Trout Stocking in Maryland
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2025 Trout Stocking Updates Here
View the trout stocking locations map.
Species Codes:
RB = Rainbow Trout; GN = Golden Trout; BN = Brown Trout
Regulatory Definitions:
Put and Take - Areas are stocked with adult hatchery trout for harvest.
- Creel limit (brook) – 0 Daily/0 Possession – all brook trout must be immediately released.
- Creel Limit (all other species of trout) combined
5 Daily/10 Possession.
- Minimum Size—no minimum size.
- Season—areas are closed to all fishing from 10 p.m. of the first date, to 6:30 a.m. of the second date, except as provided for by special regulation or where more restrictive fishing hours are posted.
Delayed Harvest -
Catch and Return restrictions when environmental conditions are favorable for trout; harvest permitted when stream temperatures become too warm for trout.
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Group I - From Oct. 1–May 31, you:
- May not possess trout in these areas.
- Must immediately release any trout to the water from which the trout was taken.
- May not possess or use any natural bait, live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent capable of catching fish.
- May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
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Group II - From Oct. 1–June 15, you:
- May not possess trout in these areas.
- Must immediately release any trout.
- May not possess or use any natural bait, live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent capable of catching fish.
- May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Standard State Regulation -
Waters not listed as Put and Take or specially regulated waters (Delayed Harvest, Catch and Return, Youth, Youth-Blind, Youth-Senior-Blind, Trophy Trout).
- Creel limit (brook) – 0 Daily/0 Possession – all brook trout must be immediately released.
- Creel Limit (all other species of trout) combined
2 Daily/4 Possession.
- Minimum Size—no minimum size.
- Season—no closed season
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General Stocking Information
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).
Put-and-take areas have a five-trout limit and specific spring closures depending on location. Consult the Maryland 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, which are not stocked by the department.
Know Your Trout
Help To Stop Poachers
Reminder - If you spot poaching please call or text 443-433-4112, email
[email protected], 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.
