habitat Dabbling ducks or puddle ducks are geared[...]

Northern snakehead: a species that sparks both disdain and adoration. As controversial as they may be, there’s no denying the excitement of pitching flies into their path. These frankenfish, native to Asia, have been making quite the splash throughout parts of the Eastern Seaboard for two decades. Anglers are drawn to their explosive strike, raw power, and succulent meat. But here’s the catch: at the end of the day, they’re still an invasive species that[...]

Our diverse state has big sportsman opportunities, holding three notable titles: the Decoy Capital of the World, the White Marlin Capital of the World, and the Canada Goose Capital of the World. Our world-class white-tailed deer, striped bass, and trout populations aren’t so bad either! With unique hunting and fishing options throughout the state, there’s no shortage of chances to bag a memorable trip. So, whether you’re a novice going on your first trip, or[...]

Spring is here and there is no better time to get away with friends and family for a little outdoor activity. To help you with planning, we suggest the following Maryland State Park or park-owned land for a great camping and fishing experience. There are plenty of more options, but these will help to provide some inspiration to get outdoors. Each park offers its own unique opportunities, ideal for experiencing the thrill of the catch[...]

I’ll never forget the very first chain pickerel I ever caught. I was fishing during late fall on the Patuxent River and it came as a surprise catch. Long, sleek, with chain-link markings and a mouthful of teeth, I knew what it was even at the age of 15. That was several decades ago. But I had enough of a taste to know that I wanted more of this leaping, slashing “mini-pike” in my angling[...]

With the summer months just around the corner, one thing on most deer hunters’ minds, other than how soon they can get back in their tree stand, is the buck that slipped out of bow range or the one just across the fence line during gun season. Never mind the hardships and anticipation of deer hunting, here are some activities to pass the time that might help make you become a better deer hunter for[...]