• Late-Season Chesapeake Bounty: A Promising Fishing Report for the Baltimore-DC Area

  • Nov 10 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Late-Season Chesapeake Bounty: A Promising Fishing Report for the Baltimore-DC Area

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  • Summary

  • As of November 10, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area is offering some promising fishing opportunities despite the unconventional weather patterns. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been unseasonably warm, with a brief cooldown expected this weekend before warming up again. Water temperatures are still in the low 60s, which is above average for this time of year. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide at 4:30 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset is at 4:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing has been localized but productive, particularly in areas like the Patapsco River, the channel near Love Point, and around the Bay Bridge. Anglers have reported catching striped bass in the 17 to 20-inch range using umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits. The mouth of the Patapsco River has seen larger schools of striped bass chasing baitfish, often indicated by bird activity.

    White perch are moving into deeper waters as the temperatures drop. They can be found at the mouth of rivers, areas with oyster bottom in depths of 20 feet or more, and around the Bay Bridge. Small metal jigs, Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp are effective for catching white perch.

    Pickerel have been active in the creeks of the Magothy River, making them a good alternative target until the striped bass bite improves.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Patapsco River**: The mouth of the river and areas with shoreline structure like shipping docks, seawalls, and riprap shorelines are holding fish.
    - **Bay Bridge**: The rock piles here are great for catching a mix of striped bass and white perch.
    - **Pooles Island**: While striped bass reports are slim here, it's a good spot for big blue catfish using fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits in the 20 to 30-foot range.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, use umbrella rigs with 5-inch shad baits or tandem rigs with similar profile baits. Trolling along drop-offs and channel edges has been effective. For white perch, small metal jigs, Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp work well. For blue catfish, fresh cut bunker, eel, or clam baits are recommended.

    Overall, the fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay is showing signs of improvement, especially with the cooler weather forecasted. Keep an eye out for bird activity and fish schools, and be prepared to adjust your tactics as the water temperatures continue to drop.
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