Maryland state waters, out to 3 miles
Listed with no recreational size or creel limits.
MD DNR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Atlantic thread herringLast dorsal ray trails a long thread. Tell them apartNot listed by Maryland: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
AlewifeSingle spot only, slimmer. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Deep-bodied herring with a big black shoulder spot trailed by smaller spots; swims in tight flipping schools. More on the Atlantic menhaden page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic menhaden in other states7 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for Atlantic menhaden in Maryland?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic menhaden can you keep in Maryland?
No bag limit.
When is Atlantic menhaden season in Maryland?
Open year-round.
How current is this Maryland Atlantic menhaden rule?
Source: MD DNR 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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