Reel Chesapeake

Maryland Trout Fishing Opening Day
2025-03-29 06:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MD
Assessed and organized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Maryland’s trout season officially opens March 29 at 6:30 a.m. Thousands of hatchery-raised brown, golden, and rainbow trout will be stocked in areas closed to fishing across the state in the weeks leading up to the event.
Click here for full details, rules, regs, and locations.

State of the Rivers: Sassafras & the Bayside Creeks
2025-04-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Betterton Fire Hall, 2 Howell Point Road, Betterton, MD, 21610, United States
ShoreRivers is pleased to announce the return of our highly anticipated State of the Rivers events—a series of free presentations held each spring to inform public about the current state of our Eastern Shore waterways.
Each year, between April—October, ShoreRivers’ professional Riverkeepers conduct weekly tidal sampling of more than 60 sites from Cecilton to Cambridge, then test for multiple scientific water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, nutrient pollution, algae, and clarity. These indicators reveal the overall health of our waterways and our progress toward protecting and restoring our local rivers.
The public is invited to learn more about the results of this testing, with a focus on the Sassafras River and the Bayside Creeks at this State of the Rivers presentation, hosted by Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher. Light refreshments, including local oysters, will be served.
Doors open at 5:30pm for a reception of wine, beer, and light appetizers. The formal presentations will begin at 6pm. This event is free—no registration needed!
Click here to learn more about this event.

State of the Rivers: Choptank
2025-04-24 17:30 - 19:00 | The Packing House, 411A Dorchester Avenue, Cambridge, MD, 21613, United States
ShoreRivers is pleased to announce the return of our highly anticipated State of the Rivers events—a series of free presentations held each spring to inform public about the current state of our Eastern Shore waterways.
Each year, between April—October, ShoreRivers’ professional Riverkeepers conduct weekly tidal sampling of more than 60 sites from Cecilton to Cambridge, then test for multiple scientific water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, nutrient pollution, algae, and clarity. These indicators reveal the overall health of our waterways and our progress toward protecting and restoring our local rivers.
The public is invited to learn more about the results of this testing, with a focus on the Choptank River at this State of the Rivers presentation, hosted by Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta. Light refreshments, including local oysters, will be served.
Doors open at 5:30pm for a reception of wine, beer, and light appetizers. The formal presentations will begin at 6pm. This event is free—no registration needed!
Click here to learn more about this event.

State of the Rivers: Chester
2025-05-01 17:30 - 19:00 | Cult Classic Brewing, 1169 Shopping Center Road, Stevensville, MD, 21666, United States
ShoreRivers is pleased to announce the return of our highly anticipated State of the Rivers events—a series of free presentations held each spring to inform public about the current state of our Eastern Shore waterways.
Each year, between April—October, ShoreRivers’ professional Riverkeepers conduct weekly tidal sampling of more than 60 sites from Cecilton to Cambridge, then test for multiple scientific water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, nutrient pollution, algae, and clarity. These indicators reveal the overall health of our waterways and our progress toward protecting and restoring our local rivers.
The public is invited to learn more about the results of this testing, with a focus on the Chester River at this State of the Rivers presentation, hosted by Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards. Light refreshments, including local oysters, will be served.
Doors open at 5:30pm for a reception of wine, beer, and light appetizers. The formal presentations will begin at 6pm. This event is free—no registration needed!
Click here to learn more about this event.

State of the Rivers: Miles, Wye & Eastern Bay
2025-05-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD, 21663, United States
ShoreRivers is pleased to announce the return of our highly anticipated State of the Rivers events—a series of free presentations held each spring to inform public about the current state of our Eastern Shore waterways.
Each year, between April—October, ShoreRivers’ professional Riverkeepers conduct weekly tidal sampling of more than 60 sites from Cecilton to Cambridge, then test for multiple scientific water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, nutrient pollution, algae, and clarity. These indicators reveal the overall health of our waterways and our progress toward protecting and restoring our local rivers.
The public is invited to learn more about the results of this testing, with a focus on the Miles and Wye rivers and Eastern Bay at this State of the Rivers presentation, hosted by Miles-Wye Riverkeeper Ben Ford. Light refreshments, including local oysters, will be served.
Doors open at 5:30pm for a reception of wine, beer, and light appetizers. The formal presentations will begin at 6pm. This event is free—no registration needed!
Click here to learn more about this event.

