Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding recreational fishermen that going after striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is off-limits from August 1 through August 31.
The month-long ban, which was moved to August for the 2026 season, is intended to shield the younger, resident striped bass population during peak summer heat. When both water and air temperatures climb in mid-summer, striped bass become far more susceptible to dying after being caught and released back into the water.
While the closure is in effect, DNR is urging anglers to cast their lines for other species instead — particularly invasive ones like blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa, commonly known as snakehead. These invasive species carry no bag limits or size restrictions, and removing them from the Bay actually helps improve the overall health of the ecosystem.
Scientists have found that environmental conditions are playing a role in declining striped bass spawning success in recent years. The summer closure, which was first put in place in 2020, is one of the tools being used to protect Maryland’s state fish and reduce overall mortality in the Chesapeake Bay.
Even outside the closure window, DNR recommends that anglers practice safe catch-and-release techniques and switch to targeting other species when air temperatures exceed 95 degrees, as an added measure to keep striped bass mortality low.
According to the most recent stock assessment data, published in 2022, recreational dead discards — meaning fish that die after being caught and thrown back — made up 21% of all fishing-related striped bass deaths in the Bay. Recreational harvest accounted for 44% of fishing-related mortality, commercial harvest made up 31%, and commercial dead discards represented the remaining 4%.
Beyond the closure itself, DNR has rolled out additional measures aimed at cutting down on dead discards during the open season. These include a requirement that anglers use circle hooks when fishing for striped bass, along with a Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast that flags so-called “red flag” conditions when anglers should avoid targeting the species altogether.
When the season reopens on September 1, it will run through December 5. During that stretch, anglers will be allowed to keep one striped bass per person per day, with a minimum length of 19 inches and a maximum length of 24 inches.
Maryland fishing licenses can be purchased online through MD Outdoors, at DNR service centers, or through licensed sport retailer agents. Revenue from fishing licenses, tackle, boats, and marine fuel goes directly toward DNR’s fish and wildlife conservation efforts.
