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Striped Bass Alert: Here in Chesapeake Country we’re looking at multiple regulatory areas in FishTalk’s zone of coverage for May with reg changes mid-month in certain places, and on top of that the rules and regs can sometimes unexpectedly change. Remember to check on the latest at your state’s websites and be aware of which area(s) you’re fishing, and when.
COASTAL FISHING FORECAST
Check and double-check the SST charts—a swirl of warm water heading our way this month could be swarming with early season yellowfin tuna, because those breaks can work like magic in May. Meanwhile on the inshore grounds black sea bass come back into season mid-month and should be around in good numbers. Anglers hitting the surf or inlets and coastal bays will be crossing their fingers that the big chopper bluefish we saw last year cruise back through town. Rig up those doodlebugs and start chopping mullet.
FRESHWATER FISHING FORECAST
Bass, crappie, snakehead—if it lives in freshwater it’s likely to be on the feed this month, though we’ll note that as they transition from post-spawn into summer patterns locating fish can get tough at times. Expect a topwater bite to develop for species that bust the surface as the area waterways warm up, and you trout sharpies, keep your eyes on the final stockings and delayed harvest areas. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that the rivers don’t get washed out by spring storms, too.
WAY NORTH CHESAPEAKE FISHING FORECAST
Much of this zone will be closed for striper fishing this month; check the DNR Striped Bass Regulations maps to see where and when different areas are open. But don’t worry, there will still be plenty to keep you busy. White perch should be in the lower portions of the Susquehanna, some shad should still be around as the month begins, snakeheads ought to start chomping, and of course you know there will be plenty of catfish to tangle with.
UPPER CHESAPEAKE BAY FISHING FORECAST
Portions of the Upper Bay open for rockfish mid-month, but again, the opportunities are limited depending on the timing and the exact area so check those maps before you head out. Meanwhile, look for a good spring snakehead bite to develop this month in the upper ends of creeks and rivers. Blue cats should provide us with plenty of action, too.
MIDDLE BAY FORECAST
It’s almost rockfish time, people! Well, sort of—the mainstem Bay will be open but tribs will remain either catch and release or closed depending on which you’re headed for, so verify before casting. Catfish may be an option this month depending on salinity levels, while white perch fishing should improve steadily as the fish start moving towards their summer spots.
LOWER BAY FORECAST
May 16 marks the return of rockfish season, which will surely capture the attention of most anglers. But don’t forget that last season the puppy drum and the speckled trout both began running in the Western Shore tribs clear up to the Potomac this month. Look for those emerging grass beds and oyster bars and start hopping those jigs. Oh, and flounder started popping up this month, too. One word of warning, though: the cownose rays will begin swarming our waterways before the end of May as well... Ugh.
TANGIER, POCOMOKE, AND LOWER SHORE FORECAST
By the time May has arrived all bets are off in the Sounds and along the lower Eastern Shore. Heck, just about anything and everything should show up this month whether you’re most interested in rock, specks, blues, or drum of either persuasion. If you’re trophy hunting remember that last season, plenty of 50-pound-plus red drum and black drum bit on drifted peeler crab in the open Sounds and around grass edges on high tides.
WAY SOUTH AND VA FORECAST
Ho-Le-Cow the options in this neck of the woods are about to explode if they haven’t already. Pick any summer saltwater species you want and it’s likely to appear this month. Add to that the fact that tautog will still be an option for the first half of the month (they’re closed from May 16 through June 30), and the redfish and speckled trout bites in the inlets should only get better and better. May is a rockin’ cool month for anglers, so prep that gear and get the heck out there!
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