# COMAR Title 08 — Department of Natural Resources

## Subtitle 02 — Fisheries Service

### Chapter 11 — Fishing in Nontidal Waters

**Authority:** Natural Resources Article, §§4-205, 4-215, 4-215.2, 4-219, 4-221, 4-402, 4-602, 4-603, 4-614, 4-616, 4-745, 5-209, and 10-808, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective dates:

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective August 24, 1979 (6:17 Md. R. 1394); December 31, 1984 (11:26 Md. R. 2278)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2165); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2165); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01C amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2165); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01D amended as an emergency provision effective June 7, 1982 (9:12 Md. R. 1222); adopted permanently effective August 16, 1982 (9:16 Md. R. 1603)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01D amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 27, 1986 (13:2 Md. R. 136)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A—C repealed and new Regulation .01 adopted effective January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127) (Regulation .01D recodified as Regulation .04D)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A amended effective January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective April 2, 1987 (14:9 Md. R. 1077); amended permanently effective July 12, 1987 (14:14 Md. R. 1570)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303); January 9, 1989 (15:27 Md. R. 3128); December 25, 1989 (16:25 Md. R. 2709); January 1, 1991 (17:25 Md. R. 2906); January 1, 1992 (18:25 Md. R. 2749); August 3, 1992 (19:15 Md. R. 1388); January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); November 20, 1994 (21:23 Md. R. 1932); January 1, 1996 (22:22 Md. R. 1656); November 18, 1996 (23:23 Md. R. 1555); November 17, 1997 (24:23 Md. R. 1609); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01D repealed as an emergency provision effective April 2, 1987 (14:9 Md. R. 1077); emergency status expired July 31, 1987

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective January 1, 1991 (17:25 Md. R. 2906)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02A amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); October 15, 1975 (2:23 Md. R. 1414); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02B amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1979 (5:21 Md. R. 1587); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); November 20, 1994 (21:23 Md. R. 1932)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02C amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02D amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); January 1, 1979 (5:21 Md. R. 1587)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02E amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02F amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02G amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); October  15, 1975 (2:23 Md. R. 1414); January 1, 1979 (5:21 Md. R. 1587)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02H amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); October 15, 1975 (2:23 Md. R. 1414); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02I amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02J amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02J amended as an emergency provision effective January 19, 1978 (5:3 Md. R. 133)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02K amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02L amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02M amended effective January 1, 1992 (18:25 Md. R. 2749)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03A amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03B amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03C amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective January 1, 1979 (5:21 Md. R. 1587); August 24, 1979 (6:17 Md. R. 1394)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A amended as an emergency provision effective January 19, 1978 (5:3 Md. R. 133)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A amended effective October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); October 15, 1975 (2:23 Md. R. 1414); January 1, 1977 (3:23 Md. R. 1301); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2165); February 15, 1982 (9:3 Md. R. 221); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41); August 27, 1984 (11:17 Md. R. 1491); December 31, 1984 (11:26 Md. R. 2278); January 27, 1986 (13:2 Md. R. 136)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B amended effective October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); October 15, 1975 (2:23 Md. R. 1414); January 1, 1977 (3:23 Md. R. 1301); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04C amended effective October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); October 15, 1975 (2:23 Md. R. 1414); January 1, 1977 (3:23 Md. R. 1301); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted effective January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective January 1, 1991 (17:25 Md. R. 2906)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A amended effective February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303); January 9, 1989 (15:27 Md. R. 3128); January 1, 1992 (18:25 Md. R. 2749); January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); November 18, 1996 (23:23 Md. R. 1555); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B amended as an emergency provision effective April 2, 1987 (14:9 Md. R. 1077); amended permanently effective July 12, 1987 (14:14 Md. R. 1570)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B amended effective February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04C amended effective January 9, 1989 (15:27 Md. R. 3128); November 20, 1994 (21:23 Md. R. 1932); January 1, 1996 (22:22 Md. R. 1656); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04D amended effective January 9, 1989 (15:27 Md. R. 3128); December 25, 1989 (16:25 Md. R. 2709); January 1, 1992 (18:25 Md. R. 2749)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04E adopted effective February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04E amended effective January 9, 1989 (15:27 Md. R. 3128); January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04F adopted effective February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04F amended effective January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); November 20, 1994 (21:23 Md. R. 1932); November 17, 1997 (24:23 Md. R. 1609); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04G adopted effective September 3, 1990 (17:17 Md. R. 2077)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04G amended effective January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); November 18, 1996 (23:23 Md. R. 1555); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04H amended effective January 1, 1996 (22:22 Md. R. 1656); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04I, J adopted effective January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04I, J amended and K adopted effective November 20, 1994 (21:23 Md. R. 1932)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04I amended effective January 1, 1996 (22:22 Md. R. 1656); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04J amended as an emergency provision effective May 31, 1995 (22:6 Md. R. 470); amended permanently effective June 5, 1995 (22:11 Md. R. 819)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04K amended effective November 17, 1997 (24:23 Md. R. 1609); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05A amended October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2165); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05B amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05C amended as an emergency provision effective April 2, 1982 (9:9 Md. R. 901); emergency status expired June 1, 1982; adopted permanently effective June 7, 1982 (9:11 Md. R. 1126)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05C amended as an emergency provision effective April 24, 1982 (9:11 Md. R. 1120); emergency status expired May 9, 1982

