Maryland DNR Announces 2026 Summer Flounder Fishery Regulations Amid Federal Rule Discrepancies

State of MD - The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced modifications to the season, catch limit, and minimum size for the 2026 summer flounder fishery.

These new regulations are effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 19, 2026. This action is implemented under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.

A discrepancy currently exists between state and federal regulations. This inconsistency is caused by an administrative delay in the publication and implementation of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources notes that this delay may create confusion and socioeconomic harm. Letters have been sent by state agencies and officials to the U.S. Department of Commerce urging an immediate remedy to the situation.

For recreational anglers in State waters, the season is open from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Anglers are permitted to keep up to four fish per person per day. The recreational minimum size in State waters is 16 inches from January 1 through May 31, 2026.

This size increases to 17-1/2 inches from June 1 through December 31, 2026.

In federal waters, the recreational season is restricted to May 8 through September 30, 2026. The catch limit is set at three fish per person per day. The minimum size in federal waters remains 18-1/2 inches at all times during the open season.

Commercial regulations also vary by jurisdiction and gear. In State waters, the commercial minimum size for hook and line gear is 16 inches from January 1 through May 31, 2026, and 17-1/2 inches from June 1 through December 31, 2026. For gear other than hook and line, the minimum size is 14 inches. In federal waters, the commercial hook and line minimum size is 18-1/2 inches, while other gear remains restricted to a 14-inch minimum.

These rules apply to all individuals catching summer flounder recreationally or commercially. "State waters" encompass the Chesapeake Bay, its tidal tributaries, and all waters of the Atlantic Ocean within three nautical miles of the coast.

"Federal waters" begin three nautical miles from the coast and extend to 200 miles offshore. Individuals holding a federal Summer Flounder Charter/Party permit are required to follow the more restrictive federal rules, even when fishing in State waters.

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service maintains the authority to modify or waive the measures applied to federal waters. An updated notice will be issued if federal regulations are changed.