Episodios

  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Trout, and More for May 18, 2025

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Trout, and More for May 18, 2025
    May 18 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your narrative fishing report for Sunday, May 18, 2025, focused on Chesapeake Bay in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. region.

    After a busy week of spring rains, the air is warming up and so is the fishing action. Today we are looking at partly cloudy skies, light winds from the southwest, and temps starting off in the upper 50s rising to mid-70s by midday. Early risers will catch the sunrise right around 5:50 AM, with sunset set for 8:15 PM.

    For those watching the tides, expect a high tide near 9:30 AM and a low tide in the late afternoon, around 3:45 PM, depending on your exact location along the Bay. These moving water windows are pushing baitfish into the rivers and creeks, triggering a feeding response in the resident gamefish.

    Let’s talk fish activity. The big news this week is the striped bass season reopening in Maryland and D.C. waters, with a slot limit of 19 to 24 inches and one fish per angler per day. Reports from the lower Bay and upper Potomac say the schoolie bite is strong, and fish in the 18 to 25 inch range are showing up in good numbers. Fly anglers have been scoring with clouser minnows, while those with spinning gear did best with soft plastic jigs and paddle tails. Live lining small spot at night is also producing stripers and even some accidental puppy drum, especially in the St. Mary’s River and eastern side of the Bay[3][5].

    Speckled trout and puppy drum action is heating up. Kayak anglers in the Piankatank and Patuxent rivers have landed trout up to 26 inches and puppy drum in the 18 inch range. Cast Z-Man soft plastics, MirrOlure MR17s, or Gulp! shrimp on jig heads for these species, especially around grass beds and creek mouths. As always, dawn and dusk are prime times.

    On the freshwater side, bluegills and sunfish are active in local ponds and tidal creeks, perfect for kids or light tackle. Shad are still running in the upper reaches of the Potomac and its tributaries, with dart and spoon tandems bringing in dozens of American and hickory shad per trip. Fletcher’s Cove and the Washington Channel are producing steady action for shad and carp. Carp anglers using hair rigs and pack bait have caught multiple fish over 10 pounds this week, along with some channel catfish[5].

    For bait, live spot and bloodworms top the list for stripers, while cut menhaden and soft crab work well for catfish and drum. Artificial lure fans should focus on paddle tails, jerkbaits, and topwaters during low light or moving water.

    Top hot spots for today include the mouth of the Patapsco River near Fort McHenry, the Key Bridge pilings, and the Matapeake Pier on Kent Island for stripers and white perch. On the Potomac, Fletcher’s Cove and Mattawoman Creek are seeing good action for shad and bass.

    That wraps it up for today. Wishing you tight lines and a great day on the Bay.
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Catfish, and More on the Bite

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Catfish, and More on the Bite
    May 17 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for this fine Saturday morning, May 17th, 2025.

    Folks, the striped bass season just opened yesterday, and I'm hearing some good news from around the Bay. The regulations remain the same as last year - you're looking at a slot limit of 19-24 inches with a one fish per person daily limit. Remember to check the DNR regulation map before heading out since some areas are still catch-and-release only or completely off-limits.

    Good news for those chasing stripers - local netters have been reporting spot and small croaker showing up in their pound nets. This means you'll have plenty of live lining options available. If you're after spot for bait, grab some bottom rigs or Chesapeake sabiki rigs baited with bloodworms (though they're mighty expensive this season) or the more budget-friendly Fishbites.

    The white perch haven't quite moved into their summer haunts yet, especially in creeks off the South River. But keep watching - they should be showing up any day now in the shallows of tidal tributaries, areas with oyster bottom, and artificial reef sites throughout the Middle Bay. Small spinners, jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp are your best bets when they arrive.

    Catfish action has been spotty on the main Bay, but the tidal rivers are producing well. Blue cats are hitting in the upper Patuxent and Choptank rivers - fresh cut gizzard shad has been the ticket there. Channel cats are abundant in these same areas, making for reliable action. Up north, the Susquehanna has been on fire for catfish, with reports of anglers landing 45 fish in a single outing using worms, and some massive blues up to 40 pounds around Port Deposit and Havre De Grace.

    For smallmouth bass and walleye, the area just below Conowingo Dam at Fisherman's Park has been productive.

    Hot spots this weekend: I'd recommend trying the artificial reefs in the Middle Bay section, the upper portions of the Patuxent for those catfish, and the area around Havre De Grace if you're willing to make the drive north.

    The tides are running about average for May, with a moderate incoming tide through mid-morning. Weather-wise, we're looking at temperatures in the low 70s with a light southeasterly breeze - perfect conditions to be on the water.

    Remember, if you're after those stripers, you've got to know where you can legally target them now that the season has opened. Check the DNR website before heading out.

