Magnet Fishing Laws in Maryland
State agency rules, waterway access, state park policy, and what happens when you find something significant.
State Agency & Regulatory Framework
Maryland's proximity to Civil War and colonial-era historical sites makes artifact awareness particularly important. The Maryland Historical Trust enforces the Antiquities Act (Annotated Code of Maryland Art. 83B) which protects archaeological resources on public land, including submerged resources in state waterways. The Chesapeake Bay has documented shipwreck sites protected under the Abandoned Shipwreck Act. Found firearms must be reported immediately to Maryland State Police or local law enforcement under Maryland firearms law.
State Park Policy
Maryland State Parks (DNR Maryland Park Service) has not issued a system-wide magnet fishing policy. Some park rules on removing materials from parks may be interpreted to cover magnet fishing finds. Contact the specific park.
Waterway Access & Navigability
Maryland's Chesapeake Bay and its major tributaries — the Potomac, Patuxent, Susquehanna, and Eastern Shore rivers — are federally navigable. The Potomac River has shared Maryland-Virginia jurisdiction. USACE Baltimore District manages significant waterway infrastructure.
If You Find a Firearm
Regardless of Maryland state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.
Historical Artifact Reporting
Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in Maryland may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and Maryland state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.
Maryland SHPO: Maryland Historical Trust, (410) 697-9525
Quick Reference
- Managing Agency: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — (410) 260-8DNR
- General Access Status: Permit May Be Required
- State Parks: Maryland State Parks (DNR Maryland Park Service) has not iss...
- SHPO: Maryland SHPO: Maryland Historical Trust, (410) 697-9525
- Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
- Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites