Maryland Fishing License Online: Costs, Rules and Buying Steps for 2026
Maryland fishing can mean a farm pond, mountain trout stream, Potomac River bank spot, Chesapeake Bay pier, Ocean City surf, coastal bay, charter boat, community pond, or a family crabbing-and-fishing day. That is why Maryland license choices can feel confusing: freshwater and tidal water do not use the exact same license.
This guide explains the main Maryland fishing license costs, how to buy through MD Outdoors, when you need a nontidal license, when you need a Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport license, when a trout stamp matters, what youth and seniors should know, and how to avoid common mistakes before you fish.
Official Maryland Source Check
This article is an independent guide, not the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Use it to understand the license choices, then verify final fees, stamps, regulations, seasons, and water-specific rules on official Maryland DNR pages before buying or fishing.
Who Needs a Maryland Fishing License? Plain Answer First
Maryland’s rule depends on age, water type, and exemptions. For normal planning, anglers age 16 or older should expect to need a Maryland license unless they are fishing on a Free Fishing Day, in a license-free area with the required saltwater registration, or under another official exemption.
Age 16 or older
Most anglers age 16 or older need a license. The important part is choosing the correct license for nontidal freshwater or tidal Chesapeake Bay/coastal waters.
Under age 16
Maryland DNR says those under 16 may fish without a license. Adults fishing with them still need their own valid license unless exempt.
Water type matters
Freshwater trout streams and tidal Chesapeake Bay/coastal fishing can require different licenses or stamps. Do not choose only by the cheapest price.
Local-style answer:
If you are 16 or older and fishing a Maryland public pond, reservoir, trout stream, Chesapeake Bay pier, tidal river, Ocean City surf, coastal bay, or state park water, check the exact license before you leave home.
Maryland Fishing License Cost Nontidal, Bay/Coastal, Trout and Senior Fees
Maryland has two major recreational fishing license lanes: nontidal freshwater and Chesapeake Bay/coastal tidal fishing. Add the trout stamp when your freshwater trout plan requires it.
| License / Stamp | Who It Is For | Best Use | Listed Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Nontidal Sport Fishing License | Maryland resident | Fresh waters of Maryland | $32.00 |
| Resident 7-Day Nontidal License | Maryland resident | 7 consecutive days in fresh waters | $16.00 |
| Resident Trout Stamp | Resident trout anglers when required | Special trout areas and possessing trout from nontidal waters | $20.00 |
| Resident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License | Maryland resident | Chesapeake Bay, tidal tributaries, Atlantic and coastal bays | $15.00 |
| Resident 7-Day Bay & Coastal Sport | Maryland resident | Short tidal/coastal fishing trip | $6.00 |
| Resident Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing License | Maryland resident age 65+ or turning 65 in the calendar year | Freshwater and tidal fishing for seniors; trout stamp not included | $5.00 |
| Nonresident Nontidal Sport Fishing License | Visitor / nonresident | Maryland fresh waters | $55.00* |
| Nonresident 7-Day Nontidal License | Visitor / nonresident | 7 consecutive freshwater days | $45.00* |
| Nonresident 3-Day Nontidal License | Visitor / nonresident only | Short freshwater trip | $35.00* |
| Nonresident Trout Stamp | Visitor trout anglers when required | Maryland nontidal trout situations | $30.00 |
| Nonresident Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License | Visitor / nonresident | Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic, coastal bays and tidal tributaries | $22.50 |
| Nonresident 7-Day Bay & Coastal Sport | Visitor / nonresident | Short tidal/coastal trip | $12.00 |
Nonresident nontidal note:
Maryland’s nonresident nontidal license fees can depend on reciprocity with the nonresident’s home state. Always verify your final nonresident price in the official MD Outdoors checkout before paying.
How to Buy a Maryland Fishing License Online MD Outdoors Click-by-Click Guide
Maryland launched MD Outdoors as the online system for buying hunting and fishing licenses, associated stamps and permits, registrations, and related services. It replaced the older COMPASS system, and current license-holders keep their DNR ID number.
Open the official MD Outdoors site
Go to mdoutdoors.maryland.gov. This is the official Maryland DNR online licensing system.
Create an account or retrieve your existing DNR ID
If you bought through the old COMPASS system, your DNR ID should remain. Follow the MD Outdoors prompts to create your username and retrieve your customer record.
Enter the angler’s correct information
Use the legal name, birth date, address and required customer details for the person who will fish. Do not buy a license for someone else under your own profile.
Choose the water type first
Decide whether you are fishing nontidal fresh waters, Chesapeake Bay/coastal/tidal waters, or both. This determines whether you need nontidal, Bay & Coastal, senior consolidated, or multiple products.
Select resident, nonresident, senior or short-term
Pick the correct product: annual, 7-day, 3-day nonresident nontidal, senior consolidated, Bay & Coastal, or other relevant license.
Add trout stamp if needed
If you will fish special trout areas or possess trout taken from Maryland nontidal waters, check trout stamp requirements before checkout.
