Maryland regulations
Channel Catfish Regulations in Maryland 2026
Maryland Channel Catfish regulations as of 2026-05-08: Status Permitted; Min size 30 inches; Status Permitted. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (8)
Maryland statewide
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
All AreasOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LEGALLY HUNTED FISH INCLUDE Channel Catfish
Chesapeake Bay Division
- Min size
- 30"
Conococheague CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Monocacy RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Nontidal Division
- Min size
- 30"
Potomac RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Channel Catfish on famous Maryland waters
Dedicated rule pages for Channel Catfish on the most-targeted destinations in Maryland.
Also known as
Channel Catfish is also called Catfish. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Maryland.
Frequently asked questions
When is Channel Catfish season in Maryland?
Channel Catfish season in Maryland is set by DNR. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Channel Catfish in Maryland?
Minimum size for Channel Catfish in Maryland is 30 inches in Chesapeake Bay Division, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in Maryland?
Daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in Maryland is 5 fish/day, per DNR.
Official sources cited
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch. Last verified .