The lower Eastern Shore is blessed with a number of tidal rivers reaching out to the Chesapeake Bay. The Upper Wicomico River provides an excellent waterway to experience tidal fly fishing in waters which offer a truly incredible array of fish species which can be caught on a fly. These includine bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, white catfish, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, northern snakehead and blue catfish. You will access[...]

Because of its relatively remote location in Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County, Town Creek receives little fishing pressure from other anglers. This stream has great structure provided by tree root balls and small stream falls, all resulting in an ideal habitat for trout and other species. The creek’s flows and temperatures are usually good enough to support the stocked rainbow and brown trout until mid-summer. Smallmouth bass and sunfish provide other target species[...]

Why A Maryland Catfish Trail? In our waters, the Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, as well as the Northern Snakehead, pose a significant threat particularly in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Of specific concern, these fish play a role in disrupting the ecological balance by consuming copious amounts for Maryland crabs, white perch and rockfish. Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has highlighted this pressing issue, underscoring the need for collective action. Explore Maryland's Catfish Trail To[...]

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is the first fish that comes to mind when most people think of the Chesapeake Bay. “Rockfish” as we call them, is the State Fish of Maryland and the most sought-after species in the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to my most recent panfish book, I’ve written two books about catching rockfish on artificial lures. I love targeting stripers, but I could never have learned to catch them were it not for[...]

Get out in Maryland chasing trophy white-tailed deer, world-class trout, and legendary waterfowling opportunities. Or, try your hand at the unique Cast and Blast opportunities in Maryland hunting waterfowl on a boat, followed by reeling in striped bass. If competition is something you’re after, Maryland is home to plenty of tournaments, from largemouth bass competitions to trophy buck tournaments. Go body-booting in the Susquehanna Flats with canvas backs and redheads flying overhead. Head west and[...]

Catfish in Maryland While some other states may be able to boast a larger specimen here and there, few can compare with Maryland for the diversity of the water ways you'll fin 'em in. And there's more good news on keeping them for dinner. In many areas the vast majority of eating sized catfish are going to be invasive species. No one is happy to have invasive, so you can feel guilt-free about harvesting blues[...]

With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline to explore, Maryland really is an angler’s paradise. Discovering Maryland’s distinctive natural resources is now easier than ever. We invite you to get your feet wet and try Maryland fishing at its best. Now, you can sample some of our favorite fishing spots by borrowing high-quality rods and reels from some of Maryland’s most popular state parks or at select local libraries. The Tackle Loaner Program is an[...]

As the first in the Nation, Maryland’s Fly Fishing Trail provides everyone with opportunities to experience fly fishing across the state. With two Trail sites located in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City, there are no shortage of options when it comes to fly fishing. Each Trail site has been selected to provide a unique fly fishing experience. You’ll find as diverse a range of species—from native brook trout in small Western Maryland[...]

Maryland’s plentiful white-tailed deer populations offer hunters great opportunities to bag one of our state’s trophy bucks. We also have the unique opportunity to hunt the exotic sika deer. These small deer are only found – and can only be hunted in the wild – in their native Japan and right here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Hunting geese and ducks in Maryland is a big deal. In the heart of the Atlantic flyway, Maryland is[...]