Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Trout Stocking in Maryland

​20​25​ Trout Stocking​​ Updates Here

View the tr​out stocking lo​​cations map​​​​​​.​​​​​ 

​Some trout fishing areas are subject to the 2025 Closure Schedule. 
  • Closure 0 means no restrictions and trout fishing is allowed. 
  • Closure Period 1 means areas are closed from 10 pm March 9 until 6:30 am March 29, 2025 

NEW FOR 2025! Closure period 2 waters have been eliminated and have all been converted to closure 1 or 0.​

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Species Codes:

RB = Rainbow Trout; GN = Golden Trout;  BN = Brown Trout​​​​


The second ​inaugural Maryland Youth Fishing Day i​s March 22, 2025. Fishing and Boating Services conducted an online survey following the first event in 2024 to learn more about participation, angler experiences, and how the program could be improved. Vi​ew the survey results.​​


General Stocking Information​

 
Sport Fish Restoration Maryland’s coldwater hatcheries​ produce approximately 240,000 adult rainbow, golden rainbow, and brown trout annually to meet the demands of the Put-and-Take stocking program. More than 100 waterbodies in 19 counties are stocked. The trout stocking program is funded by the sale of nontidal fishing licenses, trout stamps, and federal Sport Fish Restoration Program funds.

To stay up to date on the department’s stocking activites, we recommend checking the stocked locations table below during stocking season. Additionally, the department posts stocking updates on Facebook and X and through its email news service​. Anglers may also call 800-688-3467 and press option #1 to get a recorded weekly update when stocking is in process (usually updated on Fridays).
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Put-and-take areas have a five-trout limit and specific spring closures depending on location. Consult the Mary​land Guide to Fishing and Crabbing ​for closure dates and special management area restrictions​. The daily limit in areas that are not put-and-take or special management areas is two trout with no minimum size and no closed season.​


Brook trout regulations prohibit harvest of brook trout and require catch and release only in all put-and-take trout areas and all waters east of Interstate 81. Anglers should take time to properly identify and release brook trout, wh​ich are not stocked by the department.​

Trout_ID_page.jpgKnow Your Trout

Download and print your own Trout Identification Sheet. Fold it in half and take it with you.


Help To Stop Poachers

Reminder - If you spot poaching please call or text 443-433-4112, email mwc.dnr@maryland.gov, or report violations using the department’s free mobile app. A cash reward is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction of a violator.​

Felt Soled Waders and Shoe Ban

Felt-soled waders and wading shoes are now banned in the State of Maryland. Further information can be found through our FAQ on the felt sole ban. ​

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