Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay for February 12th, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we're looking at a high tide of 2.61 feet at 8:11 AM and another high tide of 2.26 feet at 8:28 PM. The low tides are at 1:44 AM and 2:24 PM, with heights of -0.4 feet and -0.29 feet respectively. Plan your trips accordingly, as these tides can significantly affect fish activity.

Weather-wise, it's still chilly, but we're expecting relatively mild conditions for this time of year. Sunrise is at 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at 5:41 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the water. Make sure to bundle up, as the cold can still be biting.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, yellow perch are really bending rods, especially in the upper Chesapeake Bay. They've been very active, and the fishing has been good recently around the Perryville area and in the mouths of other tidal rivers. Live minnows are working best, but small artificial jigs are also enticing bites. These perch are mostly schooled up in depths of 40' to 60', so be prepared to drop down to those levels.

Blue catfish are another species that are abundant throughout the Way North region. They'll be holding along deeper ledges in the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are tried and true baits that usually get the blue cats biting. This is a great time to try for a trophy-sized fish, as the biggest ones are typically caught in the winter and spring.

In the freshwater and tributary areas, pickerel and crappie are also active. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action. For those targeting catfish, set some cut baits along the channel edges; they never stop eating, no matter the temperature.

If you're looking for some hot spots, I recommend checking out the lower Susquehanna River, particularly the deep hole below the railroad bridge. This area is always a good place to try for blue catfish and will soon be one of the first places to fish for yellow perch as the weather warms up.

Another great spot is around the mouths of the tidal rivers, such as the Perryville area. Here, you can find those active yellow perch and possibly some crappie and bass as well.

For lures, topwater baits are still effective for trout, especially with the cooler weather. For pickerel, suspending minnows on shad darts and small bucktails under a bobber can be very effective in the chillier waters.

So, grab your gear and head out to the Chesapeake Bay. With the right baits and lures, you're in for a great day of fishing. Tight lines, everyone

Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, particularly focusing on the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas.

First off, let's talk about the tides. For today, February 10th, 2025, at the Tangier Sound Light area of Chesapeake Bay, we're looking at a low tide at 3:55 AM and a high tide at 10:32 AM. The next low tide will be at 4:54 PM, and the final high tide of the day will be at 10:47 PM. These tidal changes can significantly impact fish activity, so plan your trips accordingly[2].

Weather-wise, it's chilly, just what we expect in February. Make sure to bundle up because the cold can be biting. Sunrise is at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 5:37 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, the freshwater and tributary areas are where the action is. Yellow perch are very active and have been bending rods all over the Upper Chesapeake Bay. They are mostly schooled up in depths of 40' to 60' and can be found around the mouths of tidal rivers like the Perryville area. Live minnows are working best, but small artificial jigs are also enticing bites. Expect to catch some jumbos over 13” in the mix[1].

Blue catfish are another species that are abundant throughout the region and will bite in the cold winter months. They will be holding along deeper ledges in the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are tried and true baits that usually get the blue cats biting. This is a great time to try for a trophy-sized fish, as the biggest ones are typically caught in the winter and spring[1][3].

Crappie action has also been good, especially in the upriver sections of tributaries where there is more freshwater influence. Areas like Oxon Cove on the upper Potomac, with its shorelines riddled with fallen wood, are productive spots. Fishing with crappie jigs around bridges and docks near the Washington Channel has also produced bites. Live minnows will likely be the best bait to use while water temperatures are still cold[3].

For those targeting other species, pickerel are also active in the deeper haunts of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action.

If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Gunpowder River creeks and tributaries, which have been producing crappie, bass, and perch even through the ice. Now that the ice has melted, it's much easier for boats to get out and fish. Another spot is the mouths of the tidal rivers around Perryville, where yellow perch are staging before they move further into their spawning tributaries[1].

So, gear up, stay warm, and get out there – the fish aren't waiting for you to thaw out. Happy fishing

Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, particularly focusing on the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas.

