As of November 1, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitioning seasons.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
The tidal cycles are moderate, with high tide expected around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with a gentle breeze, making it a comfortable day on the water. Water temperatures in the lower Bay are holding in the mid-60s, while the tidal rivers and creeks are slightly cooler, around 60 degrees.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at 4:55 PM, providing a good window for both early morning and late afternoon fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
Striped bass remain a primary target in the Upper Bay. Despite the mackerel having largely migrated south, there are still reports of some mackerel being caught, which can attract striped bass. Striped bass are actively feeding on sand eels, bunker, and other baitfish in the middle and lower Bay.

### Catch Reports
Yesterday saw a decent number of striped bass caught, particularly in the Patapsco River, which continues to be a hotspot. Anglers reported catching stripers using jigs and topwaters. Sea bass fishing has been hit or miss, but there are still some good catches to be had.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, using jigs and topwaters has been highly effective. Live or artificial eels, as well as bunker, are also attracting good numbers of stripers. For sea bass, bottom fishing with clams or squid can yield positive results.

### Hot Spots
The Patapsco River is currently one of the best places to target striped bass. Another hotspot is around Love Point, where there have been reports of mackerel and consequently, striped bass activity.

Overall, the conditions are favorable for a productive day of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and enjoy the fall fishing season.

As we head into the last day of October, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities, especially around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, October 31st, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62 degrees and a low of 48 degrees. The winds will be light, coming from the northwest at about 5 mph. Tides are crucial, and today you can expect a high tide at 8:47 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 5:54 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

### Fish Activity
The drop in water temperatures, now in the low 60s, has triggered a transition in fish behavior. Striped bass are moving into deeper channels, making jigging and trolling in these areas highly productive. Anglers have been catching striped bass in the 18- to 24-inch range, with some larger fish up to 30 inches, particularly around the mouth of the Patapsco River and near the Bay Bridge pilings.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, using umbrella rigs with heavy inline weights and white sassy shads as trailers is effective. Soft plastic jigs, especially 5- to 6-inch paddletails, and topwater lures are also working well. Eels are becoming a popular choice for live lining as the spot supply diminishes.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: This area continues to be a hotspot for striped bass. Early morning topwater action around docks and sea walls has been excellent, and jigging with soft plastics keeps the fish biting throughout the day.
- **Bay Bridge Pilings**: These structures always hold some striped bass, making them a reliable spot. Bloodworms and Fishbites on bottom rigs are also effective here.

### Other Fish
In addition to striped bass, you might catch puppy drum in the shallows, especially in the Magothy River. White perch are active in open water and near structure, and can be caught using small spinners and jigs. Flounder are still present in the channels leading to the inlets, and live spot or Gulp baits are good choices for targeting them.

With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you should have a productive and enjoyable day on the Chesapeake Bay.

As of October 27, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is seeing a mix of fall fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for today’s outing:

### Weather and Tides
The weather has been quite chilly, with temperatures dipping into the 40s at night, but warming up to the mid-50s during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide at 4:30 PM. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM.

### Fish Activity
Striped bass are active, especially around the Conowingo Dam and the rocky shorelines of the Susquehanna River. Anglers have been catching fish up to 30 inches, with the best bites coming early in the morning and late in the evening. Smallmouth bass and walleye are also in the mix, particularly near the dam outflows and rocky shorelines.

In the lower Bay, bluefish are abundant, with large fish in the 8-10 pound range found along the main channel edges from the HS Buoy south past the Target Ship. Smaller bluefish are in shallower waters around Point Lookout and the mouth of the Potomac River. Red drum are also present, chasing baitfish near the Target Ship and Middle Grounds.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, use soft plastics, crankbaits, and metal spoons, especially when casting far out into the discharge waters of the Conowingo Dam. For bluefish, trolling Drone spoons and surgical tube lures behind planers is effective, or cast metal into breaking fish. Red drum are best targeted with soft plastic jigs, and if they are deep, jigging is the way to go.

### Hot Spots
- **Conowingo Dam**: This area is hot for striped bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Fish the current below the dam outflows and along the rocky shorelines.
- **Susquehanna River**: The stretch from Port Deposit to Havre De Grace is known for large blue catfish and striped bass. Use fish finder rigs baited with fresh cut shad, bunker, or eel.
- **Lower Bay**: Target the main channel edges from the HS Buoy south past the Target Ship for large bluefish, and shallower waters around Point Lookout for smaller ones.

