Chesapeake Bay Foundation Encourages the Public to Support Maryland’s Striped Bass Fishing Season Adjustment

Changes Could Better Protect Rockfish When They’re Most Vulnerable

Marylanders who want to help protect the Chesapeake Bay’s iconic striped bass should make their voices heard to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this month. The agency is seeking public comment through Feb. 23 on proposed changes to the state’s striped bass recreational fishing seasons.

The adjustment would close all striped bass fishing in Maryland waters for the month of August, while reopening a few days of catch-and-release fishing in April. If enacted, this would simplify Maryland’s current, complex fishing calendar. It would also better reflect the latest science and trends striped bass are experiencing in Maryland.

“We’re seeing two major trends in Maryland: young striped bass are struggling to survive their early life, and mature fish are suffering high rates of summer mortality,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden. “It’s critical we consider these realities and protect Maryland’s striped bass however we can—especially considering up to 90% of the entire Atlantic Coast stock spawn here in the Bay.”

For six consecutive years, Maryland’s juvenile striped bass numbers have been well below average. Not enough young fish are surviving the challenges of early life — such as habitat loss and invasive predators like blue catfish — to maintain a healthy population.

At the same time, mature striped bass are experiencing high rates of catch-and-release mortality in the hot summer months. Low oxygen levels and heat-induced stress make striped bass most vulnerable during this time.

DNR’s proposed August closure could help reduce that stress. The proposed change would also add a few more days for catch-and-release fishing in April when air and water temperatures are cooler and fish are much less likely to die.

Lastly, the proposed season adjustment would simplify Maryland’s fishing schedule. The current calendar is a complex patchwork of some harvest days, some catch-and-release, and some closed entirely for a few weeks at a time. Simplifying to a single month-long closure would leave less margin for error and help improve angler compliance with fishing regulations.

“Our understanding about the health of the striped bass population is based on the assumption that anglers are fishing according to regulations,” added Colden. “Ensuring the rules are clear and easy to follow is key to conservation efforts.”

DNR is currently accepting public comments through Feb. 23 to formalize the proposed regulatory changes. Those who want to help preserve the striped bass’s future in Maryland can learn more and make their voices heard here.

In addition to Maryland’s efforts, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Striped Bass Board, which manages the striped bass fishery along the entire Atlantic Coast, will meet at its annual winter meeting on Feb. 5. CBF will remain engaged at every step and level, urging ASMFC to protect striped bass across the coast while Maryland takes local action.