    That's it from me today - tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time.
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    3 m
  • Stripers Are Back! Chesapeake Fishing Report for May 16, 2025

    Stripers Are Back! Chesapeake Fishing Report for May 16, 2025
    May 16 2025
    Artificial Lure's Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report
    May 16, 2025

    Good morning anglers! Artificial Lure here with your fresh-off-the-water report for today, May 16th. Big news folks - striped bass season officially opens TODAY in certain areas of the Chesapeake! Make sure you check the Maryland DNR regulations map before heading out since not all areas are open for targeting these beauties.

    Up north in the Susquehanna, catfish are absolutely on fire! Anglers are reporting catches of 45+ fish per trip, with blues up to 40 pounds being pulled near Port Deposit and Havre De Grace. Those cats are eagerly taking bottom rigs baited with worms and following schools of perch. If you're near Conowingo Dam, throw a line for some smallmouth bass and walleye that have been active there.

    Down in the middle Bay, white perch fishing is improving as they move toward summer spots. Look for them around oyster bottom and artificial reef sites. Small spinners, jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp are all working well. Catfish action has been spotty in the main stem but more reliable in the tidal rivers - especially the upper Patuxent and Choptank. Fresh cut gizzard shad has been the ticket there.

    The lower Bay is heating up with multiple species. Local netters report spot and small croaker appearing in pound nets, which is great news for live-lining. Grab some Fishbites (cheaper than bloodworms right now) on bottom rigs or Chesapeake sabiki rigs to catch your live bait.

    For you Eastern Shore fans, the Sounds are coming alive with everything from specks to reds. Last season saw 50-pound-plus red and black drum hitting drifted peeler crab in the open Sounds and around grass edges on high tides.

    Ocean City is reporting that migratory stripers are on fire moving up the coast. The flounder bite has been "lights out" with best action coming from anglers jigging with Gulp. Shad are running thick in coastal bays, and quality stripers are being caught from beaches, bridges and piers after dark.

    Hot spots today: Hit the Potomac River for striped bass (19-24 inch slot, one fish limit); check out emerging grass beds in Western Shore tribs for puppy drum and speckled trout; and don't sleep on the flounder action in Ocean City.

    For those looking to head offshore, the Morning Star out of West Ocean City is running sea bass trips with a 15 fish daily limit (13-inch minimum).

    Remember folks, the cownose rays will start swarming our waters before month's end, so enjoy the clean water while it lasts! Tight lines until next time - this is Artificial Lure signing off!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Striper Season Opener, Catfish and Snakehead Action

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Striper Season Opener, Catfish and Snakehead Action
    May 14 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, covering the Baltimore and Washington D.C. waters.

    First light showed up at 5:51 am, and we'll see the sun dip at 8:11 pm tonight. Weatherwise, we're in the mid-60s early, climbing into the 70s by afternoon, with light winds and partly cloudy skies—great conditions for a day on the Bay or the surrounding rivers.

    Tide today is running high for much of the morning, with a solid outgoing current settling in by mid-afternoon. Fish have been most active on these moving tides, especially in rivers and creek mouths.

    Anglers are gearing up for the striped bass season opener on May 16th, and early action has been promising. There have been a few good days recently with keeper stripers reported in the main stem of the Bay, especially south of Hart-Miller Island to Tolchester. Most are being taken trolling large tandem rigs, bucktails, and classic chartreuse shads. Topwater and soft plastic paddle tails are also producing, especially early and late in the day near structure and channel edges[2][1].

    Blue catfish and invasive northern snakehead are providing steady action in the upper Bay tribs. The blue cats are thick in the Patapsco, Gunpowder, and Chester Rivers. Cut bait like menhaden or chicken breast is the ticket for blue catfish, and you’ll find them stacked up around deeper holes and channel ledges[2]. Look for snakehead in Back River and the upper Patuxent, where chatterbaits, white paddletails, and topwater frogs have been scoring well.

    White perch are still biting strong, especially on grass shrimp, bloodworms, and small beetle spins fished around docks and submerged timber in the rivers. Some yellow perch are still lingering in the creeks, best caught on small jigs or live minnows, though that run is tapering off for the season[3].

    Hot spots to check today include Sandy Point State Park for stripers and perch, and the Susquehanna Flats for a shot at larger stripers and early-season catfish. Also, the mouth of the Magothy River and the area around Tolchester for a mixed bag of species on moving tides.

    In summary, focus on the outgoing tide for the best bite, gear up for the striped bass opener with big lures or fresh bait, and don’t overlook the cats and snakeheads for a fun tug on the line. Tight lines and enjoy the May action out on the Bay!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in May

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in May
    May 12 2025
    Howdy, anglers and fish fanatics! Artificial Lure here, ready to give you the lowdown on what’s biting and where as we float and cast our way through the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. region this fine May 12th morning. Grab your rods and let’s get into it.

