Maryland
1 MD Fishing Spot Among America’s Best; Before You Fish, Know Laws
MARYLAND — You don’t have to look too far ahead on the calendar for days to hang out the “gone fishing” sign — and fortunately for anglers, Maryland has one of the best places to cast their lines on an inventory of 100 best places to fish in America.
The ranking from fishing equipment outfitter ABU Garcia includes rivers, lakes, reservoirs and obscure back yard fishing holes.
In Maryland, the top-ranked fishing spot is Fletcher’s Cove on the Potomac River, which forms part of the border between Maryland and Virginia. It is No. 73 on the list.
The river has a reliable stock of striped bass, with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish the most popular among anglers.
That’s the only fishing hole listed for Maryland, which is also known for its fishing in Chesapeake Bay and in the Atlantic off the Eastern Shore.
- A resident must pay an annual freshwater fishing license fee of $20.50 or
- 7-day freshwater fishing license fee of $7.50.
- A non-resident must pay an annual freshwater fishing license fee of $30.50 or
- 7-day freshwater fishing license fee dependent on state residency
- 3-day freshwater fishing license fee dependent on state residency.
Maryland fishing season is year-round except for:
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass season is from mid-June through February.
To get a fishing license, order it online at https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal.
You can also obtain a license in person from a Local License Agent. With over 250 sport license agents statewide, you can search by region, county, and by city to find the closest agent. Many have extended and weekend hours to serve your needs. Or locate a Department of Natural Resources Regional Service Center.
To order your fishing license by mail, download applications for fishing, hunting and boating licenses from the Department of Natural Resources Forms website. Applications can be mailed to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Service Center in your area, along with a check for the applicable fees. (No cash please).
ABU Garcia said it brought together a panel of professional anglers, industry experts and everyday fishing enthusiasts to whittle to 100 the list of nominated fishing spots.
The top 10 places to fish in America are:
- St. Lawrence River: New York
- Lake St. Clair: Michigan
- Lake Erie: Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan
- Red River: North Dakota and Minnesota
- Santee Cooper: South Carolina
- Lake Guntersville: Alabama
- Sam Rayburn Reservoir: Texas
- Clear Lake: California
- Lake Fork: Texas
- Lake Chickamauga: Tennessee