Maryland anglers and conservationists have until Feb. 23 to weigh in on proposed changes to striped bass recreational fishing seasons that aim to bolster protection for the species during its most vulnerable periods in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting public comments on a “baseline reset” that would impose a full no-targeting closure for striped bass throughout August in Maryland waters, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. The proposal also includes reopening limited catch-and-release fishing in April, while maintaining harvest opportunities from May through July and from September through early December, with catch-and-release only from mid-December onward.
This adjustment addresses documented challenges facing striped bass, locally known as rockfish. Maryland’s juvenile striped bass survey has shown below-average recruitment for six consecutive years, meaning fewer young fish are surviving early life stages due to factors such as habitat degradation and predation by invasive species like blue catfish. Meanwhile, mature striped bass face elevated mortality risks during summer catch-and-release due to high water temperatures, low oxygen levels, and heat stress. Maryland-specific studies indicate release mortality rates can reach 30 to 40 percent in summer conditions, far higher than the 9 percent assumed in coastwide models.
A full August closure targets this peak vulnerability period, when heat stress peaks from mid-July through August. Shifting any catch-and-release opportunity to cooler April conditions reduces post-release death risks for fish. The simplified calendar replaces the current patchwork of partial closures, including a no-targeting period in late July, with a single month-long ban. This clearer structure is expected to boost angler compliance and support overall conservation.
Allison Colden, Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), emphasized the stakes. “We’re seeing two major trends in Maryland: young striped bass are struggling to survive their early life, and mature fish are suffering high rates of summer mortality,” Colden said. “It’s critical we consider these realities and protect Maryland’s striped bass however we can—especially considering up to 90% of the entire Atlantic Coast stock spawn here in the Bay.”
Colden added, “Our understanding about the health of the striped bass population is based on the assumption that anglers are fishing according to regulations. Ensuring the rules are clear and easy to follow is key to conservation efforts.”
The Chesapeake Bay serves as a primary spawning ground for Atlantic striped bass, underscoring Maryland’s role in coastwide recovery efforts. The proposal aligns with broader management trends, as the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) oversees the interstate fishery.
The ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board held its winter meeting Feb. 3-5, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, providing a forum for regional discussions on striped bass status and regulations. CBF has committed to advocating for protective measures at both state and interstate levels.
Public input is crucial to finalizing the changes, which could take effect in spring 2026 if adopted. Comments can be submitted through DNR’s online form, with details available on the agency’s fisheries regulations page. The proposal was published in the Maryland Register on Jan. 23, 2026, following review by the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review.
These steps reflect ongoing efforts to reverse striped bass declines amid environmental pressures, ensuring the iconic species remains viable for future generations of anglers and the Bay ecosystem.