Image Left: Anglers Prostaff Ryan holds up a Pickerel he caught in the severn river using a 3.75 inch gambler plastic with a willow vibe!
Image Right: Local Pro Angler Ace shows off a Striped Bass he caught while jigging at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge using a blue 1 oz Geye Jighead with a black and silver BKD plastic!
The Anglers Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report has ARRIVED!
Upper and Middle Bay
- In the Upper Bay and Middle Bay, anglers are experiencing notable success in landing striped bass, especially in proximity to river mouths and along channel edges. The recent drop in water temperatures has initiated the migration of young menhaden, acting as a compelling lure for striped bass into the tidal rivers. Anglers employing soft plastic or metal jigs are finding success, with the prime action unfolding in waters hovering around the 60-degree mark. Furthermore, the tried-and-true method of trolling umbrella rigs, equipped with heavy inline weights, deep along channel edges continues to maintain its status as a favored and efficacious approach among the angling community.
- As November unfolds in the Upper Chesapeake Bay, blue catfish take center stage for anglers. These formidable fish are making their presence known, providing ample opportunities for exciting and rewarding angling experiences. Anglers targeting blue catfish are finding success in various locations across the Upper Bay. Key areas include the mouths of rivers and along channel edges, where these catfish congregate in search of prey. Cooler water temperatures are influencing the behavior of blue catfish, prompting increased activity. The migration of baitfish, including gizzard shad, menhaden, and white perch, is attracting blue catfish to these areas.
- As the fall season progresses, pickerel activity tends to increase. Cooler water temperatures contribute to their heightened activity, presenting excellent opportunities for anglers. Overcast days and low-light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon, can enhance pickerel fishing success. Pickerel are being found in various locations, favoring shallow areas with submerged vegetation, sunken structures, and near the mouths of tributary rivers. Targeting these specific zones has proven fruitful for pickerel enthusiasts. Anglers have reported success using a variety of baits and lures. Live minnows, spinnerbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, and topwater lures are enticing pickerel strikes. Experimenting with different colors and sizes can help identify the preferred choices of pickerel in the Middle Bay.
South Bay
- In the Lower Chesapeake Bay, blue catfish have maintained their reign, offering anglers an exhilarating fishing experience. The abundance of these formidable fish, coupled with their thrilling catches, has been a highlight in the fishing scene. Anglers have found success using fresh cut bait, with a diverse selection including gizzard shad, menhaden, white perch, and bluegills. This enticing array of bait continues to be the preferred choice for luring in the robust population of blue catfish in the Lower Bay. So, whether you’re casting near the mouths of tidal rivers or exploring channel edges, the Lower Chesapeake Bay promises an exciting adventure with these dominant and powerful blue catfish.
- In the Lower Chesapeake Bay, striped bass are actively roaming, providing anglers with prime opportunities to pursue this coveted species. The migration of baitfish, notably menhaden, has played a pivotal role in drawing a concentration of striped bass to strategic locations. Trolling, a time-tested and effective technique, remains a favorite among anglers targeting striped bass. Reports indicate success using umbrella rigs trailed by substantial inline weights, particularly along the edges of channels, proving to be a fruitful method for enticing bites from these prized fish. Fresh cut bait, featuring menhaden, stands out as the go-to choice for luring in striped bass, while anglers are also achieving positive results with artificial lures designed to mirror the movement and appearance of the prevalent baitfish in the area. Optimal locations for striped bass pursuits in the Lower Bay encompass the mouths of tidal rivers and the edges of channels. Exploring zones with concentrated baitfish populations further elevates the likelihood of encountering and engaging with these sought-after striped bass.
- In November, red drum remain a thrilling pursuit for Chesapeake Bay anglers all over the Lower Bay area! Renowned for their robust fights, these prized fish offer an exhilarating angling experience. Anglers seeking red drum have achieved success employing a diverse array of baits and lures. Whether it’s cut bait, live offerings like finger mullet or menhaden, or soft plastic lures mimicking baitfish, all have proven effective in luring red drum to the hook. Red drum tend to frequent areas with structure, such as oyster beds, marsh edges, and the shoreline. Navigating these zones, especially those close to deeper waters, heightens the likelihood of encountering these impressive fish. Effective strategies for red drum include casting near structures and employing a variety of retrieval techniques.