Upper Bay:
Fishing activity in the Upper Bay has settled into a winter pattern as cold water temperatures push most species into deeper, more stable areas. Striped bass fishing is now catch-and-release only in Maryland waters, but anglers who pick calm days are still finding fish along deeper shipping channels, bridge structure, and hard bottom areas. Vertical jigging with soft plastics, metal jigs, and bladebaits remains the most reliable approach, especially when fish are marked on electronics. White perch are becoming a primary target for anglers looking to keep fish, with schools holding in deeper holes and channel edges. Bottom rigs baited with grass shrimp, bloodworms, or Fishbites are producing steady catches. Yellow perch are beginning to show in the upper reaches of tidal rivers and creeks, though the bite remains spotty and will generally improve as winter progresses.
Middle Bay:
The Middle Bay continues to offer opportunities for both striped bass and perch when weather allows. Catch-and-release striped bass fishing has been best along deeper channel edges near areas such as the Bay Bridge, Chesapeake Beach, and the mouths of major rivers. Birds and surface slicks remain the best indicators of feeding fish, though action can be inconsistent from day to day. When fish are found, jigging spoons and soft plastics are producing strikes. White perch are holding in their winter depths at river mouths and deeper Bay structure, and anglers fishing bottom rigs with natural baits are reporting good results. Water temperatures have dropped into the low-40s, so slower presentations are key.
Lower Bay:
The Lower Bay is seeing some of the most promising late-season striped bass activity as migratory fish continue to move north. While Maryland waters remain catch-and-release only, anglers are finding good action in the lower Patuxent River, near Cedar Point and Cove Point, and along deeper channel edges on the eastern side of the Bay. Jigging continues to be productive, and anglers are closely watching bird activity for signs of actively feeding fish. The warm-water discharge areas, such as Calvert Cliffs, remain popular winter spots and are always worth checking when conditions are favorable. White perch are also present in deeper waters throughout the lower Bay and its tributaries, providing a reliable alternative for anglers looking to put fish in the cooler.
Freshwater & Tidal Rivers:
Freshwater and tidal river fishing is transitioning fully into winter mode. Pickerel, crappie, yellow perch, and largemouth bass are being caught in tidal creeks and rivers, with live minnows producing the most consistent results. Slow trolling minnows or fishing them under bobbers along channel edges and drop-offs has been effective. Blue catfish continue to offer excellent opportunities in the Potomac, Patuxent, and Nanticoke rivers, where they are concentrating in deeper channel waters. Cut bait such as menhaden, gizzard shad, and white perch chunks remain top producers, and anglers targeting deeper holes are finding the best chance at larger fish.
Coastal & Nearshore:
Along Maryland’s coastal waters, cold temperatures and winter weather have limited effort, but there are still occasional opportunities when seas allow. Some anglers are watching closely for late-season migratory striped bass moving along the coast, which can push into the lower Bay and coastal inlets. Overall effort is light, and success is highly dependent on weather windows. As winter progresses, most coastal anglers are shifting focus to tidal rivers and inland waters until spring conditions return.