The full 2008 stocking schedule is here. Click here to check out all the latest information regarding the 2009 spring trout stocking. You'll find the full schedulealong with a printable version. Be sure to visit the Google Maps linked directly to the interactive table, the maps can provide directions to stocked locations across the state, they also provide some fishing regulations and other useful information. You can also get stocking up-dates at 1-800-688-3467 once stocking begins.

MDNR is asking anglers to continue to be vigilant about not spreading whirling, other disease and invasive organisms. For information on how you can help look below this article. A detailed synopsis of our 2007 whirling disease testing results and related information is now available at this site. For more information click on this link.

DNR would also like to thank The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute in Shepherdstown, W.Va, the institute donated over than 26,000 adult rainbow trout to the State of Maryland in 2008. The donation made it possible for many folks to catch a trout of a life time from one of our many special trout management areas. To read the entire press release please go to www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2009/011209a.html.

Now available online, the 2009 Fishing Guide, the guide includes summaries of this years regulations along with predicted tides and much more! The guide traditionally accompanies the purchase of your fishing license and covers Freshwater, Chesapeake Bay, Coastal and Atlantic Ocean recreational fishing and crabbing regulations for the State of Maryland. If your internet speed is a concern please note the file size of the 2009 guide, it is 2 megabytes, if you would rather not download the file please visit your nearest license retailer for a hard copy.

To view and download the entire fishing guide book click this link.

Maryland’s Task Force on Fisheries Management recently submitted its 2008 Legislative Report to Governor Martin O’Malley, members of the Maryland General Assembly, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin.

“Maryland’s diverse fishery resources are irreplaceable, often serving as the center of our local economies, culture and quality of life,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We appreciate the many hours volunteered by the task force’s members to work with our fishery managers to improve the way we manage and protect fish resources across the state.”

The Task Force’s report offers more than 30 specific recommendations on habitat preservation and restoration, fisheries stock monitoring and assessment, data management, fishery management, legal issues, and enforcement.

During the 2009 session of the Maryland General Assembly, DNR expects to request legislation to implement some of the Task Force’s recommendations.

Governor O’Malley established the 17-member task force, comprised of scientists, recreational anglers, watermen, charter boat captains and conservationists, last November. The Fisheries Management Reform Act (Senate Bill 1012) charged the Task Force with developing new strategies to better manage Maryland’s valuable fishery resources.

To view full report click here or to read up on the taskforce, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/taskforce/.

To read entire press release click here.

You may think stocking your favorite fish in a local stream or pond is a great idea, but think twice! Moving fish to waters where they were not historically found may disrupt the ecosystem and damage existing fish populations in that area. Like snakeheads, non-native fish can be very damaging. Maryland Fisheries Service is concerned about the potential impacts of two non-native catfish – the blue catfish and the flathead catfish. Both have been found in some Maryland waters.

Click here to view an advisory on these species and learn about the impacts of introducing these species. To learn more about the laws and regulations governing fish movements in Maryland, view our fact sheet “What Can I Stock or Release into Maryland Waters?”

To learn more about invasive species or what steps Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has taken to help prevent invasive species from being introduced go to www.dnr.state.md.us/invasives/index.asp.

Be sure to check out our Yellow Perch Management web site - it contains everything 'Yellow Perch'! The web page can be view by clicking here.

On December 23, 2008, NOAA announced the adoption of the final rule to implement the national saltwater angler registry program. The final rule defers the requirement for anglers to be registered with NOAA until January 1, 2010. NOAA had originally proposed that registration be required beginning Jan. 1, 2009, but based on public input decided to give states another year to put in place their own data collection systems. Click here to see what this means for Maryland anglers.

Effective Monday, December 10, 2007, customers can visit or call the new location to obtain vessel registrations and titles, commercial fishing licenses, recreational fishing and hunting licenses, etc. The service center is moving to 1804 West Street, Suite 300, Annapolis, MD. (Click on address for directions) The public phone number, (410) 260-3220, and hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, will remain the same. We look forward to serving you.