To protect the younger, resident population of striped bass during this time, all striped bass fishing in Maryland is off limits through Aug. 31. A summer closure has been part of our management strategy for striped bass since 2020, although the department shifted the closure to August. As a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Maryland must remain compliant with our fellow jurisdictions in the Atlantic striped bass fishery. During the striped bass closure, DNR encourages anglers to pursue other fish instead of striped bass. August provides a huge array of fish species to target to help meet the needs of recreational anglers and businesses.