First off, let's talk about the tides. For today, February 9th, 2025, at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we're looking at a high tide at 5:57 AM and a low tide at 12:15 PM, followed by another high tide at 6:14 PM. These tidal shifts can significantly impact fish activity, so plan your trips accordingly.

Weather-wise, it's chilly, just what we expect in February. Make sure to bundle up because the cold can be biting. Sunrise is at 6:59 AM, and sunset will be at 5:38 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, the freshwater and tributary areas are where the action is. Yellow perch are already bending rods, and the fishing has been good recently. Most of these fish are being caught around the Perryville area and in the mouths of other tidal rivers. Live minnows are working best, but small artificial jigs are also enticing bites. These perch are mostly schooled up in depths of 40' to 60' and will stay staged at the mouths of the tidal rivers for a few more weeks before moving further into their spawning tributaries.

Blue catfish are another species that are abundant throughout the region and will bite in the cold winter months. They will be holding along deeper ledges in the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are tried and true baits that usually get the blue cats biting. This is a great time to try for a trophy-sized fish, as the biggest ones are typically caught in the winter and spring.

In the freshwater sections of the Upper Chesapeake Bay, crappie and pickerel are also active. These fish don't mind the super-cold water temps, so you can find them in the deeper haunts. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action. For crappie, areas like Oxon Cove near Washington D.C. are productive, especially around fallen wood structures where crappie often school up.

If you're looking for some hot spots, the Gunpowder River creeks and tributaries have been producing crappie, bass, and perch, especially after the ice melted. The upriver sections of the Potomac River, particularly around the Washington Channel and bridges, are also good for crappie. For blue catfish, focus on the deeper ledges in the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers.

In summary, today's fishing in and around Chesapeake Bay looks promising, especially for yellow perch and blue catfish. Make sure to dress warmly, plan around the tides, and use the right baits to increase your chances of a successful catch. Happy fishing

Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, particularly focusing on the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas.

First off, let's talk about the tides. For today, February 8th, 2025, at Chance, Chesapeake Bay, we're looking at a low tide at 3:55 AM and a high tide at 10:26 AM. The next low tide will be at 5:14 PM, and the final high tide of the day will be at 10:46 PM. These tidal shifts can significantly impact fish activity, so plan your trips accordingly.

Weather-wise, it's chilly, just what we expect in February. Make sure to bundle up because the cold can be biting. Sunrise is at 7:01 AM, and sunset will be at 5:34 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, the freshwater and tributary areas are where the action is. Yellow perch are already bending rods, especially around the Perryville area and in the mouths of other tidal rivers. These fish are mostly schooled up in depths of 40' to 60', and live minnows are working best, although small artificial jigs are also enticing bites. With the recent thaw, the fish are more active, and we've had reports of boat limits with some jumbos over 13” in the mix.

Blue catfish are another species that are abundant throughout the region and will bite in the cold winter months. They'll be holding along deeper ledges in the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are tried and true baits that usually get the blue cats biting. This is a great time to try for a trophy-sized fish, as the biggest ones are typically caught in the winter and spring.

In the upriver sections of the tributaries, crappie action has been good, especially around areas like Oxon Cove near Washington D.C. The shorelines here are riddled with fallen wood, and crappie often school up on the edges of this structure. Live minnows will likely be the best bait to use while water temperatures are still cold. Fishing at night around areas with illuminated water has also been productive despite the cold nighttime temperatures.

For those targeting other species, pickerel are also active in the deeper haunts of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action.

If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Gunpowder River creeks and tributaries, which have been producing crappie, bass, and perch. The mouths of the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers are also prime areas for both yellow perch and blue catfish.

So, gear up, stay warm, and get out there – the fish aren't waiting for spring to arrive. Happy fishing

Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, particularly focusing on the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas.

