Maryland regulations
Channel Catfish Regulations in Maryland 2026
Maryland channel catfish regulations in 2026: 5 fish/day bag limit, 10 fish possession. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (8)
- Status
- Permitted
- Status
- Permitted
- Status
- Permitted
- Status
- Permitted
Channel Catfish on famous Maryland waters
Dedicated rule pages for Channel Catfish on the most-targeted destinations in Maryland.
Other Maryland fish regulations
Other regulated species in Maryland with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow)172 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)107 rules
- Largemouth Bass46 rules
- Smallmouth Bass46 rules
- Black Drum10 rules
- Yellow Perch9 rules
- Tog (Tautog / Blackfish)8 rules
- White Perch7 rules
- Black Sea Bass5 rules
- Bluefish5 rules
- Weakfish5 rules
- Blue Catfish5 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)4 rules
- Cobia3 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)2 rules
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)2 rules
- Spanish Mackerel2 rules
- Sheepshead2 rules
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.