Anglers in Maryland waters can now target striped bass on a catch-and-release basis throughout April under new 2026 regulations that took effect this week. The change marks the first time since 2019 that April catch-and-release fishing has been permitted in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay.
State officials restructured the fishing calendar to move the summer heat closure to cover all of August, replacing the previous split closure periods that had banned all striped bass targeting from April 1 through May 15.
The revised schedule aims to streamline regulations while maintaining conservation goals and providing additional recreational fishing access, according to state fisheries managers.
Maryland’s 2026 striped bass recreational season now operates on this timeline: catch-and-release fishing from January 1 through April 30, harvest season from May 1 through July 31, complete closure during August, harvest resuming September 1 through December 5, and catch-and-release fishing again from December 6 through December 31.
Key spawning waterways will continue receiving protection through closures from March 1 to May 31. These restricted areas encompass the Choptank, Chester, Manokin, Nanticoke, Patuxent, Transquaking, and Wicomico rivers, plus the Upper Bay spawning grounds including Susquehanna Flats. Detailed maps and closure information are available on the DNR website.
The Potomac River Fisheries Commission maintains separate management authority over striped bass fishing in the main stem Potomac River.
When harvest becomes legal on May 1, fishermen may retain one striped bass daily per person, measuring between 19 and 24 inches in length.
Wildlife officials urge catch-and-release participants to employ fish-friendly techniques including reduced handling time and minimal air exposure to improve survival rates.
Gear restrictions currently applied in March will extend through May 15 to reduce fish mortality during April and early May fishing. These regulations ban stinger hooks, restrict trolling to six rods maximum, and mandate barbless hooks for trolling operations.
East Coast striped bass management requires coordination among states following the Interstate Fishery Management Plan. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Striped Bass Board approved Addendum III to Amendment 7 in 2025, permitting Maryland to modify its Chesapeake Bay recreational season structure. Scientists designed the seasonal adjustments to avoid increasing overall striped bass mortality rates.
Maryland’s previous two-year approach completely prohibited Bay striped bass targeting from April 1 to May 15 and July 16 to July 31, with additional tributary-specific closures.
State resource managers determined that April catch-and-release fishing poses minimal risk to breeding populations due to cooler water temperatures. Officials selected August for the complete closure because elevated summer water temperatures increase the likelihood of accidental fish deaths during catch-and-release fishing. The modification underwent more than a year of review including extensive public input and evaluation of thousands of submitted comments.
Striped bass fishing ranks among Maryland’s most sought-after recreational activities. Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis outdoor recreation data indicates that recreational fishing and boating contributed approximately $701.5 million in economic value to Maryland during 2024.
Ocean-based recreational striped bass fishing operates year-round with different regulations, allowing harvest of one fish daily within the 28-inch to 31-inch size range.
