Maryland DNR Plans Record 55 Free Youth Fishing Events for 2026

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources will host its largest-ever youth fishing program in 2026, featuring 55 free events across 15 counties for children ages 3-15. The program will stock nearly 9,600 fish including rainbow trout, catfish, and hybrid sunfish from March through October.

Young anglers across Maryland will have more opportunities than ever to cast their lines in 2026, as the state’s Department of Natural Resources prepares to host a record-breaking 55 free youth fishing events statewide.

The program welcomes children and teenagers between 3 and 15 years old who want to learn fishing techniques or improve their angling abilities at these no-cost events spanning from March to October.

“This is the largest number of events DNR has supported through the youth rodeo program,” said Youth Rodeo Coordinator Devin Baker. “We’re gearing up to stock 2,900 hybrid sunfish, 1,400 channel catfish, and 5,250 rainbow trout for events across 15 counties.”

The state agency has partnered with numerous organizations to deliver these educational fishing experiences to thousands of young people throughout the year. A significant portion of these gatherings will take place at Maryland State Parks and other publicly accessible locations.

These youth-focused fishing competitions have deep roots in Maryland’s history, with some events dating back more than six decades. The program aims to create secure learning environments where children can master fundamental fishing techniques while developing a commitment to protecting natural resources. Federal funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program helps support Maryland’s youth fishing initiative.

Last year’s program successfully engaged over 4,000 young participants across 51 separate events. Officials anticipate surpassing that participation figure in 2026.

Families can access a detailed breakdown of upcoming fishing events organized by county through the department’s online schedule.

Although these fishing events are completely free and welcome all participants, certain locations may have capacity restrictions. Parents and guardians should visit the department’s website and use the provided contact information to secure registration. It’s also recommended to verify event status for any potential changes or postponements.

Youth under 16 are exempt from fishing license requirements. However, adults and teenagers can obtain licenses through online purchasing or by visiting authorized dealers. Revenue from license sales, along with purchases of fishing equipment, ammunition, watercraft, and marine fuel, directly supports the state’s fish and wildlife conservation efforts.