Overall, the cooler weather has invigorated the fish, making this a great time to get out on the water and enjoy some excellent fall fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

As of October 26, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitioning weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with northwest winds, which might make the back bay areas a bit bouncy. Water temperatures are dropping, now in the low to mid-60s, signaling the fish are in full fall feed mode. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 6:00 PM. Tides will be moderate, with high tide in the morning and low tide in the late afternoon.

### Fish Activity
In the upper Bay, striped bass are starting to move into deeper channels as the shallower waters cool down. Anglers have been having good luck at the Conowingo Dam pool and the lower Susquehanna River, where striped bass and blue catfish are active. Trolling deep with umbrella rigs or jigging with soft plastics, especially white sassy shads, has been very productive.

In the middle and lower Bay, the shallow water fishery for striped bass, puppy drum, speckled trout, and white perch remains active, particularly during the morning and evening hours. Casting poppers, Zara Spooks, and paddletails over grass beds and near structure has been effective. Drifting peeler crab baits in areas with strong currents is also a good method for catching puppy drum and speckled trout.

Large bluefish are still present in the lower Bay, particularly near the Target Ship and the mouth of the Potomac River. Trolling with surgical tube lures and large spoons behind planers is the best way to catch them. Occasionally, bluefish can be found close to the surface, and casting metal jigs with a wire leader can be very effective.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, use umbrella rigs with white sassy shads, or jig with soft plastics. In the shallower waters, poppers, Zara Spooks, and paddletails are working well. For bluefish, large spoons and surgical tube lures are recommended. For puppy drum and speckled trout, drifting peeler crab baits or using popping corks with a trailing plastic shrimp is effective. Sand fleas are the go-to bait for sheepshead at the South Jetty and bulkheads.

### Hot Spots
- **Conowingo Dam pool and lower Susquehanna River**: Great for striped bass and blue catfish.
- **Mouth of the Patapsco River**: Excellent for striped bass using deep trolling or jigging.
- **Tidal rivers and creeks near the lower Potomac River**: Ideal for a mix of striped bass, puppy drum, speckled trout, and white perch.
- **South Jetty and bulkheads near the inlet**: Perfect for sheepshead using sand fleas.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities as the fall season progresses. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and adjust your tactics accordingly to make the most of your day on the water.

As of October 25, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 50 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM, making the mid-tide periods ideal for fishing.

### Fish Activity
Striped bass, or rockfish, have been the main attraction in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The Patapsco River, especially around the old Key Bridge and the shipyards, has been a hotspot. Anglers have reported catching over 30 fish in a single day, with most being under the slot size but some reaching up to 22 inches. Jigging has been highly effective, and using fish finders to locate schools has been crucial.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, jigging with metal jigs or using live spot has been very successful. On overcast days, topwater lures close to shorelines have also produced excellent results. For bottom fishing, rigs tipped with bloodworms, peeler crab, lug worms, or Fishbites are working well for catching croaker, spot, and small flounder at river mouths and shoal areas like Seven Foot Knoll and Fort Smallwood.

### Other Fish
White perch are active in open water and inshore areas near structure such as docks, rip-rap shorelines, and marshy shorelines. Light tackle with small spinners and jigs is effective for catching them. Additionally, puppy drum (red drum) are still present in the shallows, though most are under the slot size.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: Specifically around the old Key Bridge and the shipyards for striped bass.
- **Seven Foot Knoll**: For bottom fishing targeting flounder, croaker, and spot.
- **Fort Smallwood**: Good for catching croaker and spot on bottom rigs.

Overall, the Upper Chesapeake Bay is providing a lively fishing scene this October, with a variety of species and effective tactics to try.

As of October 24, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the cooler weather.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The region has been experiencing cold nights with temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s, but this cooler weather has actually helped to turn on the fish bite. Today, expect mild daytime temperatures with a high in the mid-50s to low 60s. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 9 AM and low tide around 3 PM, which is ideal for targeting fish in the transition zones.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset is at 6:04 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

### Fish Activity
The upper Chesapeake Bay is seeing good action for striped bass, especially around the Conowingo Dam pool and the lower Susquehanna River. Striped bass are holding in the turbine wash and along the rocky shorelines away from the dam. Anglers have reported catching fish up to 30 inches, with many over the 24-inch maximum, offering great catch-and-release opportunities.

Blue catfish are also very active this time of year, found in the tidal waters, particularly in the lower Susquehanna River and Susquehanna Flats. These fish are biting well on fish finder rigs baited with fresh cut shad, bunker, and eel. The stretch of the Susquehanna River from Port Deposit to Havre De Grace is known for producing some of the biggest blue catfish.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, long casts into the turbine wash with lures such as soft plastics and crankbaits are working well. Umbrella rigs pulled behind heavy inline weights with white sassy shads as trailers are also productive, especially in the deeper channel edges of the Bay.