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05C amended October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); October 15, 1975 (2:3 Md. R. 1414); January 1, 1977 (3:23 Md. R. 1301); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); January 1, 1979 (5:21 Md. R. 1587); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2165); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); August 27, 1984 (11:17 Md. R. 1491); December 31, 1984 (11:26 Md. R. 2278); January 27, 1986 (13:2 Md. R. 136); January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127); February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303); January 9, 1989 (15:27 Md. R. 3128); December 25, 1989 (16:25 Md. R. 2709); September 3, 1990 (17:17 Md. R. 2077); January 1, 1991 (17:25 Md. R. 2906); January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); November 20, 1994 (21:23 Md. R. 1932); November 18, 1996 (23:23 Md. R. 1555); November 17, 1997 (24:23 Md. R. 1609); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772); January 1, 2000 (26:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05D amended effective October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05E amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41); February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303); January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05F amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05G amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); August 17, 1981 (8:16 Md. R. 1365); December 25, 1989 (16:25 Md. R. 2709); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05H amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05I amended effective October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05J amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05K adopted effective November 26, 1975 (2:27 Md. R. 1628)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05K amended effective August 17, 1981 (8:16 Md. R. 1365); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); December 25, 1989 (16:25 Md. R. 2709); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); July 24, 2000 (27:14 Md. R. 1340

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05L adopted November 26, 1975 (2:27 Md. R. 1628)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05L amended effective January 1, 1977 (3:23 Md. R. 1301); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); January 1, 1979 (5:21 Md. R. 1587); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05M adopted effective January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05M amended effective August 17, 1981 (8:16 Md. R. 1365); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05N adopted effective January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05N amended effective August 17, 1981 (8:16 Md. R. 1365); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 42); January 1, 1994 (20:24 Md. R. 1864)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05O amended effective January 1, 1993 (19:25 Md. R. 2204)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05Q adopted effective February 8, 1988 (15:3 Md. R. 303)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06A amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06B amended effective February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended effective October 25, 1974 (1:3 Md. R. 154); October 15, 1975 (2:23 Md. R. 1414); January 1, 1978 (4:23 Md. R. 1731); March 23, 1979 (6:6 Md. R. 511); November 14, 1980 (7:23 Md. R. 2165); December 21, 1981 (8:25 Md. R. 1995); January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 27); January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41); January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1977 (3:21 Md. R. 1200); adopted permanently effective February 16, 1977 (4:4 Md. R. 280)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07A amended effective December 31, 1984 (11:26 Md. R. 2278); January 27, 1986 (13:2 Md. R. 136)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07 A—L amended and M—O adopted effective July 24, 2000 (27:14 Md. R. 1340)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07C amended effective December 23, 1974 (2:1 Md. R. 12); December 31, 1984 (11:26 Md. R. 2278); January 27, 1986 (13:2 Md. R. 136)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07D amended effective December 23, 1974 (2:1 Md. R. 12); December 31, 1984 (11:26 Md. R. 2278); January 27, 1986 (13:2 Md. R. 136)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07E amended effective December 23, 1974 (2:1 Md. R. 12)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07J amended effective January 27, 1986 (13:2 Md. R. 136)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07S adopted effective December 21, 1981 (8:25 Md. R. 1995)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended effective July 24, 2000 (27:14 Md. R. 1340)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .08A—C adopted February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .09A—C adopted February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .10 amended February 19, 1975 (2:4 Md. R. 227)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .11 adopted effective January 23, 1981 (8:2 Md. R. 111)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .11 amended effective September 23, 1985 (12:19 Md. R. 1847); September 3, 1990 (17:17 Md. R. 2077); January 1, 1999 (25:24 Md. R. 1772)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .11A amended effective July 8, 1991 (18:13 Md. R. 1481)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .11D amended effective January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 41)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .11L adopted effective July 8, 1991 (18:13 Md. R. 1481)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .12 adopted effective February 14, 1994 (21:3 Md. R. 184)

**Administrative History:** Chapter revised effective January 1, 2001 (27:25 Md. R. 2281)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1277); January 1, 2013 (39:25 Md. R. 1611); February 13, 2017 (44:3 Md. R. 188); November 4, 2019 (46:22 Md. R. 976); January 1, 2021 (47:25 Md. R. 1067); July 24, 2023 (50:14 Md. R. 592); January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 15)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective January 1, 2002 (28:21 Md. R. 1854); January 1, 2003 (29:21 Md. R. 1645); January 1, 2004 (30:21 Md. R. 1528); January 1, 2006 (32:23 Md. R. 1825); January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996); January 1, 2008 (34:24 Md. R. 2157); January 1, 2009 (35:24 Md. R. 2077); January 1, 2010 (36:24 Md. R. 1857); November 29, 2010 (37:24 Md. R. 1657); January 18, 2016 (43:1 Md. R. 13); January 20, 2025 (52:1 Md. R.  18)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B, C amended effective January 1, 2014 (40:25 Md. R. 2068); December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477); February 16, 2026 (53:3 Md. R, 121)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B, E amended as an emergency provision effective June 26, 2012 (39:15 Md. R. 961); emergency provision extended to December 31, 2012; emergency provision expired December 31, 2012

