Gizzard Shad Fishing in Maryland
When gizzard shad are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Gizzard Shad catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maryland by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Catch more gizzard shad
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching gizzard shad in Maryland
Gizzard Shad catches in Maryland run hardest around Nov-Dec, with the strongest two-month windows in Nov-Dec and Jan-Feb. Anglers keep about 100% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maryland fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch gizzard shad in Maryland?+
Catches peak around Nov-Dec (November and December). The strongest two-month windows are Nov-Dec and Jan-Feb. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release gizzard shad in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 100% of the gizzard shad caught are kept and 0% are released. That works out to roughly 79K kept and 0 released in 2024.
How many gizzard shad are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 79K gizzard shad caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #20 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this gizzard shad data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Find the gizzard shad bite
Pathr puts the bite windows, tides, wind, and safe routing to your spot on official NOAA charts. Free to try on iOS.
These fishing seasons are free because a tiny team built them.
Tide charts, marine forecasts, and fishing times, all free and ad-free. Founding members keep them coming and get a real vote on what we build next.
One-time payment, no auto-renew. Founding pricing ends Aug 31.