First off, let's talk about the tides. For today, February 7th, 2025, the tide times are crucial for planning your fishing trip. In the Chesapeake Bay area, you're looking at a high tide at 5:22 AM, a low tide at 12:52 PM, and another high tide at 5:43 PM. These tidal shifts can significantly impact fish activity, so make sure to plan your outings accordingly.

Weather-wise, it's chilly, just what we expect in February. Bundle up because the cold can be biting. Sunrise is at 7:01 AM, and sunset will be at 5:36 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, the oceanic action is generally quiet, but there are some exceptions. In the freshwater and tributary areas, yellow perch, pickerel, and crappie are your best bets. These fish don't mind the super-cold water temps, so you can find them in the deeper haunts of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action.

For those targeting blue catfish, the James, Rappahannock, and Potomac rivers are hot spots. These fish are hugging the bottom in deep water, and fresh cut bait on bottom rigs is the way to go. You can expect to catch fish in the 10- to 15-pound range, with some bigger ones mixed in.

If you're looking for some pickerel action, the tributaries and creeks feeding the mainstem Bay are solid choices. Casting paddletails was hot earlier in the winter, but now suspending minnows on shad darts and small bucktails under a bobber seems to be the most effective method.

In the saltwater sector, tautog are still active and willing to take green crabs or white leggers if you're heading out to the wrecks and reefs off the coast. Shrimp and clam have also proven effective as baits for these tough fighters.

Recently, there have been reports of bigger Rockfish catches, particularly inside the Rappahannock River, with fish over 32 inches being caught. This is a promising sign for the upcoming season.

Here are a couple of hot spots to consider:

- **Upper Chesapeake Bay Tributaries**: Look for deep holes downriver of perch spawning grounds for a nice slug of fish. Pickerel are also active in these areas, particularly in the Magothy, Gunpowder, and Bush rivers.
- **James, Rappahannock, and Potomac Rivers**: These rivers are prime for blue catfish fishing. Toss some cut bait out on the bottom along the channel edges for fast action.

In summary, while it's cold and the ocean is quiet, there's still plenty of action to be had in the Chesapeake Bay area. Grab your gear, dress warm, and head out to the tributaries or the coastal wrecks for some exciting winter fishing.

Stay warm, stay patient, and tight lines

Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, particularly focusing on the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas.

First off, let's talk about the tides for today, February 5th, 2025. If you're planning to hit the water, you'll want to know that the high tide at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is at 1:14 AM and again at 1:31 PM, with low tides at 7:46 AM and 7:46 PM. These tidal shifts can significantly impact fish activity, so plan your trips accordingly.

Weather-wise, it's still quite chilly, which is typical for this time of year. Make sure to bundle up as the cold can be biting. Sunrise today is at 7:03 AM, and sunset will be at 5:34 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. The recent cold spell has made fishing challenging, but there are still some opportunities to be had. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, striped bass, particularly the larger migratory ones, are still present but have been quite lethargic due to the cold water temperatures, which are hovering around the low to mid 30s. These fish are mostly hanging close to the bottom and scattered along ledges.

For targeting striped bass, areas like the Western Branch of the Patuxent River and the warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) are worth a try. The CCNPP discharge is a hotspot during winter as it provides a warmer environment for fish to congregate. Effective lures include bouncing jigs with soft plastics along the bottom while drifting in areas where fish have been marked. BKDs and Bust ‘Ems on G-Eye heads have also been noted as effective in recent weeks.

In the freshwater and tributary areas, yellow perch, pickerel, and crappie are your best bets. These fish don't mind the super-cold water temps and can be found in the deeper haunts of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action. For blue catfish, the lower Susquehanna River is a good spot, especially the deep hole below the railroad bridge, where gizzard shad or menhaden make good baits.

If you're looking for some specific hot spots, consider the following:

- **Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant**: This area is known for its warm water discharge, which attracts large striped bass and other species during the cold winter months.
- **Western Branch of the Patuxent River**: This area benefits from warm water influence, making it a good spot for pickerel and bass, especially near fallen trees and creek mouths.
- **Lower Susquehanna River**: For blue catfish, this is a prime location, particularly the deep hole below the railroad bridge.

