Where to fish: the waterways themselves — guides, live gauge conditions and fishing windows for each. Ramps, marinas and bait shops live in the Places Directory.
Inlet jetties, Assateague sand flea surf rigs, Spanish mackerel Clark spoons, and Route 50 pier spot rules.
Mattawoman snakehead frogs, Fletcher's Cove spring shad darts, Chain Bridge smallmouth Ned rigs, and blue catfish slip sinkers.
Flats spring striper topwater poppers, Conowingo Dam hydro tailrace, C&D Canal 3oz bank sinker catfish rigs, and perch spinners.
Purchase non-tidal, Chesapeake Bay, and coastal sport fishing licenses directly.
Station #8573968 real-time water level and tide predictions.
Station #8573927 current flow and tidal velocity calculations.
Map of Cecil County & Upper Bay public launches, piers, and soft launches.
Read directly from the NOAA CO-OPS and USGS gauges named on each card. Every value carries the time it was measured; where a gauge has nothing recent, the card says so rather than showing a number.
Gauge reports as: Cambridge, MD
NOAA tide gauge at the mouth of the Severn — the central-Bay reference for the Annapolis and Eastern Bay grounds.
Gauge reports as: Charlestown, Northeast River, MD
NOAA tide gauge at the head of the Bay — the closest observation to the Susquehanna Flats and the North East River.
Gauge reports as: Chesapeake City, MD
NOAA gauge in the canal cut, where current runs hardest and the Elk River mixes with Delaware water.
Best For: Kids, beginners & shore anglers.
Target: White perch, yellow perch & catfish.
Equipment: MIDCHANNEL rod with 1/8oz Beetle Spinner or bottom dropper rig baited with bloodworms.
Amenities: Restrooms, paved pier, parking & picnic area.
Best For: Boat & kayak anglers (April-May).
Target: Spawning Striped Bass (Rockfish).
Equipment: MIDCHANNEL rod + FAIRLEAD 3000 reel with 20lb braid, 25lb fluro leader, and 1/2oz swimbaits.
Strategy: Launch at Havre de Grace, drift grass edges on rising tide.
Best For: Kayak cover specialists (June-August).
Target: Northern Snakehead & Tidal Bass.
Equipment: MIDCHANNEL rod with 30lb braid tied direct to 1/2oz hollow-body weedless frog.
Strategy: Soft launch at Hacks Point, work pad edges during warm afternoon sun.
World-renowned spring catch-and-release striper fishery over shallow SAV grass beds. Ideal for topwater walking baits and 3/4oz swimbait jigs.
Public deep-water launch ramp providing immediate access to the mouth of the Susquehanna River and North East River flats.
Historic wharf launch site on the North East River. Excellent spring yellow perch and white perch fishing right off the pier.
Located at Turkey Point at the mouth of the Elk and North East Rivers. High-volume public launch with access to open Bay waters.
Protected creek arms and spatterdock beds housing trophy northern snakehead and tidal largemouth. Outstanding topwater frog habitat.
Deep brackish river system offering full-service marinas, fuel docks, and access to Sassafras River striper and perch drops.
Deep navigational canal connecting Chesapeake & Delaware Bays. Strong currents hold big striped bass and channel catfish along riprap banks.
Public waterfront park overlooking Furnace Bay and the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Fishing pier and kayak soft launch available.
Scenic freshwater stream running through Cecil County. Stocked trout in spring and smallmouth bass during summer wading trips.
Spring fed stream emptying into Furnace Bay near historic Principio Iron Works. Excellent light-tackle yellow perch fishing.
Protected marsh cove near the mouth of the North East River. Excellent kayak fishing for red drum and striped bass.
Famous Potomac River fishery for spring hickory and American shad runs, as well as heavy northern snakehead cover.
Delaware Bay salt marsh access featuring a public fishing pier and boat launch for weakfish, croaker, and black drum.
Southern New Jersey surf fishing hotspot for fall stripers, bluefish, flounder, and black sea bass along coastal jetties.
Gunpowder River launch ramp and fishing boardwalk. Outstanding tidal largemouth bass and chain pickerel habitat.
Harford County public boat ramp providing quick access to the Bush River and Chesapeake Bay main stem.
Protected creek arm off Middle River. Excellent winter yellow perch schooling and spring crappie docks.
Deep-water public fishing pier extending into the Patapsco River mouth. Ideal for striper trolling and bottom fishing.
Located under the Route 450 bridge over the Severn River. Premier night fishing spot for striped bass and white perch.
Massive state park fishing pier crossing the Choptank River. Renowned for croaker, spot, weakfish, and fall striper runs.
