Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 26 Update:
Big news was announced this week for striped bass regulations. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has voted for option B2, setting Chesapeake Bay 2024 striped bass regulations across all jurisdictions in Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River. The limit will be one fish per person per day with a slot from 19 to 24 inches. Seasons will remain the same as 2022 through this action, but the State of Maryland in its latest action has proposed eliminating May trophy season plus adding another week during the summer closure to extend it through the first week of August. Maryland DNR announced an “Emergency Regulation” ending trophy season and simultaneously closing catch-and-release fishing during the same period. That “Emergency” action appears to have stalled. The DNR announced that since the Joint Committee on Administration, Executive, and Legislative Review has not taken action, a public comment period on these now-proposed changes has been opened. These options include modulating the early season on the Flats. You can click on this link to the DNR Striped Bass – Changes to Season Comment Form to see the options and voice your opinion.
Most of the action in the way north reaches of the Bay has been fishing for blue catfish. The lower Susquehanna River and Susquehanna Flats have plenty of catfish that can be targeted from shore or by boat. Fresh cut baitfish is a top choice for anglers who target them, and since they are invasive, we highly recommend adding them to your list of target species. They are also great to eat. We didn’t hear about any yellow perch action in the rivers, but that action should pick up as we move into February. Water is still running high and muddy, so check local conditions while planning your next trip.
Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 19 Update:
The weather has not been very nice to angles in the upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay this year. Consistent rains have flooded out many fishing locations and now we are dealing with some snowfall and extreme cold this week. Reader reports have still amounted to… well nothing for the third consecutive week. Until we get a break in the precipitation, the Susquehanna River will continue to flow high, bringing debris and muddy water into the Bay. Blue catfish are usually a popular target this time of year, but it has been difficult for anglers to fish for them thanks to poor water conditions. They should still be a good option for winter fishing once conditions improve, so let’s hope for that. If only we could control the weather!
Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 11 Update:
The weather is refusing to cooperate with anglers to start the 2024 fishing season. We saw another heavy dose of rain last weekend and this week, along with some fierce winds over 60 mph in some places. The heavy rain is continuing to raise water levels in the Susquehanna River which is pumping dirty water and debris into the Bay. Flood conditions have been prevailing in this region which is keeping most anglers off the water. We wish we had better news heading into the weekend, but the forecast does not look promising with more strong winds expected. Needless to say, reports have been virtually nonexistent for the Way North region as of late. Hopefully that changes next week.
Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 5 Update:
Happy New Year folks! Many of you are probably eager to get your 2024 fishing season started, but the weather has made it difficult. This will be the third straight weekend with heavy precipitation forecasted for our region. The Conowingo Dam is still operating under spill conditions, so fishing will be a no go there until the water recedes. It may be late into next week before the turbid conditions subside. That of course is dependent on if we get any more storm systems moving through. Though the waters are running high and muddy in the Susquehanna and upper Bay, you can still find fish willing to bite with some persistence.
Many anglers will be out targeting walleye and smallmouth bass in the lower Susquehanna this time of year. Jerkbaits, jigs, with paddletails, and tube jigs all work well for them. Now that the water is cold, a slow approach will typically be best when fishing. Be slow and methodical with your retrieves and focus on your line. Often a bite will be indicated by a subtle thud. Blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish are also good targets right now. It may be tough a tough bite with dirty water and high flows, but if you can find an area that is fishable, the catfish will usually bite a variety of cut baits. Trout stockings should start up this month so if the poor fishing conditions continue for the river and Bay, it should offer a reliable alternative.