The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering the state’s third Youth-Only Trout Fishing Day one week before opening day for all trout anglers.
When:
March 21, 2026 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Anglers should note that not all locations are open or accessible during fishing hours, so they should confirm their local access point’s operating hours before attending.
Where:
Put-and-take trout areas under closure These will be stocked in advance. Fishing areas under closure are listed (labeled with a “1”) online and in the Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing.
Who:
Youth anglers under the age of 16 may catch and keep up to two trout each, except brook trout, which must be released if caught.
More information:
The traditional trout opening day for anglers of all ages will occur on March 28, beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Maryland’s coldwater hatcheries produce more than 257,00 adult rainbow, golden rainbow, and brown trout annually to meet the demands of the put-and-take stocking program.The department stocks more than 100 waterbodies in 19 counties.
Special Event Spotlight:
Cast a line at Pine Lake! Join us at Wheaton Regional Park on March 21 (9 a.m. – noon) for a free Youth-Only Trout Fishing Day featuring the DNR FirstCatch Mobile Fishing Trailer. Young anglers under 16 can learn the basics of conservation while trying to land a catch of their own. No previous fishing experience is necessary.