Every access point we track, each with its own guide page — conditions, reports and nearby gear.
Public boat launch and seawall access near RFK Stadium. Exceptional tidal catfish and largemouth bass fishing in urban river channels.
Open guide →Full-service marina known for high-and-dry storage and a public-facing ramp.
North East Harbor / River
Open guide →Dedicated soft launch for Otter Point Creek.
Open guide →NOAA tide gauge at the mouth of the Severn — the central-Bay reference for the Annapolis and Eastern Bay grounds.
Open guide →Miles of untouched Atlantic surf beaches. Over-sand vehicle (OSV) access for 4x4 trucks equipped with surf rod holders and tire deflators.
Open guide →Access to Sinepuxent Bay.
Open guide →Marina near OC inlet.
Open guide →Full-service bayside marina, tackle shop and boat-rental hub.
Isle of Wight Bay / Ocean City
Open guide →Long-running full-service marina and boatyard; Maryland Clean Marina.
North East River
Open guide →Despite map label, reviews indicate this is essentially hand-carry/soft access.
Chesapeake Bay
Open guide →Rock Hall area launch giving quick access to the Bay.
Open guide →Waterfront park/landing near the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry.
Tred Avon River
Open guide →Access to the Transquaking River marshlands.
Open guide →Nanticoke River access.
Open guide →Seasonal public-facing outfitter at Hyatt with sandy beach launch.
Choptank River
Open guide →Outfitter with on-water launch access for rentals and guided trips.
Little Blackwater River / Blackwater NWR
Open guide →Public launch and fishing access near Eastern Neck NWR.
Chester River / Eastern Neck
Open guide →Soft launch for paddling the Bohemia River.
Open guide →On-site
Marina users; trailered launch reported
Open guide →Small free public landing; limited facilities.
Broad Creek / Conowingo Reservoir
Open guide →Urban waterfront public launch and fishing/crabbing access.
Middle Branch / Patapsco River
Open guide →Quiet road-end public landing; minimal infrastructure.
Chester River
Open guide →Large riverfront town park with ramp and paved parking.
Pocomoke River
Open guide →Downtown Cambridge access to Cambridge Creek.
Open guide →Choptank River access in Cambridge.
Open guide →Well-protected city-run marina walkable to downtown Cambridge.
Choptank River / Cambridge Creek
Open guide →Eight-acre waterfront park with boat ramp and fishing pier.
Baltimore Harbor / Patapsco
Open guide →County public marina and park with ramp access.
Nanticoke River
Open guide →Corsica River access.
Open guide →Full-service family-operated marina with covered/uncovered slips and storage.
North East River
Open guide →Town ramp at Water/Market Streets; exposed to wave action at times.
North East River
Open guide →NOAA tide gauge at the head of the Bay — the closest observation to the Susquehanna Flats and the North East River.
Open guide →Soft launch and small ramp on Nanticoke River.
Open guide →Soft launch at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center; guided tours available seasonally.
CBEC preserve / Chesapeake Bay tributaries
Open guide →Small public municipal/county launch near the C&D Canal.
C&D Canal / Chesapeake City
Open guide →NOAA gauge in the canal cut, where current runs hardest and the Elk River mixes with Delaware water.
Open guide →Ramp and marina services on the Chester River.
Open guide →Small public waterfront pocket park; limited space for trailer turning.
St. Michaels waterfront
Open guide →County-managed public marina and launch site.
Choptank River
Open guide →USGS gauge on the upper Choptank — the freshwater signal for the Eastern Shore's largest tributary.
Open guide →Quiet public access point; narrow ramp.
Choptank River
Open guide →Access to Eastern Bay.
Open guide →Quiet public landing; shallow depth makes tide important.
Tidal Chester River area
Open guide →Waterfront park with boat ramps and fishing pier.
Back River
Open guide →Direct access to Tangier Sound.
Open guide →Fishing Bay access.
Open guide →Upper Chester River access.
Open guide →Public launch adjacent to the Choptank waterfront/visitor center area.
Choptank River
Open guide →County-managed public launch with trailer-friendly parking.
Tangier Sound / Deal Island waters
Open guide →Access to Tangier Sound.
Open guide →Simple single-ramp public landing with very limited trailer parking.
Upper Chester River
Open guide →Full-service marina with slip rentals, storage/haul-out, launch services and repair.
Upper Chesapeake / Elkton waterfront
Open guide →Access into the Patapsco River tributaries.
Open guide →Full marina and ramp access to the Gunpowder River.
Open guide →Wildlife refuge soft launch.
