Good morning anglers! Here’s your fishing report for Monday, April 14, 2025, focusing on the Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Today’s sunrise was at 6:31 AM, and sunset will be at 7:38 PM. Tides in the Chesapeake Bay are as follows: low tide at 6:41 AM, high tide at 11:43 AM, second low tide at 6:33 PM, and another high tide at 11:55 PM. The tide coefficient is high today, which means strong tidal movements—ideal for triggering fish activity.
The weather is looking favorable, with mild early spring conditions and light winds expected throughout most of the day. While temperatures are expected to remain comfortable, always check for sudden weather changes as they can impact water activity and fish behavior.
While the Maryland striped bass closure is in effect until May 16, blue catfish are stealing the spotlight in the area. These fish are abundant and active in the Upper Bay. The best spots to target them are near Hart Miller Island, the Bay Bridge, Sandy Point State Park, and the Magothy River mouth. Anglers have been pulling in some hefty catfish, with reports of specimens over 30 pounds. Use fresh chunks of gizzard shad on fish-finder rigs for consistent results.
White perch are also running in the tributaries, with some post-spawn yellow perch showing up in deeper waters. Bloodworms, grass shrimp, and minnows are solid bait choices for these species. Additionally, chain pickerel remain a solid spring target. Look for them in creeks like Bodkin Creek, Back Creek, and upper Patapsco tributaries. Effective lures include inline spinners, jerkbaits, and chatterbaits.
Hotspots to keep in mind today:
- **Hart Miller Island to Sandy Point**: Ideal for blue catfish.
- **Magothy River and local creeks off the Patapsco**: Excellent for pickerel and perch.
For anglers who prefer exploring freshwater reservoirs, Loch Raven and Liberty Reservoirs offer largemouth bass action. Pre-spawn bass are active in these waters and respond well to shad-colored baits and spinnerbaits near shallow coves and hard-bottom transition points.
To maximize your outing, match your bait to your target species. For blue catfish, fresh gizzard shad is unbeatable, while pickerel will strike at paddletails and chatterbaits. For perch, try bloodworms or grass shrimp.
Catch ‘em up, and tight lines!