The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- With the Chesapeake Bay temperature averaging at 46 degrees Fahrenheit, the water remains cold, yet blue catfish are thriving in the upper bay area. Anglers are experiencing success with a mix of channel and blue catfish in various tidal rivers, particularly in and around the Susquehanna River. These catfish exhibit an indiscriminate appetite, making them responsive to a diverse range of baits and lures. Targeting channel edges, shallow water structures, and grass beds has proven effective for locating these active catfish!
- Pickerel fishing in the middle and upper bay areas is currently at its peak, providing anglers with exciting opportunities. Reports indicate successful catches of pickerel in almost every tidal river. These aggressive predators become particularly active in winter, making them an ideal substitute when other species like spot and white perch move to deeper waters to escape the cooling temperatures. A variety of lures can attract pickerel, and at Anglers, favorites include a 3.75-inch Gambler Paddletail with a Willow vibe or an in-house-made Pickerel Spinner! Look for pickerel around shallow water structures like fallen trees, rocks, and short docks, as they prefer areas where the water depth increases rapidly!
- The striped bass activity is showing a slight decline, with anglers experiencing a variable bite from day to day. School-sized striped bass are prevalent around the bay bridge, and as you head further south, larger fish are being caught. Anglers note that the bite is generally decent in the early morning, with exceptional success in the later evening just before sunset. Jigging remains the most successful method for catching striped bass in the current conditions!
South Bay
- As the water temperature rises, the white perch bite is showing increased activity, particularly around the mouth of the Potomac River. The Potomac hosts various species, with striped bass being the current highlight. Anglers are still reporting a strong striped bass bite, although its consistency varies from day to day. Similar to other bay areas, the bite is generally strongest just before sunset and in the early morning. Locating these trophy fish can be achieved by following diving birds or marking them as they travel from bait ball to bait ball. Jigging and trolling are the two main methods for targeting citation-worthy fish, with jigging being the favored technique! Just a friendly reminder to quickly snap your photo and release these beautiful fish back into the water as soon as possible to preserve the health of the fish!
