Channel Catfish Fishing in Maryland
When channel catfish are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Channel 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 channel catfish in Maryland
Channel Catfish catches in Maryland run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Mar-Apr. Anglers keep about 35% 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 channel catfish in Maryland?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug 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 channel catfish in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 35% of the channel catfish caught are kept and 65% are released. That works out to roughly 212K kept and 391K released in 2024.
How many channel catfish are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 603K channel catfish caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #9 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this channel catfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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