Can I Keep?Yellow Perch Regulations in Maryland (2026)
Recreational yellow perch rules in Maryland saltwater, as published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Last checked November 7, 2026.
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Recreational Yellow Perch rules in Maryland
- Where
- Waters of the State (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- Except as provided in COMAR 08.02.11, the minimum size for yellow perch harvested from waters of the State is 9 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- Creel and Possession Limits. Except as provided in COMAR 08.02.11, the daily catch and possession limit for yellow perch is five fish per person per day.
- Season
- The recreational season is open year round.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 8½" minimum 11" maximum
- Season
- 1/1 through 3/31 / 12/1 through 12/31 / Season CLOSED All Other Dates / Fyke nets are prohibited in certain areas of tributaries in February and March (see regulation) / See Regulation for Fishing Areas (Upper Bay; Chester River; Patuxent River) / Must have permit and tags / Daily reporting required / Hook and Line - 10/person/day / All Other Gear - Patuxent River Area - 150 lbs/person/day / No limits in other 2 areas / Areas will be CLOSED by public notice when quota has been caught
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: COMAR 08.02.21.03 COMAR 08.02.25.09
Quick answers
What is the yellow perch size limit in Maryland?
Except as provided in COMAR 08.02.11, the minimum size for yellow perch harvested from waters of the State is 9 inches total length..
How many yellow perch can I keep in Maryland?
Creel and Possession Limits. Except as provided in COMAR 08.02.11, the daily catch and possession limit for yellow perch is five fish per person per day..
When is yellow perch season in Maryland?
The recreational season is open year round.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More inshore in Maryland
All Maryland saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Most anglers need a Maryland saltwater license or registry: get one here.