Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for March 21, 2025. Spring is in the air, and the fish are starting to get active.

First, let's talk tides. We've got a high tide at 6:45 AM and another at 6:58 PM, with lows at 12:42 AM and 1:38 PM. Sunrise is at 7:05 AM, and sunset's at 7:17 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with.

Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temps in the mid-50s. A light breeze from the southeast shouldn't cause too much trouble on the water.

Now, onto the good stuff - the fish! Yellow perch are still running strong in the tributaries. Anglers have been having luck in the Tuckahoe and upper Choptank. White perch are also starting to show up in good numbers, especially around Denton.

Striped bass season is catch-and-release only right now, but there's still some action to be had. The warm water discharge at Calvert Cliffs power plant has been holding some decent-sized fish. Remember to handle them with care and release quickly.

Blue catfish have been biting well, particularly in the deeper channels near Denton. Some real bruisers in the 20-30 pound range have been caught lately.

For lures, I've been having great luck with 4-inch white or chartreuse soft plastic swimbaits for stripers. For perch, small red jigs or minnows on a drop-shot rig are the ticket. If you're after those big blues, cut bait like gizzard shad or white perch is hard to beat.

Hot spots this week? I'd recommend trying your luck at Hillsboro on the Tuckahoe for yellow perch, or head to the Potomac near Fort Washington for some catfish action.

Remember, folks, the spring runs are just getting started. It's only going to get better from here on out. Tight lines, and I'll catch you next time!