    First, let’s talk tides. We’re seeing some solid high and low movements today, typical for this time of year. Water’s warming up, and that means critters are getting active. Expect a bit of a breeze—typical for May—with mostly sunny skies and temps in the 70s and maybe a quick shower or two, nothing to wet your appetite for fishing. Sunrise today was just after 6 a.m., and we’ll see the sun dip below the trees a little after 8 p.m., giving us plenty of daylight for a full day on the water.

    Now, on to the main event—the fish! First up, striped bass: they’re the talk of the town right now, with the big opener just a few days ago on May 16th (but some areas are still catch and release, so check those regs before you haul in a keeper). Live lining with spot is a hot ticket, and we’re glad to report that spot are showing up in decent numbers, though they’re still on the small side. Bottom rigs and Chesapeake sabiki rigs tipped with bloodworms or pieces of Fishbites are pulling in plenty of baitfish, which is great news as we head into peak striper season.

    White perch aren’t quite at summer numbers in all the creeks, but they’re starting to show up in the shallows near oyster beds and artificial reefs, especially off the South River. Small spinners, jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp will get you bites. Catfish action is solid, especially in the tidal rivers like the Patuxent and Choptank—blue cats and channel cats are both biting on cut bait, with fresh gizzard shad being a standout.

    As for hot spots, try your luck near the South River for those early perch, hit the Patuxent and Choptank rivers for catfish action, and set up somewhere in the main stem of the Bay for striped bass once you know your regs and catch windows. Don’t sleep on the artificial reefs and oyster bars in the Middle Bay—they’re holding all kinds of fish right now.

    For lures, keep it simple: jigs and plugs for the stripers, spinners for perch, and cut bait for the cats. Bloodworms are always a winner, but if you want to save a few bucks, try Fishbites—they’re getting the job done just fine.

    So get out there, enjoy the weather, and tight lines to all. Remember to check your regs, respect the resource, and maybe even sign up for that invasive catfish tournament if you’re looking for a little extra fun on the water! Until next time, this is Artificial Lure, signing off.
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Stripers Arriving, Spot and Catfish Action, Snakeheads Heating Up

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Stripers Arriving, Spot and Catfish Action, Snakeheads Heating Up
    May 11 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Sunday, May 11th fishin' report for the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and D.C.

    Folks, it's a beautiful morning out on the water with the sun having risen just before 6am, and we're looking at sunset around 8pm, giving you plenty of time to get those lines wet today.

    The big news is that striped bass season is about to open up on May 16th, so the anticipation is building! Remember though, some river areas are still catch-and-release only until June, so check those DNR regulation maps before you head out[2][3].

    The spot have shown up in decent numbers, though they're running small right now. This is great news for you live-liners preparing for striped bass season[2]. May worms are also making their appearance, which can be excellent for specialized baiting when casting jigs.

    Blue catfish action remains strong throughout the upper bay, providing reliable action while we wait for striped bass season to fully open[3]. For the freshwater enthusiasts, bass and crappie are transitioning from post-spawn patterns, and snakeheads are starting to get aggressive in the upper ends of creeks and rivers[3].

    White perch are showing well in the lower portions of the Susquehanna, and you might still catch some late-running shad at the beginning of the month[3].

    For bait, fresh cut spot or bunker has been working wonders for the blues and cats. If you're targeting those snakeheads, noisy topwater frogs are starting to produce as the waters warm up.

    Hot spots this weekend include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area which has been productive for various species[1], and the upper ends of creeks flowing into the bay for snakehead action. The Potomac tributaries are also heating up nicely.

    Remember that water temps are favorable right now, so if you're practicing catch and release, fish should do fine with proper handling techniques[4].

    For you folks looking to head east, there's good flounder action in the back bays after yesterday's rain cleared out[5]. Black drum and weakfish reports are coming in from Cape May, and big stripers are spread out along the front beaches as post-spawn Chesapeake fish begin their migration[5].

    That's the word from the water today, folks. This is Artificial Lure reminding you to check those regulations, respect the resource, and enjoy your time on the Chesapeake. Tight lines, y'all!
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    3 m
  • Catfish Bonanza, Perch on the Rise, and Shad Wind Down - Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update

    Catfish Bonanza, Perch on the Rise, and Shad Wind Down - Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update
    May 10 2025
    Fishing Report for Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore/Washington D.C. Area, Saturday, May 10, 2025

    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Chesapeake Bay fishing update for today. We’re settling into early May, and despite a recent cold snap slowing down some river species, the bite is picking up in other spots as water temps slowly rise.