CCA Maryland Angler's Night Out - Speckled Trout Tips
2025-05-15 17:30 - 19:30 | West End Grill, 2049 West Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Join CCA Maryland at the West End Grill in Annapolis for Angler’s Night Out presented by Waterfront Marine for a talk by St. Mary’s County’s finest Mr. (former) captain Dennis Fleming.
Gather at 5:30pm w/ a talk and Q&A about everything you wanted to know about Speckled Trout.
This event is free and open to the public and seating is first come first serve, so arrive early and enjoy some great West End Grill offerings before the talks begin.
Click here for full details.

Summer Solstice with ShoreRivers
2025-06-28 18:00 - 22:00 | MD
Join ShoreRivers this summer for its beloved big-tent party on the banks of the Chester River!
Scheduled for Saturday, June 28, at Wilmer Park in Chestertown. For more than a decade, ShoreRivers has hosted the Summer Solstice Celebration on the banks of the Chester River. Enjoy live music by the Judd Nielsen Band, delicious food from Occasions Catering, signature cocktails, good company, and an exceptional live auction to benefit healthier local waterways.
Click here for full details.

Rock the Reef Bash
2025-09-27 17:30 - 20:30 | Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, 600 Discovery Land, Grasonville, MD, 21638, United States
Fourth annual fundraising event for Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, held at the organization’s Grasonville campus on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Features live music, food stations, auctions, and much more.
Live Music by Red Betty & the Ruckus
Catering by Bark Barbecue Cafe & Harris Seafood
Silent and Live Auction Items
$125/person (until July 15) • $150/person (after July 15)
Ticket purchases and sponsorships benefit CBEC’s Reef Restoration and Education Initiatives, including:

Creating new habitats for wildlife
Providing paid summer internships for college students
Transforming disadvantaged youth into future stewards of the Bay through summer camp scholarships
Upgrading onsite interpretive experiences for general visitors

Click here for full details and to purchase tickets.

Angler's Night Out - School of Rockfish
2025-09-30 17:30 - 19:30 | West End Grill, 2049 West Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Join CCA Maryland at the West End Grill in Annapolis for Angler’s Night Out presented by Waterfront Marine for a talk by Captain Tim Sughrue of the School of Rockfish Guide Service. Gather at 5:30pm w/ a talk and Q&A about everything you wanted to know about rockfish fishing in local waters. This event is free and open to the public and seating is first come first serve, so arrive early and enjoy some great West End Grill offerings before the talks begin.
Click here for details.

Swim & Paddle the South River
2025-10-05 08:00 - 12:00 | MD
This 5 Mile event celebrates the awesomeness of outdoor recreation on the South River and supports the efforts of Arundel Rivers Federation! We are a gathering of novice and experienced swimmers & paddlers celebrating the efforts of these organizations and the impact they have on inclusive water access and sustainable rivers. Each participant is required to fundraise at least $100 in addition to their registration fee. The tools to help you reach the fundraising goal will be provided. Fundraisers who exceed $500 will have their registration fee reimbursed.
Swimmers participate as pods. A pod is 2-4 similarly speeded swimmers. Every pod has a support boat with them. The Solo Swim All 5 Miles option allows for the pod to swim the entire distance with a dedicated paddler. Solo Pods may bring their own paddler, or request that option at check out. The Take a Turn Swim/Paddle pod functions as a relay, taking turns paddling. Swimmers may register with friends as a fully formed pod, or may register individually into one of our paced pods.
No speed pressures or equipment restrictions. Simply invigorating open water adventure with the friends you’ve got or the ones you’ll make! October is a perfect time of year to enjoy swimming & paddling the South River! The cool water temps (Mid – High 60s) and picturesque scenic shorelines collaborate for unforgettable memories! Our untimed events are executed with participant safety and enjoyment as top priorities. We work with community partners to bring experiences that connect you to the sports we love and to outdoor recreation in meaningful ways.
Click here to register and for full details.

