Brown trout. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin its annual fall trout stocking program the first full week in October. The program will bring thousands of hatchery-raised rainbow, brown, and golden rainbow trout to streams and impoundments across the state. This initiative provides recreational fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels throughout the autumn months.
“This popular program enhances fishing opportunities and emphasizes our lakes, streams, and community waters,” said Greg Anderson, DNR’s Coldwater Fish Production Program manager. “We encourage anglers to get out, enjoy the fall season, and spend time fishing with family and friends.”
Crews will stock 26 waterbodies with more than 15,000 brown, golden rainbow, and rainbow trout averaging just less than a pound each. Anglers should consult the Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing or the DNR website for current fishing regulations. The waterbodies will be determined based on local conditions at the time of stocking. Daily updates with locations and numbers of trout stocked will be posted on DNR’s trout stocking webpage and shared through email and social media.
In the coming years, enhancements are coming to the trout stocking program as the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery construction project is underway, with completion set for the spring of 2028. The project is in its early phases, with dirt work, footer and wall construction, and the rerouting of waterlines and electrical systems in progress.
The hatchery is currently closed to visitors, but operations and stocking will continue during construction. This project is a critical part of the state’s commitment to recreational angling. Renovations will modernize the facility and include a water recirculation system, ultraviolet light and filtration systems, upgraded wastewater treatment, a new hatch building, and modernized supporting infrastructure, such as electrical, security, office space, and a visitor center. These improvements will allow DNR to raise more healthy trout.
To fish for trout, a valid Maryland fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years of age and older, in addition to a trout stamp. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online through DNR’s MD Outdoors portal or from licensed agents. Fishing license, tackle, boat, and marine fuel purchases fund DNR’s fish conservation work.
