Sassafras River

Saltwater
Tidal river

Sassafras River

Saltwater
Tidal river

Sq. miles: 9.7
Boat Ramps: 3
Access Points: 0
Species: 8

The Sassafras River is a 22-mile tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, forming the natural boundary between Cecil and Kent Counties in Maryland. It rises in western Delaware and flows westerly to the Bay, with the majority of its approximately 20-mile length being tidal and fresh to slightly brackish. The watershed encompasses 97.2 square miles of largely rural landscapes dominated by farm fields and forests. This historic river, noted for its scenic beauty, offers exceptional fishing opportunities for a variety of inshore species, with less pressure than some of the more popular Upper Bay rivers, making it a worthwhile destination for anglers seeking productive and picturesque waters.

Maryland licenses and regulations6 to check before you go

Species & education

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

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Northern Snakehead

Channa argus

Spot

Leiostomus xanthurus

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

White Catfish

Ameiurus catus

White Perch

Morone americana

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Sassafras 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.

Molly's Place Sporting Goods

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Molly's

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Know where you can legally fish on Sassafras 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 Sassafras 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 Sassafras River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Sassafras River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Sassafras River and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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