Planning to fish in Maryland this summer? While a fishing license is normally required, there are several exceptions that allow people to cast a line legally without purchasing one.
One option is fishing in one of Maryland’s designated License Free Fishing Areas. These locations are spread throughout tidal portions of the Chesapeake Bay, along with one nontidal location. Anglers using these areas must still follow all fishing laws and regulations. Those fishing in designated tidal license-free areas are also required to complete a free MD/PRFC angler registration online.
Maryland also hosts a few Free Fishing Days each year. On these days, people may recreationally catch and possess finfish in both tidal and nontidal waters without needing an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or fishing stamp normally required by the state. Maryland’s 2026 Free Fishing Days are:
- Saturday, June 6
- Saturday, June 13
- Saturday, July 4
All other fishing laws and regulations remain in effect during those dates. Additionally, anyone under the age of 16 may fish in Maryland without a license year-round.
