Maryland vs Pennsylvania fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Pennsylvania is $3.03 cheaper than Maryland. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Maryland is $5.97 cheaper than Pennsylvania. You need a license from age 16 in Maryland and in Pennsylvania.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $35 | $31.97 |
| 3 days | $35 | $31.97 |
| 7 days | $45 | $39.47 |
| 1 year | $55 | $60.97 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $32 | $27.97 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Maryland | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Resident senior consolidated license (65 and over): $12 (ages 65+) | Senior resident annual fishing license (65 and over): $14.47 (ages 65+) Senior resident lifetime fishing license (65 and over): $86.97 (ages 65+) 3-year senior resident fishing license: $39.47 (ages 65+) 5-year senior resident fishing license: $64.47 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Sat, Jun 5, 2027 Sat, Jun 12, 2027 Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | – | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | 12 months from purchase | To 12-31 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Maryland fishing license · Pennsylvania fishing license
Shared waters
Conowingo and Youghiogheny reservoirs (Pennsylvania portions) (Maryland rules)
Pennsylvania residents with a Pennsylvania license may fish the Pennsylvania portion without a Maryland license, while a reciprocal agreement is in place. Secondary source: Maryland Natural Resources Article 4-606 (LegalFix)
Conowingo Reservoir and Youghiogheny River Lake (Maryland) (Pennsylvania rules)
A Pennsylvania or Maryland license is valid only when fishing from a boat, not from shore. Official source
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Trout |
Trout (all species) |
Trout (all species) |
| Walleye |
15" minimum; bag 5 |
Walleye and saugeye |
| Crappie |
No minimum; bag 15 |
Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish |
| Striped bass |
Striped bass: set each year |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
| Northern pike |
30" minimum; bag 2 |
24" minimum; bag 2 |
| Yellow perch |
9" minimum; bag 5 (Non-tidal rivers and streams; 2 more) |
Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish |
| Muskellunge (muskie) |
Muskellunge and tiger muskie |
Muskellunge and tiger muskellunge |
Questions
Is a Maryland fishing license valid in Pennsylvania?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Conowingo and Youghiogheny reservoirs (Pennsylvania portions); Conowingo Reservoir and Youghiogheny River Lake (Maryland).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Maryland or Pennsylvania?
1 day (fresh water): Maryland $35, Pennsylvania $31.97. 1 year (fresh water): Maryland $55, Pennsylvania $60.97.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Maryland and Pennsylvania?
You need a license from age 16 in Maryland and in Pennsylvania.