MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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General​ Information

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More from DNR​​​

Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists Marisa Ponte, Jim Uphoff, and Shannon Moorhead traverse the quiet Choptank River, casting out a net to collect samples of striped bass eggs and larvae. Photo by Joe Zimmermann, Maryland DNR.​​​​
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​Maryland DNR Biologists Monitor a Critical Year of ​Striped Bass Eggs, Larvae

Maryland’s state fish, striped bass are the state’s most economically important finfish and hold cultural significance as a beloved catch for the recreational fishing ​community. They’re a sport and commercial fish up and down the East Coast, but between 70% and 90% of the Atlantic population of the species spawns in the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.
Sarah Yow holds up a beautiful speckled trout she caught in Tangier Sound. Photo courtesy of Sarah Yow​​​​
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Maryland Fishin​g Report – May ​15​

There are lots of great fishing opportunities this week, from freshwater to the coastal waters of Ocean City. The first segment of Maryland’s striped bass season starts May 1​6 in the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay below the line from Hart-Miller Island to Tolchester. Summer migrant species including spot, red drum, and speckled trout are arriving in the lower Bay, creating exciting fishing opportunities.
​Staff and volunteers help clean up invasives at Gunpowder Falls State Park for Earth Day 2024, which was the final day of Maryland State Parks Week this year. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
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Secretary’s Message: Maryland State Parks Are Always Worth Celebrating

Our state parks, under the leadership of the department’s dedicated Park R​angers, provide the amenities and activities that nearly 20 million Marylanders enjoy every year, each with its own unique opportunities to connect with Maryland’s natural and cultural treasures.

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Tree Seedling​​​​​​​​​

5 Million Trees Please​​​​

At the start of the new year, the 5 Million Trees Initiative is approaching a milestone, with nearly half a million trees planted.​
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Buy Your Fishing License​​

​Our online COMPASS portal gives you 24/7 self service access to our entire product catalog of recreational licenses, permits and stamps.
​Image of the app with hunters on a boat - Photo: Kimberley Kelly​

Download the DNR App​​

AccessDNR is the official app from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the State's outdoor enthusiasts.
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Maryland’s License-Free Fishing Days

Provide Access to Angling for All


The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer license-free fishing days for all state residents and visitors on June 1, June 8, and July 4. These annual events provide anglers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse fishing without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration.

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Click here for more!​​​​ ​
​​Photo by: Nicki Strickland 
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