Open guide →Soft launch for paddling.
Open guide →Tred Avon River access.
Open guide →County public launch and day-use park; fishing and paddling access.
Elk River
Open guide →Remote access to Fishing Bay and Tangier Sound.
Open guide →Historic rowboat rental boathouse below Chain Bridge. The premier Mid-Atlantic destination for spring hickory and American shad runs.
Open guide →Easy access to the Bush River and upper Bay.
Open guide →Large public launch with multiple ramps, courtesy docks and abundant parking.
Choptank River
Open guide →Sassafras River access point with marina services nearby.
Open guide →Full-service marina and boatyard with dockage, fuel and repairs.
Sassafras River
Open guide →Miles River tributary access.
Open guide →Private marina/launch within GlenRiddle community.
West Ocean City / Isle of Wight Bay area
Open guide →Eastern Bay tributary access.
Open guide →Small, secluded family-run marina.
Grays Inn Creek
Open guide →City park/public launch location with fishing and family amenities.
Choptank River
Open guide →County-run public launch with direct Bay access.
Chesapeake Bay / Rock Hall
Open guide →Straightforward county launch close to Ocean City.
Turville Creek / Isle of Wight Bay
Open guide →Access to the Gunpowder River.
Open guide →Security-gated urban marina in Harbor East.
Inner Harbor / Patapsco
Open guide →Protected full-service marina and boatyard.
Swan Creek / Chesapeake Bay
Open guide →Resort-style full-service yachting center.
Rock Hall Harbor
Open guide →Compact working marina and service yard.
Susquehanna / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Floating-dock downtown marina associated with Havre de Grace Marine Center.
Susquehanna / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Town-run marina at the mouth of the Susquehanna with transient slips and a pump-out station.
Susquehanna River
Open guide →Public ramp within the city waterfront/yacht-basin area.
Susquehanna River / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →City-operated municipal yacht basin at Millard Tydings Memorial Park.
Susquehanna River / Chesapeake Bay
Open guide →Marina services near the Bay Bridge.
Open guide →Working boatyard and private marina in the heart of St. Michaels.
St. Michaels Harbor
Open guide →Middle Hooper Island access to Honga River.
Open guide →Small waterfront community park with launch access.
Lynch Cove / Bear Creek
Open guide →USGS gauge at the fall line — the flow feeding the tidal James and the upper estuary below the city.
Open guide →Premier paddling destination.
Open guide →Small waterfront city park with boat launch, kayak launch, fishing pier and parking.
Susquehanna River / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Heavily used launch with swift current and boat traffic.
Kent Narrows / Chester River
Open guide →Full-service marina on Kent Island bay side.
Chesapeake Bay / Kent Island
Open guide →NOAA gauge at the mouth of Delaware Bay — the coastal reference for the DE bayshore and inlet runs.
Open guide →Large renovated marina; Maryland Clean Marina.
Canton waterfront / Patapsco
Open guide →Quiet soft launch focused on paddling/fishing.
Little Blackwater River
Open guide →Full-service resort-style marina with waterfront entertainment component.
Frog Mortar Creek / Middle River
Open guide →Family-owned full-service marina.
Chester River / Langford Creek
Open guide →County-managed public landing with concrete ramp.
Piney Neck / Chester River tributaries
Open guide →Full-service marina and working boatyard; Maryland Clean Marina.
Bohemia River
Open guide →Well-laid-out public launch in Mariner Point Park.
Gunpowder River system
Open guide →Small-craft access within Marshy Point Park & Nature Center.
Dundee Creek
Open guide →Primary public boat launch within Martinak State Park.
Watts Creek / Choptank River
Open guide →Large full-service marina; Maryland Clean Marina.
Frog Mortar Creek / Middle River
Open guide →Popular Bay bridge area launch.
Open guide →Secluded hand-launch at end of Blades Road.
Pocomoke River / Pocomoke State Forest
Open guide →Full-service marina/boatyard with dockage and common boater amenities.
North East River
Open guide →County park with renovated boat ramp and separate soft launch.
Bear Creek / waterfront
Open guide →Access to the Chesapeake Bay near Bowleys Quarters.
Open guide →Popular soft launch for rowing and kayaking.
Open guide →Quieter Pocomoke River State Park area with well-liked ramp and ample parking.
Pocomoke River
Open guide →Private yacht club with marina/transient dockage amenities.
Long Haul Creek / Miles River
Open guide →OC bay access.
Open guide →Straightforward public landing used by watermen and recreational boaters.
