Maryland Fishing License 2026: Bay, Nontidal, Trout Stamp, and Prices
Bay/coastal and nontidal are separate paths, trout in nontidal water still needs a stamp, and saltwater registration is free but not a license substitute.
Maryland rules that change the cart
- Bay versus nontidal
- The Bay/coastal license does not replace the inland freshwater license.
- Trout stamp
- Anglers 16+ need a Trout Stamp to catch, attempt to catch, or possess trout in non-tidal waters.
- Free saltwater registration
- Saltwater Angler Registration is free, but it is not a Bay/coastal license replacement.
- Boat and senior paths
- Maryland also uses a sport boat license plus a resident senior consolidated row.
Maryland separates tidal and nontidal fishing. The Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License covers Bay and other tidal waters, while the Non-Tidal/Freshwater License is for inland water. Under 16 anglers are outside the ordinary recreational fishing-license requirement.
Trout in non-tidal water still needs a Trout Stamp, and saltwater registration is a separate free record rather than a replacement for the Bay/coastal license. Maryland also uses a sport boat license, a resident senior consolidated row, and purchase terms that run 365 days from the date of sale, so the right answer depends on both the water and the trip length.
Keep the Bay/coastal vs nontidal split in mind first, then compare the trout stamp, boat, and senior rows against the live Maryland Outdoors cart before paying.
2026 Maryland Price Rows
Use the Maryland DNR license page and Maryland Outdoors for the live purchase record.
| Product | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay & Coastal annual | $15 | $22.50 | Bay, coastal, and tidal waters. |
| Chesapeake Bay & Coastal 7-day | $6 | $12 | Short tidal trip row. |
| Non-Tidal/Freshwater annual | $32 | $55 minimum | Nonresident price is the reciprocal minimum or higher home-state reciprocal, whichever is greater. |
| Non-Tidal/Freshwater 7-day | $16 | Reciprocal | Short inland trip row. |
| Trout Stamp | $20 | $30 | Needed for trout in non-tidal water. |
| Senior Consolidated license, 65+ | $12 | N/A | Resident senior path. |
| Sport Boat License | $50 | $100 | Covers anglers on the boat for Bay/coastal trips. |
| Saltwater Angler Registration | $0 | $0 | Free registration, not a license substitute. |
Maryland counts from the date of sale, not the calendar year. Free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and July 4.
Guides
Maryland Nonresident Fishing License Cost 2026
Maryland nonresident fishing license cost depends on tidal, nontidal, trout, boat-license, and registration rules. Compare before checkout.
Updated August 18, 2026
Maryland Fishing License 2026: Bay, Non-Tidal & Trout Stamp
Maryland licenses are valid 365 days. See Bay & Coastal Sport fees, non-tidal licenses, trout stamp rules, registration, youth and senior notes.
Updated August 18, 2026FAQs
Does the Maryland Bay/coastal license replace the freshwater license?
No. The Maryland fishing article says the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License does not replace the Non-Tidal/Freshwater License.
Do I need a trout stamp in Maryland non-tidal water?
Yes. The Maryland fishing article says anglers 16+ need a Trout Stamp for non-tidal trout.
Where can I compare nonresident Maryland pricing?
The Maryland nonresident cost article breaks out tidal, nontidal, trout, and boat-license options.