ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland anglers will see new striped bass fishing regulations take effect Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as the state shifts seasons to better protect the Chesapeake Bay’s struggling rockfish population during periods of high stress.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources implemented the changes following approval by the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. The adjustments simplify the recreational season calendar while increasing overall fishing access and reducing mortality from catch-and-release during hot summer months.
For six consecutive years, Maryland’s juvenile striped bass recruitment has remained below average, resulting in fewer adult fish available for harvest. The new rules aim to aid recovery by closing the entire month of August to all striped bass targeting and reopening April for catch-and-release fishing when water temperatures are cooler and fish survival rates are higher.
The 2026 recreational striped bass season in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is as follows: January 1 through April 30, catch and release only; May 1 through July 31, harvest season; August 1 through 31, closed to all targeting; September 1 through December 5, harvest season; December 6 through 31, catch and release only.
During harvest periods, anglers may keep one fish per person per day between 19 and 24 inches total length. The changes eliminate previous fragmented closures and no-targeting periods, increasing total fishing access days from 304 to 334 while maintaining conservation measures.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation supported the regulations after submitting hundreds of public comments. CBF Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden welcomed the move. “Striped bass desperately need our help, and Maryland’s new regulations are a strong step to rebuilding rockfish numbers. By closing August fishing and simplifying its seasons, Maryland is giving striped bass a fighting chance. We applaud DNR’s collaborative approach to protecting this beloved fishery.”
DNR officials noted that the August closure targets a vulnerable period when high water temperatures increase the likelihood of post-release mortality, even with proper handling. In contrast, April catch-and-release occurs under cooler conditions that improve fish survival.
Anglers must follow best practices year-round to protect the species. When targeting striped bass, use circle hooks with bait and artificial lures with single hooks rather than treble hooks. Minimize air exposure, avoid fishing when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees or air temperatures exceed 95 degrees, and consult DNR’s striped bass advisory forecast as summer progresses.
The simplified calendar helps ensure compliance, which is critical because fishery managers base conservation decisions on the assumption that regulations are followed. During the August closure, anglers can target other species such as cobia, red drum or invasive blue catfish, which have no catch limits.
The regulations apply only to recreational and charter boat fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries. Separate rules govern the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and commercial harvest.
Southern Maryland anglers in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties, who frequently fish local waters including the Potomac River and Patuxent River, will operate under the new structure. The changes balance conservation needs with recreational opportunities in a region where striped bass fishing supports local economies and tourism.
DNR continues to monitor the striped bass population through annual juvenile surveys and other assessments. The agency collaborated with stakeholders throughout the regulatory process, which included public comment periods and review of approximately 1,100 submissions.
The new season structure takes effect after a brief legislative delay earlier in March 2026. Publication in the Maryland Register occurred on March 20, with the rules becoming effective 10 days later.
For complete details and interactive regulation maps, anglers should visit the Maryland DNR Fisheries website. Compliance with all size, creel and gear restrictions remains mandatory.
These adjustments represent Maryland’s latest effort to address long-term declines in striped bass while supporting a fishery valued by recreational users across Southern Maryland and the broader Chesapeake region.