07/04/2026
🎣 FREE FISHING IN MARYLAND
On July 4, unlicensed anglers are free to fish anywhere in the state without a fishing license – so feel free to take someone fishing. Go fish!
License-free fishing is for all state residents and visitors. This event provides anglers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse fishing without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration.
The department hosts license-free fishing every year on the Independence Day holiday to take advantage of peak summer fishing. Any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. All anglers must follow all current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.
This year the department is encouraging anglers to catch invasive species such as Chesapeake channa (snakeheads) and blue catfish, which are affecting the overall Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Both fish are great options for eating and a wide variety of recipes are available on the Maryland's Best website https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/
Aside from the free fishing day, and certain license-free areas, anyone 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a license, which can be obtained or renewed online, through the department’s mobile app, or in person at a department service center, a participating retail sports license agent in the state, or by calling 866-344-8889 during normal business hours.