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Maryland shellfish & crabs size limits and seasons

5 species, 2026 rules for state waters. Tap a species for every zone, the exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording and a keeper check. Updated 2026-10-04. All 92 Maryland species A–Z →

Species	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
American Lobster	April 1 – January 31	3.375–5.25 inch slot	100 per person per day
Blue Crab	April 1 – December 15	5 inch minimum (April 1 – July 14); 5.25 inch minimum (July 15 – December 15)	2 dozen males per person (unlicensed); 1 bushel or 6 dozen (licensed); females prohibited
Freshwater Mussels, Clams and Bivalves (nontidal)	Closed	—	—
Hard Clam	Open year-round	1 inch minimum	250 clams per person per day
Oyster	October 1 – March 31	3 inch minimum	100 oysters per person per day (Mon–Sat, sunrise to noon)