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Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Shad, Perch, and Catfish Action as Summer Patterns Emerge
Good morning, anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Monday, May 5, 2025, covering the Baltimore and Washington D.C. region.
The sun came up at 5:59 AM and will set at 8:03 PM this evening, giving us a long day to get lines wet. Weather conditions have been on our side lately, with warming temperatures making for pleasant and productive outings. Water temperatures in the middle bay are holding steady at about 56 degrees, with spawning tributaries like the Choptank River climbing into the low 60s. This means we’re seeing the tail end of the shad run and the start of summer patterns for many species[4][5].
Up north, the hickory shad bite is still on at the lower Susquehanna around Conowingo Dam, Deer Creek, and Octoraro Creek, but it’s winding down as water temperatures rise. Tandem shad darts and metal spoons in gold or silver are landing the most fish. If targeting shad, consider switching colors until you dial in the bite[2].
White perch action is picking up in the creeks and tidal rivers, especially at the mouth of the Susquehanna and in the Choptank. They’re moving into their summer spots, often near docks, oyster beds, and shallow tidal creeks. Bottom rigs tipped with bloodworms, grass shrimp, or small pieces of Fishbites are the best bet. Small spinners and soft plastics work well at dawn or dusk along the shoreline[4][5].
For catfish, especially blue and channel cats, anglers are doing best in the upper tidal portions of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers using cut bait like fresh gizzard shad. The bite on the Bay proper has been inconsistent, but river fishing is providing steady action[1].
Some early spot and small croaker have been reported in commercial netters’ catches, signaling that live-lining opportunities for striped bass are just around the corner. Bloodworms — though pricey — and Fishbites are the preferred baits on Chesapeake sabiki rigs[1].
Striped bass season is still closed until May 16. Until then, target other species, and remember the special slot and creel regulations that will be in place when stripers come back in play mid-month[1][5].
For hot spots, check out the mouths of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers for blue cats, and the Conowingo Dam area for the last of the shad. Local creeks off the South River, and the smaller tributaries feeding into the Bay, are prime for early white perch action.
Tides today are moderate, and the best action is often on the moving water: try the early morning or late evening tide swings for perch and shad.
Best lures and baits right now: tandem shad darts, gold and silver spoons for shad; grass shrimp, bloodworms, and Fishbites for perch; cut gizzard shad for catfish.
That wraps up today’s Chesapeake Bay fishing report. Tight lines and don’t forget to check those regulations before heading out.
The sun came up at 5:59 AM and will set at 8:03 PM this evening, giving us a long day to get lines wet. Weather conditions have been on our side lately, with warming temperatures making for pleasant and productive outings. Water temperatures in the middle bay are holding steady at about 56 degrees, with spawning tributaries like the Choptank River climbing into the low 60s. This means we’re seeing the tail end of the shad run and the start of summer patterns for many species[4][5].
Up north, the hickory shad bite is still on at the lower Susquehanna around Conowingo Dam, Deer Creek, and Octoraro Creek, but it’s winding down as water temperatures rise. Tandem shad darts and metal spoons in gold or silver are landing the most fish. If targeting shad, consider switching colors until you dial in the bite[2].
White perch action is picking up in the creeks and tidal rivers, especially at the mouth of the Susquehanna and in the Choptank. They’re moving into their summer spots, often near docks, oyster beds, and shallow tidal creeks. Bottom rigs tipped with bloodworms, grass shrimp, or small pieces of Fishbites are the best bet. Small spinners and soft plastics work well at dawn or dusk along the shoreline[4][5].
For catfish, especially blue and channel cats, anglers are doing best in the upper tidal portions of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers using cut bait like fresh gizzard shad. The bite on the Bay proper has been inconsistent, but river fishing is providing steady action[1].
Some early spot and small croaker have been reported in commercial netters’ catches, signaling that live-lining opportunities for striped bass are just around the corner. Bloodworms — though pricey — and Fishbites are the preferred baits on Chesapeake sabiki rigs[1].
Striped bass season is still closed until May 16. Until then, target other species, and remember the special slot and creel regulations that will be in place when stripers come back in play mid-month[1][5].
For hot spots, check out the mouths of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers for blue cats, and the Conowingo Dam area for the last of the shad. Local creeks off the South River, and the smaller tributaries feeding into the Bay, are prime for early white perch action.
Tides today are moderate, and the best action is often on the moving water: try the early morning or late evening tide swings for perch and shad.
Best lures and baits right now: tandem shad darts, gold and silver spoons for shad; grass shrimp, bloodworms, and Fishbites for perch; cut gizzard shad for catfish.
That wraps up today’s Chesapeake Bay fishing report. Tight lines and don’t forget to check those regulations before heading out.
