License Free Fishing Areas

Maryland features many areas where recreational anglers can fish year-round without a fishing license.  When fishing in these areas you are exempt from all license and stamp fees and requirements.  You are required to observe all other fishing rules.  A free MD/PRFC angler registration​ is also required for anglers fishing without a license in designated license free fishing areas located in tidal water, you may register online through the Maryland licensing system.​

Anne Arundel

  • Annapolis--Maryland Route 450 old bridge at the Severn River.

Baltimore County

  • Cox's Point on Back River and Deep Creek. Directions: Eastern Blvd. (Rt. 150) ​
    to Riverside Drive south.

Baltimore City

  • Canton Recreational Pier at Boston Street
  • Broening Park, from fishing pier southeast of the Hanover Street Bridge (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge), to Hanover Street Bridge over Middle Branch. Directions: Route 2 to Broening Park (2801 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD 21225).​
  • Canton Waterfront Park

Caroline County

  • Denton--Pier associated with G. Daniel Crouse Memorial Park on the east side of Choptank River north of Maryland Route 404 Bridge.
  • Federalsburg Municipal Park
  • Greensboro Waterfront Park — Upstream of the Sunset Avenue bridge within park boundaries on the Choptank River. 

Cecil County

  • Charlestown--Town-owned stone wharf on the Northeast River near the corner of Conestoga and Water Streets and the historic site of Charlestown Wharf.
  • North East--North East Community Park at mouth of North East Creek.
  • Perryville Ice House Park — Within the park boundaries of Ice House Park downstream of the Route 40 bridge on the Susquehanna River.

Charles County

  • Friendship Landing--County-owned pier and property adjacent to the pier off Friendship Landing Road southeast of Ironsides Riverside Road (Rt. 425) on Nanjemoy Creek.

Dorchester County

  • Cambridge--Long Wharf from south end of city-owned bulkhead associated with the Municipal Yacht Basin within Cambridge Creek to the end of east breakwater at mouth of the Municipal Yacht Basin.

Frederick County

  • Gambrill State Park - Banks of the one acre pond located within Gambrill State Park boundaries, near the Park's campground.

Harford County

  • Havre de Grace--Tydings Memorial Park within designated area, and pier at the end of Congress Street.

Kent County

  • Chestertown--Maryland Route 213 Bridge over Chester River.

Somerset County

  • Janes Island State Park--Bulkhead area on Daugherty Creek within the boundaries of Janes Island State Park.​
  • Crisfield City Dock — City dock/depot area at the end of West Main Street.

Wicomico County

  • Sharptown--Pier and town dock off Ferry Street on the Nanticoke River.
  • Salisbury--Designated city-owned bulkhead on the Wicomico River between Mill Street and Division Street.
  • Tyaskin Park--County-owned park on Wetipquin Creek west of Rt. 349 at Tyaskin.

Worcester County

  • Pocomoke City--City docks from Laurel Street boat ramp to U.S. Route 13 overpass and Winter Quarter dock on Pocomoke River.
  • Snow Hill-All city-owned riverfront property which includes Byrd Park, Sturgis Park, and city bulkheading adjacent to the municipal parking lot near the Route 12 bridge over the Pocomoke River.
  • Ocean City - Northside Park - Town-owned pier and park at 125th Street.
  • Ocean City - Chicago Avenue - Bulkhead between 2nd and 4th Streets.



License Free Fishing Areas Map

Select a point on the map below for more information.​

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Please consult these resources before making any decisions.