For blue catfish, using fresh cut bait like shad, bunker, and eel on fish finder rigs is highly effective. Smallmouth bass and walleye can be targeted with similar tactics, casting far out into the discharge waters below the dam.

### Hot Spots
- **Conowingo Dam**: This area has been a hotspot for striped bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Fish are holding in the current below the dam outflows and along the rocky shorelines.
- **Lower Susquehanna River**: This stretch is excellent for blue catfish and striped bass. The mouths of the tidal rivers, such as the Susquehanna River, are good locations to find both species together.

Overall, the cooler weather has invigorated the fish, making this a great time to hit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to bundle up and take advantage of the improving fall fishing conditions.

As of October 20, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be moderate with partly cloudy skies and a high of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperatures in the Chesapeake Bay have cooled down to the lower 70s, making it an ideal time for fall fishing. Tides are predicted to be moderate, with the high tide at around 9:00 AM and low tide at 3:00 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset is at 6:15 PM, providing ample daylight for both morning and evening fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Striped bass, or rockfish, are actively taking topwater plugs in the upper Bay tributaries such as the Patapsco River and around the Key Bridge. The mouth of the Severn River has also seen breaking schools of striped bass, making it a hot spot for anglers.

In the upper Bay, smallmouth bass are biting well along rocky shorelines and near the Conowingo Dam, where they can be caught using lures like bucktails, jerkbaits, and jigs.

White perch are plentiful in the creeks and near shoreline structures, biting on small spinnerbaits, spin jigs, and bloodworms. Spot and croaker are also abundant, particularly in areas like the mouth of the Patuxent River and Tangier Sound, where bloodworms and peeler crab are effective baits.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, topwater poppers, Zara Spooks, and paddletails are very effective. In the upper Bay, half-ounce jigs and Z-Man paddletails are recommended, especially when fishing structure like rock jetties and old pilings.

For white perch, small spinnerbaits and chartreuse Perch Hounders near docks and riprap are working well. Bloodworms, lugworms, and Fishbites are also good for bottom fishing for perch, spot, and croaker.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: Known for its topwater action during the morning hours and breaking schools of striped bass.
- **Key Bridge**: A good spot for live liners using spot and for topwater fishing around the structure.
- **Conowingo Dam**: Excellent for striped bass and smallmouth bass, especially when water is being released from the dam.
- **Mouth of the Severn River**: Active with breaking schools of striped bass.
- **Belvedere Shoal and Six and Seven Foot Knoll**: Great locations for bottom fishing for spot, perch, and croaker.

As of October 18, 2024, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is showing some promising signs despite the challenging weather conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Report
The weather has been quite unpredictable, with northwest winds making the back bay areas a bit bouncy, but these winds are expected to switch to northeast by the weekend. Water temperatures have dropped to around 63 degrees in the Choptank River area and 67 degrees in other parts of the bay. Sunrise today is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 6:15 PM. Tides are a bit unusual, with high tides affecting the fish behavior, but this should stabilize as the week progresses.

### Fish Activity
Despite the erratic weather, fish activity remains decent. Anglers in the middle Bay are focusing on the shallow water fishery for striped bass and slot-size red drum. Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are active in shallow waters, particularly around structure like grass beds, pilings, and rock jetties. However, the recent young-of-year striped bass survey indicated low spawning success for the sixth consecutive year, which may impact future populations.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a mix of species being caught. Striped bass, especially those in the upper end of the slot, were reported in the Severn and South rivers. White perch fishing remains very good in the tidal rivers and creeks, with larger perch being caught along deeper shorelines. Bluefish are still active, with reports of breaking bluefish up to 21 inches off Chesapeake Beach. Red drum, up to 17 inches, and some slot-size rockfish were also caught near shallow water structure.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, casting poppers and Zara Spooks in the early morning and late evening hours is effective, especially over grass beds. Paddletails, spin-jigs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits work well in areas without grass. White was noted as a good color for jigs. For white perch, small spinnerbaits, jigs, and spin-jigs are popular, while fishing minnows under a bobber is a great way to target larger perch. Fresh cut menhaden or gizzard shad are excellent baits for catfish, which are abundant in the upper Bay.