Evening on the Falls
2025-10-25 18:00 - 21:00 | MD
Join Blue Water Baltimore for Evening on the Falls, a special event marking Blue Water Baltimore’s 15th anniversary. The organization will honor the progress made over the past 15 years and invest in the work still ahead to ensure a healthier, more resilient future for Baltimore’s waterways.
Held at True Chesapeake Restaurant in Baltimore.
Click here for full details.

Severn River Association: John Wright Speaker Series
2025-10-29 18:00 - 19:30 | MD
This month’s topic: “Lighthouses of the Chesapeake” with speaker Bob Stevenson, lighthouse expert.
Presentation Summary: There are varied approaches to preserving the 12 existing Chesapeake Lighthouses. Governments, nonprofits, and dedicated individuals have taken up the challenge. The results to date include successes, failures, and uncertain futures.
Bio: A Baltimore native and longtime sailor, Bob lives with his wife Melinda on Turkey Point Island where they treasure looking across the water to Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Bob has been leading tours aboard the lighthouse since the tours began in 2007.
Bob has served on the Board of Directors of the Chesapeake Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society as the Education Coordinator and public speaker, presenting lighthouse talks to groups of all ages.
Fun Fact about Bob: Though not related, as far as he knows, he shares his name with one of the most significant lighthouse engineers in history, Scotland’s Robert Stevenson, grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, and the first of a dynasty that became known as “The Lighthouse Stevensons.”
Click here for full details and to register.

2025 Chesapeake Watershed Forum
2025-11-07 10:30 - 2025-11-09 15:00 | National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV, 25414, United States
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s 20th Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum, held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is a watershed-wide event reaching over 400 restoration and protection practitioners to inspire and empower local action towards clean water. The Alliance will share successful tools and techniques, offer lessons and learnings from on-the-ground work, build capacities of local organizations, foster partnerships, educate on new initiatives and emerging practices, network with others, and celebrate our successes.
In-person registration and virtual registration available. Click here for full details.

2025 Arundel Rivers Federation Annual Meeting
2025-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Historic London Town & Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD, 21037, United States
Join Arundel Rivers Federation for our 2025 Annual Meeting. Help the organization celebrate a great year of fighting for our rivers and hear what it has planned for the year ahead. Light refreshments will be served and space is limited.
This meeting will be available virtually as well as in-person. There is no need to RSVP for the in-person meeting. If you’re interested in attending the meeting virtually, please email us at Charlotte@arundelrivers.org for the link.
Click here for full details.

Kent Island Fishermen's 15th Annual Fishing Expo
2026-01-31 08:00 - 2026-02-01 15:00 | MD
January 31 and February 1, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. $4 admission (16yo and younger, free). Fishing and crabbing vendors, charters, seminars, and more! At the Kent Island American Legion Post #278 in Stevensville, Maryland.
Click here to visit the Kent Island Fishermen’s website/Facebook page for full details.

Watershed Stewards Academy 14th Annual Conference
2026-02-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Maritime Conference Center, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum Heights, 21090, United States
Save the Date: February 28, 2026
A full-day of informative sessions on conservation, critical area law, outdoor planning, stormwater management, native flora and fauna, environmental best practices, and so much more. Breakfast, lunch, keynote addresses, awards, and networking included.
Click here for full details.

