Freshwater Fisheries Program

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.

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, and the brook trout program​.

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• Tony Prochaska, Chief of Freshwater Fisheries
• John Mullican, Manager of Regional Operations
• Dan Goetz, Manager of Statewide Operations