MD Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Fines & Creel Limits (2026)

MD fishing penalties: $50–$1,000. DNR Police (800) 628-9944. Rockfish 2/slot, blue crab 1 bushel/5″.

Fishing without a valid MD fishing license carries penalties from MD DNR police.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$50 – $500Per offense
No trout stamp (trout fishing)$50 – $200Stamp needed!
Over creel limit$100 – $1,000 per fishRockfish = strict!

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitMin SizeNotes
Striped bass (rockfish)219″ / 28″Chesapeake = rockfish capital! Slot limits
Largemouth bass512″Lakes, Potomac tributaries
Trout (nontidal)5—Stamp required — W MD mountains
Blue catfish15—Chesapeake tributaries — invasive
Blue crabs1 bushel5″ males onlyMD tradition — separate license!

Call MD DNR Police: (800) 628-9944.

See costs.