### Hot Spots
- The Severn River and South River are hot spots for striped bass and red drum, particularly around shallow water structure.
- The West River and Choptank River are good for white perch and some striped bass.
- The mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Havre De Grace area are excellent for catching large blue catfish and channel catfish.
- The South Jetty and various bulkheads and piers near the inlet are great for sheepshead, using sand fleas as bait.

Overall, while the weather has been challenging, the fish are still biting, and with the right lures and bait, anglers can have a successful day on the Chesapeake Bay.

As of October 17, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the unpredictable weather.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The mornings are starting to feel the chill of approaching colder weather, but daytime temperatures remain pleasant with sunny skies. Northwest winds are making the back bay areas a bit bouncy, but this is expected to switch to northeast winds by the weekend. Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:15 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide in the morning and a low tide in the late afternoon.

### Fish Activity
Fishing has been quite dynamic, with various species active in different parts of the bay. Large bluefish are still present in the lower Bay, and anglers are advised to take advantage of this fishery before it ends. Striped bass, particularly schoolie striped bass, are being caught around the Turkey Point area and the Conowingo Dam pool, especially during early morning hours when water is being released from the dam. Drifting metal spoons or jigging near bottom structures has been effective for striped bass.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good mix of catches. Striped bass were reported in decent numbers, with some slot-size fish caught in the shallows of the Little Choptank and around the South River. White perch fishing remains very good in the tidal rivers and creeks, with small spinnerbaits, jigs, and spin-jigs working well. Blue catfish and channel catfish are biting consistently in the upper Bay and its tidal rivers, particularly around the mouth of the Susquehanna River and Havre De Grace. Fresh cut menhaden or gizzard shad are popular baits for these catfish.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, metal spoons, bucktails, and jerkbaits are recommended. For white perch, small spinnerbaits, soft plastic jigs, and spin-jigs are effective. When targeting bluefish, drifting cut bait on an outgoing tide or using soft plastic jigs and paddletails can be successful. For blue and channel catfish, fresh cut bait like menhaden or gizzard shad works well.

### Hot Spots
- **Conowingo Dam Pool**: This area has been reliable for striped bass, especially when water is being released from the dam.
- **Turkey Point Area**: Schoolie striped bass are active here, particularly in 10 to 20 feet of water during early morning hours.
- **Mouth of the Susquehanna River**: This is a prime spot for catching large blue catfish and channel catfish.
- **Little Choptank and South River**: These areas have seen good action for striped bass and white perch.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities, and with the right lures and bait, anglers can have a successful day on the water.

As of October 17, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the challenging weather conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Report
The morning is greeted with a cool breeze, signaling the approach of colder weather. Daytime temperatures are expected to be pleasant, but northwest winds are making the back bay areas a bit bouncy. Tides are crucial; the best fishing times are typically during the early morning and late evening when the tides are changing. Today, the sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and the sunset will be at approximately 6:15 PM.

### Fish Activity
Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay has been good, especially for those targeting striped bass, white perch, and blue catfish. In the upper Bay, schoolie striped bass are active around the Turkey Point area and the Conowingo Dam pool, particularly in 10 to 20 feet of water. Early morning jigging with metal spoons is highly effective here.

White perch fishing remains very good in the shallower waters of the tidal rivers and creeks. Anglers are having success using bottom rigs baited with grass shrimp or minnows, as well as casting small spinnerbaits, soft plastic jigs, and spin-jigs along promising shorelines.

Blue catfish are biting consistently in the deeper waters of the river and on the Flats. Fresh cut menhaden or gizzard shad are popular baits, and anchoring up near the main channel running through the flats can yield fish between 10 and 20 pounds.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, paddletails and other artificial lures near shallow structure are working well. In the Conowingo Dam area, casting lures far out into the current and working them just above the bottom is effective. Bucktails, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and jigs are also catching smallmouth bass in the same areas.

For white perch, small spinnerbaits, jigs, and spin-jigs are popular, along with fishing minnows under a bobber for larger fish. For blue catfish, fresh cut bait like bunker, blue crab, or clams is recommended.

### Hot Spots
- **Conowingo Dam Pool**: This area is reliable for striped bass and smallmouth bass, especially when water is being released from the dam.
- **Turkey Point Area**: Schoolie striped bass are active here, particularly in the early morning.
- **Upper Susquehanna River and Havre De Grace**: These areas are excellent for catching large blue catfish.
- **Tidal Rivers and Creeks**: For white perch, focus on areas near structure or prominent points in the shallower waters.

With the right gear and knowledge of the tides, you can have a productive day on the Chesapeake Bay. Just be prepared for the windy conditions and enjoy the fall fishing season.