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01E amended effective February 6, 2012 (39:2 Md. R. 140)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01G amended effective March 26, 2018 (45:6 Md. R. 318)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02B amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996); January 1, 2008 (34:24 Md. R. 2157)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective January 1, 2002 (28:21 Md. R. 1854); January 1, 2003 (29:21 Md. R. 1645); January 1, 2004 (30:21 Md. R. 1528); January 1, 2005 (31:21 Md. R. 1544); January 1, 2006 (32:23 Md. R. 1825); January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996); January 1, 2008 (34:24 Md. R. 2157); January 1, 2009 (35:24 Md. R. 2077); January 1, 2010 (36:24 Md. R. 1857); November 29, 2010 (37:24 Md. R. 1657)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1277); November 4, 2019 (46:22 Md. R. 976)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03A, C amended effective December 27, 2021 (48:26 Md. R. 1110)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03B, E amended effective January 1, 2013 (39:25 Md. R. 1611)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03C amended effective February 16, 2026 (53:3 Md. R. 121)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03D amended effective January 1, 2021 (47:25 Md. R. 1067)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03D repealed effective December 27, 2021 (48:26 Md. R. 1110)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective January 1, 2008 (34:24 Md. R. 2157); October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1277)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended as an emergency provision effective July 1, 2013 (40:15 Md. R. 1221); emergency status expired December 23, 2013

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective December 23, 2013 (40:25 Md. R. 2067); December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477); February 13, 2017 (44:3 Md. R. 188)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996); January 18, 2016 (43:1 Md. R. 13); November 4, 2019 (46:22 Md. R. 976); January 1, 2021 (47:25 Md. R. 1067); January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 15); June 8, 2026 (53:11 Md. R. 484)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04C amended effective January 1, 2003 (29:21 Md. R. 1645); January 1, 2004 (30:21 Md. R. 1528); January 1, 2005 (31:21 Md. R. 1544); January 1, 2006 (32:23 Md. R. 1825); January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996); January 1, 2009 (35:24 Md. R. 2077); January 26, 2009 (36:2 Md. R. 99)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04C, K amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04E amended effective January 1, 2004 (30:21 Md. R. 1528)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04F amended effective January 1, 2006 (32:23 Md. R. 1825)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04I, J amended effective July 24, 2023 (50:14 Md. R. 592)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04L adopted effective March 24, 2008 (35:6 Md. R. 696)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04L amended effective January 1, 2009 (35:24 Md. R. 2077)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04N amended effective July 15, 2019 (46:14 Md. R. 621)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04O amended as an emergency provision effective July 14, 2008 (35:16 Md. R. 1388); emergency status expired

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04O amended effective October 6, 2008 (35:20 Md. R. 1774)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04O, P amended as an emergency provision effective July 16, 2009 (36:17 Md. R. 1309); amended permanently effective September 21, 2009 (36:19 Md. R. 1435)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04O amended effective September 20, 2010 (37:19 Md. R. 1283)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04R adopted effective January 1, 2002 (28:21 Md. R. 1854)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04R amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04S adopted effective January 1, 2006 (32:23 Md. R. 1825)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04S amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04U adopted as an emergency provision effective July 16, 2009 (36:17 Md. R. 1309); adopted permanently effective September 21, 2009 (36:19 Md. R. 1435)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04V adopted effective January 1, 2010 (36:24 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04W adopted effective November 29, 2010 (37:24 Md. R. 1657)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05 amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05 amended effective October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1277)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06 amended effective January 1, 2005 (31:21 Md. R. 1544); January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06 repealed effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06 adopted effective January 18, 2016 (43:1 Md. R. 13)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06B amended effective January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 15)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .08C amended effective October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1277)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .09 amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .10 amended effective January 1, 2008 (34:24 Md. R. 2157); April 4, 2011 (38:7 Md. R. 429)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .10 repealed effective October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1276)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .10A amended effective January 1, 2009 (35:24 Md. R. 2077)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .10B amended effective January 1, 2007 (33:26 Md. R. 1996)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .10F amended effective January 1, 2006 (32:23 Md. R. 1825)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .10I amended effective January 1, 2003 (29:21 Md. R. 1645)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .11 repealed effective October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1276)

**Administrative History:** Annotation: This chapter was formerly COMAR 08.02.22. It was transferred to COMAR 08.03.02 when the Fisheries Administration was abolished by Ch. 162, Acts of 1981, effective July 1, 1981. It was again transferred to COMAR 08.02.11 in 1984 due to Department reorganization.

#### Regulation .01 Trout Fishing and Management Areas.

*COMAR 08.02.11.01*

A. Basic Statewide Trout Fishing. Except as listed in §§B—I of this regulation, the following shall be in effect for trout fishing in all nontidal waters of the State:

  (1) Open season — year around;

  (2) Fishing hours — from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.;

  (3) Creel and possession limits (all species of trout) in aggregate — daily: 2, possession: 4;

  (4) A trout is part of the daily creel and possession limit if it cannot freely swim away from a person;

  (5) Minimum size (all species of trout) — no minimum size restriction.

B. Put-and-Take Trout Fishing Areas.

  (1) Open Season. Except as provided in §I of this regulation, put-and-take trout fishing areas are closed to all fishing from 10 p.m. of the first date to 5:30 a.m. of the last date, during the period listed in the following schedule:

    (a) Closure 0 — No closure; and

    (b) Closure 1 — From the first Sunday after March 4 to the last Saturday in March.

  (2) Fishing Hours.

    (a) Except as provided in §B(2)(b) and (c) and §I of this regulation, the fishing hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    (b) There are no time restrictions for fishing in impoundments of 5 acres or more.

    (c) In areas designated as Closure 1 in §B(5) of this regulation, the fishing hours on the last Saturday in March are from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  (3) Creel and Possession Limits.

    (a) Brook trout v Daily: 0, Possession: 0.

    (b) All other species of trout in aggregate — Daily: 5, Possession: 10.

  (4) Public and private ponds in which State-supported fishing rodeos are held may be designated as put-and-take trout fishing areas on the day of the rodeo and are subject to the provisions in §B(1)—(3) of this regulation.

  (5) Except as provided in §C(1) of this regulation the following areas are designated as put-and-take trout fishing areas and are subject to the provisions in §B(1)—(3) of this regulation:

C. Catch-and-Return Trout Fishing Areas.

  (1) Owens Creek.

