Every Boat Ramp on Severn River

About Severn River

The Severn River flows through the heart of Anne Arundel County and empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Annapolis, passing directly alongside the historic campus of the United States Naval Academy. Despite being one of the shorter rivers on Maryland's western shore, the Severn punches well above its weight as a recreational fishery, offering surprisingly productive fishing within minutes of Annapolis and the surrounding suburban communities of Severna Park and Arnold. The river's 20 miles of shoreline encompass a mix of residential waterfront, wooded bluffs, and tidal marshes that provide varied habitat for Chesapeake Bay species.

Striped bass are the main event on the Severn River, and the waterway serves as an important spring staging area for rockfish moving toward their spawning grounds. Trolling, jigging, and live-lining all produce catches from spring through late fall, with fish ranging from schoolies to keepers in the 20- to 30-inch class. White perch are abundant year-round and provide fast action on light tackle, making them a favorite target for casual anglers and families. Bluefish push into the river during summer, delivering explosive strikes on topwater lures and cut bait. Croaker, spot, and blue crab round out the seasonal catch and give anglers additional reasons to get on the water.

The Severn River's proximity to Annapolis — Maryland's capital city and one of the premier sailing and boating destinations on the East Coast — means that anglers have access to an exceptional range of marinas, boat launches, and waterfront amenities. Severna Park and Arnold add convenient suburban launch points on the upper river. While the Severn may lack the vast scale of the open Chesapeake Bay, its protected waters, reliable fishing, and unbeatable convenience make it one of the most popular and accessible fisheries in the Annapolis region.

Nearest towns: Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold