Image Left: Local Angler and Captain Bob holds up a 42 inch Striped Bass he caught in the south bay area!
Image Right: Anglers Employee AJ shows off a Striped Bass he caught at the bay bridge using a 5 inch paddle tail with a 1 oz G-Eye Jighead!
The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- White perch are plentiful in deeper waters, especially inside channels or around hard bottom areas. As these fish seek refuge in deeper waters to evade the dropping surface temperatures, anglers are finding success with bottom rigs, particularly the Chesapeake Sibiki Rig, tipped with live or artificial bait! The school nature of white perch means that once you hook one, there’s a good chance you’ll be in for a productive fishing session. Get ready to enjoy the thrill of reeling in these spirited white perch as you make the most of the season and their preferred habitat!
- Winter fishing in the Susquehanna is providing an exciting mix of species, with Blue Catfish taking the spotlight as the favored catch. Anglers are witnessing a rise in their activity as the water temperature drops, making both shallow and deeper waters viable locations for angling success. A variety of baits and lures are proving effective in attracting these winter catfish. Notably, cut soft crabs are emerging as the favored bait, while cut alewife follows closely as the second favorite. It’s worth noting that there’s no creel limit on these invasive Blue Catfish, offering anglers the opportunity to reel in as many as they desire. Beyond the thrill of the catch, these catfish also provide a generous amount of tasty meat, allowing anglers to stock up their freezers for winter feasts!
- As Striped Bass migrate deeper and further south to escape the cooling waters of the Chesapeake Bay, anglers are employing various methods to target these prized sport fish. Trolling, particularly with an umbrella or tandem rig rigged with swimshads, has emerged as the favored and most successful method at present. The enticing movement of swimshads proves irresistible to Striped Bass, leading to fruitful catches. Additionally, jigging and following birds have proven to be almost equally successful methods for anglers seeking the thrill of catching Striped Bass in these changing conditions. Whether trolling or jigging, the key is adapting to the movements of these fish as they navigate the bay’s shifting temperatures and locations.
- Winter fishing provides prime opportunities for pickerel, with these fish becoming more aggressive and active during the colder months. Pickerel can be found in various locations, including almost every tidal river and numerous freshwater ponds in Maryland. Anglers are discovering that pickerel make an excellent alternative when the usual targets, like migrating white perch and striped bass, become less active. A tried-and-true method for targeting pickerel in winter is using a standard willow vibe rigged on a 3.75-inch soft plastic. Casting this setup around shallow water structures or grass proves to be perfect for enticing these lively fish. Winter pickerel fishing is an exciting venture for anglers looking to make the most of the season!
South Bay
- In the lower Chesapeake Bay area, white perch are congregating around 30 feet of water near the mouths of tidal rivers and along channel edges. Seeking refuge in deeper waters helps them evade the cooling surface temperatures as winter approaches. Anglers are finding success in targeting these deeper-water perch using bottom rigs, particularly the Chesapeake Sibiki Rig. A crucial reminder for anglers is to adhere to regulations, as no more than 2 hooks per rig are allowed. This ensures responsible and sustainable fishing practices while enjoying the excitement of pursuing white perch in their winter habitats!
- Anglers are reporting successful catches in key locations, including the Potomac’s channel edges, the lower Patuxent River, and the channel from Cedar Point to Cove Point. Trolling swimshads under either an umbrella or tandem rig, at around 30 feet deep, has proven to be a favored and effective technique. For anglers targeting Striped Bass holding in specific areas, jigging is emerging as another highly successful method. Additionally, being on the lookout for active flocking birds chasing a bait ball provides an exciting opportunity to get on a productive bite for these prized sport fish!
- For anglers facing challenges in hooking into the Striped Bass bite, there’s an excellent substitute to consider—targeting Blue Catfish! These robust fish are abundantly present in various tidal rivers, including the mouth of the Potomac, Jug Bay, and the Nanticoke River. Blue Catfish are known for their formidable fights, with individuals reaching impressive sizes well above 40 pounds! Anglers have found success using a variety of baits, but cut soft crab and cut alewife seem to be the favored choices. The resilience of Blue Catfish to cooling water temperatures means they remain active and even more so during the winter months!