Way North and DE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, March 28, 2019 Update:
As we move into spring, fishing in the upper reaches of the Chesapeake is becoming more and more promising – a variety of species are being caught in abundance, and anglers are enjoying action-packed days on the water as the weather has begun to provide a more comfortable and viable climate for fishing. Plus, water conditions are finally starting to return to normal with dingy but fishable conditions in the lower Susquehanna. Herb’s Sport Shop reported that as the yellow perch bite has dropped off, white perch have moved into creeks and tributaries. There are also some big stripers moving into the territory. Anglers who are catching bluegill and keeping them around to use as live-lining bait have reported reeling in some large pre-season stripers (catch and release, of course).
The Susquehanna Flats has also been sustaining a lively pre-season fishery, where cut bait such as menhaden and shad are popular options. Sarge’s also suggested hitting up the Elk River, where similar tactics are being deployed, and water is reportedly less muddy than other regions. Anglers fishing from shore may want to consider going after catfish, which haven’t been too picky about the kind of bait they’re taking, location, depth, or temperature. Reports are that the tribs are chock-full of them, especially around Turkey Point and up into the C & D Canal.
Way North and DE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, March 22, 2019 Update:
Although reports of stripers have been streaming in from the Middle Bay and Upper Bay, according to the reports we’ve gathered the northernmost regions of the Chesapeake have yet to experience a preseason rockfish bite as we look forward to the weeks before the season opens on Saturday, April 20th. Despite a barren Bay, however the yellow perch run is still hot this week. The Northeast and Susquehanna have stayed stars of the perch fishery, with Perryville continuing to provide a strong bite. However, although the temperature above and below the surface is beginning to warm up, yellow perch have continued to hold in deep water. Clyde’s Sport Shop reported that bottom rigs with minnow have worked best, and some anglers have been using shad darts as well.
Crappie are in the mix for anglers fishing in the Northeast, especially for those tossing a minnow under a bobber. Catfish have continued to hang around the tributaries as well, and are also providing a good bite in the C & D canal. They’ve been reported to strike minnow occasionally but anglers choosing to target them in specific should consider using cut bait such as chicken gizzard or breast, and menhaden.
Way North and DE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, March 15, 2019 Update:
PERCH ALERT: With the water warming up a bit (though still ranging mostly in the low- to mid-40s this week), the Susquehanna not so muddy you can walk on it (though still running on the high side and not exactly crystal clear), and warmer weather coming, everyone has one thing on their mind: yellow perch! Reports have been best from Perryville and the North East River, with the catch still mostly small males but the proportion of larger fish definitely growing as compared to prior weeks. The fish are still holding mostly to relatively deep water and anglers are having the best success dropping minnow on shad darts, bare jig heads, and bottom rigs, (you can get a full selection of all the above at Clyde’s Sport Shop in Halethorpe, before heading out) all the way to bottom. Every now and again a catfish grabs a minnow, too. For the first time of the year the Bush and Gunpowder have had mentions in the reports, as well, although as of mid-week in most areas the fish hadn’t yet moved into the traditional up-river spawning areas and were still holding in deeper downstream deep spots. We expect this to change soon and abruptly, as the water temperatures are sure to take a jump with the recent warmth and sunshine.
Way North and DE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, March 8, 2019 Update:
Cold weather has continued to stick around for the past week, keeping the yellow perch deep. Anglers heading out from the docks have been reporting that yellows are still in way down there around Perryville in the Susquehanna, primarily in 20 to 40 feet of water. Keeping with recent trends, fish are mostly being caught on bottom rigs with an ounce to an ounce and a half sinker and baited with minnow. The Northeast is experiencing similar trends, with fish primarily holding in eight to 12 feet of water. Anglers in the Northeast have been using lighter rigs, typically with a half-ounce weight, and casting them out followed by a slow retrieve. As fish have been primarily in deeper water, shore fishing hasn’t been as effective. Last week, we reported that some anglers were doing well in the Town Park area, however this week Clydes reported that the bite there seems to have dried up, with some shoreline anglers coming home skunked. All we need is a couple-few days of warm weather, however, and those perch should go on a rampage – this weekend’s predicted warming trend could do the trick!
Way North and DE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, March 1, 2019 Update:
Weather permitting, anglers in the Northernmost regions of our Chesapeake have been venturing to the docks and taking advantage of a thriving yellow perch run. We talked to our friends at Herb’s Sport Shop, who reported that the Susquehanna and Northeast rivers are where most guys bringing home dinner have been fishing. The Perryville region of the Susquehanna has been particularly notable – those dropping bottom rigs with minnows and a sinker weighing an ounce to an ounce and a half in 20 to 40 feet of water have been enjoying action steady enough to justify enduring frigid temperatures. In the Northeast, yellow perch have been in eight to 12 feet of water. Anglers catching in the Northeast are casting out and slowly retrieving along the bottom. But most yellows in both the Susquehanna and Northeast rivers have been small, and larger yellows will take some time to find. Fishing from shore hasn’t been very effective, as during the cold winter months yellow perch typically dwell in deeper water. Despite this, locals have been steadily fishing Town Park with some level of success. Remember, having minnow has been key; if you're heading up this way from Baltimore don't forget that our friends at Clyde's Sport Shop have a healthy supply of bait and are one of the most reliable shops in the area, when it comes to keeping a fresh stock.
