Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Trout Stocking in Maryland

​20​24​ Trout Stocking​​ Updates Here

View the tr​out stocking lo​​cations map​​​​​​.​​​​​ 

​Some trout fishing areas are subject to the 2024 Closure Schedule. 
  • Closure 0 means no restrictions and trout fishing is allowed. 
  • Closure Period 1 means areas are closed from 10 pm March 10 until 6:30 am March 30, 2024 
  • Closure Period 2 means areas are closed from 10 pm March 24 until 6:30 am March 30, 2024
New for 2024! ​On March 30, 2024 the start time in all Closure 1 and Closure 2 areas is 6:30 a.m.
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Species Codes:

RB = Rainbow Trout; GN = Golden Trout;  BN = Brown Trout​​​​


The inaugural Maryland Youth Fishing Day was March 23, 2024. Fishing and Boating Services conducted an online survey following the event to learn more about participation, angler experiences, and how the program could be improved. Vi​ew the survey results.​


​LowerGunpowder.jpgNote to Lower Gunpowder River Put and Take Anglers:

BGE has posted no trespassing signs along a section of Notchcliff Road that has been historically stocked with trout. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Program is encouraging anglers to obey all posted no trespassing signs. All trout stocked into the Lower Gunpowder will be stocked downstream of the entrance to the Gunpowder Training Area where access to the stream is permitted. No trout will be stocked where public access is prohibited. 


Click the image for a larger picture.

General Stocking Information​

 
Sport Fish Restoration Maryland’s coldwater hatcheries​ produce approximately 290,000 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 Twitter 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).
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Put-and-take areas have a five-trout limit and specific spring closures depending on location. Consult the Mary​land 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, wh​ich are not stocked by the department.​

Trout_ID_page.jpgKnow Your Trout

Download and print your own Trout Identification Sheet. Fold it in half and take it with you.


Help To Stop Poachers

Reminder - If you spot poaching please call or text 443-433-4112, email mwc.dnr@maryland.gov, 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.

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Fish Consumption Advisory for Hatchery-Raised Rainbow Trout in Allegany and Garrett Counties


The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) advise anglers that there is a fish consumption advisory in place for rainbow trout, including golden rainbow trout, that have been raised at DNR’s Bear Creek Hatchery​ in Garrett County. 

Under the advisory, children under 6 should limit consumption to no more than seven meals per month of these trout (3 ounces per meal). There is no consumption limit for anyone above that age. DNR raises fish in this hatchery to be stocked in Allegany and Garrett county waters for recreational anglers. The advisory follows testing of this fish that found low levels of chemicals that could result in long-term health risks. These fish are safe for adults to consume and safe for children following the recommended limits. ​

Currently, no other advisories are in effect for Maryland’s hatchery-raised trout. 

Information about all fish consumption advisories statewide can be found on the MDE website. 
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