Image Left: Local Angler Michael holds up a sunfish he caught while fishing at the dam pool at Tuckahoe State Park!
Image Right: Anglers Employee AJ shows off a Largemouth Bass he caught while casting with a trout magnet under a bobber at the dam pool in Tuckahoe State Park!
The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- As the later part of the fall season takes hold, there has been a noticeable decrease in the striped bass activity in the upper bay. The Susquehanna River, specifically, has experienced a decline in striped bass bites. On a positive note, there has been an uptick in Blue Catfish bites in the same area, providing anglers with an alternative and potentially more fruitful fishing experience. During the fall, as striped bass disperse while pursuing migrating baitfish, anglers employ specialized techniques to enhance their chances of success. Trolling with umbrella rigs, strategically weighted heavily, along channel edges is a popular method during this season. This approach capitalizes on the scattered distribution of striped bass in pursuit of migrating prey. Additionally, another favored technique involves jigging with soft plastics near channel edges where striped bass strategically position themselves to ambush migrating menhaden. This nuanced understanding of fall striped bass patterns allows anglers to tailor their strategies for a more targeted and effective fishing experience.
- As autumn progresses, white perch are exhibiting a shift towards deeper waters across the upper and middle bay areas. Anglers, attuned to this seasonal change, are adjusting their tactics accordingly. The transition involves a switch from using small spinners around shallow water structures to employing bottom rigs. These bottom rigs, whether tipped with live or artificial bait, have proven effective in targeting white perch in their new deeper habitats, specifically around channel edges. A highly recommended choice among anglers is the Chesapeake Sibiki Rig, particularly when paired with enticing bloodworms. This strategic adaptation to the fall patterns of white perch enhances the angler’s chances of a successful and rewarding fishing experience.
- As the water temperatures cool down, pickerel are becoming more active, actively seeking out and feeding on prey. One of the most effective strategies for targeting these dynamic fish is to focus on shallow water structures. Inline spinners and 3-4 inch plastics have proven to be highly successful in enticing pickerel bites. These predatory fish are renowned for putting up an exhilarating fight, making them excellent opportunities for anglers looking to enjoy some exciting fishing experiences during the fall and winter months. Engaging with pickerel not only provides a thrilling challenge but also ensures an enjoyable pursuit for fishing enthusiasts seeking action during the colder seasons.
South Bay
- The lower Potomac River maintains its status as a favored fishing spot for striped bass enthusiasts. At present, striped bass are strategically positioning themselves around channel edges and the mouths of rivers, actively ambushing migrating baitfish on their journey towards warmer waters. Anglers keen on targeting these elusive fish are employing a variety of effective techniques, with trolling and jigging proving particularly successful. For an added advantage, keep a watchful eye for flocks of birds diving into the water, as this behavior often signifies the presence of baitfish. Striped bass are likely to be close behind, ready to capitalize on the abundance of prey. Staying vigilant for these visual cues enhances your ability to locate and engage with the striped bass population in the lower bay area, ensuring a rewarding and successful fishing experience!
- Anglers are now observing a decline in White Perch activity within the more shallow lower bay tidal rivers. As the water temperature cools, White Perch are transitioning from the shallower rivers, migrating towards deeper and warmer waters for their staging phase. To effectively target White Perch during this period, anglers are turning to bottom rigs, with the Chesapeake Sibiki rig being a key choice, complemented by live or artificial bait. For optimal results, various effective baits can be utilized, including Grass Shrimp, Razor Clams, Bloodworms, and lugworms. These bait options enhance the attractiveness of the rig, increasing the likelihood of a successful catch. By adapting to the changing behavior of White Perch and employing the right tactics and bait, anglers can maximize their chances of a rewarding fishing experience in the lower bay during this transitional period!
- The cooling water temperatures in the lower bay area have triggered an uptick in blue catfish activity. Particularly, specific locations like the Patuxent, Potomac, and Wicomico rivers are experiencing heightened blue catfish bites. These invasive yet formidable fish not only provide an exciting challenge for anglers due to their vigorous fight but also present ample opportunities to stock your freezer with their delicious meat! An appealing aspect for anglers is the absence of a creel limit, allowing them to keep as many blue catfish as they desire. This flexibility adds to the allure of targeting these species. Anglers are successfully landing blue catfish using a variety of baits, with cut soft crab and peeler crab emerging as favored choices. This combination of favorable conditions, abundance, and the thrill of the catch makes blue catfish a sought-after target for anglers looking to make the most of the cooling temperatures in the lower bay area!