Freshwater Fishing Reports

Freshwater Fishing Report, February 20 Update:

Ice was still thick enough for ice fishing in some areas last week, problematic in some others, and almost gone in southern areas of FishTalk’s coverage. We heard from one reader who chipped ice at Lake Marburg in southern PA before the rain moved through, and the bite was slow but a bass and two perch rewarded his efforts by hitting shiners on a small crappie jig. (Note that ice may be iffy after the warmup and caution should be taken before walking out anywhere in the region). On the Eastern Shore, we had a report of some pickerel, yellow perch, and bass willing to bite on minnow fished on bottom in the channels in the Pocomoke. But the bite was slow overall and there was some ice left in still areas, and ice floes were problematic at times. The yellow perch bite at the mouth of the Susquehanna River picked up this week as the river and flats finally thawed out enough for anglers to get their boats out. Most of the fish are still schooled up in deep water around the 60’ range. The spring run should pick up in other tributaries over the next few weeks.

Trout stocking operations across the state of Maryland picked up this week with fish being stocked in several counties in different regions. Southern Maryland locations got their first round of stockings, but we heard from several anglers that visited ponds looking to fish but found that ice was still a big problem. Some ponds were completely iced over, while others only had small sections of open water. It will likely be a few more days before the smaller ponds thaw out enough to fish, but the good news is that trout are now in several water bodies. Trout stocking should continue and anglers can check the trout stocking website for the most up to date information and schedule. Virginia stocking crews were also busy this week getting fish out in several lakes, rivers and streams. They also have a trout stocking website that is a great reference for planning trips. Mossy Creek Fly Fishing let us know that many of the western trout creeks are running high and dirty thanks to recent rain and snowmelt runoff. Water temperatures will continue to be very cold from runoff, but all this moisture is helping the drought situation in the region. They recommend anglers dust off their streamer boxes based on the current conditions.

Freshwater Fishing Report, February 13 Update:

Trout season is kicking off across our region. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources unveiled a new plan for the 2026 trout season. They released a 2026 spring monthly stocking schedule that outlines which bodies of water will be stocked during which months. It also shows how many fish are being allocated to each location. This is a nice resource to reference for planning trout trips this spring. The stockings are scheduled to start this month, and crews have already started getting fish out. Earlier this week, stocking crews visited Washington and Mongomery counties. The daily trout stocking schedule is still up and running, so make sure to check that frequently to see the most up to date stocking information. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has also begun their trout stocking operations and stocked water bodies across several counties this week. As we begin to thaw, water levels in streams and rivers will rise while lakes and ponds begin to open up.

The polar vortex last weekend brought some of the coldest weather of the season that solidified any thawing ice we had prior to last weekend. The sub-freezing temperatures extended some ice fishing opportunities across our region that anglers were able to take advantage of. One reader reported drilling some holes on an Eastern Shore mill pond in search of crappie, but didn’t have any luck. Another angler fishing an unspecified tidal tributary in the northern portion of the Chesapeake Bay reported that he has enjoyed a good yellow perch bite over the past two weeks. They are catching their limit on most trips using minnows and small jigs. Reminder to anglers that the tidal yellow perch creel limit was reduced from 10 fish to five fish this year. Ice fishing opportunities will start to dwindle as above freezing temps this week started a thaw with more warm days on the way next week. One of the better reports we had this week was from an angler fishing on the Monocacy River last weekend. Despite the cold, they caught 11 smallmouth bass while wade fishing. Dead sticking a ned rig was the ticket for getting bites, and they even mentioned that letting the bait sit still for up to four minutes worked well. A slow retrieve is likely to work best right now as fish are lethargic in the cold water.

Freshwater Fishing Report, February 6 Update:

With the current weather, ice fishing has become a reality in our area. We’ve caught word that Deep Creek Lake has frozen over with the coves in good shape, with perch and some walleye hitting shiners. We also heard that Piney Reservoir has good ice with perch and crappie both biting. We haven’t received any reports from the northern Bay tribs as of yet, but it should be possible to find good ice in coves if not more open waters. The Angler In Chief, along with FishTalk contributors Eric Packard, Adam Greenberg, and David Rudow did get out for a late week trip on the upper Magothy near Beechwood Park to try ice fishing. The AIC reports that ice on the creek was seven inches thick, plenty deep for safe conditions. After drilling several holes and setting their tip-ups with live minnows, it was time to play the waiting game. Unfortunately, after several hours, only four tip ups had been triggered and none of them had fish on, though a few minnows had bite marks, which indicates there are at least a few active fish under the ice. Remember that ice four inches thick or more is considered best for safety reasons. If you need a refresher on the ice fishing in our zone, be sure to check out Mid-Atlantic Ice Fishing Spectacular and Cheap and Easy Ice Fishing.

Trout season is on the horizon as we anxiously try to get through the remainder of winter. Normally, by this time of year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has already started their stocking operations, but ice has put a halt to that. The Maryland DNR just announced that anglers will see a 26% increase in stocked trout, monthly schedule, and allocation adjustments to enhance their experience and catch rates. You can read the full press release on the department’s website. Mossy Creek Fly Fishing reports that most of the waterways in their region are still ice covered. The local ponds, lakes, and big rivers are all locked up with ice, but the spring creeks do have some open water. The banks are still very slick, so not many people have been out fishing. The lack of fishing pressure should offer a good bite once conditions improve enough to get back out on the water. More cold weather is on the way this weekend, but let’s hope for a warm stretch of weather on the sooner side.