Review the cart before payment
Check the name, residency, license type, duration, trout stamp, Bay & Coastal license, senior status, and final total before paying.
Save proof immediately
Download, print, screenshot, or save your license in the MD Outdoors app. Keep proof available before fishing a rural pond, trout stream, pier, charter trip, or coastal water.
Which Maryland Fishing License Should You Choose? Practical Picker
The easiest way to avoid buying the wrong Maryland license is to start with the water, not the price. Ask: freshwater or tidal/coastal? Then ask: resident, nonresident, senior, trout, or short trip?
Use This 60-Second Maryland License Picker
Maryland Nontidal Fishing License Freshwater Lakes, Ponds, Streams and Reservoirs
The nontidal sport fishing license covers fresh waters of Maryland. Think western Maryland trout waters, inland reservoirs, freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, and non-tidal rivers. If the water is not tidal or coastal, start here.
Resident annual nontidal
Best for Maryland residents who fish freshwater more than once or twice during the license period.
Resident 7-day nontidal
Best for a short freshwater trip if you will only fish for one week.
Nonresident short-term
Visitors should compare nonresident 3-day, 7-day and annual nontidal choices in MD Outdoors.
Maryland Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License Tidal and Saltwater Guide
The Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License covers the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, state waters of the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays, and their tributaries. This is the license many people need for Bay piers, tidal rivers, Ocean City-area fishing, and coastal trips.
Bay and tidal tributaries
Use this lane for Chesapeake Bay fishing, tidal tributaries, and many pier or shoreline tidal-water trips.
Atlantic and coastal bays
Use this lane for Maryland Atlantic coastal waters and coastal bay fishing such as Ocean City-area trips.
7-day option
The 7-day Bay & Coastal license can fit visitors or residents who only need a short tidal/coastal fishing window.
Tidal-water tip:
Charter boats, boat-owner licenses, pier licenses, and license-free areas can change what an individual needs. Ask the captain, pier, or property, but still verify on Maryland DNR pages.
Maryland Trout Stamp Rules When the Base License Is Not Enough
Maryland trout rules are easy to miss because you may have a nontidal license and still need the trout stamp. The trout stamp matters for special catch-and-return trout management areas and for possessing trout taken from nontidal waters.
Resident trout stamp
Maryland lists the resident trout stamp at $20. Buy it when your freshwater trout plan requires it.
- Check special trout management areas.
- Check possession rules for trout from nontidal waters.
- Carry stamp proof with your fishing license.
Nonresident trout stamp
Maryland lists the nonresident trout stamp at $30. Visitors fishing trout should check this before buying only a short-term nontidal license.
- Short-term nontidal license may not include trout stamp.
- Senior consolidated license does not include trout stamp.
- Verify the exact trout water before fishing.
Maryland Youth, Senior and Military Rules Before You Pay
Maryland has lower-cost or no-license situations for some anglers, but the details matter. Exemption from one license does not always remove stamps, registrations, or water-specific rules.
Under 16
Anglers under 16 may fish without a Maryland license. Adults helping should still have their own license if they fish.
Resident senior
The Resident Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing License is for Maryland residents age 65 or older, or who will become 65 in the current calendar year. It does not include a trout stamp.
Military and veteran cases
Maryland has special rules for some active-duty residents on leave, 100% service-connected disabled veterans, former POWs and other situations. Verify documentation requirements on DNR pages.
Maryland Free Fishing Days 2026 June 6, June 13 and July 4
Maryland’s Free Fishing Days are the first two Saturdays in June and July 4. In 2026, those dates are Saturday, June 6; Saturday, June 13; and Saturday, July 4.
2026 dates
June 6, June 13 and July 4, 2026.
No license or stamp that day
DNR says a person may catch and possess finfish in tidal and nontidal waters without an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the state.
All other rules apply
Free Fishing Days do not remove seasons, size limits, daily limits, area closures, gear rules, or species-specific regulations.
Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration and License-Free Areas Do Not Confuse These
Some Maryland anglers fish in license-free fishing areas or under other special tidal situations. In those cases, the Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration may still be required. Registration is not the same as a full paid license, and it does not cover every situation.
License-free fishing area
If you fish a designated license-free fishing area, check whether you still need Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration.
Boat or pier situations
Some boats, charters or piers may have license arrangements, but you should confirm with the operator and DNR before assuming you are covered.
Maryland License Proof, MD Outdoors App and Reprint Tips After You Buy
Maryland’s MD Outdoors system includes online access and an app that can store license information. Still, practical anglers should keep more than one proof method.
Use MD Outdoors app
Maryland DNR says the new app can store license information and help direct people to outdoor opportunities.
Screenshot backup
Take a screenshot of the license and any trout stamp before fishing rural streams, piers, boat ramps or weak-signal areas.
Print a copy
A paper backup is useful for seniors, kids age 16+, family trips, charter mornings and places where your phone may die.
