www.cbf.org
Valerie DiMarzio | www.cbf.org
New Regulations Starting This Month Will Better Protect Rockfish During Hot Summer
Maryland 2026 - This month, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will implement new fishing seasons for striped bass starting on Wednesday, April 1 after a short legislative delay. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) welcomes these new regulations, which are intended to protect the Chesapeake Bay’s struggling striped bass population. CBF and its members submitted hundreds of public comments in support of the new seasons during the state’s public comment period.
For six consecutive years, Maryland’s young striped bass have struggled to survive early life, leading to fewer harvestable adult fish sought by anglers. DNR’s new regulations are a step in the right direction to help the species recover and rebuild in the Chesapeake Bay.
The new seasons will include a full August fishing closure, which will better protect striped bass in the hot summer when fish are under environmental stress and many die after being caught and released. Maryland will also open a few additional weeks of catch-and-release fishing in April when mortality rates are much lower.
These changes will greatly simplify Maryland’s striped bass fishing season calendar, making regulations easier for anglers to follow. This is especially important since fishery managers assume that rules are being followed when making conservation decisions.
Maryland anglers who want to help protect striped bass must use circle hooks and artificial lures, limit fish’s air exposure, and consult DNR’s striped bass forecast as temperatures warm up this summer. Other species like cobia and red drum are also much more common in Maryland waters during summer and can offer additional fishing opportunities. Anglers can always target invasive species like blue catfish, which have no catch limits.
CBF Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement:
“Striped bass desperately need our help, and Maryland’s new regulations are a strong step to rebuilding rockfish numbers. By closing August fishing and simplifying its seasons, Maryland is giving striped bass a fighting chance. We applaud DNR’s collaborative approach to protecting this beloved fishery.”
