Image Left: Anglers Prostaff Aidan holds up a hog of a Striped Bass he caught while light tackle jigging!
Image Right: Anglers Prostaff Jordan shows off a Pickerel he caught in Tuckahoe State Park!
The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- The current bay temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit is signaling heightened activity among blue catfish this week! These invasive fighters are being successfully caught in and around the Susquehanna River. Anglers are finding catfish near shallow water grass beds, structures, and channel edges—prime locations for a rewarding angling experience! Blue catfish are known to have a versatile palate, making them responsive to various baits, but cut bait stands out as the most effective choice. With no creel limit on these fighters, anglers can enjoy a fantastic fight, providing an excellent substitute for the winter absence of striped bass!
- The changing water temperatures are not only influencing the activity of catfish but also sparking increased activity among pickerel. These ambush predators are currently in full swing feeding mode, actively on the prowl, particularly during the mornings and evenings. Pickerel are being successfully caught all around the upper bay area, inside tidal rivers, and most freshwater locations. Pickerel serve as a great alternative angling target until the white perch return in the spring/summer months. Anglers are finding these aggressive predators around shallow water structures such as piers, rocks, and fallen trees—prime locations for exciting angling experiences.
- The Striped Bass bite remains stronger than ever, creating a buzz among anglers with one of the most unexpected yet exceptionally good jig bites in the Chesapeake Bay! From the Bay Bridge and heading south, massive 40-50 inch rockfish are being successfully caught as they chase baitfish around both the upper and lower bay areas. Anglers are primarily targeting these trophy-sized Striped Bass by chasing birds. However, there’s an intriguing twist—plenty of swarms of baitfish are being marked on anglers’ equipment, revealing a plethora of Striped Bass without the customary presence of birds. It’s an exciting and dynamic angling experience on the Chesapeake Bay! The behavior of Striped Bass is keeping anglers on their toes as these prized fish continually transition between being suspended and lingering near the bottom. In a surprising twist, some Striped Bass are even making appearances on topwater, adding an extra layer of excitement to the angling experience! It’s a dynamic scenario that requires adaptability and offers diverse opportunities for anglers pursuing these iconic sportfish!
South Bay
- The scenario with Striped Bass in the southern bay area mirrors the excitement in the upper bay! Anglers are strategically following flocked birds that dive for migrating baitfish, creating opportunities to land trophy-sized rockfish. While trolling is proving successful, the favored and most thrilling method among anglers is jigging! A crucial reminder for all anglers: abide by the regulations set by DNR. Currently, no rockfish may be kept, and the fishery is open for catch and release only. Also be sure to release your catch shortly after catching it!
- Anglers are noting limited catches of White Perch in deeper waters as these fish migrate towards the open bay’s deepest parts to escape the dropping water temperature. To target these tasty fish, anglers are deploying bottom rigs near deeper structures with hard bottom surfaces. Remember, where there’s one, there are likely plenty more, as White Perch tend to school. For optimal success, consider using bottom rigs, particularly the Chesapeake Sibiki Rig, known for its effectiveness and regulatory compliance with only 2 hooks, making it approved for use in the Chesapeake Bay!
