With the resumption of recreational fishing in Maryland, the department encourages anglers
to take advantage of the incredible fishing opportunities the state has to offer,
provided all practice social distancing, avoid crowded areas, and minimize social interaction.
General Stocking Information
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and staff safety protocols, scheduled stocking and allotments may be altered this year. The annual stocking will be completed in three bursts: preseason (January and February), March 15 –26, and April 19 – 30. The department did not publish a 2021 stocking schedule.
The department will announce areas that have been stocked within a short time. All stocked locations that fall under a closure period will be announced prior to the traditional opening day March 27.
The department posts stocking updates on Facebook and Twitter and through its email news service. Lastly, 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, except in special trout management and put-and-take areas.
New brook trout regulations are now in effect requiring 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 brook trout -- which are not stocked by the department, -- when fishing in catch-and-release waters.
Some trout fishing areas are subject to the 2020 Closure Schedule.
- Closure 0 means no restrictions and trout fishing is allowed.
- Closure Period 1 means areas are closed from 10 pm March 7 until 5:30 am March 27, 2021
- Closure Period 2 means areas are closed from 10 pm March 21 until 5:30 am March 27, 2021
Reminder - Closure Period 1 begins at 10 p.m. on March 7. Before heading out to fish, please review
the stocking schedule to see if your desired location is closed.
All areas are open to fishing at 5:30 a.m. on March 27, 2021.
2021 Trout Stocking
Species Codes:
RB = Rainbow Trout; GN = Golden Trout; BN = Brown Trout
View the trout stocking locations map.