Image Left: Local Pro Angler Brayden H. shows off a good sized Striped Bass he caught while jigging!
Image Right: Anglers Pro Staff Alex holds up a Reddrum he caught while surf casting off Chincoteague with cut spot!
The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- Anglers are discovering striped bass in numerous locations, thanks to the cooler water temperatures that allow the fish to move more freely. One of the key determinants for these areas is the abundance of food. As the water temperatures reach around 60 degrees, menhaden begin their migration out of the tidal rivers. Consequently, striped bass are strategically positioning themselves near the entrances of tidal rivers and along the steep channel edges within the Bay, poised to intercept these migrating prey.
- Fishing for striped bass during the fall offers anglers various techniques. Jigging with soft plastic or metal jigs is a popular choice for light tackle enthusiasts. Additionally, trolling is another effective and widely used method for targeting these fish. The preferred jig size typically falls within the ¾-ounce range, with braided line adding sensitivity, and a fast taper fishing rod aiding in the process. For those opting to troll, deploying umbrella rigs behind heavy inline weights along deep channel edges is a favored approach for striped bass fishing at this time.
- Catfishing for both blue and channel catfish is currently at its prime. The drop in water temperatures has stirred the catfish into heightened activity, making them readily available in shallower areas. For an ideal catfishing experience, the lower Susquehanna and Chester rivers are exceptional locations. Nevertheless, the region’s tidal rivers, as a whole, host thriving populations of channel catfish and blue catfish.
- This week, white perch continue to occupy the tidal rivers and creeks of the region, providing anglers with an enjoyable fishing experience. Many are having a great time casting spinnerbaits near shallow water structure to catch these feisty fish. Another fun method is to use small firefly jigs or grass shrimp beneath a bobber, especially when casting near old pilings or structures.
South Bay
- The lower Potomac River has emerged as a sought-after location for striped bass fishing. These fish are currently positioned along the channel edges, extending from the mouth of the Wicomico River to St. Clements Island State Park, as well as the steep channel edge from Piney Point to St. Georges Island. These areas present excellent opportunities for trolling or jigging this week. Should fortune favor you, you may spot diving gulls, a potential sign of striped bass driving small menhaden to the water’s surface. In the absence of such surface activity, be vigilant for perched gulls, the presence of slicks, and keep a close eye on your depth finders, as these indicators may lead you to striped bass located in deeper waters. When you encounter concentrations of striped bass, soft plastic or metal jigs offer an exhilarating and effective approach, particularly when employing light tackle. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that black sea bass and toadfish have been making appearances on some of the reefs, occasionally intercepting jigs originally intended for striped bass.
- As of this week, shallow water fishing for white perch continues to be a productive option. However, it’s essential to note that with colder weather anticipated in the coming week, these perch are expected to transition to deeper waters. To target them effectively during this period, consider employing bottom rigs. These rigs can be baited with a variety of enticing options, including grass shrimp, minnows, or pieces of bloodworm. This approach provides an excellent way to continue catching white perch even as they make their move to deeper and cooler waters due to the changing weather conditions.
- Blue catfish are on the move and feeding aggressively this week in several of the lower Bay’s tidal rivers. The tidal Potomac from the Wilson Bridge south to the Route 301 Bridge and the tidal creeks that feed into it are full of hungry blue catfish. The upper Patuxent and Nanticoke rivers also have large populations of blue catfish. The catfish can be found along the channel edges and generally shallower waters than during the hot summer months. For anglers targeting blue catfish, a selection of fresh cut baits has proven effective. Options such as bunker, soft crab or even jigs with soft plastics have been successful in luring these formidable fish. This dynamic movement and feeding activity offer an exciting opportunity for those looking to engage with blue catfish in the lower Chesapeake Bay’s tidal river systems.