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.
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 are moving into spawning tributaries, and spawning activity should be picking up as surface water temperatures surpass 60 degrees and we head toward the full moon next week. Anglers need to 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 all catch and release of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay ended March 31 and will not open to striped bass fishing of any kind until May 1.
New Jersey Striper Report
In southern Jersey, the back bays are fishing really well for striped bass, with bloodworms the top bait. Most of the stripers are 18 to 24 inches, from Toms River south to Cape May, with the occasional 30-incher. Evenings and nights are fishing well. Outgoing current has been the better bite with the temperatures hovering in the mid- 50s. In Barnegat Bay, striped bass are spreading out and hitting bloodworms, soft plastics, and plugs. Raritan Bay has also been giving up fish from the bay beaches with more keepers in the mix. Kayakers and boaters have been locating bigger bass in the 15- to 30- pound range and 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 Striper Report
Not many folks are getting out and fishing in the Metro NY area, and anglers are reminded to be safe and practice social distancing if they do get out. Schoolie stripers have been spreading east along the south side beaches, and there have been more reports of stripers in Long Island Sound.
• Read the Long Island Fishing Report
Connecticut/Rhode Island Striper Report
Holdover striper fishing in the Housatonic River has been good, and there have been reports of stripers actively feeding along the shore in western Connecticut. No reports of fresh migrating schoolies in Rhode Island yet, but based on the early start to the season so far we expect them to show in Rhode Island in the next 7-14 days.
• 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
We fish for stripers here in midcoast maine (Belfast) beleive it or not. It would be nice if you could show the migration here . also all you ever write about is southern maine . It would be nice just a thought!
Have you started striper fishing or is it too early for Stripers in Maine? I’m out of Brunswick area, looking for tips.
Too early.. Brunswick bath area will be ready 2nd week of hune
.
Be ready earlier than that the warm winter has everything about 3 weeks ahead of the norm
The schoolies are out in the salt as of a couple days ago. Got these in SW CT. Concentrate on the creek outflows and tidal inlets and rips around Fairfield county. Fish up to 23″ but most were in the sub 18″ range. got 25 in a couple hours on the outgoing tide. 1/2 oz or lighter jig with swimmers or other small plastics. Some of the smaller fish were very clean and shiny and looked to be fresh migrants.
A trusted friend that fishes the same area as here said he got a few up to 33″ in the early morning tides in the past couple days.
I hope!
That
The striped bass
(M. Saxitilis)
Will
Make it up
This way soon!
Very good information just learning how to fish , this made mapping fish easy.
time to contact congress man and DEMAND small charters be allowed out. Its outdoors and a crew of six for gods sake! have we all lost our minds…Only healthy allowed..at least put some healthy people back to work