MARYLAND’S FLY FISHING TRAIL

Baltimore, MD (September 23, 2022) – On Saturday, September 24, 2022, which is the 50th Anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Fish & Hunt Maryland (FHMD) will launch its statewide Fly Fishing Trail to provide consumers with an in-depth resource for discovering unique places to fly fish. Taking anglers on a virtual journey of discovery of Maryland as a premier fly fishing destination, the collection of 48 trail sites, found at fishandhuntmaryland.com/marylands-fly-fishing-trail, includes all 23 counties and Baltimore City.

From well-seasoned anglers to novices who are interested in learning how to fly fish, visitors will find a wealth of information to guide their selection of Maryland locations in which to fly fish. Each trail site’s page includes information on fish species, water-type (i.e. freshwater, tidal, cold, warm, etc.), recommendations on techniques and flies best used at each site, and access details (pier, shoreline, wading, kayak, charter boat, etc.). It also identifies nearby businesses that provide expert knowledge, guides, supplies and equipment sales or rentals. Additionally, visitors to the site will find useful travel and regulatory information.

“We envision that this first-in-the-nation statewide trail will entice a diverse group, including more women, youth, a variety of races and nationalities, and anglers with different abilities to the sport of fly fishing by providing resources that will support their entry into the activity,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. “It is also exciting that the trail features sites with a large variety of species, including trout, largemouth bass, striped bass and other saltwater fish. Few states can match the diversity of fly fishing opportunities that Maryland’s trail features.”

FHMD began development of Maryland’s Fly Fishing Trail in July 2021 after being approached by the Sport Fish Advisory Commission and Maryland Fly Fishing Trail Team. Uniquely qualified to develop the trail, members Rich Batiuk, Randy Dwyer, Joe Evans, Shawn Kimbro and John Neely bring decades of fly fishing expertise to the project along with countless hours of volunteer service on local, state, and national fishing and conservation Boards and Commissions*.

“There are approximately seven million fly fishers in the United States. Maryland’s Fly Fishing Trail was envisioned as an inclusive and comprehensive guide to introduce the state’s diversity of waterways, fish species, and small businesses supporting the sport of fly fishing to this existing audience,” said Rich Batiuk, spokesperson for Maryland’s Fly Fishing Trail Team. “The team is proud to have been a guiding force for creating a product that will elevate Maryland’s prominence as a bucket list fly fishing destination.”

In addition to fishing-specific content, the FHMD website also provides links to information on nearby tourist attractions, historic sites, parks, outdoor activities, events, craft beverage makers, restaurants, and lodging so that they may build a full vacation itinerary.

“This trail and the wealth of information it provides offers yet another outstanding recreational opportunity in Maryland,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Our goal is to give our visitors the best possible experience in our state, and we hope this trail, developed by local experts, will encourage fly fishers from all over our country and the world to plan their next adventure in Maryland.”

Visitors are invited to view the new trail online, and once inspired, visit Maryland’s Fly Fishing Trail sites, then share their experience via the FHMD social channels using #fishhuntmd. For more information go to www.fishandhuntmaryland.com, Instagram or Facebook. 

* Note to Editors: Full biographies of Maryland’s Fly Fishing Team available upon request.           

About Fish & Hunt Maryland:

Fish & Hunt Maryland was developed as a partnership by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of Commerce to promote fishing, hunting and shooting sports through sustainable product development and an array of marketing platforms in order to increase the economic impact of tourism in Maryland via the state's abundant natural resources. 

About Additional Maryland Fly Fishing Trail Partners:

In addition to the Maryland Fly Fishing Team and the FHMD state agency partners, the effort was supported by Miles Partnership, Symmetry, and Brody MKTG, the private-sector agencies responsible for the website creation, content development, and marketing for FHMD. Local county tourism offices and local parks and recreation offices also provided site suggestions in the early stages of the trail development.
 

###