MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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General​ Information

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More from DNR​​​

Blue catfish are big, fast predators that spread quickly and can tolerate salinity. Now in all Maryland’s major rivers, blue cats are preying on and outcompeting native fish. Photo by Winn Brewer, DNR​​​​
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​Blue Catfish Are Taking Over in Maryland Waters, As State Officials and Fishing Community Work To Contain the Spread

The spread of blue catfish is a growing concern for scientists and fisheries m​anagers. Blue catfish are preying on blue crab, menhaden, American eel, and other economically and ecologically important species.
Zach Bennett caught this northern snakehead in the Patapsco River. Photo courtesy of Zach Bennett​​​​
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Maryland Fishin​g Report – April 24​

The weather forecast for the next week promises mild and sunny conditions, perfect for venturing into the outdoors for fishing with family and friends. Trout continue to be stocked each week in the put-and-take trout waters, and a wide variety of fish are active, including the nor​thern snakehead.
​During bear den visits, DNR staff hold cubs to keep them warm while biologists and veterinarians tag and evaluate the sow. Photo by AJ Metcalf, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
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​Secretary’s Message: ​Welcoming Back our Birds, Bees… and Bears!

It’s the time of the year when we hear more birds singing in the budding trees and animals becoming more active. But perhaps the biggest sign of spring, lumbering through many parts of our state, is the black bear.

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Tree Seedling​​​​​​​​​

5 Million Trees Please​​​​

At the start of the new year, the 5 Million Trees Initiative is approaching a milestone, with nearly half a million trees planted.​
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Buy Your Fishing License​​

​Our online COMPASS portal gives you 24/7 self service access to our entire product catalog of recreational licenses, permits and stamps.
​Image of the app with hunters on a boat - Photo: Kimberley Kelly​

Download the DNR App​​

AccessDNR is the official app from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the State's outdoor enthusiasts.
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Join the Hunt:

​How to Catch a Blue Catfish in Maryland


For anglers, blue catfish have become an attractive target because they are challenging to catch, but not elusive. They can be fished with light tackle from shore or on a boat. They can be found easily an​d are attracted to a variety of bait.

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Click here for more!​​​​ ​
​​Photo by: Tristan Bapst 
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