Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, March 6 Update:
March is the migration month for striped bass to make their way up the Chesapeake Bay for their spawning run. Temperatures in the main stem of the Middle Bay are still in the mid to upper 30s, but the warm front in the forecast starting this weekend should warm them up enough to get these fish on the move. A pair of readers who visited the power plant recently said there were good numbers of rockfish, including some 40-plus-inch trophy striped bass, though the bite was a bit of a roller coaster with the fishing good at times and slow or very slow at others. Six-inch chartreuse paddletails on 1.5-ounce heads were the ticket. Unfortunately, we also received a report of dozens of dead rockfish, toad fish, crabs, and even a number of cormorants and seagulls, washing up along the beach there in increasing numbers during the past two weeks. (The Maryland Department of the Environment has been alerted and has visited the site).
A reader checked in after hitting the Severn River last weekend and said the water was cold, clear, and fishless. Casting for pickerel in spots that normally produce during winter didn’t generate a single bite. The recent snowmelt, rain, and cooler temperatures have kept water temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s in most of the rivers and creeks. These prolonged cold temperatures are likely the cause of the slow action for pickerel. Warm temperatures on the way should get these fish more active as early spring is typically one of the best times of year to fish for them. The Severn River is the hotspot in the Middle Bay. Pick any creek in the middle to upper reaches of the river and focus on shoreline cover such as docks, fallen trees, and rocks. Perch reports are starting to come in as the yellow perch and white perch begin their spawning run as well. The yellow perch have been difficult to pattern this year, which is usually the case, but white perch are entering the mix on the Eastern Shore tributaries. Some fish are being caught on tributaries of the Choptank River, including the Tuckahoe. Minnows and grass shrimp are the key for a successful day during the spring perch runs. Grass shrimp are usually the most effective bait and a popular way to use them is either on a bottom rig, or on shad darts that are bounced along the bottom. We haven’t heard any reports of perch on the Patuxent yet, but we expect that to change after this weekend. Gear up and get ready folks, spring is here.