Summer Fishing Highlights

The summer months offer a wide range of recreational fishing and crabbing opportunities in Maryland, whether it be the nontidal waters, the Chesapeake Bay, or the waters near Ocean City and Assateague Island.

Freshwater Fishing

In the nontidal or what are commonly called freshwater fishing areas there are a world of possibilities. Starting from the far western regions of Maryland, there is Deep Creek Lake, which is a popular summer vacation destination. Deep Creek Lake holds a wide variety of fish species, just waiting for anglers. Several reservoirs in the central region of Maryland hold excellent populations of freshwater fish. The smaller lakes and ponds that are spread across Maryland all offer fun fishing and are often close to home. The freshwater hot spots webpage can take you to some of the freshwater fishing destinations.

Chesapeake Bay

Fishing in the Chesapeake during the summer months always hold adventure for anglers. There are smaller fish such as spot, croaker and white perch and larger fish in the form of striped bass and bluefish. Large red drum and cobia await the more adventurous anglers. Anglers can also set out on their own or hire a fishing charter or guide to show them their expertise. Then there is recreational crabbing for Maryland’s famous blue crab. Recreational crabbing can be as simple as a few hand lines with bait off a dock to using collapsible crab traps or trotlines if one has a recreational crabbing license.

On The Coast
The popular summer vacation destination of Ocean City awaits anglers wishing to try their luck at fishing for flounder in the coastal bays and inlet area at Ocean City. The beaches of Assateague Island await surf anglers trying their luck for a variety of large and medium-sized fish. Ocean City has a large fleet of charter boats ready to take anglers to the offshore waters for species such as tuna and marlin. Anglers wishing to jump aboard a day fishing boat, often called party boats, can fish for black sea bass and flounder.

This summer, Youth Fishing rodeos continue to provide anglers aged 5-13 the chance to practice fishing. Check the Fishing Events page for updates on other fishing events.