• Late-Fall Fishing Bonanza: Stripers, Cats, and Walleye in the Chesapeake and Potomac

  • Nov 29 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Late-Fall Fishing Bonanza: Stripers, Cats, and Walleye in the Chesapeake and Potomac

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  • Summary

  • As of November 29, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the unseasonable weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been unusually warm for this time of year, but recent cold fronts have started to bring more seasonable temperatures. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-50s and a low in the mid-40s. Sunrise is at 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide around 4:30 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing has been improving, especially in the lower Bay. In the Potomac River, anglers have been catching stripers along the ledges and channel edges, particularly around the 301 Bridge and down to the mouth of the river. The fish are more active during the early morning and evening hours, often associated with bird activity[2][3].

    Blue catfish are also biting well, with significant catches reported below the Conowingo Dam and in the Potomac River. These fish are schooling up and moving to deeper waters, making areas like Port Deposit and Havre De Grace hotspots[1][2].

    Smallmouth bass and walleye are active above the Conowingo Dam, hitting jerkbaits, craw jigs, spinners, and crankbaits along rocky shorelines and deeper ledges. Walleye are more active at night, moving shallower under the cover of darkness[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, soft plastics on half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce jigheads, especially white and chartreuse colors, are working well. Trollers are also successful with small umbrella rigs, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad. In the Potomac, five-inch white soft plastics on jigheads have been effective[2][3].

    For blue catfish, cut bait, particularly fresh eel, is the top choice. Ensure you have extra rigs due to the rocky bottom that can snag gear[1].

    For smallmouth bass and walleye, jerkbaits, craw jigs, spinners, and crankbaits are recommended. Rocky shorelines and deeper ledges are key areas to target[1].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Conowingo Dam**: This area is producing a few striped bass, especially in the evening hours, and blue catfish are abundant below the dam.
    - **Potomac River**: The lower Potomac, particularly around the 301 Bridge and the mouth of the river, is a hotspot for striped bass and blue catfish.
    - **Port Deposit and Havre De Grace**: These areas are known for their blue catfish activity.
    - **Upper Susquehanna**: Above the Conowingo Dam, smallmouth bass and walleye are active along rocky shorelines and deeper ledges.

    Overall, it's a great time to hit the water, especially with the cooler temperatures and increased bird activity indicating active fish. Be patient, and don't hesitate to move around to find the best spots.
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