2026 Maryland Chesapeake Bay Fishing Season
Rockfish season opens May 16, 2026. Summer size/limits and in-season closures follow Maryland DNR regulations in effect at time of trip.
Rockfish closure window: July 16 - July 31, 2026.
| Month / Dates | Typical Target Species | Gear Included |
|---|---|---|
| February | Rockfish (catch and release), weather-dependent | Included |
| March | Rockfish (catch and release), blue catfish | Included |
| April | Blue catfish and early-season opportunities | Included |
| May | Rockfish opener and blue catfish | Included |
| June - July | Rockfish, bluefish, croaker, spot, perch (regulation-dependent) | Included |
| August - September | Rockfish, bluefish, spanish mackerel, croaker, spot, perch | Included |
| October - December | Larger fall rockfish patterns | Included |
Regulations can change by emergency action. We always run trips by current legal limits and safety conditions.