What Maryland Fishing Licenses Cost

A Maryland fishing license costs between $7 and $30 depending on whether you fish in freshwater, saltwater, or both, and whether you are a resident or non-resident. Residents pay less than non-residents for the same license type. A resident freshwater license is $7 for one day or $20 for a full year. A resident saltwater license is $10 for one day or $30 for a full year. A resident combination license (freshwater and saltwater together) is $15 for one day or $40 for a full year.

Non-residents pay more. A non-resident freshwater license is $10 for one day or $35 for a full year. A non-resident saltwater license is $15 for one day or $50 for a full year. A non-resident combination license is $25 for one day or $70 for a full year. Maryland also offers a 7-day non-resident freshwater license for $20 and a 7-day non-resident saltwater license for $30.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland resident freshwater licenses cost $7 for one day or $20 for a year, while saltwater licenses are $10 for one day or $30 for a year.
  • Non-residents pay roughly double the resident rate for the same license type, with freshwater at $10 per day or $35 per year.
  • A combination license covering both freshwater and saltwater costs $40 per year for residents and $70 per year for non-residents.
  • You can purchase licenses online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.

Who Needs a License in Maryland

Anyone age 16 and older who fishes in Maryland must have a valid license. This applies whether you fish in freshwater (rivers, lakes, ponds) or saltwater (the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean). The only exceptions are children under 16, who can fish without a license, and Maryland residents fishing on their own property in a private pond or stream that does not connect to public water.

If you fish in both freshwater and saltwater during the year, buying a combination license is cheaper than buying two separate licenses. The combination license lets you fish anywhere in Maryland without worrying about which type of water you are in.

Where to Buy a Maryland Fishing License

You can purchase a Maryland fishing license online, by phone, or in person. The easiest route is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website (dnr.maryland.gov). You can buy a license there in minutes, and it is delivered to your email when ready. You do not need to print it — you can show the email on your phone to a wildlife officer.

If you prefer to buy in person, authorized vendors include most sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the store has licenses in stock. You can also call the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8DNR (410-260-8367) to purchase over the phone.

How Long Your License Lasts

Maryland fishing licenses expire on different dates depending on the type. A one-day license is valid for 24 hours from the time you purchase it. A 7-day license is valid for seven consecutive days. A yearly license runs from January 1 to December 31 of that year, regardless of when you buy it during the year.

If you buy a yearly license in November, it expires December 31 of that same year, not a full year later. This means buying late in the year gives you less time to fish. Many anglers buy their yearly license in January to get the full calendar year of fishing.

Special Licenses and Discounts

Maryland offers reduced-cost licenses for certain groups. Senior residents (age 65 and older) pay $10 for a yearly freshwater license and $15 for a yearly saltwater license. Disabled residents can fish for free with a disability license, which you must request from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Military members on active duty can fish without a license in Maryland. You will need to show a valid military ID to a wildlife officer if asked. Veterans and retired military members do not automatically get a free license and must purchase one like other residents or non-residents.

What Your License Covers

A Maryland fishing license lets you fish with a rod and reel or hand line. The license itself does not include trout stamps, special permits, or tags that some fish require. If you want to keep trout in certain streams, you need a separate trout stamp ($5 for residents, $10 for non-residents). If you want to keep striped bass, you need a striped bass tag ($5 for residents, $10 for non-residents).

Your license also does not cover commercial fishing or netting. If you fish from a charter boat, the captain's license covers the boat and passengers, so you do not need your own license. Always check the current fishing regulations before you go, because rules about which fish you can keep, how many, and what size change by season and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish from a charter boat in Maryland?

No. If you are a passenger on a licensed charter boat, the captain's license covers you. You do not need to buy your own license. However, if you fish from a private boat that you own or rent, you must have a license.

Can I fish with my out-of-state license in Maryland?

No. You must have a Maryland license to fish in Maryland waters, even if you have a valid license from another state. Non-resident licenses are available for one day, seven days, or a full year, so you can choose based on how long you plan to fish.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a license is a violation of Maryland law. A wildlife officer can issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount varies, but fines for fishing without a license typically start at $50 and can be higher depending on the circumstances.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish I want to catch?

No. One fishing license covers all fish species. However, some fish like trout and striped bass require additional stamps or tags beyond the base license. These are separate purchases and have their own fees.

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

Yes. You can purchase a license online or by phone and have it sent to someone else's email address. You will need their name and date of birth to complete the purchase. They can then use that license to fish in Maryland.