2020 Striper Migration Map
One thing you can be certain of in these uncertain times – the striper migration will continue. So far, this fishing season has been notable for the early start to striper fishing in many locations.
Striped bass are spawning in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, and big pre-spawn stripers are heading into the Hudson River and the Delaware River. Schoolie striper fishing has been very good inside New Jersey rivers, backwaters, and bays, and schoolies are moving east along the south side of Long Island and in Long Island Sound along the Connecticut shoreline.
Follow along as we track the Striper Migration. You can help by contributing to our weekly map updates—simply share your striper fishing reports here and on social media with tag #stripermigration.
Be sure to follow local guidelines and stay safe and healthy! You can find information and links to relevant state agencies on our COVID-19 and Fishing page.
Also, note that there were some significant changes to striped bass regulations this year.
Chesapeake Bay Striper Report
Striped bass (rockfish) are actively spawning in the tributaries as surface water temperatures surpass 60 degrees. Be aware that no catch-and-release of striped bass is permitted in the tidal rivers. The penalties for violating these protective regulations are high, usually resulting in fines and license suspensions. Anglers are also reminded that Maryland prohibited all catch and release of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay as of March 31 and will not open to striped bass fishing of any kind until May 1. Also be aware that Maryland’s Stay at Home Order in response to the COVID-19 crisis prohibits recreational boating and catch-and-release fishing – limited subsistence fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family.
Delaware Bay Striper Report
Striped bass (rockfish) are moving through upper Delaware Bay and into the Delaware River to spawn. Be sure to follow your state’s regulations requiring catch-and-release of striped bass and the use of circle hooks when fishing bait.
New Jersey Striper Report
In New Jersey, access is getting a little tougher but many areas remain open and most bait shops are offering curbside service. The bays, rivers and bridges continue to fish well for striped bass to 30 inches, with smaller soft-plastics on single-hook jigs fishing well. Evenings and nights are fishing especially well. Raritan Bay has bigger pre-spawn Hudson River stripers to 30 pounds. Kayakers and boaters have been catching on plugs, shads and mojos. Take advantage of curbside and delivery service from your local tackle shop and be safe.
• Read the Southern New Jersey Fishing Report
• Read the Northern New Jersey Fishing Report
New York – Hudson River and Long Island Striper Report
Hudson River spawning stock stripers continue to gather and feed in Raritan Bay, and eventually they will push up the Hudson to spawn. Most of the bass being caught in the river north of Bear Mountain recently are in the 18- to 30-inch range.
Fresh, migrating schoolie stripers continue to spread east along the south side beaches and along the north shore in Long Island Sound. Anglers are reminded to be safe and practice social distancing.
• Read the Long Island Fishing Report
Connecticut/Rhode Island Striper Report
Migrating stripers are making a good showing along the shorelines of western Connecticut, and the lines are blurring between fresh fish and holdovers. Holdovers are active in Rhode Island rivers and salt ponds, but we haven’t heard any reports of fresh migrating schoolies yet. We expect them to show up before next week’s map update.
• Read the Connecticut Fishing Report
• Read the Rhode Island Fishing Report
Cape Cod/ Massachusetts Striper Report
Holdover striped bass are stirring in some fresh and brackish waters on Cape Cod and the greater Boston area as waters warm and river herring arrive.
• Read the Cape Cod Fishing Report
• Read the Massachusetts Fishing Report
The On The Water staff is made up of experienced anglers from across the Northeast who fish local waters year-round. The team brings firsthand, on-the-water experience and regional knowledge to coverage of Northeast fisheries, techniques, seasonal patterns, regulations, and conservation.
Are we currently allowed to fresh and salt water fish in MA?
Yes you are, although some towns/cities have closed parking lots and such.
There are definitely fresh fish in RI along the the southern beaches.
ANY reports on for the Maine/NH (NOT “holdovers”)
With the wacky weather we are having I have heard that “peepers” have awaken from thier slumber yet haven’t seen or heard of alewife making its push to thier spawning grounds in tributaries yet…… (Waiting patiently………….NOT!!!)
Yesterday Yarmouth Royal river had two cormerants diving under the falls looking for herring!
CORMERANTS WERE CATCHING BAIT HERE YESTERDAY IN ALBANY
Technically in NJ you are NOT allowed to be out past 8pm but many people don’t care and are risking legal charges to get on a dish bite. It takes one group of 20 anglers and one officer to shut down everything
Any good shore spots in CT I just moved here. I’m in between the CT rivrr and the housatonic. I have a kayak as well
Talk to the guys at The Fish Connection in Preston, CT. Very knowledgeable guys when it comes to the Thames River. Usually the first fun striper fishing in CT.
Caught a baby striper little bay rd south Dartmouth ma
I have not had any in Mattapoisett (Buzzards Bay) yet. If you are getting them in S Dartmouth then I will see them this week or next week.. Wohooo
When will you be updating the striper migration?