Striped bass are off-limits in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for all of August. The Department of Natural Resources’ targeting closure, which shifted to August for the 2026 season, is designed to protect younger resident stripers when hot water and air temps make released fish far more likely to die.
Maryland first implemented the summer closure in 2020 to reduce overall mortality on the resident striped bass stock. Hot water saps oxygen and spikes stress on caught-and-released fish, and DNR’s research points to a clear pattern: the hotter it gets, the less likely a released striper survives.
That matters more than ever right now. Recent studies have tied poor striped bass spawning success to warm winters and low water flow, adding pressure on a population already trying to rebound, according to the 2025 young-of-year survey results.
What You Can Target Instead
DNR is steering anglers toward two invasive species with zero bag or size limits: blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa (snakehead). Both require different tactics than striper fishing, so it’s a good excuse to try something new. Landing either one also does the Bay a favor by removing invasive predators helps the broader ecosystem.
The Numbers Behind the Closure
The most recent stock assessment data, published in 2022, breaks down striped bass mortality in the Bay like this:
- Recreational harvest: 44%
- Commercial harvest: 31%
- Recreational dead discards: 21%
- Commercial dead discards: 4%
That 21% dead discard figure (fish that die after being released) is exactly what the August closure and other DNR initiatives are aimed at shrinking.
Other Rules to Know
Circle hooks are now required whenever anglers are targeting striped bass. DNR also publishes a Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast that flags “red flag” days — conditions when even outside the closure, stripers shouldn’t be targeted. As a general rule, DNR recommends skipping striper fishing whenever air temps top 95 degrees.
When the Season Reopens
The Chesapeake Bay recreational striped bass fishery reopens September 1 through December 5. During that stretch, anglers can keep one striped bass per day, with a 19-to-24-inch slot limit.
Maryland fishing licenses are available through MD Outdoors, DNR service centers, and sport license agent retailers.
