The Maryland spring trout season has already begun as pre-season trout stocking has been taking place since just after the first of the year. However, the real excitement gets geared up in just two short weeks when the closure period ends for put and take streams. That is the kick off to the main trout season in Maryland.
Opening day of trout season has been an annual experience for me since I was pretty young, maybe 10 or 11 years old. I continue that tradition each year, and maybe years still get to do it with my father whom introduced me to it. This year opening day falls on Saturday March 31st for most areas.
Here is a link to the 2018 spring trout stocking schedule.
Here is a link to the Trout Stocking in Maryland Page.
Here is a link to the 2018 Maryland Fishing Guide. This guide will have all the information on when streams are closed and open, where they stock, and regulations for each river and stream in your area. Please make sure you check and follow the rules for each area you fish. It's easy to be wondering along a stream and find yourself going from a put & take area, to a delayed harvest, or catch and release only area which could wind you up in big trouble with the Maryland DNR.
Make sure you have a current non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp at all times when trout fishing
Here is a link to the Maryland DNR Compass site where you can purchase all of your Maryland licenses for the outdoors.
Now that we have all the information out of the way, the most important part I find in trout fishing. If you have the opportunity take your children, grand children, family friends or neighbors kids fishing with you, trout fishing can offer great time in the outdoors. Trout can be fairly easy to catch, fun for kids and give them something to look forward to for years to come. Make it a tradition like I did with my father, and you will have lasting fun times and memories for years to come.
Plus...... Trout are pretty tasty to eat for dinner and there is about a million ways to cook them. So, you get great times in the outdoors, experience nature, and you get a mostly free dinner!
Enjoy trout fishing this spring here in Maryland, I know I will. I'll be posting updates throughout trout season with my successful trips, and I'm sure my not so successful trips. Hopefully it warms up soon and we don't get a ton of rain as it can make trout fishing tricky or impossible quickly.
Good luck and we look forward to hearing your trout fishing stories!
