• Chesapeake Bay Winter Fishing Report - Trophy Stripers, Big Cats, and Pickerel in the MD/DC Area

  • Dec 26 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Chesapeake Bay Winter Fishing Report - Trophy Stripers, Big Cats, and Pickerel in the MD/DC Area

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  • Summary

  • For December 26, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area, here's what you need to know.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, the first low tide will be at 4:39 AM, followed by a high tide at 11:04 AM, and then another low tide at 4:48 PM. The tidal coefficient is average, ranging from 52 to 49 throughout the day[2].

    Sunrise is at 7:13 AM, and sunset will be at 4:51 PM, giving you about 9 hours and 37 minutes of daylight[2].

    The fishing pattern is changing as we close out 2024, with large numbers of migratory fish moving into the lower Potomac and other areas. In the lower Chesapeake Bay, anglers have been finding striped bass in the 35 to 55 feet depth range, particularly from the mouth of the St. Mary’s River down to where the Potomac meets the Bay. These fish are often covered in sea lice, indicating they've migrated from the Atlantic[1].

    On the Rappahannock River, striped bass action is slower but still present, with fish scattered down river from Urbanna out to the mouth. Trollers have reported catching trophy-sized fish over 35 inches. Additionally, the Rappahannock and other rivers like the James and Potomac are great spots for big blue catfish, with reports of fish up to 72 pounds. Fresh cut eel and shad are excellent baits for these catfish[1].

    For striped bass, trollers have been successful using tandems and umbrella rigs, especially with chartreuse baits. Light tackle anglers are finding success working ledges in the same depths, with side scan sonar being a big help in locating schools of fish[1].

    If you're looking for hot spots, consider the area around the Bay Bridge in the upper Bay, where trollers have picked up several trophy-sized striped bass using umbrella rigs with five-inch skirted sassy shads in chartreuse and white. The Patapsco River is also a hotspot, with fish being caught in 45 feet of water along the main river channel edge[3].

    For those targeting pickerel, the Magothy River has been producing a good bite, especially around docks and shorelines with fallen trees. Inline spinners with 4-inch paddle tails and minnows on shad darts are working well[5].

    So, bundle up, take advantage of the average tidal conditions, and get out there to catch some of these winter migrants before the season ends. Happy fishing
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