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​​Please CLICK on a region name in the list ​below for specific information, or contact headquarters in Annapolis with general questions
by calling 1-877-620-8367.

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:

1. protection, restoration and expansion of fish habitat,
2. enhancement of sport fish populations,
3. stocking to improve angling opportunities,
   
4. invasive species management, and
5. 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, the brook trout p​rogram, the shad restoration program, and the Youth Fishing program​.

• John Mullican, Director, Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division​
  
• Dan Goetz, Manager of Regional Operations
• Dr. Joseph Love​, Manager of Statewide Operations​