Sometime in mid-March my pulse quickens. Subtle signs, imperceptible at first, announce the arrival of spring. Daffodils and crocus appear. Even our dormant lawn starts to show signs of life. No longer do I need to pass the time watching countless fishing videos on YouTube or scrolling through tackle websites announcing the latest fly rod built with space age technology. It is time to dust off my fishing tackle and make plans to fish the[...]

History In the early 1900’s Clement Henry released 5 or 6 deer on James Island. Maryland biologists and deer managers first worried that the “miniature elk” would expand into the upland territory of native white-tailed deer. This resulted in higher bag limits being set so that hunters would be encouraged to harvest and control the sika deer population. However, over the years, managers have learned that the sika predominantly lives most of its life in[...]

A Tradition Almost Four Hundred Years in the Making In 1666, an Englishman named George Alsop wrote about his experience in Maryland. The waterfowl were so abundant, he wrote, “there was such an incessant clattering made with their wings on the water where they rose, and such a noise of those flying higher up that it was as if we were all the time surrounded by a whirlwind.” Now, nearly four centuries later, sportsmen and[...]

With this exclamation a wonderful memory is shared between parent and child. A memory that will likely last a lifetime and lead to life-long enjoyment of the great outdoors. Bonding moments like these are happening every year at the “put-and-take” streams, ponds and lakes across Maryland. In order for these memories to be created, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources must start a year earlier, raising approximately 500,000 brown and rainbow trout at their four[...]

While striped bass remain the king here in Chesapeake country, there’s a newcomer on the block vying for the top spot in a fly angler’s heart. To many bay area anglers speckled trout have always been an exotic catch, a species associated with more southern climes. But with the influx of small boat and light tackle guides, increased access to vast areas of the bay’s shallows has awakened fly fishers to the qualities of this[...]

If you’ve been waiting to enjoy more of Maryland’s outdoors, the hunting season is a perfect time. Bring the family on a hunt and hike road trip to explore one of the most varied landscapes in the country. Each major region of the state offers plenty of opportunities for a complete outdoors adventure for hunters and out-of-state visitors alike. Accessible history, beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife can make for an easy and memorable day or[...]

With Maryland’s long history as one of the 13 original American colonies, the scenic byways that run through the state are perfect for a road trip where the family can enjoy memorable sites, drive through key historic areas, and experience Maryland’s unique character. Parker’s Creek and the Star-Spangled Banner If you’re looking for a daylong, outdoor experience, Parker’s Creek offers large tracts of forest with diverse topography. Dry upland woods, ravines and forested wetlands span[...]

Great American Outdoor Show 2020 Every year the Great American Outdoor show provides the perfect opportunity to network with Sportsmen and women from around the world, check out new products, and explore all the hunting and fishing trips offered by outfitters and guides. This year, the show did not disappoint. both booths were staffed by industry partners and staff members from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Office of Tourism. Some of the[...]

Ready to get back to fishing? White perch are ready and waiting for you. They can be found almost anywhere in the Chesapeake Bay. A relative of striped bass, white perch occupy a range of depths and habitats. Oyster bars, drop-offs and artificial reefs all hold white perch. Seasonal patterns are easy to figure out given that white perch stay in the bay and its rivers their entire lives. Places to find white perch include[...]