Bush River

Saltwater
Tidal river

Bush River

Saltwater
Tidal river

Sq. miles: 11
Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 0
Species: 11

The Bush River is a tidal tributary of the Upper Chesapeake Bay located in Harford County, Maryland. This estuarine system provides diverse inshore fishing opportunities, from shallow grassy edges to deeper channels, with several public access points for boaters and shore anglers. The river supports a mix of resident and migratory species, with its health and fish populations actively monitored by state programs.

Maryland licenses and regulations6 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Bush River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Alligator Gar

Atractosteus spatula

Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

Bluefish

Pomatomus saltatrix

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Sheepshead

Archosargus probatocephalus

Spot

Leiostomus xanthurus

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

White Catfish

Ameiurus catus

White Perch

Morone americana

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Bush River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Bush River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Maryland licenses and regulations

Maryland Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Maryland Coastal & Inland Waters

Maryland splits its waters into tidal and non-tidal zones for licensing purposes, and the two require different licenses from the Department of Natural Resources. The Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License covers tidal waters including the Bay, coastal bays, and their tributaries, while a separate Non-Tidal Sport Fishing License covers freshwater and non-tidal rivers. Some shared waters like the tidal Potomac River fall under tidal rules.

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Maryland Federal Waters & Offshore Rules

Beyond 3 nautical miles from shore, federal waters are managed by NOAA Fisheries in partnership with regional fishery management councils, and state rules no longer apply. Anglers targeting Atlantic highly migratory species such as tuna, billfish, swordfish, or sharks must hold a valid federal Atlantic HMS permit issued by NOAA Fisheries regardless of where they depart from. HMS permit holders are also required to report certain catches electronically to NOAA within 24 hours of completing a trip.

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Maryland Saltwater Fishing License

Most anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays, or tidal waters need a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Anglers under 16 are exempt, and those not required to hold the license who still want to fish tidal waters must register through the free Saltwater Angler Registry instead. Passengers on licensed for-hire trips are covered by the vessel.

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Maryland Saltwater Size & Bag Limits

Size limits, seasons, and daily bag limits apply per species in Maryland's Atlantic and coastal bay waters and are set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Limits change through the year and vary by species, including striped bass, black sea bass, cobia, bluefish, and red drum. The current table is maintained on the DNR regulations page.

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Maryland Shellfish Closures & Advisories

Maryland residents need a Recreational Oyster License from the Department of Natural Resources to harvest oysters, and a license is also required for clam harvest. Harvesting areas are classified as approved, conditionally approved, or restricted by the Maryland Department of the Environment, and areas close based on water quality, rainfall, or contamination. Check current closures and consumption advisories through the MDE shellfish map or call the MDE hotline at 800-541-1210.

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Take Bush River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Bush River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Bush River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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