Maryland & Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report
Reel Chesapeake Fishing Report – Annapolis, MD
The Reel Chesapeake Fishing Report is written and compiled by writer and media professional, James Houck. Find fishing reports and more at reelchesapeake.com.
The deep freeze is upon the region. Like much of the northern east coast, Maryland’s middle Chesapeake Bay region has experienced consistent below-freezing temperatures for much of the week, which has iced over creeks in most tributaries and all freshwater environs. This has made fishing a challenge, especially for boaters locked in the ice.
The open water of the bay is fishable but accessing it is difficult for smaller vessels. Those with larger, capable boats are still pursuing the migratory striped bass bite. Charter captains from Annapolis down to Point Lookout reported client catches here and there over the past several days, although most boats had to search hard for the fish—covering 70 plus nautical miles was not uncommon.
Striped bass remain deep and tight to bottom, generally in the 35- to 70-foot depths. Vessels are trolling along the eastern side of the shipping channel with deep tandems or umbrella rigs. The mouths of Eastern Bay, Choptank River, and Little Choptank are options. Those fishing the western side of the bay, generally search the Cedar Point to Point Lookout region. If you want to jig the fish up with 2oz heads and large plastics or heavy spoons, you’ll need to find the fish with your electronics and drift over/around them while bouncing your offering along bottom.
Warm-water discharges can also hold fish. Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant is, perhaps, the most well-known. Other discharges include Brandon Shores in the Patapsco River, Chalk Point in the Patuxent, and Morgantown in the Potomac. These areas could also produce blue catfish, which is another viable species to target in winter. The larger, wider water of the Potomac may have good bank-fishing options still in the D.C. area down to the mouth. Heavy lead up to 10oz and big chunk bait on 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks can draw in the catfish.
Other than the weather, the most notable news from the region this week was the state record rock bass caught by Thomas Over Jr., in the lower Susquehanna River while fishing deep for yellow perch. The 1.0-pound bass pulled up with a tandem perch rig with small jigheads tipped with 1.5-inch tubes. Pretty neat catch!
Yellow perch and pickerel are ideal species to target right now, however many of the creeks they hold within are iced over. If you can access any that are fishable, try deeper diving jerkbaits around cover, docks, laydowns. The outside edges of bends in a river are great places to try for perch (and catfish!).
Moving water may be your best bet, overall, to find some winter fish. Wading central and western streams for trout, fallfish, and smallmouth bass is a wonderful winter activity, provided safety and care are taken.
Maryland DNR has taken a break from stocking trout this week, but do continue to check the department’s trout stocking page for updates. Tailraces behind dams are another option for moving water. The Little and Middle Patuxent, western Patapsco, and Monocacy rivers are good options to try. We drove over parts of the Monocacy en route to western Maryland yesterday (for skiing), and the water was moving quite well. Good luck!
View the full Reel Chesapeake Fishing Report, written and compiled by writer and media professional James Houck, at reelchesapeake.com.
Angler’s Sport Center Fishing Report – Annapolis, MD
The Angler’s Sport Center fishing report is compiled and written by Anglers Team Member, A.J. Lewis.
Upper and Middle Bay
Anglers are enjoying a successful winter catfish season around the mouth and along the Susquehanna River. Catfish, particularly blue cats, 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!
River earlier this week.
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 trolling.
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The consistent performance of chartreuse and pink-colored lures 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 anglers from far and wide. Following a strategy similar to the middle Bay area, successful tactics involve jigging around flocked birds that are 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!
The Angler’s Sport Center fishing report is compiled and written by Anglers Team Member, A.J. Lewis.