    (a) Special provisions in effect on this area:

      (i) From June 1 through the last day of February, a person may not keep or have any trout in possession while fishing, or fish with any barbed hook; and

      (ii) A person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish.

    (b) The area subject to the provisions of §C(1)(a) of this regulation is Owens Creek mainstem from Buck Lantz Road downstream to Roddy Road.

  (2) North Branch Potomac River.

    (a) Special provisions in effect on this area:

      (i) Open season — no closed season;

      (ii) Creel and possession limits, all trout species in aggregate: daily — 0, possession — 0; and

      (iii) A person may not fish with any barbed hook.

    (b) The area subject to the provisions of §C(2)(a) of this regulation is the North Branch Potomac River from the Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant discharge at Westernport downstream to the Maryland Route 956 bridge at Pinto.

  (3) Areas Limited to Use of Artificial Lures Only.

    (a) Special provisions in effect on these areas:

      (i) A person may not have any trout in possession while fishing in these areas. All trout which are caught shall be released and returned to the water.

      (ii) A person may fish only with artificial lures, including artificial flies.

      (iii) In these areas, a person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish.

      (iv) The open season for artificial lure fishing is January 1 through December 31, inclusive.

      (v) A person may not fish with any barbed hook.

    (b) Areas subject to the provisions of this section are:

      (i) Patuxent River, Howard and Montgomery counties. The mainstem of the Patuxent River from the crossing of Maryland Route 97 upstream to the crossing of Maryland Route 27 and Cabin Branch from its confluence with the Patuxent River upstream to Hipsley Mill Road.

      (ii) Morgan Run, Carroll County. From bridge on London Bridges Road upstream to bridge on Maryland Route 97.

      (iii) Paint Branch and Tributaries, Montgomery County upstream of Fairland Road.

      (iv) Gunpowder Falls, Baltimore County. Mainstem, from Prettyboy Reservoir Dam downstream to Bluemount Road.

      (v) North Branch Potomac River from an overhead cable and red bank post located approximately 345 yards below the Jennings Randolph Reservoir spillway downstream approximately 1 mile to a red post, located approximately 100 yards above the upstream concrete abutments at Barnum, West Virginia, and from a red post located below a pool known as Blue Hole approximately 1/3 mile upstream of Bench Mark 1110 on the Westernport U.S.G.S. Quadrangle, downstream approximately 4 miles to the confluence of Piney Swamp Run.

      (vi) Youghiogheny River, Garrett County. Mainstem beginning at a red post approximately 100 yards upstream of the Deep Creek Lake tailrace and extending downstream 4 miles to the Sang Run Bridge.

      (vii) Little Hunting Creek, Frederick County. Mainstem from a red post located approximately 1/4 mile downstream of Maryland Route 806, upstream to include all waters of Little Hunting Creek within the boundaries of Cunningham Falls State Park.

  (4) Areas Limited to Artificial Fly Fishing Only.

    (a) Special provisions in effect on these areas:

      (i) A person may not have any trout in possession while fishing in these areas. All trout which are caught shall be released and returned to the water.

      (ii) A person may fish only with artificial flies and streamers constructed in a normal fashion using natural or synthetic materials, or both, which may include feathers, fur, hair, tinsel, thread, fiber, plastic, cork, wire, and rubber, on a single hook with the components wound on or about the hook. A person may not use molded replicas of insects, earthworms, fish eggs, fish, or any invertebrate or vertebrate, either singly or in combination with the other materials, or other lures commonly described as spinners, spoons, or plugs made of metal, plastic, wood, rubber, or a similar substance or a combination of these.

      (iii) A person may fish only with conventional fly fishing tackle, including fly rods, fly reels, and fly line with a leader or monofilament line attached. Any method of angling when the fly is cast directly from the reel is prohibited. The use of centerpin, spinning, spincast, and casting reels is prohibited.

      (iv) In these areas, a person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish.

      (v) The open season is January 1 through December 31, inclusive.

      (vi) A person may not fish with any barbed hook.

    (b) Areas subject to provisions of this section are:

      (i) Big Hunting Creek, Frederick County. All waters of Big Hunting Creek and its tributaries within Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park except Owens Creek, Little Hunting Creek, Cunningham Falls Lake, and Frank Bentz Pond;

      (ii) Beaver Creek, Washington County. From the confluence with Black Rock Creek downstream to the downstream side of the U.S. Route 40 bridge ; and

      (iii) Patuxent River, Montgomery and Howard Counties. From red bank posts located on both sides of the river approximately 400 yards below Brighton Dam downstream to Mink Hollow Road.

D. Trophy Trout Fishing Areas.

  (1) Savage River mainstem from the downstream side of the Route 135 bridge upstream for a distance of approximately 2.7 miles to the lower suspension bridge (Allegany Bridge) is a trophy trout fishing area. The following apply:

    (a) Open season — no closed season.

    (b) Creel limit all trout species in aggregate — daily: 2, possession: 4.

    (c) Minimum size: brook trout — 12 inches; brown trout — 18 inches; all other species of trout — no minimum size.

    (d) A person may not have in possession any trout smaller than the minimum size limit in effect for this area.

    (e) A person may fish only with artificial lures, including artificial flies. Treble hooks are prohibited. Each artificial lure is restricted to a single hook with a single hook point.

    (f) In these areas, a person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish.

  (2) Savage River mainstem from the Savage River Reservoir Dam downstream to the lower suspension bridge (Allegany Bridge) is a trophy trout fishing area. The following apply:

    (a) Open season — no closed season

    (b) Creel limit all trout species in aggregate — daily: 2, possession: 4.