Reprint online
MD Outdoors is built for account access and license management. Log in to reprint or retrieve license details when needed.
Maryland Fishing Rules Beyond the License Limits, Seasons and Water-Specific Rules
A license gives legal permission to fish, but it does not automatically make every fish legal to keep. Maryland has different regulations for freshwater fish, trout areas, tidal species, striped bass, coastal species, crabbing and special waters.
Size and creel limits
Bass, trout, striped bass, bluefish, flounder, sea bass, perch, catfish and other species can have different size and possession rules.
Seasons and closures
Some species and waters have open seasons, closed seasons, catch-and-release windows or emergency changes.
Crabbing is separate
Crabbing has its own license and rule details. Do not assume a fishing license covers every recreational crab activity.
Cooler rule:
If you are not sure a fish is legal to keep, do not put it in the cooler. Check the current Maryland fishing guide for the exact species, water and date.
Helpful Video: How to Get a Maryland Fishing License
This video is included for users who prefer a quick visual explanation before buying. Use it for general help only. Maryland’s current MD Outdoors portal and official DNR pages control the final buying steps, fees and license products.
If video details mention older systems or differ from the current MD Outdoors portal, follow official Maryland DNR pages.
Find a Maryland Fishing License Agent Near You Map Search
Maryland licenses, permits and stamps can be obtained online, by phone, at DNR service centers by appointment, and through sport license agents. Search nearby agents and call before driving if you need a specific license or stamp.
Common Maryland Fishing License Mistakes Avoid These Before You Fish
Buying Bay & Coastal when you need nontidal
A tidal/coastal license does not automatically solve every freshwater trip. Check whether your water is nontidal.
Buying nontidal when you need Bay & Coastal
Chesapeake Bay, tidal tributaries, the Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays use the Bay & Coastal license lane.
Forgetting the trout stamp
Freshwater trout fishing can require the trout stamp even when you already have a nontidal license.
Thinking senior consolidated includes trout
Maryland’s senior consolidated license does not include a trout stamp. Check trout rules separately.
Ignoring license-free area registration
License-free fishing areas may still require Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration.
Assuming Free Fishing Day removes all rules
Free Fishing Days remove license/stamp requirements for the event, but all other fishing laws and regulations still apply.
Final Maryland Fishing License Checklist
- Confirm whether the angler is under 16, adult, resident, nonresident, senior or exempt.
- Decide whether the water is nontidal freshwater or Chesapeake Bay/coastal/tidal water.
- Use the official MD Outdoors system, DNR service center, phone option or sport license agent.
- Add a trout stamp if your trout plan requires it.
- Check saltwater angler registration if fishing a license-free area or special tidal situation.
- Save proof in the MD Outdoors app, screenshot it or print it.
- Check current Maryland size limits, seasons and species rules before keeping fish.
- Remember Maryland Free Fishing Days 2026: June 6, June 13 and July 4.
Independent guide notice:
This article is a practical guide for users and is not the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. It is not legal advice. Always verify current license fees, exemptions, stamps, saltwater registration, seasons, limits, closures and waterbody rules with Maryland DNR before buying or fishing.
Maryland Fishing License FAQ Online, Cost and Rules
Do I need a Maryland fishing license?
Most anglers age 16 or older need a Maryland fishing license unless an exemption applies. Anglers under 16 may fish without a license.
Where do I buy a Maryland fishing license online?
You can buy through MD Outdoors at mdoutdoors.maryland.gov, Maryland DNR’s official online licensing system that replaced COMPASS.
How much is a Maryland resident nontidal fishing license?
The listed resident nontidal sport fishing license fee is $32. A resident 7-day nontidal license is listed at $16.
How much is the Maryland Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License?
The listed resident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License is $15. The listed nonresident Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License is $22.50.
Do I need a trout stamp in Maryland?
You need a trout stamp when fishing certain special trout areas or possessing trout taken from Maryland nontidal waters unless an official exemption applies. The listed resident trout stamp is $20 and nonresident trout stamp is $30.
Do kids need a Maryland fishing license?
No. Maryland DNR says those under 16 years of age are allowed to fish without a license.
Does Maryland have a senior fishing license?
Yes. The Resident Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing License is listed at $5 for Maryland residents age 65 or older, or who will become 65 in the current calendar year. It includes tidal and nontidal fishing but does not include trout stamp.
When are Maryland Free Fishing Days in 2026?
Maryland Free Fishing Days in 2026 are Saturday, June 6; Saturday, June 13; and Saturday, July 4. All other fishing laws and regulations still apply.
Can I show my Maryland fishing license on my phone?
Maryland’s MD Outdoors system includes an app that can store license information. It is still smart to screenshot or print a backup before going to remote or weak-signal fishing areas.
Is a Maryland fishing license the same for freshwater and saltwater?
No. Maryland has nontidal freshwater licenses and Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing licenses. Choose based on the water you plan to fish.