• Late-Season Chesapeake Bounty: A Promising Fishing Report for the Baltimore-DC Area
    2024/11/10
    As of November 10, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area is offering some promising fishing opportunities despite the unconventional weather patterns. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been unseasonably warm, with a brief cooldown expected this weekend before warming up again. Water temperatures are still in the low 60s, which is above average for this time of year. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide at 4:30 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset is at 4:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing has been localized but productive, particularly in areas like the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and around the Bay Bridge. Anglers have reported catching striped bass in the 17 to 20-inch range using umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits. The mouth of the Patapsco River has seen larger schools of striped bass chasing baitfish, often indicated by bird activity.

    White perch are moving into deeper waters as the temperatures drop. They can be found at the mouth of rivers, areas with oyster bottom in depths of 20 feet or more, and around the Bay Bridge. Small metal jigs, Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp are effective for catching white perch.

    Pickerel have been active in the creeks of the Magothy River, making them a good alternative target until the striped bass bite improves.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Patapsco River**: The mouth of the river and areas with shoreline structure like shipping docks, seawalls, and riprap shorelines are holding fish.
    - **Bay Bridge**: The rock piles here are great for catching a mix of striped bass and white perch.
    - **Pooles Island**: While striped bass reports are slim here, it's a good spot for big blue catfish using fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits in the 20 to 30-foot range.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, use umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits. Trolling along drop-offs and channel edges has been effective. For white perch, small metal jigs, Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp work well. For blue catfish, fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits are recommended.

    Overall, the fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay is showing signs of improvement, especially with the cooler weather forecasted. Keep an eye out for bird activity and fish schools, and be prepared to adjust your tactics as the water temperatures continue to drop.
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    3 分
  • Fall Fishing Forecast for Chesapeake Bay: Stripers, Perch, and Tautog Bite
    2024/11/09
    For November 9, 2024, in the Chesapeake Bay area around Baltimore and Washington D.C., here’s what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Winds will be moderate, blowing at about 10 mph from the northwest. Sunrise is at 6:33 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM. Tides will be moderate, with high tide at 8:15 AM and low tide at 2:15 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    The striped bass bite has been mixed across the Upper, Middle, and Lower Bay. In the Upper Bay, anglers are catching a mix of white perch and some striped bass, particularly in the creeks of the Magothy River[1].

    In the Middle Bay, the striped bass bite has been slower due to the fall turnover, where cooler surface waters mix with oxygen-deprived bottom waters, making fish less active. However, using smaller baits with slow presentations, such as four-inch Z-Man Diezel Minnowz, has been effective. Schools of striped bass are roaming along the edges of Poplar Island, and white perch are moving to deeper waters, often found under schools of striped bass[2].

    In the Lower Bay, the striped bass action has slowed a bit, but there are still good opportunities, especially around the mouth of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Anglers are finding schooling fish, particularly during early-morning and evening hours when birds are active. Tautog and sea bass fishing also remains steady in the deeper waters[3][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, casting 1/2- to 3/4-ounce jigheads paired with 5- to 7-inch plastics, such as BKDs and paddletails, has been working well. Subtly jigging small silver spoons and chartreuse lures on bottom in 10’ to 12’ of water can also trigger bites. For inactive fish, a three-quarter ounce white Rat-L-Trap can be effective[2][3].

    For white perch, small metal jigs dropped to the bottom under bird activity or around dock lights at night are recommended[2].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Poplar Island in the Middle Bay**: Schools of striped bass are roaming along the edges, and using subtle jigging techniques can yield results.
    - **Mouth of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers in the Lower Bay**: These areas are seeing good striped bass action, especially during early-morning and evening hours when birds are active.
    - **Creeks of the Magothy River in the Upper Bay**: Good for catching a mix of white perch and striped bass.

    Remember to adjust your tackle according to the wind and water conditions, and be patient as the fish adjust to the fall turnover.
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    3 分
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Ideal Conditions for a Successful Day on the Water
    2024/11/08
    As of November 8, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the mild and breezy weather. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Expect moderate, breezy weather with average flows in the Maryland rivers and streams. The new moon on November 1 has resulted in above-average tidal currents on Wednesday and Thursday, which will continue to influence fishing conditions. Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the low 60s, while the rivers are slightly cooler.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit your favorite spots.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing is particularly good in the lower Bay, where anglers are enjoying excellent jigging and trolling along the main channels and the mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Many of these striped bass are measuring over 24 inches, providing great catch and release action. The cooler water temperatures have improved the survivability of catch and release striped bass, so you can fish with confidence.

    In the Upper Bay, localized success for striped bass can be found in areas like the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and around the Bay Bridge. Trollers are doing well using umbrella rigs with five-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits along drop-offs and channel edges.