Shad Night 2026!
2026-03-01 16:00 - 19:00 | Orvis Tysons Corner, 8365-A Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
Friends of Fletcher’s Cove’s annual “Shad Night 2026” will be held February 22nd March 1st IN-PERSON, 4-8 p.m. at Orvis Tysons Corner. This years marks a return to the event’s social, in-person origins with a guest panel of speakers sharing angling and scientific insights about the American and Hickory Shad spring run in the Potomac and other regional rivers.
The local fishing community is cordially invited to Shad Night, 2026. Finally returning to being held in person for the first time since 2020, FFC is partnering with Orvis Tysons Corner to offer a fun and informative evening. Being only a few weeks before the return of shad to area rivers, several guest speakers will share plenty of info to make sure your season is a great one! All attendees will receive a free grand raffle ticket just for attending! Purchase additional raffle tickets for prizes offered by our participants. Snacks and refreshments will be provided!
Click here or here for full details and to register yourself at the event.

Arundel Rivers on the Half Shell
2026-03-14 18:00 - 21:00 | MD
Get your tickets now for Saturday, March 14, 2026 at YMCA Camp Letts in Edgewater, MD from 6-9 pm! Arundel Rivers on the Half Shell is the organization’s largest, annual fundraising event. Join Arundel Rivers for a fun-filled evening featuring camp fare, drinks, oysters, and a silent auction – all benefitting Arundel Rivers!
Click here for more details.

Maryland Fly Fishing & Collectible Tackle Show
2026-03-21 09:00 - 16:00 | West Village Commons, 404 Emerson Drive, Towson, MD, 21204, United States
One of the east coast’s premier shows, the Maryland Fly Fishing and Collectible Tackle Show brings together fishing enthusiasts throughout the mid-Atlantic region with high-quality fly-fishing dealers for a day of tackle review, sales, demonstrations, seminars, clinics, and conversation. Plus, a number of collectible fly-fishing tackle dealers on hand, offering a unique selection of vintage and rare items for collectors and enthusiasts. From vintage rods and reels to rare flies, you will find a wide variety of collectibles to choose from.
At the West Village Commons in Towson, Maryland, 404 Emerson Drive, Towson, MD 21204
West Village Commons is located on the west side of Towson University’s campus. The campus is enjoying Spring Break this weekend so the campus is open to our show. There is FREE garage parking and a short walk to the event building.
Click here for full details.

Angler's Night Out - Annapolis Chapter w/ John Veil Presenting
2026-03-26 17:30 - 19:30 | West End Grill, 2049 West Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Join CCA Maryland and it’s Annapolis Chapter at West End Grill for Angler’s Night Out with awards given for the Pickerel Championship, along with a special presentation by angler John Veil. Gather at 5:30pm, talk at 6pm. This event is free and open to the public and seating is first come first serve, so arrive early.
Click here for details.

Mid-Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Roundtable Webinar
2026-03-31 15:00 - 18:00 | MD
NOAA Fisheries is hosting a mid-Atlantic recreational fisheries constituent roundtable via webinar.
The meeting will provide NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic leadership and the recreational fishing community an opportunity to connect with one another. Following some brief presentations, this meeting will be an open forum to discuss the priorities, concerns, and topics of interest to recreational fishermen.
Click here to register for link to the event.

ASA's Keep America Fishing Fly-In 2026
2026-04-12 15:00 - 2026-04-15 12:00 | The Royal Sonesta, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
Four day sportfishing/legislative conference/expo event in the heart of Washington, D.C. Connect with legislators, engage with top Administration officials, and gain insight into the sportfishing policies shaping our future. Experience Washington, DC’s most notable attractions and take part in hands-on advocacy training for first-time attendees.
Click here for full details, schedule, and registration information.

CCA Maryland - Greater Washington Chapter Meeting
2026-04-30 17:00 - 19:00 | MD
Join CCA Maryland for the 3rd Greater Washington chapter event of 2026!
Chapter leadership will meet at The Hunter’s Hound at 5 pm for a chapter meeting, on the docket we’ll discuss passion projects around the DC area and how to utilize CCA’s cache and contacts to accomplish those objectives, as well as a planning discussion on the chapter banquet scheduled for Thursday, February 18th, 2027, followed by a chapter happy hour.
All CCA Maryland members and non-members are welcome to attend either the 5 pm leadership meeting, happy hour, or both!
Come one, come all to make new friends with like-minded folks and discover what CCA has in store for the Greater Washington, D.C. area in 2026 and beyond.
This is a casual, low-key event, perfect for anyone unfamiliar with CCA Maryland.
Click here for full details.

