We’re still in a bit of a holding pattern on the 2026 Striped Bass Migration. More schoolies, slot-size, and some larger fish are turning up in New Jersey’s backwaters. Chesapeake Bass are moving steadily toward spawning tributaries, and the return of migratory baitfish in New England is purring holdover bass to life. There’s a warming trend right up until the April 1 full moon, so look for the migration to ramp up over the next week.
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Maryland/Chesapeake Bay Striper Fishing Report
Stripers are steadily moving from their overwintering areas and the mouth of the Chesapeake and into the spawning tributaries. Fishing has been spotty during the final days of the catch-and-release season on the Susquehanna Flats. This area will be off-limits to striper fishing beginning April 1, but areas of the open bay will remain open to catch-and-release fishing. Tidal rivers remain closed to striper fishing, as they have been since March 1. The Maryland DNR has not yet reported any striped bass spawning.
New Jersey Striper Fishing Report
The backwaters of southern New Jersey continue to lead the way with reliable Garden State striper action with schoolie-sized residents and fish into the 30-inch range feeding along sod banks, bridges, and tidal creeks, especially on the outgoing tide. Action remains concentrated in the warmest water, while the open bays are still mostly quiet. Up north, bass are holding in the “back” of Raritan Bay, but with fishing remains in a holding pattern as anglers wait for consistently warmer weather to break the bite wide open.
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New York Striper Report
In New York, the very early signs of life continue. A few schoolies are showing in western Long Island Sound and back-bay areas, mixing in with holdover fish. Most of the action remains limited to early-season anglers targeting mud flats and creek mouths.
Connecticut/Rhode Island Striper Report
Holdover fishing is steadily improving in Connecticut and Rhode Island as water temperatures slowly rise. Anglers are finding more consistent action with schoolie bass in rivers and estuaries, particularly when fishing slow along the bottom. As conditions stabilize, the bite is expected to push farther downriver with the first signs of migrating fish not far behind.
Cape Cod/Massachusetts Striper Report
In Massachusetts, the focus remains on holdover fish, with activity gradually improving as rivers and salt ponds warm.