Broad Creek / Harris Creek area
Open guide →Elk Neck State Park beach area with hand-launch just north of swimming area.
Susquehanna Flats / Chesapeake Bay
Open guide →Family-owned full-service marina in historic Charlestown.
North East River
Open guide →Soft launch and small ramp on the North East River.
Open guide →Local park with paddlecraft put-in for casual kayaking/canoeing.
Johnson Pond
Open guide →Service-forward marina in West Ocean City's commercial harbor.
West Ocean City commercial harbor / Inlet
Open guide →County water access with pier and paddling-friendly launch.
Oak Creek / Miles River
Open guide →Large full-service marina and charter-fishing hub minutes from inlet.
Ocean City Inlet
Open guide →NOAA gauge on the inlet jetty — the coastal reference for surf, inlet and nearshore trips.
Open guide →St. Martin River access.
Open guide →Resort-style marina with 160-slip layout reported.
Rock Hall / Swan Creek area
Open guide →Small ramp for shallower draft vessels.
Open guide →No-frills roadside access suited to human-powered craft.
Otter Point Creek
Open guide →No-frills public launch at end of Tilghman Street.
Town Creek / Tred Avon River
Open guide →Authentic working Chesapeake boatyard and marina.
Back Creek / Hoopers Island
Open guide →Renovated full-service marina with protected setting and floating docks.
Susquehanna / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Town-operated community ramp with scenic river access.
Susquehanna River / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Public waterfront park overlooking Furnace Bay. Features a fishing pier, pavilions, and soft kayak launch.
Open guide →Waterfront marina in Ocean Pines/Berlin area.
Isle of Wight Bay
Open guide →Major marina at Kent Narrows.
Open guide →Pocomoke River access.
Open guide →Marina and ramp access on the Susquehanna River.
Open guide →City marina at the headwaters of the Wicomico River; reviews mention great boat ramps and ample parking.
Wicomico River
Open guide →Informal roadside soft launch popular for downriver shuttle paddles.
Upper Pocomoke River
Open guide →NOAA gauge on the tidal Potomac at Washington — tide and stage for the upper river above the Wilson Bridge.
Open guide →USGS gauge above tidewater. The discharge here is what sets clarity and current on the tidal Potomac a day later.
Open guide →Map-listed ramp associated with the larger Public Landing facility.
Chincoteague Bay
Open guide →Scenic county waterfront access with ramps, pier, small beach and leased slips.
Chincoteague Bay
Open guide →Small public landing with concrete ramp, short pier and adjacent sandy area.
Chester River
Open guide →Chester River access near Queenstown Creek.
Open guide →USGS gauge at the fall line — the discharge that sets clarity and current on the tidal Rappahannock downstream.
Open guide →Recently rebuilt public launch near downtown Salisbury.
Wicomico River
Open guide →Nanticoke River access.
Open guide →Destination marina with lodging and resort-style amenities.
Rock Hall Harbor
Open guide →Excellent Bay access on the Eastern Shore.
Open guide →Large public boat ramp with access to Chesapeake Bay and Back River.
Open guide →Launch within Rocky Point Park & Beach; open-water conditions can get rough.
Back River / Hawk Cove / Chesapeake Bay
Open guide →Primary launch facility at Elk Neck State Park.
Elk River / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Chester River marina and ramp.
Open guide →Access to Eastern Bay.
Open guide →Lighted public pier extending into the main channel beneath the Route 50 bridge. Excellent night fishing for stripers, bluefish, and fluke.
Ocean City Inlet
Open guide →Access to Goose Creek and Tangier Sound.
Open guide →Large full-service marina supporting vessels roughly 10-100 ft, per operator materials.
Kent Narrows
Open guide →Working waterfront marina and full-service yard.
Deal Island / Tangier Sound area
Open guide →Dependable public launch with easy access, parking and basic restroom.
Warwick River / Secretary area
Open guide →Quiet county launch convenient to Ocean Pines/Ocean City.
Bishopville Prong / St. Martin River system
Open guide →Pocomoke River access near the state line.
Open guide →Full-service marina offering wet slips, transient dockage, fuel, storage and repairs.
North East River
Open guide →Clean quiet public launch popular with paddlers.
Shipyard Creek / Langford Creek
Open guide →Blackwater River access.
Open guide →Public access at Fisherman's Park below Conowingo Dam; water levels/current can change quickly.
Susquehanna River below Conowingo Dam
Open guide →County landing used by anglers, crabbers and boaters.
Grays Inn Creek / Lower Chester River
Open guide →Premier public access ramp for Mattawoman Creek and lower Potomac tidal bass grass beds. Direct soft launch for kayaks and bass boats.