    White perch are moving to deeper waters as the temperatures drop. They can be found over oyster reefs in the lower sections of tidal rivers and around the Bay Bridge. Jigging with metal jigs and a small plastic jig tied in above, or using bottom rigs baited with grass shrimp or pieces of bloodworm, are effective methods.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, casting 1/2- to 3/4-ounce jigheads paired with 5- to 7-inch plastics is working well. Trollers are successful with umbrella rigs and tandem rigs featuring shad baits. For white perch, metal jigs with a small plastic jig or bottom rigs with grass shrimp or bloodworms are recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Lower Bay:** The mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers are hot spots for striped bass.
    - **Upper Bay:** The Patapsco River, particularly the mouth and areas around the shipping docks, seawalls, and riprap shorelines, are holding good numbers of striped bass.
    - **Bay Bridge:** This area is excellent for both striped bass and white perch, especially around the rock piles.

    Yesterday saw a mix of catches, including striped bass, white perch, and even some blue catfish in the upper Bay. With the right lures and bait, you should be able to find some action today. Good luck and tight lines
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    3 分
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Striped Bass, Blue Catfish, and More to Catch This November
    2024/11/07
    As of November 7, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know:

    **Weather and Tides:**
    Expect moderate and breezy weather with mild air temperatures continuing into the near future. Tidal currents are above average due to the new moon on November 1, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset is at about 4:45 PM.

    **Water Conditions:**
    Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the low 60s, with the rivers running slightly cooler. Salinity is slightly higher than average above Cove Point, and oxygen levels are adequate from the surface to the bottom. Water clarity is average, so be sure to check the Eyes on the Bay Satellite Maps for the latest conditions.

    **Fish Activity:**
    The fishing action is robust, especially for striped bass and blue catfish. In the upper Bay, the Conowingo Dam Pool and the lower Susquehanna River are hotspots for blue catfish and striped bass. Use medium-sized surf rods with thin braid and cut bait to reach the bottom for blue catfish. For striped bass, soft plastic jigs and paddletails are highly effective.

    In the middle Bay, the striped bass fishing has been disappointing in shallow waters, but deep water jigging at the mouths of tidal rivers and areas with bird activity over bait schools has been more promising. The lower Bay is offering excellent striped bass fishing, particularly by jigging and trolling along main channels and the mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Many of these striped bass are over the 24-inch mark, providing great catch-and-release action.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For striped bass, use soft plastic jigs, paddletails, and live eels. Trolling with small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad is also productive. For blue catfish, cut bait, especially fresh eel, is the top choice. White perch and catfish in the tidal creeks and rivers can be caught using bloodworms, cut menhaden, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and shrimp.

    **Hot Spots:**
    - **Conowingo Dam Pool:** Great for blue catfish and striped bass.
    - **Lower Susquehanna River:** Excellent for blue catfish and striped bass.
    - **Mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers:** Ideal for striped bass jigging and trolling.
    - **Port Deposit, Havre De Grace, and the Elk River:** Additional hotspots for blue catfish and striped bass.

    With the right gear and knowledge of these conditions, you should have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay.
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    3 分
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Rockfish, Catfish, and Stripers Await Anglers
    2024/11/03
    As of November 3, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:58 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:15 AM and a low tide at 3:45 PM, making the changing tides ideal for various fishing spots.

    ### Fish Activity
    In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, rockfish are starting to come out of their October lull, indicating a promising catch for anglers. Below the Conowingo Dam, blue catfish are very active due to the cooler water temperatures, and striped bass are also being caught with increasing frequency.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Anglers in the Middle Bay have reported catching rockfish, while those below the Conowingo Dam are landing lots of blue catfish, particularly on cut bait with fresh eel being the top choice. Striped bass are also common, especially where the water is churning from the open dam gates. Smallmouth bass and a few walleye are being caught along the rocky shorelines and ledges of the lower Susquehanna River.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For blue catfish, cut bait with fresh eel is highly effective. For striped bass, larger rods are necessary for longer casting distances, and keeping lures off the bottom to avoid snagging is crucial. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs are effective for smallmouth bass. For rockfish, traditional lures such as shad darts tipped with grass shrimp have been productive.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Below the Conowingo Dam**: This area is hot for blue catfish and striped bass, with the churning water from the open gates attracting a lot of fish.
    - **Port Deposit, Havre De Grace, and the Elk River**: These spots are also good for blue catfish and other species like smallmouth bass and walleye.
    - **Middle Bay Tributaries**: Areas like the South River and other tributaries are holding redfish and offering good perch fishing.