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By Quiet. PleaseGood morning, anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Monday, May 5, 2025, covering the Baltimore and Washington D.C. region.
The sun came up at 5:59 AM and will set at 8:03 PM this evening, giving us a long day to get lines wet. Weather conditions have been on our side lately, with warming temperatures making for pleasant and productive outings. Water temperatures in the middle bay are holding steady at about 56 degrees, with spawning tributaries like the Choptank River climbing into the low 60s. This means we’re seeing the tail end of the shad run and the start of summer patterns for many species[4][5].
Up north, the hickory shad bite is still on at the lower Susquehanna around Conowingo Dam, Deer Creek, and Octoraro Creek, but it’s winding down as water temperatures rise. Tandem shad darts and metal spoons in gold or silver are landing the most fish. If targeting shad, consider switching colors until you dial in the bite[2].
White perch action is picking up in the creeks and tidal rivers, especially at the mouth of the Susquehanna and in the Choptank. They’re moving into their summer spots, often near docks, oyster beds, and shallow tidal creeks. Bottom rigs tipped with bloodworms, grass shrimp, or small pieces of Fishbites are the best bet. Small spinners and soft plastics work well at dawn or dusk along the shoreline[4][5].
For catfish, especially blue and channel cats, anglers are doing best in the upper tidal portions of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers using cut bait like fresh gizzard shad. The bite on the Bay proper has been inconsistent, but river fishing is providing steady action[1].
Some early spot and small croaker have been reported in commercial netters’ catches, signaling that live-lining opportunities for striped bass are just around the corner. Bloodworms — though pricey — and Fishbites are the preferred baits on Chesapeake sabiki rigs[1].
Striped bass season is still closed until May 16. Until then, target other species, and remember the special slot and creel regulations that will be in place when stripers come back in play mid-month[1][5].
For hot spots, check out the mouths of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers for blue cats, and the Conowingo Dam area for the last of the shad. Local creeks off the South River, and the smaller tributaries feeding into the Bay, are prime for early white perch action.
Tides today are moderate, and the best action is often on the moving water: try the early morning or late evening tide swings for perch and shad.
Best lures and baits right now: tandem shad darts, gold and silver spoons for shad; grass shrimp, bloodworms, and Fishbites for perch; cut gizzard shad for catfish.
That wraps up today’s Chesapeake Bay fishing report. Tight lines and don’t forget to check those regulations before heading out.
The sun came up at 5:59 AM and will set at 8:03 PM this evening, giving us a long day to get lines wet. Weather conditions have been on our side lately, with warming temperatures making for pleasant and productive outings. Water temperatures in the middle bay are holding steady at about 56 degrees, with spawning tributaries like the Choptank River climbing into the low 60s. This means we’re seeing the tail end of the shad run and the start of summer patterns for many species[4][5].
Up north, the hickory shad bite is still on at the lower Susquehanna around Conowingo Dam, Deer Creek, and Octoraro Creek, but it’s winding down as water temperatures rise. Tandem shad darts and metal spoons in gold or silver are landing the most fish. If targeting shad, consider switching colors until you dial in the bite[2].
White perch action is picking up in the creeks and tidal rivers, especially at the mouth of the Susquehanna and in the Choptank. They’re moving into their summer spots, often near docks, oyster beds, and shallow tidal creeks. Bottom rigs tipped with bloodworms, grass shrimp, or small pieces of Fishbites are the best bet. Small spinners and soft plastics work well at dawn or dusk along the shoreline[4][5].
For catfish, especially blue and channel cats, anglers are doing best in the upper tidal portions of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers using cut bait like fresh gizzard shad. The bite on the Bay proper has been inconsistent, but river fishing is providing steady action[1].
Some early spot and small croaker have been reported in commercial netters’ catches, signaling that live-lining opportunities for striped bass are just around the corner. Bloodworms — though pricey — and Fishbites are the preferred baits on Chesapeake sabiki rigs[1].
Striped bass season is still closed until May 16. Until then, target other species, and remember the special slot and creel regulations that will be in place when stripers come back in play mid-month[1][5].
For hot spots, check out the mouths of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers for blue cats, and the Conowingo Dam area for the last of the shad. Local creeks off the South River, and the smaller tributaries feeding into the Bay, are prime for early white perch action.
Tides today are moderate, and the best action is often on the moving water: try the early morning or late evening tide swings for perch and shad.
Best lures and baits right now: tandem shad darts, gold and silver spoons for shad; grass shrimp, bloodworms, and Fishbites for perch; cut gizzard shad for catfish.
That wraps up today’s Chesapeake Bay fishing report. Tight lines and don’t forget to check those regulations before heading out.