MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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General​ Information

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More from DNR​​​

Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists Marisa Ponte, Jim Uphoff, and Shannon Moorhead traverse the quiet Choptank River, casting out a net to collect samples of striped bass eggs and larvae. Photo by Joe Zimmermann, Maryland DNR.​​​​
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​Maryland DNR Biologists Monitor a Critical Year of ​Striped Bass Eggs, Larvae

Maryland’s state fish, striped bass are the state’s most economically important finfish and hold cultural significance as a beloved catch for the recreational fishing ​community. They’re a sport and commercial fish up and down the East Coast, but between 70% and 90% of the Atlantic population of the species spawns in the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.
Ivanna Harshman holds up a large bluefish caught near Ocean City. Photo by Mary Harshman​​​​
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Maryland Fishin​g Report – May 1​

As we celebrate the beginning of May, balmy weather makes for comfortable fishing from the mountains of western Maryland to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Summer migrant species are showing up in the Ocean City area; among the arrivals is the spring migration ​of bluefish.
​Staff and volunteers help clean up invasives at Gunpowder Falls State Park for Earth Day 2024, which was the final day of Maryland State Parks Week this year. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
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Secretary’s Message: Maryland State Parks Are Always Worth Celebrating

Our state parks, under the leadership of the department’s dedicated Park R​angers, provide the amenities and activities that nearly 20 million Marylanders enjoy every year, each with its own unique opportunities to connect with Maryland’s natural and cultural treasures.

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Tree Seedling​​​​​​​​​

5 Million Trees Please​​​​

At the start of the new year, the 5 Million Trees Initiative is approaching a milestone, with nearly half a million trees planted.​
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Buy Your Fishing License​​

​Our online COMPASS portal gives you 24/7 self service access to our entire product catalog of recreational licenses, permits and stamps.
​Image of the app with hunters on a boat - Photo: Kimberley Kelly​

Download the DNR App​​

AccessDNR is the official app from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the State's outdoor enthusiasts.
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Join the Hunt:

​How to Catch a Blue Catfish in Maryland


For anglers, blue catfish have become an attractive target because they are challenging to catch, but not elusive. They can be fished with light tackle from shore or on a boat. They can be found easily an​d are attracted to a variety of bait.

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Click here for more!​​​​ ​
​​Photo by: Tristan Bapst 
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