    (c) Minimum size: brook trout — 12 inches; brown trout — 18 inches; all other species of trout — no minimum size.

    (d) A person may fish only with artificial flies.

    (e) In these areas, a person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish. Section C(4)(a)(ii)—(iv), of this regulation shall apply to this special trout management area.

    (f) A person may not have in possession any trout smaller than the minimum size limit in effect for this area.

E. Areas Limited to Fishing by Persons Younger than 16 Years Old, Persons 65 Years Old or Older, and Blind Persons.

  (1) Special provisions in effect on these areas:

    (a) Fishing in these areas is limited to persons under 16 years old, persons 65 years old and older, and blind persons;

    (b) Section B(1)—(3) of this regulation shall apply to these special trout management areas.

  (2) Areas subject to provisions of this section:

    (a) Laurel Run (Moscow), Allegany County.

    (b) Pangborn Pond, Washington County.

    (c) Rising Sun Pond from March 1 through May 15.

    (d) Boonsboro Pond, Washington County.

F. Areas Limited to Fishing by Persons under 16 Years Old and Blind Persons.

  (1) Special provisions in effect on these areas.

    (a) Fishing in these areas is limited to individuals under 16 years old and blind persons.

    (b) Section B(1)—(3) of this regulation shall apply to these special trout management areas.

  (2) Areas subject to provisions of this section:

    (a) Carroll Creek from a red post located approximately 300 yards upstream of Baughmans Lane downstream to the dam at College Avenue;

    (b) Little Tonoloway Creek within Weidmeyer Park in Hancock;

    (c) Glades Park Pond on Liberty Street in Oakland;

    (d) George's Creek within Town Park in Westernport;

    (e) Little Antietam Creek at Keedysville, from Coffman Farms Road downstream to Maryland Route 34; and

    (f) Grantsville Parkview Pond off Hershberger Lane.

G. Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas and Requirements.

  (1) Group I Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas and Restrictions.

    (a) Group I Fishing Areas.

      (i) Catoctin and Little Catoctin Creek (Frederick County) from U.S. Route 40 near its intersection with Maryland Route 17 within Doubs Meadow Park downstream to the lower park boundary near Myersville.

      (ii) Catoctin Creek (Frederick County) from the southernmost boundary of Catoctin Creek Park upstream to 200 feet north of the Sumantown Road Bridge.

      (iii) Middle Patuxent River (Howard County) from U.S. Route 29 downstream to Murray Hill Road.

      (iv) Town Creek mainstem (Allegany County) within Green Ridge State Forest, from a red post located approximately 3/4 mile downstream of the upper ford on lower Town Creek Road, just south of the Wagner Road intersection, downstream to a red post located just upstream of the lower ford on Lower Town Creek Road (Mallory Place), and from a post located approximately 1/2 mile downstream of Maniford Road to a red post located approximately 1-3/4 miles downstream (Bull Ring Ranch).

      (v) South Branch Patapsco River from West Friendship Road (Howard County) and Main Street (Carroll County) upstream approximately 1.1 mile to the upper boundary of the Hugg Thomas Wildlife Management Area.

    (b) Season, Creel, and Possession Limits for Group I Fishing Areas.

      (i) From June 1 through September 30, inclusive, the daily creel limit is five trout and the possession limit is ten trout (all species of trout in aggregate); and

      (ii) From October 1 through May 31, inclusive, a person may not have any trout in possession while fishing in these areas, and shall immediately release any trout caught to the water from which the trout was taken.

    (c) Bait Restrictions for Group I Fishing Areas.

      (i) From June 1 through September 30, inclusive, no special bait, lure, or tackle restrictions are in effect.

      (ii) From October 1 through May 31, inclusive, in these areas, a person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish.

    (d) From October 1 through May 31, inclusive, in these areas, a person may not fish with any barbed hook.

  (2) Group II Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas and Restrictions.

    (a) Group II Fishing Areas.

      (i) Casselman River mainstem (Garrett County) from a boundary marked by two red posts on both stream banks located on the south side of the Interstate 68 eastbound bridge downstream to the Pennsylvania state line.

      (ii) North Branch Potomac River mainstem (Garrett County) from the lowermost boundary of the Potomac State Forest near Lostland Run to the uppermost boundary of the Potomac State Forest at Wallman.

      (iii) Youghiogheny River mainstem (Garrett County) below Friendsville from a site located 50 yards downstream of Maple Street (at the confluence of Minnow Run) downstream 1.8 miles to the powerline crossing upstream of the Youghiogheny Reservoir.

    (b) Season, Creel, and Possession Limits for Group II Fishing Areas.

      (i) From June 16 through September 30, inclusive, the daily creel limit is five trout and the possession limit is ten trout (all species of trout in aggregate).

      (ii) From October 1 through June 15, inclusive, a person may not have any trout in possession while fishing in these areas, and shall immediately release any trout caught to the water from which the trout was taken.

    (c) Bait Restrictions for Group II Fishing Areas.

      (i) From June 16 through September 30, inclusive, no special bait, lure, or tackle restrictions are in effect.

      (ii) From October 1 through June 15, inclusive, in these areas, a person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish.

    (d) From October 1 through June 15, inclusive, in these areas, a person may not fish with any barbed hook.

H. Special Restrictions for Brook Trout.

  (1) Nontidal Waters East of Interstate 81. A person may not have brook trout in possession while fishing in nontidal waters of the State located east of Interstate 81.

  (2) Savage River.

