Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Stripers Arriving, Spot and Catfish Action, Snakeheads Heating Up

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!