    With the cooler water temperatures and favorable tidal conditions, now is a great time to get out on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy some excellent fishing.
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    3 分
  • Chasing Chesapeake: Rockfish, Catfish, and Redfish in the Tidal Currents
    2024/11/02
    If you're planning to hit the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. today, here’s what you need to know:

    First off, the weather is looking pretty decent for early November, with mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Expect a high in the mid-60s and a low in the mid-50s. Sunrise was at about 6:30 AM, and sunset will be around 4:50 PM.

    Tides are an important factor, and today you're looking at a high tide around 10:30 AM and a low tide around 4:30 PM. These tidal changes can stir up the fish, so be ready to capitalize on the movement.

    Fish activity has been steady, especially in the Upper Bay. Striped bass, or rockfish, are still a primary target and have been active in areas like the hotspots around Love Point and the waters below the Conowingo Dam. Blue catfish have also been biting well below the dam, with many anglers reporting good success.

    In the Middle Bay, fishing has been a bit slower, but there are pockets of better action. Kayak anglers have reported some success in these areas.

    For the Lower Bay, it's a great time to be out there as bird shows and breaking fish are becoming more prevalent. Redfish are also starting to show up, making for an exciting catch.

    When it comes to lures and bait, for striped bass, try using soft plastic jigs, spoons, and live bait like eels or spot. For blue catfish, nightcrawlers, chicken livers, and cut bait are your best bets.

    Some hot spots to consider include the area around Love Point in the Upper Bay, the waters below the Conowingo Dam for blue catfish, and the Middle Bay's kayak-friendly spots. In the Lower Bay, look for areas with bird activity and breaking fish, as these often indicate schools of redfish and striped bass.

    Overall, it's a good time to be on the water, so grab your gear and make the most of these fall fishing conditions.
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    2 分
  • Fall Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay: Stripers, Mackerel, and More
    2024/11/01
    As of November 1, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitioning seasons.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    The tidal cycles are moderate, with high tide expected around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with a gentle breeze, making it a comfortable day on the water. Water temperatures in the lower Bay are holding in the mid-60s, while the tidal rivers and creeks are slightly cooler, around 60 degrees.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at 4:55 PM, providing a good window for both early morning and late afternoon fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass remain a primary target in the Upper Bay. Despite the mackerel having largely migrated south, there are still reports of some mackerel being caught, which can attract striped bass. Striped bass are actively feeding on sand eels, bunker, and other baitfish in the middle and lower Bay.

    ### Catch Reports
    Yesterday saw a decent number of striped bass caught, particularly in the Patapsco River, which continues to be a hotspot. Anglers reported catching stripers using jigs and topwaters. Sea bass fishing has been hit or miss, but there are still some good catches to be had.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using jigs and topwaters has been highly effective. Live or artificial eels, as well as bunker, are also attracting good numbers of stripers. For sea bass, bottom fishing with clams or squid can yield positive results.

    ### Hot Spots
    The Patapsco River is currently one of the best places to target striped bass. Another hotspot is around Love Point, where there have been reports of mackerel and consequently, striped bass activity.

    Overall, the conditions are favorable for a productive day of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and enjoy the fall fishing season.
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    2 分
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Puppy Drum, and More - October 31st Outlook
    2024/10/31
    As we head into the last day of October, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities, especially around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, October 31st, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62 degrees and a low of 48 degrees. The winds will be light, coming from the northwest at about 5 mph. Tides are crucial, and today you can expect a high tide at 8:47 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 5:54 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    The drop in water temperatures, now in the low 60s, has triggered a transition in fish behavior. Striped bass are moving into deeper channels, making jigging and trolling in these areas highly productive. Anglers have been catching striped bass in the 18- to 24-inch range, with some larger fish up to 30 inches, particularly around the mouth of the Patapsco River and near the Bay Bridge pilings.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using umbrella rigs with heavy inline weights and white sassy shads as trailers is effective. Soft plastic jigs, especially 5- to 6-inch paddletails, and topwater lures are also working well. Eels are becoming a popular choice for live lining as the spot supply diminishes.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Patapsco River**: This area continues to be a hotspot for striped bass. Early morning topwater action around docks and sea walls has been excellent, and jigging with soft plastics keeps the fish biting throughout the day.
    - **Bay Bridge Pilings**: These structures always hold some striped bass, making them a reliable spot. Bloodworms and Fishbites on bottom rigs are also effective here.

    ### Other Fish
    In addition to striped bass, you might catch puppy drum in the shallows, especially in the Magothy River. White perch are active in open water and near structure, and can be caught using small spinners and jigs. Flounder are still present in the channels leading to the inlets, and live spot or Gulp baits are good choices for targeting them.

    With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you should have a productive and enjoyable day on the Chesapeake Bay.
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    3 分