Remember, fishing in these cold conditions can be a grind, but with the right gear and knowledge of where to go, you can still have a productive day on the water. Stay warm and tight lines

Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for the Chesapeake Bay area around Baltimore and Washington D.C. as of January 31, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 7:09 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:25 PM. The tidal report for Chance, Chesapeake Bay, shows a high tide at 2:30 AM with a height of 0.56 meters (1.82 feet), a low tide at 8:57 AM with a height of -0.23 meters (-0.74 feet), another high tide at 2:55 PM with a height of 0.66 meters (2.17 feet), and a final low tide at 9:31 PM with a height of -0.22 meters (-0.73 feet)[2].

The cold weather has been persistent, but that doesn't mean the fish aren't biting. In the Way South Chesapeake Bay, red drum have been quite active, particularly in the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Anglers have reported catching reds in the deeper parts of Rudee Inlet using fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits. A subtle presentation is key, as the colder temperatures have made the fish more lethargic[1].

For those targeting striped bass, the action has slowed down significantly due to the cold and wind. However, schoolie striped bass are still present in the tidal rivers and tend to bite best at night near areas with deep water and building lights. Using fresh cut bait or lures that mimic mullet can be effective[1].

Tautog are another species that have been active, both in the Bay and at offshore reef sites. With crab being scarce, shrimp and clam have proven to be the best baits for tautog. Additionally, black sea bass will become a target next month with the special February recreational season opening up in Virginia[1].

In the upper Chesapeake Bay, the ice has been a significant factor, but warmer weather forecasted towards the end of the month might improve conditions. For now, careful anglers can try their luck in areas that are not iced over, especially for yellow perch. The lower Susquehanna River is another spot to consider, where blue catfish can be found in the deeper channels. Gizzard shad or menhaden make good baits for these fish[5].

If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Elizabeth River and the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach for red drum and striped bass. For tautog, the offshore reef sites and certain areas within the Bay are worth a try. In the upper Bay, the lower Susquehanna River, particularly the deep hole below the railroad bridge, is a good spot for blue catfish[1][5].

In terms of lures and bait, for red drum, fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits are your best bet. For striped bass, fresh cut bait or lures mimicking mullet are effective. For tautog, shrimp and clam are the way to go. And for blue catfish, gizzard shad or menhaden will do the trick.

Stay warm out there, and let's hope for some warmer weather soon to get the fish more active. Tight lines

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, as of January 30, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the water temperatures in the Middle Chesapeake Bay are hovering in the upper 30s, which means the fish are going to be hugging the bottom tightly. The weather has been quite chilly, and the winds have been kicking up, making it a bit of a grind out there.

Now, let's look at the tidal report. For January 30, the low tide is at 5:40 PM with a height of -0.08 meters (-0.25 feet), and the high tide is at 10:46 PM with a height of 0.52 meters (1.7 feet). Sunrise is at 7:08 AM, and sunset is at 5:27 PM. These tidal changes can significantly affect fish activity, so keep an eye on them.

Recently, there have been some reports of striped bass, or rockfish, being caught in the Middle Bay. Despite the cold, a few brave anglers have managed to land some beautiful fish, with some catches in the 40-inch-plus range. These fish have been mostly lethargic, hanging close to the bottom and scattered along ledges. To target them, bouncing jigs with soft plastics along the bottom while drifting in areas where fish have been marked has been the most effective method.

For lures, BKDs and Bust 'Ems on G-Eye heads have been noted as particularly effective. These artificial lures mimic the natural movement of prey and can entice even the most sluggish fish to strike.

If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the area around Chesapeake Beach, which has seen some short-lived bird action and reports of fish over the 40-inch mark. Another good spot is off the mouth of Eastern Bay, where pods of fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40 to 60 feet of water. The warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) is also worth a visit, as it attracts fish seeking relief from the cold water.

