ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Marylanders do not always need a fishing license to cast a line. From quiet county piers and riverfront parks to Ocean City bulkheads and Eastern Shore docks, the state has more than two dozen designated license-free fishing areas open year-round.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources lists the sites as places where recreational anglers are exempt from license and stamp fees. For families, beginners and occasional anglers, the areas offer a lower-cost way to try fishing without buying a standard recreational license first.
The exemption only applies within the designated locations. Anglers must still follow all other Maryland fishing rules, including seasons, size limits, creel limits and gear restrictions.
A free MD/PRFC angler registration is still required for anyone fishing without a license in designated tidal-water areas. Registration is available through Maryland’s online licensing system.
Southern Maryland License-Free Fishing Area
In Charles County, anglers can fish without a license at Friendship Landing, one of Southern Maryland’s designated license-free fishing spots.
The area includes the county-owned pier and property adjacent to the pier off Friendship Landing Road, southeast of Ironsides Riverside Road, on Nanjemoy Creek. The location gives Charles County anglers a local option for license-free fishing without traveling to the Bay Bridge, Ocean City or the Eastern Shore.
Central Maryland License-Free Fishing Areas
In Anne Arundel County, the list includes the old Maryland Route 450 bridge at the Severn River in Annapolis.
Baltimore County has a license-free fishing area at Cox’s Point on Back River and Deep Creek, reached by Eastern Boulevard and Riverside Drive.
Baltimore City includes several waterfront options: Canton Recreational Pier at Boston Street, Broening Park near the Hanover Street Bridge and Canton Waterfront Park.
Eastern Shore License-Free Fishing Areas
Caroline County has several listed sites, including the pier at G. Daniel Crouse Memorial Park in Denton, Federalsburg Municipal Park and Greensboro Waterfront Park along the Choptank River.
Cecil County locations include the town-owned stone wharf in Charlestown, North East Community Park at the mouth of North East Creek and Ice House Park in Perryville along the Susquehanna River.
Dorchester County includes Long Wharf in Cambridge, from the city-owned bulkhead near the Municipal Yacht Basin to the east breakwater.
Somerset County includes Janes Island State Park along Daugherty Creek and the Crisfield City Dock at the end of West Main Street.
Western Maryland License-Free Fishing Area
In Frederick County, anglers can fish without a license from the banks of the one-acre pond inside Gambrill State Park, near the park campground.
Upper Bay License-Free Fishing Areas
In Harford County, license-free areas include designated sections of Tydings Memorial Park in Havre de Grace and the pier at the end of Congress Street.
In Kent County, the Maryland Route 213 bridge over the Chester River in Chestertown is listed as a license-free fishing area.
Lower Shore and Ocean City License-Free Fishing Areas
Wicomico County includes Sharptown’s pier and town dock off Ferry Street on the Nanticoke River, a designated city-owned bulkhead in Salisbury along the Wicomico River, and Tyaskin Park on Wetipquin Creek west of Route 349.
Worcester County includes city docks in Pocomoke City, riverfront areas in Snow Hill, and two Ocean City locations: Northside Park at 125th Street and the Chicago Avenue bulkhead between 2nd and 4th streets.
License-Free Fishing Areas Map
Select a point on the License-Free Fishing Areas Map for more information about each license-free fishing location in Maryland.
Rules Still Apply
Although a fishing license is not required in these designated areas, anglers are still responsible for following Maryland fishing regulations. That includes rules on what species can be kept, how many fish can be harvested and what gear may be used.
The state also offers separate Free Fishing Days, when people can fish without a recreational fishing license statewide.
Before heading out, anglers should confirm they are within the designated license-free area and review current Maryland fishing regulations for the waterway they plan to fish.
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