Maryland’s annual summer closure for Chesapeake Bay striped bass fishing is now in effect through August 31. During the closure, anglers may not target striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries. The seasonal shutdown is designed to reduce fish mortality during the hottest part of the year, when warm water temperatures increase stress on released fish. Anglers are encouraged to target other species, including invasive blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa (snakehead), until the striped bass season reopens on September 1.
For more information visit https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/07/27/marylands-summer-closure-of-chesapeake-bay-striped-bass-fishing-begins-august-1/
