Most largemouth bass in our lakes and ponds have transitioned to post spawn patterns and are holding close to structure in the shallows. Banks with overhanging vegetation are good laces to cast as they are looking to ambush frogs, insects, and baitfish. Reports Editor Dillon Waters ventured out on a southern Maryland lake last weekend and said the bass were fired up after the storms rolled through last weekend. He found a shallow shaded cove where bass were actively pushing baitfish up against the bank. After tying on a topwater bait, he caught several bass up to three pounds. A different area of the lake produced a half dozen fish caught on a glidebait near fallen trees. Smallmouth bass have also mostly wrapped up their spawning activity and can be found in their summer areas in the freshwater rivers. The Susquehanna, upper Potomac, and Monocacy rivers are notable locations for anglers to target smallies.
Lauren found some chunky blue catfish while fishing on the Patuxent River.
Reports of snakeheads haven’t entirely shut down for the spawn yet, and while the volume of reader reports of snakeheads wasn’t great this week, we did hear about a couple of serious dragons. A 34.5” 13.5-pounder came from a creek off Middle River on a #3 Mepps, and a 33” came out of a Pasadena waterway. Anglers fishing with topwater frogs in areas with thick vegetation are still finding good success. An angler fishing at the Tidal Basin in D.C. said snakeheads have been more active, and he caught a 10-pounder on a swimbait this week. Apex Predators reports that the snakehead bite on the lower Bay tidal rivers has been consistent, though some days are taking longer than others to find fish willing to bite. Their anglers have landed several nice fish recently. On an undisclosed Potomac tributary, an angler reported a successful day on snakeheads, catching fish up to 14 pounds. They took home eight snakeheads and also caught some bass using Tactical Fishing Company drag n pop lures. There is an upcoming snakehead tournament courtesy of Maryland DNR. The Snakes on the Dundee, fishing tournament is scheduled for June 7th at Gunpowder Falls State Park. We also encourage anglers to participate in CCA Maryland’s Great Chesapeake Invasives Count. Anglers can log their invasive species catches to be entered for a chance to win monthly drawings. The data collected also helps fisheries managers track the spread of invasive fish in our waters.
Freshwater Fishing Report, May 30 Update:
The cooler weather has extended the largemouth bass spawn this spring, and some fish can still be found on beds, though many are moving into post-spawn patterns. Anglers will be able to find them in ponds,… Read more...
Freshwater Fishing Report, April 25 Update:
The warmer weather has improved the bite for several species this week, including one of our most popular invasive fish. Snakehead action on the Eastern Shore is cranking up for spring, and an angler… Read more...
Freshwater Fishing Report, March 28 Update:
Spring shad fishing is on in the upper reaches of the southern Bay tribs from the Potomac down. We had reader reports of sparse but steady action at Fletcher’s on the Potomac and the Fredericksburg area… Read more...