Two License Free Fishing Days in June in Maryland

     Annapolis, MD -- Normally a license is required to fish in Maryland, but there are a few exceptions to this requirement. The first is there are specific areas that are designated License Free Fishing Areas throughout the tidal portions of the Chesapeake Bay. You are required to observe all other fishing laws and regulations. A free MD/PRFC angler registration is also required for anglers fishing without a license in designated license free fishing areas, you may register online through dnr.maryland.gov/service/fishing_license.asp. You can see a list of license free locations on the following page: License Free Fishing Areas.

     The second option is that Maryland hosts Free Fishing Days. During a free fishing day, a person may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of the state for recreational purposes without an angler's license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the state, but shall otherwise observe all fishing laws and regulations. Maryland's free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and July 4.

     Lastly, youth under 16 years of age are allowed to fish without a license all year round.