Chain Pickerel (nontidal) regulations in Maryland

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A chain pickerel (nontidal) is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 5.

Chain Pickerel (nontidal) size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
Maryland nontidal waters (statewide; special areas differ)	Open year-round	14 inch minimum	5 per person per day

Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording

Season: Open year-round
Size: 14 inches
Limit: Daily—5 Possession—10
Inland waters — as printed: “CHAIN PICKEREL | 14 inches | Open Year Round | Daily—5 Possession—10”

Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

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About the chain pickerel

Species of freshwater fish

The chain pickerel, also known as Jackfish, Mud Pike, or Southern Pike is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family of order Esociformes. The chain pickerel and the American pickerel belong to the Esox genus of pike.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Chain Pickerel (nontidal) in Maryland?

14 inch minimum in Maryland state waters.

How many Chain Pickerel (nontidal) can you keep per day in Maryland?

5 per person per day.

When is Chain Pickerel (nontidal) season in Maryland?

Open year-round.

Is my Chain Pickerel (nontidal) a keeper today?

A chain pickerel (nontidal) is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 5.