The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will conduct limited trout stocking throughout Maryland this week in an effort to alleviate overcrowding at state fish hatcheries, and also provide opportunity for recreational anglers.
Following Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive orders to limit spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, state employees last week were required to suspend all field activities, including trout stocking.
Without the scheduled stocking, state hatcheries lack room needed to continue production for future seasons. Also, as the trout in these facilities continue to grow, they could suffer from reduced water quality and higher mortality. Removing fish and stocking them into public waters became an urgent matter.
The stockings also coincide with the traditional start of trout season, scheduled for this Saturday, March 28.
To date, the department has stocked 82,700 brown, golden, and rainbow trout across the state. Annual production at the state’s hatcheries exceeds 300,000 trout.
The department is not yet resuming regularly scheduled spring stocking, and in the interest of public and employee health, stocking locations will not be disclosed. Crews will practice enhanced safety protocols, and anglers who see department trucks are asked to maintain a distance and use proper precautions for the safety of themselves and others.
The department encourages anglers to take advantage of the incredible fishing opportunities Maryland has to offer, provided all practice social distancing, avoid crowded areas, and minimize social interaction.
General Stocking Information
Spring trout stocking generally takes place during the middle of March through late May. 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.
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 8 until 5:30 am March 28, 2020
- Closure Period 2 means areas are closed from 10 pm March 22 until 5:30 am March 28, 2020
Reminder - Closure Period 1 begins at 10 p.m. on March 8. 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 28, 2020.
2020 Trout Stocking
Stay tuned for daily updates once stocking begins.
View the 
2020 Spring Trout Stocking Schedule.
Species Codes:
RB = Rainbow Trout; GN = Golden Trout; BN = Brown Trout
View the trout stocking locations map.