With the Atlantic Ocean, the country’s largest estuary (the Chesapeake Bay), and countless streams, rivers, inlets, and marshlands, Maryland is a sport fisherman’s paradise. Whether you’re in search of a long fight with a trophy-sized white marlin or a day spent reeling in a monster snakehead, Maryland has a bit of everything for every angler. Though the state is home to a wide variety of species, here are Maryland’s five favorite sport fish. Snakehead While[...]

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites new or experienced anglers to enjoy Maryland’s License-Free Fishing Days June 2, 9 and July 4. This is a unique opportunity for Marylanders to test their fishing skills without the need to obtain a fishing license, trout stamp or registration. “Free fishing days are the perfect opportunity to give the sport a try before deciding whether to get a license,” Fishing and Boating Services Director David Blazer said[...]

Freshwater With water temps ranging between 68-75 degrees, fishing across the state is at its peak. Anglers have reported prime spawning conditions when targeting bass, snakeheads are still being spotted guarding fry balls, and fishermen and women are consistently catching brown and brook trout on dry flies in the streams and creeks. Prime locations include Loch Raven Reservoir and Deep Creek Lake. Located just north of Baltimore, Loch Raven is ideal for any angler. This[...]

Hunt & Hike Family Road Trips, Part 1: Western Maryland Maryland has one of the most varied outdoors in the country. From freshwater rivers, thousands of miles of Chesapeake Bay coastline and the Piedmont Plateau, to thick forests, dozens of hills, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachia, the state’s geography is full of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. For Maryland hunters and out-of-state visitors, that means there’re plenty of unique outdoor activities and experiences[...]

Understanding Snakehead Behavior The northern snakehead (Channa argus) or now referred to as Chesapeake Channa is native to parts of Asia, but has become established in Maryland, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They are voracious predators, capable of disrupting local fish populations due to their diverse diet and aggressive hunting methods. During the spawning season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer, snakeheads become even more aggressive as they protect their nests[...]

For decades, world-class fishing in Maryland freshwater tides has attracted the attention of United States presidents like George H. Bush, and nationally-favorited sport fishing organizations like Bass Angler’s Sportsmen Society (B.A.S.S.). It offers hotspots for all of the highly talked about targets including largemouth bass, northern snakehead, striped bass, perch and catfish. Anglers can target all these popular fish in one day, or spread out trips over multiple days. Maryland is a unique state where[...]

Understanding Maryland's Turkey Population Maryland boasts a robust turkey population, making it a prime destination for hunters eager to pursue these magnificent birds. With a diverse landscape that includes forests, farmlands and wetlands, the state offers ideal habitats for turkeys to thrive. The Eastern wild turkey, the most common subspecies found in Maryland, can be spotted across various regions of the state, from the wooded areas of Western Maryland to the agricultural fields of the[...]