    Tide and Weather:
    Expect a classic spring day on the Bay. The morning kicked off with sunrise at 5:53 am and sunset’s set for 8:07 pm. Light winds out of the northeast, temps in the upper 60s to low 70s, and partly cloudy skies should keep things comfortable. Tides today are moderate, with a high around midday and lower tides in the early morning and late afternoon, setting you up for prime action around the changes if you can get out between those times.

    Fish Activity and Recent Catches:
    The big story up and down the Bay right now is the surging blue catfish bite. Anglers in the upper Bay, especially near Hart Miller and Pooles Island, have been hauling impressive numbers of blue catfish, with some catches filling up coolers and even trash cans. Fish in the 10-20 pound range are common, and a few 40 pounders have been reported. Channel catfish are mixed in, especially in the tidal rivers, with the Patuxent and Choptank getting good results[4][5].

    White perch are starting to move into their summer spots, but they’re not on fire just yet. Look for them in the shallows and around oysters and reefs, and expect numbers to increase as water warms further[5]. Spot and small croaker have just started to show up in commercial netters’ pound nets—a great sign for the coming weeks and prime bait for stripers when their season opens soon[5].

    Striped bass remain off limits in Maryland’s main Bay waters until May 16th, so put the striper gear on hold unless you’re fishing in open areas or strictly catch and release. In the meantime, the shad run is winding down in the Potomac, but you can still find action with hickory and American shad, especially on darts and spoons in the upper stretches[3].

    Best Lures and Bait:
    For blue catfish, fresh cut bait—especially gizzard shad—gets the nod. Chicken livers, nightcrawlers, and chunks of menhaden or bunker also work well. White perch will take small spinners, jigs tipped with grass shrimp or bloodworm pieces, and minnows. For those chasing shad, stick with bright shad darts and small spoons.

    Local Hot Spots:
    For quantity and size of blue catfish, head to the upper Bay around Hart Miller Island and Pooles Island, or try the upper stretches of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers. For white perch, poke around the creeks off the South River and the artificial reefs in the Middle Bay. If you’re after shad, the Potomac above D.C. remains your best bet[3][4][5].

    That’s the word from the water this weekend. Good luck and tight lines out there!
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    3 m
  • Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Shad, Perch, Catfish & Striper Action Heating Up

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Shad, Perch, Catfish & Striper Action Heating Up
    May 9 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure reporting straight from the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region, with the latest fishing scoop for Baltimore and Washington D.C. on Friday, May 9, 2025.

    First up, today’s weather is shaping up nicely for a day on the water. We’re coming off a run of rainy days but skies are clearing with more stable weather expected heading into the weekend. Sunrise was at 5:56 a.m. and sunset will be at 8:09 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight to wet a line. The water temperature in the upper bay and tributaries has crept into the mid-60s, which has really kicked fish activity into gear.

    Tides in the central bay region today are moderate, with a high tide around noon and a low tide early evening. These moving water windows have been producing best for most species.

    Reports this week in the northern bay have centered on a couple of classic spring runs. Hickory shad are still running strong at the lower Susquehanna—try the Conowingo Dam, Deer Creek, and Octoraro Creek. Anglers have been filling their stringers with tandem-rigged shad darts and metal spoons. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors; shad preferences change day to day. White perch have shown up strong at the river mouths, and bottom rigs with grass shrimp or bloodworms are putting plenty of fish on ice[2].

    If you’re targeting stripers, remember the main bay remains closed for rockfish until May 16. However, there’s still solid fishing in the tidal rivers and creeks using artificial lures and live bait for catch-and-release. The migration is ramping up, so expect more action as we get closer to reopening[5].

    Catfish fans, you’re in luck. Both flathead and blue catfish have been caught in good numbers near the dam pool and throughout bay tributaries. Cut gizzard shad and fresh bunker have been top baits. Don’t overlook sections of the Patapsco and Potomac for some real giants[1].

    As for lures and bait, here’s what’s been hot:
    - Shad darts and small metal spoons for hickory shad
    - Grass shrimp and bloodworms for white perch
    - Cut gizzard shad, fresh bunker, or live bluegill for catfish
    - Soft plastics, paddle tails, and bucktails for catch-and-release stripers

    Top hotspots right now include the Conowingo Dam for shad, the mouth of the Susquehanna for perch, and the channel edges off Sandy Point and the Key Bridge for big catfish. On the Potomac, Fletcher’s Cove is also firing for cats and the occasional mixed bag.

    In summary, fish activity in and around the bay is on the upswing with the shad and perch runs, hot catfish action, and striper anticipation building. With better weather, good water temps, and plenty of daylight, now’s the time to get out there.

    Tight lines and good luck on the bay!
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    3 m
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