What Maryland Fishing Licenses Cost

A Maryland fishing license for residents costs $20.50 for a one-year license, or $10.50 for a three-day license. Non-residents pay $30.50 for a one-year license or $15.50 for a five-day license. These prices cover freshwater fishing in Maryland's rivers, streams, and lakes. If you want to fish in saltwater — the ocean, bays, and tidal areas — you need a separate saltwater license, which costs $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents.

You can buy licenses online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, or at many local bait and tackle shops. Online purchases are when ready; in-store purchases are when ready as well. Licenses take effect the day you buy them.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland resident freshwater licenses cost $20.50 per year or $10.50 for three days; non-residents pay $30.50 per year or $15.50 for five days.
  • Saltwater fishing requires a separate license: $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents, with no short-term option.
  • You can purchase licenses online through the Maryland DNR website or at sporting goods and tackle shops throughout the state.
  • Some people do not need a license at all, including children under 16 and residents fishing on their own property.

Who Does Not Need a License

Children under 16 can fish without a license in Maryland, whether in freshwater or saltwater. A resident fishing on their own private property also does not need a license. If you are fishing in a trout pond or stream stocked by the state during a designated free fishing day — Maryland holds a few each year — you do not need a license on that day.

Residents 65 and older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $50, which covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. This is a one-time cost and never expires. You still need to buy it once; you cannot fish without proof of the license.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater License Requirements

Freshwater licenses cover fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams inland from the tidal line. This includes popular spots like the Potomac River above the dam, the Patuxent River, and state-managed trout streams. Saltwater licenses cover the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and all tidal waters where the water level rises and falls with the tide.

If you fish in both environments, you need both licenses. Many people buy a one-year freshwater license and a one-year saltwater license together, which costs $30.50 for residents. The licenses run on a calendar year — they expire on December 31 — so a license bought in November covers only two months.

How to Buy a License Online

Go to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website and look for the licensing section. You will need your driver's license number or state ID number, your date of birth, and your address. The system asks whether you want freshwater, saltwater, or both. Choose your license type — one year, three days, or five days — and pay by credit card or debit card.

After payment, the system generates a license number and a confirmation page. Print the confirmation or save it to your phone; you must carry proof of your license while fishing. Some people take a screenshot of the confirmation email instead. The license is valid when ready and does not require a physical card to arrive in the mail.

Special Licenses and Discounts

Maryland offers a few other license types beyond the standard annual and short-term options. A lifetime license for residents 65 and older costs $50 one time. Active-duty military members and veterans can purchase a resident license at the resident price even if they do not live in Maryland, which saves non-resident military members $10 on a freshwater license.

There is no general discount for low-income residents, but some counties run free fishing days or free license giveaways through local recreation departments. Contact your county's parks and recreation office to ask whether they offer these programs.

What Happens If You Fish Without a License

Fishing without a valid license in Maryland is a violation of state law. A first offense typically results in a fine of $50 to $100 and confiscation of your catch and equipment. A second offense within five years can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and loss of fishing privileges for up to one year. Repeat violations carry steeper penalties.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources officers patrol popular fishing areas and check licenses. The fine costs more than a year-long license, so buying one before you fish is the practical choice.

Where to Buy Licenses in Person

Bass Pro Shops locations in Maryland sell licenses at the customer service desk. Cabela's also sells them. Most independent bait and tackle shops throughout the state carry licenses and can print them on the spot. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a particular shop stocks them.

Some Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods locations sell fishing licenses, though not all do. If you are near a state wildlife area or boat launch, the office there may sell licenses as well. Buying in person takes the same amount of time as buying online — the license prints when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish from a pier or jetty?

Yes. If you are fishing in saltwater — which includes the Chesapeake Bay and ocean piers — you need a saltwater license. Freshwater piers and docks require a freshwater license. The only exception is a designated free fishing day, when no license is required.

Can I fish with my friend's license?

No. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. A license is not transferable. If you are fishing together, each of you needs to buy a license before you cast a line.

What if I lose my license number?

Contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and provide your driver's license number and date of birth. They can look up your license and issue a replacement confirmation. You do not need to buy a new license; you only need proof of the one you already purchased.

Does my Maryland license work in other states?

No. Each state manages its own fishing licenses. If you plan to fish in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, you need to purchase a license from that state. Some states offer reciprocal agreements, but Maryland does not currently participate in them.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

You can purchase a license online using someone else's information if they provide you with their driver's license number, date of birth, and address. However, the license is issued in their name, and they must carry proof of it while fishing. Some retailers also sell gift certificates for fishing licenses.