The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- Anglers are enjoying a successful winter catfish season around the mouth and along the Susquehanna River! Catfish, particularly Blue Catfish, are abundant and provide an exciting angling experience. These invasive fish have no creel limit, making them a favorite target. Cut soft crab or cut alewife are top choices for bait, and anglers are reeling in catfish of various sizes, with Blue Catfish often reaching over 20 pounds!
- Pickerel fishing remains at its peak, offering abundant opportunities for anglers. These aggressive fish are widely distributed in both tidal rivers and freshwater ponds and lakes. Anglers are finding success by casting and retrieving spinners or paddle tails around shallow water structures like fallen trees, docks, and grass beds!
- Exciting news from the Middle Bay Area as anglers report a robust Striped Bass bite! The presence of trophy-sized Striped Bass throughout the winter is providing ample opportunities for anglers to engage in dynamic and thrilling fishing experiences. The bite appears to vary from day to day, keeping the excitement levels high. Two favored techniques are standing out among anglers: jigging around birds or large bait balls, and successful trolling. The consistent performance of Chartrues and Pink colors is noteworthy, even during challenging fishing conditions! Remember, the further south you go from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the better your chances are of getting on a monster Rockfish!
South Bay
- The Southern Bay Area is currently offering anglers an exceptional opportunity for Striped Bass fishing, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. Following a strategy similar to the middle bay area, successful tactics involve jigging around flocked birds pursuing baitfish or employing trolling methods. The prime bite times appear to be in the morning and intensify significantly just before sunset. Noteworthy locations, such as around the mouth of the Potomac River, are proving to be hotspots for encountering some of the largest Striped Bass in the region!
- While not as prevalent as Rockfish, Black Sea Bass are still making appearances in areas around Chesapeake Beach and further south! To target these fish, focus on areas with a hard bottom. The most effective method for catching Black Sea Bass is jigging, employing a tandem rig with enticing bait like squid. These winter catches can yield satisfying results, providing anglers with an enjoyable and rewarding experience in the colder months!