Upper Bay Fishing Reports

Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, April 4 Update:

The striped bass closure is now in effect for all Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Anglers are prohibited from targeting striped bass until May 16th when certain areas of the Bay will open for the season. We encourage anglers to view the Maryland DNR striped bass regulations map to see when and where areas are open for striped bass fishing. While striped bass are off the table for now, the blue catfish bite is really ramping up. The catfish have been concentrated in the upper portions of the Upper Bay around Hart Miller and Pooles Island, but we are now seeing a surge southward. Jay Fleming was out this week running catfish trotlines just north of the Bay Bridge and had an impressive haul filling several trash cans full of blue catfish. Last year, April was a great month to fish for blue catfish in the Upper Bay and anglers were catching several fish in the 10-to-20-pound class with some fish over 40 pounds as well. These fish are invasive (and delicious!) and we encourage anglers to remove them from the water if caught. Anglers should also consider signing up for CCA Maryland’s Great Chesapeake Invasives Count. You can log your invasive catches for a chance to win some great prizes.  

Although striped bass are off limits, several other species are available to target this spring. White perch are running up their spawning tributaries and will soon become widely available in the Upper Bay rivers once they are done with their spawn. Post-spawn yellow perch are being caught in the Chester River, Magothy River, and Baltimore area creeks. Both species have been biting on bloodworms, grass shrimp, and minnows. Pickerel action has been red hot and the Upper Bay tributaries from the Patapsco River south have high concentrations of pickerel in their upper reaches. Anglers should focus their casts in creeks with fallen trees, docks, and other shoreline structures that would be a good ambush spot for pickerel. Spinners, jerkbaits, paddletails, and chatterbaits are all excellent lure choices. We have bene gifted some unseasonably warm days to start spring, so take advantage of them and get out on the water.