Blue Catfish Fishing in Maryland
When blue catfish are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Blue Catfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maryland by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching blue catfish in Maryland
Blue Catfish catches in Maryland run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Mar-Apr. Anglers keep about 75% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maryland fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch blue catfish in Maryland?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Mar-Apr. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release blue catfish in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 75% of the blue catfish caught are kept and 25% are released. That works out to roughly 796K kept and 271K released in 2024.
How many blue catfish are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 1.1M blue catfish caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #7 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this blue catfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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