In addition, Bloody Point near Eastern Bay is historically a good area to find fish in the deeper depths during the winter months. Keep in mind that fishing around the power plant can be a grind, but it's a good place to search for some action if the open water bite doesn't pick up.

In summary, while the fishing has been challenging due to the cold weather, there are still opportunities to catch some impressive striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay area. Be prepared to fish deep, use the right lures, and keep an eye on those tidal changes. Stay warm and tight lines

As of January 26, 2025, fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, remains a challenging but rewarding endeavor. The cold weather has kept many anglers off the water, but for those brave enough to venture out, there are still some notable catches to be had.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the tidal cycle in the Chesapeake Bay around Chance is as follows: Low tide at 4:52 AM with a height of -0.06 ft, high tide at 11:14 AM with a height of 1.83 ft, low tide at 6:00 PM with a height of 0.06 ft, and high tide at 11:26 PM with a height of 1.33 ft[2]. The sunrise is at 7:13 AM, and sunset is at 5:20 PM.

The weather continues to be cold, with recent reports indicating that the bitter cold has made fish activity sluggish. Water temperatures in the Middle Bay are in the low 40s, and they are expected to drop further in the coming weeks[1].

### Fish Activity
Despite the challenging conditions, striped bass (rockfish) are still being caught in the area. The fish have been lethargic and are mostly hanging close to the bottom, scattered along ledges. Anglers have reported catching fish in the 40-inch-plus range, although these bites are few and far between. The warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) has been a hotspot for trophy-sized fish, but the action is slow[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
Effective lures include BKDs and Bust 'Ems on G-Eye heads. Bouncing jigs with soft plastics along the bottom while drifting in areas where fish have been marked has been a successful strategy. The use of 1.5-ounce heads with soft plastics has also yielded results, particularly around areas like Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay[1].

### Hot Spots
- **Chesapeake Beach**: This area has seen some short-lived bird action and reports of fish over the 40-inch mark caught on soft plastics.
- **Eastern Bay**: Pods of fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water. The mouth of Eastern Bay has also produced some significant catches.
- **Warm Water Discharge at CCNPP**: This area continues to attract fish seeking relief from the cold water, although the bites are sporadic.
- **Bloody Point**: Historically, this area holds fish through the winter in deeper depths near Eastern Bay[1].

For those willing to brave the cold, these spots offer the best chances of landing some impressive striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay.

For those venturing out onto the Chesapeake Bay today, January 25, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

First off, let's look at the tides. Today, you'll have a high tide at 4:53 AM and another at 5:05 PM, with low tides at 11:12 AM and 10:55 PM. The water temperatures are still in the low 40s, which is typical for this time of year.

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day with winds that could make the bite a bit tougher. The sunrise is at 7:11 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:22 PM, so plan your day accordingly.

Fish activity has been somewhat sluggish due to the cold weather. However, there have been reports of striped bass, particularly in the Middle Bay area. Anglers have been catching fish over the 40-inch mark, though the action is not fast and furious. These fish are mostly lethargic, hanging close to the bottom and scattered along ledges.

For lures, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads, such as BKDs and Bust ‘Ems on G-Eye heads, have been effective. Bouncing jigs with soft plastics along the bottom while drifting in areas where fish have been marked is a good strategy.

If you're looking for hot spots, Chesapeake Beach has been a hot zone with some short-lived bird action. The area off the mouth of Eastern Bay, particularly where pods of fish can be located on sonar in 40’ to 60’ of water, is also worth checking out. The warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) is another spot where fish congregate to escape the cold, though bites here have been few and far between.

Historically, Bloody Point near Eastern Bay holds fish in the deeper depths during winter, so it's worth a try if the open water bite doesn't pick up.

Stay warm and patient out there, as fishing is a grind right now. Good luck