Maryland and Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report
From Ocean City, Taylor Bakke of Always Bent Fishing OC shared that the big migratory bass are out front within 3 miles of Ocean City and Indian River, and many of the boats heading out are taking some time to target them by trolling Mojos or casting NLBNs and other large soft plastics on jigheads. A few bass have also been taken on Mann’s Stretch plugs but the fish seem to prefer soft plastics. There’s not much happening in the surf, he said, adding that it’s rare for the fish to push in close (as they do in Jersey) when they’re heading south this time of year. On the bottom fishing front, the tautog bite is holding up nicely when the weather permits boats to get out, but the inshore spots have been a slower pick due to dropping water temperatures, so best to head for some deeper wreck and reef structure if you’re looking for keepers or a limit.
Captain Jamie Clough of Eastern Shore Light Tackle Charters reported that big stripers have returned to the Chesapeake this week, and his charters have been getting their shots at those recent arrivals. The skipper said there has been some bird activity at times; however, colder weather and water temperatures have kept the fish down. When there isn’t any bird action, he added, they head straight for deeper water in search of bass and use their electronics to mark bait balls. With a larger class of fish filtering into the bay, big paddletails have been the hot baits, especially when the bass are holding deeper around schools of bunker. If you want to get in on the action, check out Capt. Jamie’s Facebook page for trip rates and contact info. to inquire about available dates this winter.
Anglers Sport Center Fishing Report – Annapolis, MD
The Anglers Sport Center fishing report is written by Anglers Fishing Manager & OTW Columnist, Alex Gallardo-Perez.
This week we saw the first small wave of migratory striped bass arrive in the southern portion of Maryland’s bay waters. Most of the action was around the mouth of the Potomac River with some good reports of mixed sizes of striped bass, including a few big ones. Some of the fish pushed up toward Cove Point, just north of the mouth of the Patuxent River. The power plant at Calvert Cliffs produced some fish as well when the open water bite slowed down, but it was also hit or miss.
Maryland DNR Fishing Report
Maryland DNR Fishing Report is written and compiled by Keith Lockwood, fisheries biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read the full DNR report here.
Freshwater Fishing
Anglers will find good fishing for a mix of smallmouth bass and walleye in the upper Potomac River this month and through the winter. Working swimbaits, tubes, and small crankbaits in the deeper pools near current breaks and underwater ledges will be a good tactic. At Deep Creek Lake, northern pike and walleye will be at the top of the list for anglers. If this cold weather continues, anglers may be treated to some ice fishing at Deep Creek Lake, Piney Run Reservoir, Cunningham Fall Reservoir, and Rocky Gap State Park.
The pre-season stocking of trout usually begins in January, and anglers will need to check the trout stocking website to see which areas have been stocked. The pre- season trout stockings are often based on ice conditions and water levels.
Anglers will be fishing for a variety of freshwater species in waters across the state. Largemouth bass will be deep and near structure, but still accessible for those fishing with blade lures, wacky rigged soft plastics, small crankbaits and spinnerbaits that are worked slowly across the bottom. DNR’s freshwater fishing webpage offers a wealth of information for anglers to explore.
Fishing for chain pickerel will be at the top of the list for many anglers in tidal and nontidal waters this winter. The chain pickerel are very comfortable in colder waters and now that the thick grass beds of summer are gone, they can be found holding near sunken wood. The medium-sized chain pickerel will be found along shorelines and the trophy-sized fish out in more open waters near structure.
Maryland DNR Fishing Report is written and compiled by Keith Lockwood, fisheries biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read the full DNR report here.