BALTIMORE, MD—Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest body of water! It’s license-free fishing in Maryland on June 1, June 8, and July 4, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced.

License-free fishing days takes place every year on the first two Saturdays in June as well as on Independence Day. Officials say the free days are a great way to try your hand at fishing before spending money on a license. You do not need a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration on those three designated days, but you must follow all current regulations, including size and catch limits. The department recommends size limits for trout, redfish, yellowfish, and bluefish.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also encourages anglers to catch invasive species such as snakeheads and blue catfish. Because their presence is harming the overall Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, the department encourages anglers to catch them and eat them. There are many recipes for snakehead and blue catfish on the Maryland’s Best website.

The department also has dozens of other resources to help new or experienced anglers, including angler access maps and fish identification charts. In addition, anglers of any level are encouraged to sign up for the weekly Maryland Fishing Report, which provides up-to-date fishing information.

Learn more about fishing in Maryland and how to get a license online at the DNR website here.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via MDDNR