Image Left: Anglers Pro Staff Danny holds up a Pickerel he caught using a willow vibe with a 3.75 inch diezel minnow!
Image Right: Anglers Pro Staff Jordan shows off a Smallmouth Bass he caught!
The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- The Susquehanna River has become a prime destination for Blue Catfishing enthusiasts, showcasing some of the best opportunities for anglers. Known for their impressive fights, these invasive fish not only provide an exhilarating angling experience but also offer an abundance of delicious meat for those looking to stock their freezers. The combination of a thrilling catch and a rewarding culinary outcome makes Blue Catfishing in the Susquehanna River a standout experience for avid anglers! As the water temperatures cool down, blue catfish in the area are becoming more active, leading to increased success for anglers. Various lures and baits are proving effective, with the favorite choices being cut soft crab or cut bunker. The cooling conditions are creating an optimal environment for targeting blue catfish, and anglers are taking advantage of this season with diverse bait options to enhance their fishing experience!
- The white perch in the tidal rivers of the upper and middle bay have transitioned to deeper, warmer waters. Anglers targeting these fish at the bottom of deeper channels are finding success using bottom rigs, particularly the Chesapeake Sibiki Rig tipped with live or artificial bait such as Fishbites or Bloodworms. The white perch tend to school up in these areas, offering anglers the opportunity for multiple catches. If you hook one, chances are you’ll be in for a productive day on the water!
- Late Fall and Early Winter bring about prime pickerel fishing conditions, with the cooling temperatures activating these predatory fish. Chain pickerel, known for their ambush tactics, lurk around structures and shallow grass, patiently waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. To capitalize on this behavior, anglers are finding success with swimbaits that exhibit lots of action. The lively movement of the swimbait proves enticing to pickerel, making it a top choice for a successful late fall and early winter fishing experience!
- As the fall progresses, anglers are observing a decline in striped bass activity as these fish migrate southward to seek warmer water temperatures. While they are becoming more scarce each day, anglers are still finding success by targeting them in deeper waters, particularly around channels. A variety of tactics, including jigging and trolling, are being employed, with trolling emerging as the favored method. Anglers are having success with umbrella or tandem rigs, strategically deployed around the mouths of major tidal rivers. Stripers are being hooked at varying depths, ranging from 30 to 60 feet, providing anglers with versatile opportunities for a rewarding catch!
South Bay
- As white perch migrate out of tidal rivers, anglers are discovering schools congregating in deeper waters, particularly in the steep channels outside of the Patuxent and Potomac. The preferred method for targeting these fish in their new habitat is using bottom rigs. Anglers are finding success with this approach, offering an effective way to connect with white perch in deeper waters. As the seasons change, adjusting techniques to follow the movements of the fish ensures a continued and rewarding angling experience!
- Anglers are shifting their focus to target catfish, particularly the Blue Catfish, as water temperatures cool and other fish migrate. These resilient species serve as an excellent alternative when other fishing opportunities slow down. The invasive nature of Blue Catfish means there’s no creel limit, offering ample chances to fill your freezer with their abundant and delicious meat. Successful anglers are employing cut bait, such as soft crab or cut bunker, to entice bites. Key areas like the mouth of the Potomac, the Nanticoke River, and Jug Bay are proving to be hotspots for these plentiful catfish. Get ready for some exciting catfish action in these prime locations!
- Exciting news from the Lower Potomac River area! Anglers are experiencing greater-than-usual success in landing striped bass. The key to their success lies in spotting birds chasing migrating baitfish, a clear sign that striped bass are in pursuit as well. Jigging amidst these flocks of birds has proven essential for a successful day of striped bass fishing! For those preferring trolling, the most effective techniques currently involve using either an umbrella rig or a tandem rig in water depths ranging from 30 to 60 feet. However, a friendly reminder to fellow anglers: when trolling around bird flocks, be cautious not to disrupt the area by trolling through the flock. This consideration ensures a positive fishing experience for everyone on the water!
