Episodios

  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers Biting, Perch Plentiful as Summer Approaches

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers Biting, Perch Plentiful as Summer Approaches
    May 23 2025
    CHESAPEAKE BAY FISHING REPORT
    May 23, 2025
    by Artificial Lure

    Mornin' anglers! Today's gonna be a scorcher out on the Bay, so grab your coolers and hit the water early. Striped bass season is now in full swing across most of the Chesapeake, except for the Way North region where it opens June 1st, so mind those boundaries.

    The Upper Bay is seeing good action around the Bay Bridge, where stripers are hitting hard during moving tides. Water temps are holding above 70 degrees, making the shallows prime territory. Spot have moved into their summer patterns and are plentiful around the Bridge, river mouths, and Six and Seven Foot Knolls. They're running 3-6 inches - perfect for live lining. Small croaker are mixed in too, though most are under the 9-inch keeper minimum[2].

    In the Middle Bay, white perch have spread out into the smaller creeks and tidal rivers. They're providing fantastic action off docks and shorelines. Grass shrimp and bloodworm pieces on simple bottom rigs are working a treat, especially near structure. For some real fun, try casting small spinners and soft plastics during dawn and dusk hours[4].

    The Way North region is still recovering from heavy rains earlier this month, but conditions should be improving. The Susquehanna's been running high and muddy with Conowingo Dam in spill condition, but the tributaries are still holding plenty of catfish and white perch for those willing to work for them[5].

    Hot spots this weekend: The Patapsco River has been firing for stripers, especially along shoreline points and riprap. The Chester River mouth is another solid bet. For perch action, try the Choptank River tributaries where they're holding in good numbers after their spawn.

    Lure selection: For stripers, bucktails tipped with soft plastics are working well in white and chartreuse. Topwater action has been solid at dawn - try Spooks or poppers along structure. For perch, small spinners in white or chartreuse and 2-3 inch soft plastics on 1/16 oz jigheads are the ticket.

    Best baits: Fresh spot for live lining stripers is hard to beat right now. For perch, grass shrimp and bloodworms are producing steady action. Fishbites in bloodworm scent have been working for spot and croaker.

    Tide's running strong mid-morning today with a high around 10:30, making the first few hours after sunrise prime time. Sunrise was at 5:47 AM and sunset will be at 8:22 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get after 'em.

    Remember, the slot limit for stripers is 19-24 inches with a one fish per person daily limit. Tight lines, y'all!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Snakeheads, and Catfish Bite Strong as Clarity Improves

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Snakeheads, and Catfish Bite Strong as Clarity Improves
    May 21 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, covering the Baltimore and Washington D.C. region.

    It’s a warm, stable week ahead after recent rains, which stirred up plenty of muddy water and floating debris in the upper Bay and lower Susquehanna. Water is still a bit high and off-color in the northern reaches, especially near the Conowingo Dam, making river fishing tough right now. Expect improvement in clarity as we get further into the week, especially in main Bay channels and open water[2][4].

    Tidal data for today in Baltimore shows high tide around 9:40 a.m. and low tide near 3:15 p.m., with another high rolling in just before sunset. Sunrise was 5:48 a.m. and sunset will be at 8:17 p.m., giving you a nice, long window for fishing that early morning or late evening bite.

    Now to the fish. Striped bass season is open in select main Bay zones south of the Hart-Miller Island to Tolchester line, though closed in rivers and most tributaries until June 1. Double-check regulations before you wet a line. Folks drifting main channel edges and deeper ledges reported decent catches of schoolies up to 27 inches in the open areas, mostly at dawn and dusk on paddle-tail swimbaits in white or chartreuse, and on bloodworms or cut menhaden for the bait crowd[1][4].

    It’s also prime time for Chesapeake Channa—our local snakehead—especially in the grass beds and structure along the tidal stretches of the Gunpowder, Middle, and Patapsco rivers. These fish are feeding hard. Anglers using white frogs, chatterbaits, and live minnows are getting steady action. For snakehead, focus on shallow grassy flats early and late, or duck into the shaded creeks for mid-day bites[4].

    Catfish are thick in the tidal rivers, though the main Bay bite has been inconsistent. Blue and channel cats are hitting cut bait and chicken livers fished on the bottom, with the best results in the Patapsco and Bush rivers[5]. White perch action is starting to heat up too, especially near docks and hard bottoms with small spinnerbaits or grass shrimp.

    Flounder and speckled trout are still rare in the Baltimore/Washington zone, but anglers running farther down the Bay, or south into Tangier or Pocomoke Sounds, are finding action on Gulp jigs in pink or white colors[3].

