Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Charles River fishing report for March 17, 2025.

Looks like we're in for a decent day on the water. Sunrise was at 6:52 AM, and we'll have sunset at 6:55 PM. Weather's looking fair - partly cloudy with a high of 58°F and a light breeze from the southwest. Tides are running about normal for this time of year, with high tide at 10:23 AM and low tide at 4:47 PM.

Fish activity has been picking up lately as we're getting into prime spring fishing season. Striped bass are starting to make their way back into the river, with some early arrivals already being caught near the mouth. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are getting more active in the warmer shallows, especially on sunny afternoons.

This past week, anglers have been having good luck with white perch, yellow perch, and crappie. A few nice carp have been landed too. One lucky fella even pulled in a 36-inch striper down by the locks!

For lures, I'd recommend trying some small jigs or soft plastics for the panfish. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits have been working well for bass. If you're after stripers, try throwing some large soft plastic swimbaits or topwater lures like Whopper Ploppers.

Live bait is always a good bet this time of year too. Shiners, nightcrawlers, or cut herring should do the trick for most species.

As for hot spots, I'd suggest checking out the area around the BU Bridge - that stretch has been producing some nice bass lately. The Esplanade lagoons are also heating up for panfish. If you're after stripers, try your luck down by the Charles River Dam.

Remember to get your 2025 fishing license if you haven't already. Tight lines, everyone!