SlotGaugeCheck a catchAmerican Eel regulations in Maryland
· Saltwater · 2026 season
American Eel size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays | January 1 – August 31 | 9 inch minimum | 25 per person per day |
| Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries | January 1 – August 31 | 9 inch minimum | 25 per person per day |
Notes
- Open year-round for spears and baited pots.
Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording
- Season
- January 1–August 31, except open year round for spears and baited traps or pots
- Size
- 9 inches
- Limit
- Daily—25
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed
- “American Eel | 9 inches | January 1–August 31, except open year round for spears and baited traps or pots | Daily—25”
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed
- “American Eel | 9 inches | January 1–August 31, except open year round for spears and baited traps or pots | Daily—25”
Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the american eel
Species of fish
The American eel is a facultative catadromous eel found on the eastern coast of North America. Freshwater eels are fish belonging to the elopomorph superorder, a group of phylogenetically ancient teleosts. The American eel has a slender, supple, snake-like body that is covered with a mucus layer, which makes the eel appear to be naked and slimy despite the presence of minute scales. A long dorsal fin runs from the middle of the back and is continuous with a similar ventral fin. Pelvic fins are absent, and relatively small pectoral fins can be found near the midline, followed by the head and gill covers. Variations exist in coloration, from olive green, brown shading to greenish-yellow and light gray or white on the belly. Eels from clear water are often lighter than those from dark, tannic acid streams.
Read more about American eel on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for American Eel in Maryland?
9 inch minimum in Maryland state waters.
How many American Eel can you keep per day in Maryland?
25 per person per day.
When is American Eel season in Maryland?
January 1 – August 31.
Is my American Eel a keeper today?
The american eel season is closed today. It is open January 1 – August 31.