    Hot spots this week include the mouths of the Gunpowder and Patapsco rivers for both snakehead and catfish, as grass beds and creek mouths are loaded with bait. Main channel edges near Pooles Island and in the open Bay south of Tolchester are producing stripers. If you want a mixed bag, try the deeper holes off Rocky Point or the mouth of the Magothy for a shot at both cats and perch.

    That’s all for today—watch the tides, keep an eye on floating debris, and match your lure color to the water clarity. Good luck and tight lines from Artificial Lure.
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Muddy Waters, Striped Bass Openings, and Perch Hotspots

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Muddy Waters, Striped Bass Openings, and Perch Hotspots
    May 19 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Monday, May 19, 2025.

    The Bay's been a bit of a challenge lately, especially up north. The lower Susquehanna River and Way North region are still running high and muddy from that downpour we had at the beginning of last week. Conowingo Dam's in spill conditions, making fishing difficult in many areas[1]. If you're heading that way, focus on the tidal tributaries for catfish and white perch until conditions improve.

    Striped bass season opened on May 16th in parts of the Bay, but remember – the Way North region remains closed until June 1st[1]. The current regulations allow one fish per person per day with a slot limit of 19" to 24"[2]. Make sure you check the Maryland DNR striped bass regulation map before heading out, as the boundaries can be confusing.

    Down in the Middle Bay, things are looking more promising. White perch should be showing up in their summer spots now – look for them in shallows of tidal tributaries, areas with oyster bottom, and artificial reef sites. Small spinners, jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp have been working well[5]. The catfish bite's been better in the tidal rivers than the main stem, with blue catfish hitting in the upper portions of the Patuxent and Choptank. Fresh cut gizzard shad has been the ticket there.

    Great news for bait fishermen – spot and small croaker have started showing up in the pound nets. For those planning to live line for stripers once the season opens in your area, now's the time to stock up. Bottom rigs or Chesapeake sabiki rigs with small pieces of bloodworms or Fishbites (easier on the wallet) should do the trick[5].

    For hot spots this week, I'd recommend the Bay Bridge area where spot are starting to trickle in[3], and the artificial reefs in the Middle Bay for white perch. The Choptank River downstream of the line from Holland Point to the west entrance of Chapel Creek is also open for striped bass now and worth checking out[1].

    The weather looks to be clearing up this week, which should improve conditions throughout the Bay. Tide's running strong in the morning, so plan accordingly.

    Remember folks, regulations vary by location, so double-check before you head out. Tight lines and see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Trout, and More for May 18, 2025

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Trout, and More for May 18, 2025
    May 18 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your narrative fishing report for Sunday, May 18, 2025, focused on Chesapeake Bay in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. region.

    After a busy week of spring rains, the air is warming up and so is the fishing action. Today we are looking at partly cloudy skies, light winds from the southwest, and temps starting off in the upper 50s rising to mid-70s by midday. Early risers will catch the sunrise right around 5:50 AM, with sunset set for 8:15 PM.

    For those watching the tides, expect a high tide near 9:30 AM and a low tide in the late afternoon, around 3:45 PM, depending on your exact location along the Bay. These moving water windows are pushing baitfish into the rivers and creeks, triggering a feeding response in the resident gamefish.

    Let’s talk fish activity. The big news this week is the striped bass season reopening in Maryland and D.C. waters, with a slot limit of 19 to 24 inches and one fish per angler per day. Reports from the lower Bay and upper Potomac say the schoolie bite is strong, and fish in the 18 to 25 inch range are showing up in good numbers. Fly anglers have been scoring with clouser minnows, while those with spinning gear did best with soft plastic jigs and paddle tails. Live lining small spot at night is also producing stripers and even some accidental puppy drum, especially in the St. Mary’s River and eastern side of the Bay[3][5].

    Speckled trout and puppy drum action is heating up. Kayak anglers in the Piankatank and Patuxent rivers have landed trout up to 26 inches and puppy drum in the 18 inch range. Cast Z-Man soft plastics, MirrOlure MR17s, or Gulp! shrimp on jig heads for these species, especially around grass beds and creek mouths. As always, dawn and dusk are prime times.

    On the freshwater side, bluegills and sunfish are active in local ponds and tidal creeks, perfect for kids or light tackle. Shad are still running in the upper reaches of the Potomac and its tributaries, with dart and spoon tandems bringing in dozens of American and hickory shad per trip. Fletcher’s Cove and the Washington Channel are producing steady action for shad and carp. Carp anglers using hair rigs and pack bait have caught multiple fish over 10 pounds this week, along with some channel catfish[5].

    For bait, live spot and bloodworms top the list for stripers, while cut menhaden and soft crab work well for catfish and drum. Artificial lure fans should focus on paddle tails, jerkbaits, and topwaters during low light or moving water.