    (a) Special provisions in effect on this area:

      (i) A person may use only artificial flies and lures;

      (ii) A person may not possess or use any natural or live bait, or any device enhanced with a scent and capable of catching fish; and

      (iii) A person may not have brook trout in possession while fishing in this area.

    (b) The area subject to the provisions of §H(2)(a) of this regulation is the Savage River mainstem and tributaries upstream of the Savage River Reservoir dam, excluding impoundments and Put-and-Take Trout Fishing Areas (Savage River Reservoir, Savage River from Savage River Reservoir upstream to Poplar Lick Run, and New Germany Lake).

I. Youth Trout Fishing Day.

  (1) Youth trout fishing day is the Saturday before the last Saturday in March in areas designated as Closure 1 in §B of this regulation.

  (2) Fishing Hours. The fishing hours on youth trout fishing day are from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  (3) Fishing in the areas during the date and times described in this section is limited to individuals younger than 16 years old.

  (4) Creel and Possession Limits.

    (a) Brook trout — Daily: 0, Possession: 0.

    (b) All other species of trout in aggregate — Daily: 2, Possession: 2.

J. Special Restrictions for Beaver Creek. A person may not have any brown trout in possession while fishing in Beaver Creek, from the confluence with Antietam Creek upstream to the Albert Powell State Trout Hatchery.

#### Regulation .02 Definitions.

*COMAR 08.02.11.02*

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

  (1) “Daily creel limit” means the total number of a species of fish that can be in an individual's possession while afield or on the water between 12:01 a.m. and midnight.

  (2) “Possession limit” means the total number of a particular species, including the daily creel limit and any previously caught fish, that an individual may possess or control in any location.

#### Regulation .03 Special Fisheries Management Areas.

*COMAR 08.02.11.03*

A. Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass Slot Length Limit Fishing Areas.

  (1) The following special regulations are in effect in these areas during the open season for largemouth and smallmouth bass:

    (a) A person may possess five bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass in aggregate) per day while fishing in these areas;

    (b) A person may not possess any largemouth bass or smallmouth bass from 11 inches up to but not including 15 inches total length while fishing in these areas;

    (c) A person may possess one largemouth bass or smallmouth bass per day, 15 inches and over, while fishing in these areas.

  (2) The areas subject to this provision are:

    (a) St. Mary's Lake, Maryland Route 5, St. Mary's County;

    (b) Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County;

    (c) Johnson Pond, Wicomico County; and

    (d) Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County.

B. Impoundments Limited to Catch-and-Return Fishing.

  (1) This section applies to the following areas:

    (a) Lake Hashawha in Carroll County;

    (b) Upper John Owings Pond in Carroll County; and

    (c) Waterworks Park in Anne Arundel County.

  (2) While fishing in the areas set forth in §B(1) of this regulation, a person:

    (a) Shall immediately return live any fish caught to the water where taken; and

    (b) May not keep or possess any fish while fishing in these areas.

C. Catch-and-Return Bass Areas.

  (1) Special provisions in effect for catch-and-return bass areas are that a person:

    (a) Who catches a largemouth or smallmouth bass shall immediately release that bass in the water where it was caught; and

    (b) May not possess largemouth or smallmouth bass while within the designated catch-and-return areas.

  (2) The areas subject to the provisions of this section are the:

    (a) Potomac River from Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) upstream to the mouth of the Monocacy River;

    (b) Monocacy River from the Potomac River upstream to Buckeystown Dam; and

    (c) Patapsco River from Interstate 70 downstream to Maryland Route 144 (Frederick Road).

#### Regulation .04 Statewide General Regulations.

*COMAR 08.02.11.04*

A. Open Seasons, Creel, Possession, and Size Limits on Game and Fresh Water Fish in Nontidal Waters. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter for specific areas, the following apply Statewide:

  (1) Open Seasons.

  (2) Creel and Possession Limits.

  (3) Minimum Size from Tip of Nose to End of Caudal Fin or Tail.

B. Swimming. Swimming is prohibited in any area controlled by the Inland Fisheries Division except in designated areas.

C. Ice Fishing in Nontidal Waters.

  (1) A person may fish through the ice in any nontidal waters of the State during the lawful open season if an angler's license first is obtained.

  (2) A person may not cut a hole through the ice for the purpose of ice fishing that measures more than 10 inches across in any direction.

  (3) It will be lawful for any person who is ice fishing to use up to five tip ups or rods (hand held devices) when ice fishing.

  (4) All tip ups and rods used by a person engaged in ice fishing shall be under the immediate control of the person.

D. State Fish Refuges and Fish Hatcheries. A person may not fish in any State fish refuge, fish hatchery, or fish propagation area except persons authorized by the Department.

E. Importation — Fish.

  (1) For the purpose of this regulation, “indigenous” means any fish species that naturally occurs in, or has been artificially introduced into, the waters of the State, and has established self-sustaining populations for at least 10 years.

  (2) So that the fish populations in the nontidal waters of the State may be protected from exotic species that might be harmful, a person may not introduce into the nontidal waters, or import or possess for introduction, any live fish not indigenous to the nontidal waters of the State.

  (3) Insofar as indigenous fish species of the tidal waters have not been harmful to the nontidal waters, but exotic species pose a threat to nontidal fish populations, a person may not introduce into the tidal waters, or import or possess for introduction, any live fish not indigenous to the tidal waters of the State without first obtaining a permit to do so from the Inland Fisheries Division. This permit shall be granted only if satisfactory proof is presented to the Division that the specific fish intended to be imported will be free of any communicable disease at the time of importation and will not be harmful to the native flora and fauna in the nontidal waters. Application for the permit shall be filed with the Division not less than 60 days before the proposed date of importation.