Mattawoman Creek
Open guide →Large protected state-owned marina in Crisfield with ramp/day-use launching.
Tangier Sound / Chesapeake Bay
Open guide →Access to Chincoteague Bay.
Open guide →Quiet creek access.
Open guide →Free, no-frills public launch in Southwest Area Park.
Patapsco River
Open guide →County public landing on Tavern Creek.
Tavern Creek
Open guide →Rock Hall marina with transient slips and services.
Open guide →Waterfront hotel with working marina and 52 transient slips reported.
St. Michaels Harbor / Miles River
Open guide →Full service marina in St. Michaels harbor.
Open guide →Full-service in-town resort-style transient marina.
St. Michaels Harbor / Miles River
Open guide →Newer/easy-to-use public ramp popular for crabbing and quick launches.
St. Peter Creek
Open guide →County launch known for easy use and substantial trailer parking.
Sassafras-area tidal waters
Open guide →Undeveloped county landing popular for paddling and birding.
Tuckahoe River / Creek
Open guide →Pocomoke River access.
Open guide →Access to Sue Creek and Middle River.
Open guide →Major full-service marina.
Open guide →USGS gauge below the dam — the flow that governs the Flats, and the number to check before a spring trip.
Open guide →DNR-managed public boating facility at Susquehanna State Park.
Susquehanna River
Open guide →Transquaking River access.
Open guide →Full-service marina in a protected harbor.
Swan Creek
Open guide →Well-maintained Talbot County launch.
Talbot County tidal waters
Open guide →Seasonal ferry and charter embarkation point; included as a launch/boating place, not a trailer ramp.
Tangier Sound
Open guide →Local launch for small boats.
Open guide →Small local marina associated operationally with Locust Point Marina.
Elk River area
Open guide →Access to Slaughter Creek and the Bay.
Open guide →Small county-managed launch on Kent Island.
Thompson Creek / Cox Creek
Open guide →Long-running full-service marina and boatyard near historic downtown.
Susquehanna / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Small Talbot County landing at end of Cockey Road.
Tilghman Creek / Bay Hundred
Open guide →Small full-service marina and watersports rental outfitter.
Knapps Narrows
Open guide →Knapps Narrows / Bay access.
Open guide →Cecil County basin with a midchannel fuel pier, covered slips and a working outrigger.
Elk River
Open guide →Full-service marina with public-facing ramp and broad marine services.
Elk River / Upper Chesapeake
Open guide →Large state park with lake and creek access; launch fees may apply.
Tuckahoe Lake / Tuckahoe Creek
Open guide →Quiet waterfront park with ramps, piers, picnic areas and restrooms.
Peach Orchard Cove
Open guide →Public landing with access toward Sassafras River.
Turners Creek / Sassafras River
Open guide →Undeveloped public river access in a residential area.
Choptank River
Open guide →Downtown Havre de Grace launch with nearby amenities.
Open guide →Town riverfront launch upgraded for broad vessel access.
Nanticoke River
Open guide →Small public landing at end of Villa Road.
Miles River tributary area
Open guide →Marine center focused on PWC/boat service; staff can launch/retrieve stored craft.
Ocean City / Berlin coastal bays
Open guide →Public launch with parking, pier, restrooms and pump-out reported.
Wicomico River
Open guide →Deal Island / Tangier Sound access.
Open guide →High-volume multi-lane public launch with fast access to inlet/offshore waters.
Sinepuxent Bay / Ocean City Inlet
Open guide →High-volume access to OC Inlet.
Open guide →Downtown sportfishing-focused marina with quick inlet access.
Ocean City Inlet / bayside downtown
Open guide →Private yacht club and marina at creek mouth.
Wicomico Creek / Wicomico River
Open guide →Downtown park with soft launch and kayak storage racks.
Chester River
Open guide →Waterfront park with free public boat ramp and family amenities.
Dark Head Creek / Middle River
Open guide →Choptank River access.
Open guide →City-managed public access with ramp and paddle launch.
Pocomoke River / Dividing Creek area
Open guide →Purpose-built soft launch in Wye Island NRMA.
Granary Creek / Wye Island
Open guide →Talbot County public landing with ramp and paddle access.
Wye East River
Open guide →No waters match that filter.
REGULATORY DISCLAIMER & REVIEW SCHEDULE
Fishing regulations, size limits, creel limits, tidal boundaries, and access rules are subject to change by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR). Three Buoys provides general educational guidance only. Always confirm current official regulations before heading onto the water.
Answers also go to your email, so it's safe to close this window.
