What the Resident Trout Stamp Covers

Maryland's Resident Trout Stamp is an add-on to your regular fishing license that lets you keep trout from designated trout waters in the state. Without it, you can fish for trout but must release everything you catch. The stamp costs a set fee each year and is valid only for Maryland residents with a current fishing license.

The stamp applies to both stocked trout and wild trout in Maryland's managed trout streams and lakes. It does not cover catch-and-release fishing — if you want to fish trout waters but release your catch, you do not need the stamp. The stamp is separate from your base fishing license; you purchase both together or add it to an existing license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Resident Trout Stamp is required only if you plan to keep trout; catch-and-release fishing does not require it.
  • You must hold a valid Maryland resident fishing license before you can purchase the trout stamp.
  • The stamp is purchased through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors.
  • Trout stamp rules and fees change annually, so check the current year's regulations before you fish.

Who Needs the Stamp

Any Maryland resident who wants to keep trout from state trout waters must have the stamp. This includes residents fishing in stocked trout areas during the regular season and those fishing in special trout management areas. Non-residents do not purchase a separate trout stamp; their non-resident fishing license already includes trout-keeping privileges where allowed.

If you hold a lifetime fishing license, you still need to purchase the annual trout stamp each year. The stamp does not roll over from one year to the next — you must renew it before the new license year begins. Children under a certain age may be exempt from the license requirement entirely, but check current age thresholds with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

How to Purchase the Stamp

The easiest route is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, where you can buy the stamp online and print it immediately or have it mailed to you. You will need your fishing license number and payment method. The online system is open year-round and lets you purchase before the season opens.

You can also buy the stamp by phone through the DNR licensing office during business hours, or at authorized vendors across the state — bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some outdoor retailers stock them. Vendors can issue the stamp on the spot. Bring your fishing license or license number with you when you purchase in person.

Trout Waters Where the Stamp Applies

The stamp is valid in Maryland's designated trout waters, which include both public and private stocked streams and several lakes. The state maintains a list of these waters, updated each year, that shows which sections are open to trout fishing and what seasons apply. Some waters are open year-round; others have specific opening and closing dates.

Certain streams and sections have special rules — some allow only fly fishing, others have catch limits, and a few operate under different seasons than the general trout season. The DNR publishes a detailed trout guide each year that maps these waters and lists the rules for each one. Download it before you plan your trip, because regulations vary by location and change annually.

Seasons and Regulations

Maryland's general trout season typically opens in early spring and runs through late fall, though exact dates shift each year. Some waters open earlier or stay open later than the statewide season. Special management areas may have their own seasons — check the current year's trout guide to confirm the dates for the water you plan to fish.

Catch limits, size restrictions, and tackle rules vary by water. Some areas allow three trout per day; others allow five. Minimum size requirements also differ. The trout guide lists these rules for each designated water, and they are enforced — fishing without the stamp or exceeding limits can result in citations and fines. Always carry your stamp and license with you while fishing.

Cost and Renewal

The trout stamp fee is set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and changes periodically. The exact cost varies depending on whether you purchase it alone or with a new fishing license. Purchasing both together sometimes costs less than buying them separately, so compare prices when you renew.

The stamp is valid for the calendar year or the license year, depending on when you purchase it — confirm the expiration date on your stamp. You must renew it each year; there is no multi-year option. Set a reminder before your license expires so you do not miss the opening of your favorite trout season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the trout stamp to fish for trout on private land?

You need the stamp to keep trout anywhere in Maryland, including private property, unless the property owner has a special exemption. You still need the base fishing license. Always get permission from the landowner before fishing on private land.

Can I buy the trout stamp without a fishing license?

No. You must have a valid Maryland resident fishing license before you can purchase the trout stamp. If your license has expired, renew it first, then add the trout stamp to your account or purchase them together.

What happens if I fish trout without the stamp?

Fishing for trout without the required stamp is a violation. You can be cited and fined. If you are caught keeping trout without the stamp, the penalty is more severe than if you had simply forgotten to purchase it. Always carry your stamp and license while fishing.

Does the trout stamp cover all trout species in Maryland?

The stamp covers rainbow, brown, and brook trout in designated trout waters. It does not cover trout in non-designated waters or trout caught in other contexts. Check the trout guide to confirm which species are present in the water you plan to fish.