  (4) The provisions of this regulation with respect to importation and possession do not apply to fish for use in laboratories or exhibitions, or for use as pets. Any fish not indigenous to the waters of the State shall be held only in aquaria or other indoor facility from which escape into the waters of the State is impossible.

  (5) The introduction of any indigenous fish species except bait fish on a hook for the purpose of angling into the nontidal waters of the State is prohibited without written approval of the Inland Fisheries Division.

F. Commercial Harvest and Sale of Fish. Except as provided in Natural Resources Article, §4-11A-02, Annotated Code of Maryland, requirements concerning aquaculture operations, a person may not buy, sell, or offer to buy or sell any fish harvested from the nontidal waters of the State.

G. Vehicles on Inland Fisheries Division Owned or Controlled Lands.

  (1) For the purpose of this regulation, “vehicle” means a vehicle or vessel propelled by mechanical power that is capable of travelling on land, snow, or ice.

  (2) A person may not operate any vehicle on any lands owned or controlled by the Inland Fisheries Division without written permission of the Division except on those roads, lanes, or areas which are open to automobile traffic or which are specifically marked by the Division.

H. Camping on Inland Fisheries Division Owned or Controlled Lands.

  (1) For the purpose of this regulation, “camping” means erecting tents or other shelters for the purpose of residing temporarily upon the property overnight.

  (2) A person may not camp on lands owned or controlled by the Inland Fisheries Division except on designated sites or by written permit, or both.

  (3) It is unlawful to fish in a lake or pond owned or controlled by the Inland Fisheries Division before 5:30 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

I. Bait.

  (1) Term Defined. In this regulation, the term “bait fish” means any species of fish which does not otherwise have a catch or possession limit and which is legally permitted to be put on a hook for the purpose of catching fish.

  (2) A person may not:

    (a) Take or possess more than 35 bait fish in any day from nontidal waters of the State; or

    (b) Take bait fish of any area described in Regulation .01B—H of this chapter.

  (3) Crayfish.

    (a) In the waters of the Middle Potomac River, Upper Potomac River, and Susquehanna River basins, as described by Maryland Integrated Watershed Data and Information System 6-Digit Map, a person may not:

      (i) Catch and possess any species of crayfish unless the head is immediately removed behind the eyes upon capture;

      (ii) Use any species of crayfish as bait unless the head is removed behind the eyes;

      (iii) Possess any species of crayfish while fishing unless the head is removed behind the eyes; or

      (iv) Catch and possess an egg-bearing female with eggs attached to the underside of the abdomen.

    (b) In addition to §I(2)(a) of this regulation, regulations relating to the importation, transport, purchase, possession, propagation, sale, or release of specific nuisance species of crayfish appear in COMAR 08.02.19.04.

J. Possession of Fish Whose Physical Condition Has Been Altered.

  (1) While at the fishing location, a person may not remove the head and tail of any:

    (a) Fish for which there is a minimum size; or

    (b) Trout.

  (2) The head and tail of any fish for which there is a minimum size or trout shall remain attached in such a manner as to permit identification of fish species and total length.

  (3) An individual may not have in possession at a fishing location more than 1 quart of fish which have been cut into pieces.

  (4) This provision does not apply to the capture of snakehead fish, under §N of this regulation.

K. Closing Against Entry. A person or vehicle may not enter, go upon, or remain upon any lands or waters owned or controlled by the Department after the posted hours for closing to public use or during any periods when those lands or waters are closed to public entry, except by written permission of the Department.

L. Culling of Trout.

  (1) In this chapter, “cull” means to exchange or discard a trout in order to possess another trout.

  (2) An individual may not cull trout.

  (3) A trout that is not immediately released becomes part of the daily creel limit and may not be returned to the water.

  (4) A trout is part of the daily creel and possession limit if it cannot freely swim away from a person.

M. Licenses and Stamps.

  (1) A person may not catch or attempt to catch game or freshwater fish without first obtaining an angler's license in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-604, Annotated Code of Maryland.

  (2) A person may not catch, attempt to catch or possess trout without first obtaining a trout stamp.

N. Snakehead Harvest.

  (1) An individual may capture and possess a snakehead fish using any legal method if, immediately upon capture, the snakehead is killed.

  (2) The capture and possession of snakehead fish is not subject to any season, creel limit, or size limit.

  (3) Further restrictions on possession of certain species of snakehead fish may be found in COMAR 08.02.19.06.

O. Public Notices.

  (1) The Secretary may modify catch limits, size limits, and restricted areas, or open, close, or modify a season by publishing notice in a daily newspaper of general circulation at least 48 hours in advance, stating the effective hour and date.

  (2) The Secretary shall make a reasonable effort to disseminate public notice through various other media so that an affected person has a reasonable opportunity to be informed.

P. In addition to any requirements in this chapter, gear may only be used in accordance with the requirements in COMAR 08.02.25.

#### Regulation .05 Fee Fishing Lakes.

*COMAR 08.02.11.05*

A. The Department may issue permits authorizing the establishment and operation of artificial or man-made ponds or lakes owned, leased, or controlled by an individual, if they are constructed so as not to interfere with fishing rights or natural migration of fish if the Department determines that these lakes and ponds do not conflict with any reasonable prior public interest. Fishing in these areas may be permitted for payment of a fee and they may be stocked with fish artificially propagated by commercial hatcheries or purchased from persons licensed to sell fish.

#### Regulation .06 Youghiogheny River Lake.

*COMAR 08.02.11.06*

A. All species of Trout and Salmon.

  (1) The following apply from 8 a.m. the first Saturday after April 11 through Labor Day:

    (a) The minimum size is 7 inches; and

    (b) The daily catch limit is 5 (combined species).

