What the 7-Day Resident License Covers

Maryland's 7-day resident fishing license lets you fish in state waters for a week without buying a full-year license. You can fish in tidal waters (the Chesapeake Bay, coastal areas, and tidal rivers) and non-tidal freshwater during those seven consecutive days. The license covers saltwater species like striped bass, bluefish, and flounder, as well as freshwater fish like largemouth bass and catfish, depending on the season and location.

This license is designed for residents who fish occasionally or want to test out a new water before committing to an annual permit. It costs less than a yearly license and requires no waiting period — you can purchase it the day you plan to fish. The seven days run consecutively from the date of purchase, so if you buy it on a Monday, it expires the following Sunday at midnight.

You must carry the license with you while fishing and show it to a Maryland Department of Natural Resources officer if asked. The license does not cover commercial fishing, charter boat trips where you are a passenger (those have separate rules), or fishing on private land without permission.

Key Takeaways

  • The 7-day license covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing in Maryland and costs significantly less than an annual resident license.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at authorized vendors the day you plan to fish.
  • The seven days run consecutively from your purchase date, and you must carry the physical or digital license while fishing.
  • Certain species require additional stamps (such as the Chesapeake Bay striped bass stamp), which you must purchase separately even with a valid fishing license.
  • Residents ages 16 and older need a license; children under 16 can fish without one if supervised by a licensed adult.

Where to Buy the License

You can purchase a 7-day resident license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources licensing portal at dnr.maryland.gov. The online purchase is the fastest option — you receive a digital license immediately that you can display on your phone or print. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive by mail.

If you prefer to buy in person, authorized vendors throughout Maryland sell licenses, including many sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has 7-day licenses in stock, since smaller shops may only carry annual licenses. Vendor locations and hours vary, so check the DNR website for a current list near you.

You will need a valid Maryland driver's license or state ID to purchase. If you are a resident but do not have Maryland identification, contact the DNR directly to discuss other proof-of-residency options before you go to a vendor.

What Species Require Additional Stamps

Holding a valid fishing license does not automatically let you keep every fish you catch. Striped bass (rockfish) in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters require a separate Chesapeake Bay striped bass stamp, which you must purchase in addition to your 7-day license. This stamp has its own cost and daily catch limits that are stricter than for other species.

Trout fishing in designated trout waters also requires a separate trout stamp if you plan to keep any fish. Some waters are catch-and-release only and do not require the stamp, but you should check the specific water's regulations before you go. The DNR website lists which waters require the stamp and which are open to catch-and-release fishing.

Purchasing these stamps is straightforward — you can add them when you buy your 7-day license online, or ask the vendor to include them when you buy in person. Having the stamps does not may provide you will catch fish; it simply means you are legally allowed to keep them if you do.

Seasons and Catch Limits

Fishing seasons and daily catch limits in Maryland change by species and location. Striped bass season in tidal waters typically runs year-round, but the number of fish you can keep per day varies by season — it may be one fish, two fish, or zero (catch-and-release only) depending on the time of year and current regulations. Largemouth bass in freshwater has a different season and limit than striped bass.

Bluefish, flounder, and other saltwater species each have their own seasons and limits. These regulations shift annually based on fish populations and management goals, so what was legal last year may not be this year. Before you fish, check the current regulations on the DNR website or ask at your local tackle shop — they usually have printed regulation summaries, and staff can answer questions about what is open when.

Ignoring catch limits or fishing during a closed season can result in citations and fines. The regulations are not arbitrary; they exist to keep fish populations healthy so there will be fish to catch in the future.

Access Points and Where to Fish

Maryland has hundreds of public fishing access points along the Chesapeake Bay, coastal waters, and freshwater lakes and rivers. Popular saltwater spots include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge area, the Eastern Shore, and Ocean City. Freshwater options range from large reservoirs like Prettyboy and Loch Raven near Baltimore to smaller ponds and streams throughout the state.

Some access points are free and open to the public; others charge a small parking fee or require a parking permit. State parks and wildlife management areas often have designated fishing areas with facilities like boat ramps, parking, and restrooms. The DNR website has a searchable map of public access points with details on what species are there, what facilities are available, and any fees.

If you plan to fish from a boat, you will need a separate boat registration and may need a boating safety certificate depending on your age and the boat's horsepower. A fishing license does not cover boating requirements.

Age Requirements and Exemptions

Maryland residents ages 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in state waters. Children under 16 do not need a license if they are fishing under the direct supervision of a licensed adult — meaning the adult is present and actively watching them. The adult must have their own valid license.

If a child under 16 is fishing alone or without a licensed adult present, they must have their own license. Some families buy a 7-day license for a child to use during a specific week of vacation or a family trip, which is a cost-effective option if the child only fishes occasionally.

Seniors (ages 65 and older) and people with certain disabilities may be may be able to access for discounted or free licenses, but those programs typically apply to annual licenses rather than short-term permits. Check the DNR website or call their licensing office to ask about discounts on 7-day licenses for seniors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in both saltwater and freshwater with the same 7-day license?

Yes. A single 7-day resident license covers both tidal (saltwater) and non-tidal (freshwater) fishing throughout Maryland during those seven days. You do not need separate licenses for each type of water. However, some species require additional stamps, which you must purchase separately.

What happens if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

If you bought your license online, you can log back into the DNR portal and download a replacement copy immediately. If you bought a physical license from a vendor and lost it, contact the DNR licensing office — they can issue a replacement, though there may be a small fee. Always keep a photo or screenshot of your digital license as a backup.

Do I need a license if I am fishing on private property with the owner's permission?

Yes. Maryland requires a fishing license for all residents ages 16 and older, regardless of whether you are on public or private land. The only exception is if you are under 16 and supervised by a licensed adult. Permission from the landowner does not replace the state license requirement.

Can I extend my 7-day license if I want to fish longer?

No. Once your seven days expire, you must purchase a new license if you want to continue fishing. If you know you will fish more than seven days in a year, an annual resident license is usually more economical than buying multiple 7-day licenses.

What do I do if a DNR officer stops me while I am fishing?

Show them your license (digital or printed) and your catch, if any. Officers check that your license is valid, that you are following catch limits, and that you have any required stamps. If everything is in order, they will let you continue fishing. If you do not have a license or are in violation of regulations, you may receive a citation.