Maryland Cuts Yellow Perch Limit as Fish Struggle to Rebound in Chesapeake Bay

Maryland lowers recreational catch limit for struggling yellow perch

Steve Lay of Havre de Grace catches a yellow perch near the mouth of the Susquehanna River. (Photo by Dave Harp/Chesapeake Bay Journal)By Timothy B. Wheeler The Chesapeake Bay Journal On a frigid, breezy morning in early January, Steve Lay bundled up against the cold and took his boat out from Havre de Grace to the mouth of the Susquehanna River. He dropped a line in the water, hoping to hook his favorite fish — yellow perch. “I like them better…

Maryland cuts yellow perch limit as fish struggle to rebound in Chesapeake Bay

Maryland anglers heading out for yellow perch this winter are now limited to just five fish per person per day in tidal waters and rivers, a move state officials say is necessary to help the struggling population recover.

Maryland Takes Action To Protect Yellow Perch Following Low Recruitment - The BayNet

Angler Cayla Beam caught this yellow perch at Tuckahoe Creek on Dec. 6, 2025. For many anglers, winter fishing for yellow perch is an annual tradition. Photo by Justin Wilson ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In response to six years of low recruitment, Maryland recreational anglers who fish this year for yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in tidal waters, and freshwater streams and rivers will be allowed to keep five yellow perch per person per day. The minimum si…