  (2) The following apply from 12:01 a.m. the day after Labor Day through the last day of February:

    (a) The minimum size is 7 inches; and

    (b) The daily catch limit is 3 (combined species).

  (3) The season is closed from March 1 through 8 a.m. the first Saturday after April 11.

B. Bass — Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted.

  (1) The following apply from January 1 through the day before the second Saturday in April and from November 1 through December 31:

    (a) The minimum size is 15 inches; and

    (b) The daily catch limit is 4 (combined species).

  (2) The season is closed from 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April through 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June.

  (3) The following apply from 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June through October 31:

    (a) The minimum size is 12 inches; and

    (b) The daily catch limit is 6 (combined species).

C. Muskellunge and Muskellunge Hybrids.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) The minimum size is 40 inches.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 1 (combined species).

D. Pickerel.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) The minimum size is 18 inches.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 4.

E. Northern Pike.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) The minimum size is 24 inches.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 2.

F. Walleye and Walleye Hybrids.

  (1) The season is open only from:

    (a) January 1 through March 14; and

    (b) The first Saturday in May through December 31.

  (2) The minimum size is 15 inches.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 6.

G. Sauger.

  (1) The season is open only from:

    (a) January 1 through March 14; and

    (b) The first Saturday in May through December 31.

  (2) The minimum size is 12 inches.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 6.

H. American Shad.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) There is no minimum size.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 3.

I. River Herring (Alewife and Blueback Herring).

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) There is no minimum size.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 50 (combined species).

J. Gizzard Shad.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) There is no minimum size.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 50.

K. Striped Bass and Striped Bass Hybrids.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) The minimum size is 20 inches.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 2 (combined species).

L. Sunfish, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Crappies, Catfish, Rock Bass, Suckers, Carp, and White Bass.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) There is no minimum size.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 50 (combined species).

M. Bait Fish and Fish Bait.

  (1) Except as closed in §Q of this regulation:

    (a) Bait fish includes:

      (i) All forms of the minnow family (Cyprinidae) except carp and goldfish;

      (ii) Suckers, chubs, fallfish, and lampreys measuring less than 8 inches in length; and

      (iii) All forms of darters, killifishes, and madtoms (stonecats); and

    (b) Fish bait includes the nymphs, larvae, and pupae of all insects spending any part of their life cycle in the water.

  (2) There is no closed season.

  (3) There is no minimum size.

  (4) The daily catch limit is 50 (combined species).

N. Mud Bugs (Dragonfly Nymphs).

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) There is no minimum size.

  (3) There is no daily catch limit.

O. American Eel.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) The minimum size is 9 inches.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 25.

P. Crayfish.

  (1) There is no closed season.

  (2) There is no minimum size.

  (3) The daily catch limit is 50.

  (4) The head of the crayfish must be immediately removed behind the eyes upon capture unless used as bait in the water from which taken.

Q. There is no open season for:

  (1) Species listed as endangered, threatened, or in need of conservation in COMAR 08.03.08;

  (2) Any species of mussel;

  (3) Any species of clam;

  (4) Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula);

  (5) Northern brook lamprey (Ichthyomyzon fossor);

  (6) Mountain brook lamprey (Ichthyomyzon greeleyi);

  (7) Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens);

  (8) Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus);

  (9) Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus);

  (10) Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris);

  (11) Cisco (Coregonus artedi);

  (12) Northern redbelly dace (Phoximus eos);

  (13) Gravel chub (Erimystax x-punctatus);

  (14) River shiner (Notropis blennius);

  (15) Ghost shiner (Notropis buchanani);

  (16) Blackchin shiner (Notropis heterodon);

  (17) Redfin shiner (Lythrurus umbratilis);

  (18) Bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus);

  (19) Black bullhead (Amerius melas);

  (20) Mountain madtom (Noturus eleutherus);

  (21) Tadpole madtom (Noturus gyrinus);

  (22) Northern madtom (Noturus stigmosus);

  (23) Burbot (Lota lota);

  (24) Threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus);

  (25) Banded sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus);

  (26) Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus);

  (27) Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis);

  (28) Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile);

  (29) Eastern sand darter (Etheostoma pellucida);

  (30) Bigmouth shiner (Notropis dorsalis);

  (31) Southern redbelly dace (Phoxinus erythrogaster);

  (32) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops);

  (33) Brindled madtom (Noturus miurus);

  (34) Bluebreasted darter (Etheostoma camurum);

  (35) Spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum);

  (36) Tippecanoe darter (Etheostoma tippecanoe);

  (37) Gilt darter (Percina evides); and

  (38) Chesapeake logperch (Percina bimaculata).

#### Regulation .07 Repealed.

*COMAR 08.02.11.07*

#### Regulation .08 Special Regulations for Deer Creek and Swan Creek.

*COMAR 08.02.11.08*

A. Manner of Fishing. Subject to the provisions of §C of this regulation, a person may catch or attempt to catch fish in Deer Creek and Swan Creek only by hook and line, with the line held in hand, attached to a pole or rod held in hand, or attended in a manner that the fish voluntarily takes bait or lure in its mouth.

B. Prohibited Bait. A person may not possess or use minnows for bait while fishing in Deer Creek and Swan Creek.

C. Scientific Collection Permit. A person may collect fish and eggs for scientific purposes in Deer Creek and Swan Creek only if he first obtains a special scientific permit for these waters from the Department. Any scientific permit issued before January 1, 1975, for the collection of fish and eggs is revoked with respect to the collection of fish and eggs in Deer Creek and Swan Creek.