    Top hot spots for today include the mouth of the Patapsco River near Fort McHenry, the Key Bridge pilings, and the Matapeake Pier on Kent Island for stripers and white perch. On the Potomac, Fletcher’s Cove and Mattawoman Creek are seeing good action for shad and bass.

    That wraps it up for today. Wishing you tight lines and a great day on the Bay.
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Catfish, and More on the Bite

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Catfish, and More on the Bite
    May 17 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for this fine Saturday morning, May 17th, 2025.

    Folks, the striped bass season just opened yesterday, and I'm hearing some good news from around the Bay. The regulations remain the same as last year - you're looking at a slot limit of 19-24 inches with a one fish per person daily limit. Remember to check the DNR regulation map before heading out since some areas are still catch-and-release only or completely off-limits.

    Good news for those chasing stripers - local netters have been reporting spot and small croaker showing up in their pound nets. This means you'll have plenty of live lining options available. If you're after spot for bait, grab some bottom rigs or Chesapeake sabiki rigs baited with bloodworms (though they're mighty expensive this season) or the more budget-friendly Fishbites.

    The white perch haven't quite moved into their summer haunts yet, especially in creeks off the South River. But keep watching - they should be showing up any day now in the shallows of tidal tributaries, areas with oyster bottom, and artificial reef sites throughout the Middle Bay. Small spinners, jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp are your best bets when they arrive.

    Catfish action has been spotty on the main Bay, but the tidal rivers are producing well. Blue cats are hitting in the upper Patuxent and Choptank rivers - fresh cut gizzard shad has been the ticket there. Channel cats are abundant in these same areas, making for reliable action. Up north, the Susquehanna has been on fire for catfish, with reports of anglers landing 45 fish in a single outing using worms, and some massive blues up to 40 pounds around Port Deposit and Havre De Grace.

    For smallmouth bass and walleye, the area just below Conowingo Dam at Fisherman's Park has been productive.

    Hot spots this weekend: I'd recommend trying the artificial reefs in the Middle Bay section, the upper portions of the Patuxent for those catfish, and the area around Havre De Grace if you're willing to make the drive north.

    The tides are running about average for May, with a moderate incoming tide through mid-morning. Weather-wise, we're looking at temperatures in the low 70s with a light southeasterly breeze - perfect conditions to be on the water.

    Remember, if you're after those stripers, you've got to know where you can legally target them now that the season has opened. Check the DNR website before heading out.

    That's it from me today - tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time.
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    3 m
  • Stripers Are Back! Chesapeake Fishing Report for May 16, 2025

    Stripers Are Back! Chesapeake Fishing Report for May 16, 2025
    May 16 2025
    Artificial Lure's Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report
    May 16, 2025

    Good morning anglers! Artificial Lure here with your fresh-off-the-water report for today, May 16th. Big news folks - striped bass season officially opens TODAY in certain areas of the Chesapeake! Make sure you check the Maryland DNR regulations map before heading out since not all areas are open for targeting these beauties.

    Up north in the Susquehanna, catfish are absolutely on fire! Anglers are reporting catches of 45+ fish per trip, with blues up to 40 pounds being pulled near Port Deposit and Havre De Grace. Those cats are eagerly taking bottom rigs baited with worms and following schools of perch. If you're near Conowingo Dam, throw a line for some smallmouth bass and walleye that have been active there.

    Down in the middle Bay, white perch fishing is improving as they move toward summer spots. Look for them around oyster bottom and artificial reef sites. Small spinners, jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp are all working well. Catfish action has been spotty in the main stem but more reliable in the tidal rivers - especially the upper Patuxent and Choptank. Fresh cut gizzard shad has been the ticket there.

    The lower Bay is heating up with multiple species. Local netters report spot and small croaker appearing in pound nets, which is great news for live-lining. Grab some Fishbites (cheaper than bloodworms right now) on bottom rigs or Chesapeake sabiki rigs to catch your live bait.

    For you Eastern Shore fans, the Sounds are coming alive with everything from specks to reds. Last season saw 50-pound-plus red and black drum hitting drifted peeler crab in the open Sounds and around grass edges on high tides.

    Ocean City is reporting that migratory stripers are on fire moving up the coast. The flounder bite has been "lights out" with best action coming from anglers jigging with Gulp. Shad are running thick in coastal bays, and quality stripers are being caught from beaches, bridges and piers after dark.

    Hot spots today: Hit the Potomac River for striped bass (19-24 inch slot, one fish limit); check out emerging grass beds in Western Shore tribs for puppy drum and speckled trout; and don't sleep on the flounder action in Ocean City.

