Manage Maryland's freshwater resources using scientifically valid, standardized assessments and management techniques to provide high quality, diverse, and accessible fisheries for Maryland residents and visitors.
Please CLICK on a region for specific information, or contact headquarters in Annapolis with general questions by calling 1-877-620-8367.
About Freshwater Fisheries Program
Freshwater fishery management is focused on tidal and non-tidal freshwater fisheries. This includes the management of impoundments (lakes, reservoirs, and ponds), coldwater streams, warm-water streams and rivers, and tidal freshwater streams. Management objectives include:
- protection, restoration and expansion of fish habitat,
- enhancement of sport fish populations,
- stocking to improve angling opportunities,
- invasive species management, and
- maintenance and creation of public access.
Freshwater fisheries management focuses on: largemouth and smallmouth bass, sunfish, crappie (white and black), channel catfish, chain pickerel (pike), muskellunge/tiger muskie, northern pike, walleye, and trout. Invasive species management primarily includes minimizing impacts of blue catfish, flathead catfish, and northern snakehead. Management strategies are based on a populations' age and size structure, reproductive success, and habitat and environmental conditions. Typically, freshwater fisheries are managed according to geographic areas. Management of Maryland's freshwater fisheries is divided into 5 regions, the tidal black bass program, and the brook trout program.
Key Leaders in Freshwater Fisheries: