Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Shad, Perch, Catfish & Striper Action Heating Up

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!