🎣 They Closed the Bridge — And Turned It Into the Best Free Fishing Pier on the Chesapeake Bay — Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park in Dorchester County, Maryland, converted from the old US Route 50 Choptank River Bridge, free saltwater fishing pier, striped bass (rockfish) bluefish perch crabs, panoramic Chesapeake Bay views, ADA-accessible, Eastern Shore landmark — Cambridge, MD
When Maryland built a new Route 50 bridge over the Choptank River in 2007, they didn’t tear the old one down. They ripped out the road surface, added railings and rod holders, and turned 3,100 feet of highway bridge into a fishing pier.
Bill Burton Fishing Pier extends half a mile into the Choptank — one of the longest free fishing piers on the East Coast. No admission. No tackle rental required. Just drive to Cambridge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, park, walk out over the water, and drop a line into one of the most productive estuaries in the Chesapeake Bay system.
What to Catch
| Species | Details |
|---|---|
| Striped Bass (Rockfish) | Maryland’s iconic fish. The Choptank River is prime rockfish territory. Spring and fall runs bring keeper-sized fish within casting distance of the pier. Check Maryland DNR for current size and creel limits |
| White Perch | Year-round residents. Schooling fish that hit small jigs and bloodworms. Consistent action from the pier — especially popular with families and beginners |
| Bluefish | Summer visitors. When blues are running, they hit hard and fight harder. Metal lures and cut bait work from the pier. Fast action when they’re in |
| Blue Crabs | Drop a crab line or trap from the pier (check Maryland regulations). The Choptank is prime blue crab habitat — this is Chesapeake Bay crabbing at its most accessible |
| Catfish | Channel catfish patrol the deeper water around the bridge pilings. Night fishing from the pier is popular in summer. Cut bait on the bottom |
The Bridge That Became a Pier
| Year | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 1943 | The original Route 50 bridge opens, carrying traffic across the Choptank River between Cambridge and Trappe. Named for Frederick C. Malkus Jr., a longtime state senator |
| 2007 | A new, modern bridge opens alongside the old one. Instead of demolishing the 1943 structure, Maryland converts 3,100 feet of the old bridge into a fishing pier |
| 2009 | Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park officially opens — named for Bill Burton, legendary outdoor columnist for The Baltimore Sun who championed Chesapeake Bay conservation for decades |
| Present | One of the most popular free fishing destinations in Maryland. ADA-accessible. Open 24 hours. No license required for the pier (Maryland exempts state-owned piers from license requirements) |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 🌸 Rockfish spring run. White perch spawning. The Choptank coming alive. Best fishing of the year for striped bass |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 🍂 Fall rockfish run. Bluefish pushing through. Cooling water activates everything. Spectacular Chesapeake sunsets from the pier |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Bluefish, catfish, crabs. Hot days — fish dawn and dusk. Night fishing for catfish popular. Crabbing at its peak |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Hardy anglers fish for perch and rockfish. Cold but productive. Fewer crowds. Dress warm — wind on the pier is relentless |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license?
No — Maryland exempts state-owned fishing piers from license requirements. You can fish Bill Burton Fishing Pier for free, with no license. Size and creel limits still apply for all species.
Is it really free?
Completely free. No admission fee. No parking fee. No license required. Open 24 hours. It’s one of the most accessible saltwater fishing experiences on the entire East Coast.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park (a short drive away) and Wye Oak State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🎣 Half a Mile of Bridge. Zero Admission. Rockfish Under Your Feet.
They closed the highway and opened a fishing pier. 3,100 feet over the Choptank River. Free. 24 hours. ADA-accessible. Striped bass, bluefish, crabs — and Chesapeake Bay sunsets that cost nothing.
Wildlife & Nature
Bill Burton Fishing Pier SP — on the Choptank River bridge — a converted highway bridge repurposed as a 1-mile-long fishing pier. The site’s river, estuary, and Chesapeake Bay watershed support ospreys, great blue herons, and striped bass.
Nearby Attractions
Cambridge — adjacent. Chesapeake Bay — nearby. Blackwater NWR — 10 miles south (one of the premier birding sites on the East Coast).
