2026 Maryland Chesapeake Bay Fishing Season
Rockfish harvest season runs May 1 – July 31, 2026 in open areas and September 1 – December 5, 2026. Area restrictions apply in May. December 6 – 31, 2026 is catch-and-release only; no rockfish harvest. See Maryland DNR regulations for locations, limits, and restrictions in effect at the time of your trip.
Rockfish closure window: August 1 – August 31, 2026. No targeting rockfish during this closure. Crabbing charters, blue catfish trips, bow fishing, bottom fishing, and Bay cruises are available during the closure.
| 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 (harvest opens May 1 in open areas) | Rockfish opener and blue catfish | Included |
| June - July | Rockfish, bluefish, croaker, spot, perch (regulation-dependent) | Included |
| August (rockfish closed) | Crabbing, blue catfish, bow fishing, bottom fishing for white perch and snakeheads, Bay cruises | Included |
| September (harvest reopens Sept 1) | Rockfish, bluefish, spanish mackerel, croaker, spot, perch | Included |
| October - December 5 | Larger fall rockfish patterns | Included |
Regulations can change by emergency action. We always run trips by current legal limits and safety conditions.