Atlantic Salmon

Source: Species facts, status language, and imagery adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile (last updated 06/29/2026). Ocean City charter and Maryland record notes are editorial orientation for OCEANCITY.MD readers. Always confirm current seasons, sizes, and bag limits before you fish—rules change.

About the species

Atlantic salmon, also known as the “King of Fish,” are an iconic species of the Northeast and once supported fisheries throughout their range. Today, commercial and recreational fishing for Atlantic salmon in the United States is prohibited. All Atlantic salmon in the public market is cultured and commercially grown. Only farm-raised Atlantic salmon are found in U.S. seafood markets.

Atlantic salmon are migratory fish that hatch in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean where they mature, and then return to their natal freshwater rivers to spawn. This complex life cycle involves transitioning between different environments, requiring significant physiological adaptations to survive in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.

Atlantic salmon in the United States were once native to many coastal rivers northeast of the Hudson River in New York. But dams, pollution, and overfishing reduced their population size until the fisheries closed in 1948. Currently, the only remaining wild populations of U.S. Atlantic salmon are found in rivers in central and eastern Maine. These remaining populations comprise the Gulf of Maine distinct population segment (DPS), which is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act .

In addition, the Gulf of Maine DPS is one of 10 Species in the Spotlight . Species in the Spotlight is a NOAA Fisheries initiative to provide immediate, targeted actions to stabilize populations and prevent extinction of highly at-risk endangered species. The 2021–2025 Species in the Spotlight Action Plan for Atlantic Salmon indicates that in order to halt the decline of the Gulf of Maine DPS, we need to prioritize recovery efforts that 1) increase habitat connectivity, 2) increase the number of smolts entering the marine environment, and 3) increase our understanding of and ability to improve marine survival.

Maryland record catch

Confirm whether Maryland DNR publishes an Atlantic state-record category for Atlantic Salmon on the current sport-fish record board.

Verify on Maryland DNR — Sport Fish State Records . Record boards change when DNR accepts a new fish.

Maryland size & bag limits

Maryland’s Atlantic recreational seasons/sizes/creel summary does not publish a dedicated line for Atlantic Salmon. Verify COMAR, DNR public notices, and federal rules for your exact waters before you keep fish.

Editorial only — verify before you keep a fish. Confirm current seasons, sizes, and creel on Maryland eRegulations — Atlantic seasons, sizes & limits . Rules change; this page is orientation, not the legal digest. Also see verify regulations.

Population & fishing rate

See the NOAA species profile for current stock status language for this entry.

Appearance

• Atlantic salmon have a complex life history and go through several stages that affect their behavior, appearance, and habitat needs.

Biology

• See the NOAA species profile for biology notes on Atlantic Salmon.

Where they live

Range

• See the NOAA species profile for range notes on Atlantic Salmon.

Habitat

• Is Atlantic Salmon Sustainable? U.S. farmed Atlantic salmon is a smart seafood choice because it is grown and harvested under U.S. state and federal regulations.
• Commercial and recreational fishing for Atlantic salmon in the United States is prohibited.

Ocean City & Mid-Atlantic context

From Ocean City, Maryland, use this Atlantic Salmon profile as NOAA Mid-Atlantic directory context—not a promise you will meet the species on every charter.

Always verify current Maryland and federal size, season, and bag rules for your exact date and coordinates before you keep any catch.

Source facts and imagery are adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile for Atlantic Salmon.

What charter to book from Ocean City

Atlantic Salmon may appear on Ocean City trips depending on season and habitat—use the NOAA biology below and book the charter archetype that matches how you will actually fish.

Possible / related

• Bay guide — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Inshore charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Casting / light tackle — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Nearshore wreck / bottom — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Offshore charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Head / party boat — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.

Not typical from OC

• Trolling charter — Not a typical Ocean City trolling charter target for Atlantic Salmon.

Start with the charter directory trip-type picker so you compare boats inside the right archetype—not a bay-guide quote against a canyon invoice.

Related reading

• Plan a fishing day in Ocean City — Pick the trip archetype before you chase a species story.
• Charter directory stubs & trip-type picker — Compare boats inside the right archetype.
• Verify Maryland fishing regulations — DNR + NOAA steps before you keep any fish from an OC trip.
• Nearshore wreck fishing hub — Structure days from West Ocean City.
• Offshore sport fishing hub — Canyon and bluewater context from Ocean City.

Fishery management

• NOAA Fisheries and regional fishery management councils manage this species where applicable—see the NOAA profile for plan details.

Harvest

• See the NOAA wild-caught fishery section for landings and gear notes when published for this species.

Landings and management details matter most for the waters where Atlantic Salmon is actually fished—see the NOAA species profile .

Seafood facts

After a real OC boat day or market stop for Atlantic Salmon, Seafood after boat days covers dock buffer and cook-your-catch pacing.

Scientific classification

Plan the rest of the trip