Howard County Spring Fishing Tournament
2026-05-02 06:00 - 13:00 | Centennial Park & Lake, 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD, 21042, United States
Howard County Recreation & Park’s fun, spring fishing tournament returns. Boat or shoreline anglers, fish for prizes in this catch-and-release event. Children 13 years and under win prizes and trophies. Adults win prize money and trophies. Prize categories include bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and trout. T-shirts are given to preregistered participants. Bring bait and tackle. Electric motors only.
Click here for full details and to register.

CCA Maryland - Annapolis Chapter Angler's Night Out
2026-05-14 17:30 - 19:30 | MD
Annapolis anglers—discover Smarter Fish Measurement Using AI Tools with Glen Odor of Big Fish Daily & Fishtechy. Glen will introduce Fishtechy, an innovative AI-powered system that instantly measures fish from a simple photo—bringing unprecedented accuracy, fairness, and efficiency to catch-photo-release fishing and tournaments. Learn how this cutting-edge technology is changing the way fish are documented, verified, and shared, and what it means for the future of recreational fishing.

Date: Thursday, May 14

Time: Gather at 5:30 PM — Talk & Q&A follow

Location: West End Grill

Cost: Completely free and open to all—just bring your questions and fishing spirit

Seats are first‑come, first-served. Arrive early to grab a good spot and maybe a bite before the talk.
Click here for full details.

Lucky & Blessed Fishing's 4th Annual Autism Awareness Fishing Event
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21409, United States
Join Lucky & Blessed Fishing (LABF) at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis for a special Autism Awareness Community Fishing Event designed for all ages and abilities. This is a fun, welcoming, and inclusive day on the water—whether it’s your first time fishing or you’re a seasoned angler, everyone is welcome.
💙 What to Expect on May 16:

🎣 Fishing (onshore + limited boat experiences)

🍽️ Food provided by Newk’s Eatery

🎯 Games & activities

🎁 Free prizes for participants

🏆 Tournament winners recognized

🤝 Supportive, inclusive environment for all ages and abilities

Click here to register and for more details.

Maryland Free Fishing Day
2026-06-06, 2026-06-13 | MD
During a free fishing day, a person may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of the State for recreational purposes without an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the State, but shall otherwise observe all fishing laws and regulations. Maryland’s free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and July 4.
Click here for full details.

2026 Annapolis Decoy Show
2026-06-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Annapolis Elks Lodge #622, 2517 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD, 21037, United States
2026 Annapolis Decoy Show sponsored by the Potomac Decoy Collectors Association and held at the Elks Lodge in Edgewater, Maryland. Attendees can view, buy, sell, and trade antique and contemporary duck decoys, hunting and fishing items, paintings, prints, and sporting art, books, hunting and fishing license, shell boxes, fishing lures, and so much more from over 40 dealers. World-class decoy carvers from Maryland will be exhibiting and attendees can purchase their incredible works.
Contact: Chad Tragakis at (703) 593-3024 or chad.tragakis@gmail.com.
Click here for full details.

Bands in the Sand
2026-06-13 17:30 - 22:00 | Philip Merrill Environmental Center, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD, 21403, United States
Click here for full details.
Celebrating 20 years of Bands in the Sand!
Bands in the Sand is the party of the year, and you won’t want to miss it! For two decades, Bay savers from across the region gathered on the warm beach, danced to live music, enjoyed all-inclusive food and drink, and raised a drink to a saved Bay.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bands in the Sand, we are humbled to reflect on the memories made and impact created through this event. Since its inception, Bands in the Sand has raised $5.5 million to help save the Bay. This is thanks to every sponsor, donor, and attendee who has made Bands in the Sand the kick-off to summer. A special thank you to Dick Franyo, who stood on the Philip Merrill Environmental Center beach 20 years ago and had the brilliant idea to host the most fun fundraiser on the Chesapeake.