    For those looking to head offshore, the Morning Star out of West Ocean City is running sea bass trips with a 15 fish daily limit (13-inch minimum).

    Remember folks, the cownose rays will start swarming our waters before month's end, so enjoy the clean water while it lasts! Tight lines until next time - this is Artificial Lure signing off!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Striper Season Opener, Catfish and Snakehead Action

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Striper Season Opener, Catfish and Snakehead Action
    May 14 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, covering the Baltimore and Washington D.C. waters.

    First light showed up at 5:51 am, and we'll see the sun dip at 8:11 pm tonight. Weatherwise, we're in the mid-60s early, climbing into the 70s by afternoon, with light winds and partly cloudy skies—great conditions for a day on the Bay or the surrounding rivers.

    Tide today is running high for much of the morning, with a solid outgoing current settling in by mid-afternoon. Fish have been most active on these moving tides, especially in rivers and creek mouths.

    Anglers are gearing up for the striped bass season opener on May 16th, and early action has been promising. There have been a few good days recently with keeper stripers reported in the main stem of the Bay, especially south of Hart-Miller Island to Tolchester. Most are being taken trolling large tandem rigs, bucktails, and classic chartreuse shads. Topwater and soft plastic paddle tails are also producing, especially early and late in the day near structure and channel edges[2][1].

    Blue catfish and invasive northern snakehead are providing steady action in the upper Bay tribs. The blue cats are thick in the Patapsco, Gunpowder, and Chester Rivers. Cut bait like menhaden or chicken breast is the ticket for blue catfish, and you’ll find them stacked up around deeper holes and channel ledges[2]. Look for snakehead in Back River and the upper Patuxent, where chatterbaits, white paddletails, and topwater frogs have been scoring well.

    White perch are still biting strong, especially on grass shrimp, bloodworms, and small beetle spins fished around docks and submerged timber in the rivers. Some yellow perch are still lingering in the creeks, best caught on small jigs or live minnows, though that run is tapering off for the season[3].

    Hot spots to check today include Sandy Point State Park for stripers and perch, and the Susquehanna Flats for a shot at larger stripers and early-season catfish. Also, the mouth of the Magothy River and the area around Tolchester for a mixed bag of species on moving tides.

    In summary, focus on the outgoing tide for the best bite, gear up for the striped bass opener with big lures or fresh bait, and don’t overlook the cats and snakeheads for a fun tug on the line. Tight lines and enjoy the May action out on the Bay!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in May

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in May
    May 12 2025
    Howdy, anglers and fish fanatics! Artificial Lure here, ready to give you the lowdown on what’s biting and where as we float and cast our way through the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. region this fine May 12th morning. Grab your rods and let’s get into it.

    First, let’s talk tides. We’re seeing some solid high and low movements today, typical for this time of year. Water’s warming up, and that means critters are getting active. Expect a bit of a breeze—typical for May—with mostly sunny skies and temps in the 70s and maybe a quick shower or two, nothing to wet your appetite for fishing. Sunrise today was just after 6 a.m., and we’ll see the sun dip below the trees a little after 8 p.m., giving us plenty of daylight for a full day on the water.

    Now, on to the main event—the fish! First up, striped bass: they’re the talk of the town right now, with the big opener just a few days ago on May 16th (but some areas are still catch and release, so check those regs before you haul in a keeper). Live lining with spot is a hot ticket, and we’re glad to report that spot are showing up in decent numbers, though they’re still on the small side. Bottom rigs and Chesapeake sabiki rigs tipped with bloodworms or pieces of Fishbites are pulling in plenty of baitfish, which is great news as we head into peak striper season.

    White perch aren’t quite at summer numbers in all the creeks, but they’re starting to show up in the shallows near oyster beds and artificial reefs, especially off the South River. Small spinners, jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp will get you bites. Catfish action is solid, especially in the tidal rivers like the Patuxent and Choptank—blue cats and channel cats are both biting on cut bait, with fresh gizzard shad being a standout.

    As for hot spots, try your luck near the South River for those early perch, hit the Patuxent and Choptank rivers for catfish action, and set up somewhere in the main stem of the Bay for striped bass once you know your regs and catch windows. Don’t sleep on the artificial reefs and oyster bars in the Middle Bay—they’re holding all kinds of fish right now.

    For lures, keep it simple: jigs and plugs for the stripers, spinners for perch, and cut bait for the cats. Bloodworms are always a winner, but if you want to save a few bucks, try Fishbites—they’re getting the job done just fine.

    So get out there, enjoy the weather, and tight lines to all. Remember to check your regs, respect the resource, and maybe even sign up for that invasive catfish tournament if you’re looking for a little extra fun on the water! Until next time, this is Artificial Lure, signing off.
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    3 m
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