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Fishing Reports
Weekly fishing reports for the Chesapeake Bay and Mid-Atlantic and surrounding region. If you would like to be notified via e-mail when our weekly fishing reports are updated, click here to sign up.
FishTalk fishing reports are presented by Costa Tequila, Anchor Boats, Brown Dog Marine, CCA MD, Riverside Marine, Suzuki Marine, and Tri-State-Marine
Coastal Mid-Atlantic Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
The Nor’easter put a serious damper on coastal fishing for a few days, but things are already getting back on track as the ocean settles down. The fall drum run is still going strong, offshore bottom fishing has bounced back, and several nearshore fisheries are showing signs of seasonal change. There are also a few opportunities that won't stick around much longer, so the next couple of weeks could be important for anglers looking to take… Read more from Coastal...
Freshwater Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
The big weather change has finally pushed freshwater fishing into a more recognizable fall pattern. Snakehead activity is beginning to wind down, bass are shifting with cooling water and declining vegetation, and trout anglers are looking ahead to improving conditions and the start of fall stocking. There is still plenty of action available but expect the fish to become increasingly focused on deeper water and remaining structure as October… Read more from Freshwater...
Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
The Nor’Easter dropped water temperatures dramatically in the northern reaches of the Bay, and the change is already having an effect on both bait and gamefish. Largemouth bass are beginning to adjust as the grass starts its seasonal decline, while blue cats remain a dependable option as they gradually move toward deeper water. Meanwhile, striped bass are becoming increasingly active as they follow bait into the fall transition.… Read more from Way North...
Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
The Upper Bay got a healthy dose of fall weather this week, and the roughly 10-degree drop in water temperature appears to have flipped the switch for striped bass. Baitfish are beginning to gather, rockfish are becoming more aggressive, and both shallow and open-water patterns are starting to develop. White perch are also getting in on the fall action, making the Upper Bay an increasingly attractive place to wet a line as October gets… Read more from Upper Bay...
Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
The storm may have kept boats off the water, but the dramatic change in conditions appears to have done the fishery some favors. Bait is moving, striped bass are feeding more actively, and surface action is becoming a much bigger part of the picture across the Middle Bay. Bottom fishing is still producing a mixed bag, while the crabbing remains surprisingly strong for early October.
Cooler water temperatures have turned on the rockfish… Read more from Middle Bay...
Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
The Lower Bay is showing plenty of signs that fall has arrived, with cooling water bringing increased activity from speckled trout, striped bass, bluefish, and a variety of bottom species. Speckled trout numbers are particularly notable right now, although most remain on the small side, while the bluefish fishery is hanging on even as the Spanish mackerel appear to have moved on. With clean water, strong currents, and plenty of bait in the… Read more from Lower Bay...
Tangier, Pocomoke, and Lower Shore Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
The Tangier region really seems to have embraced the fall transition, with cooling water putting a wide variety of fish on the feed. Striped bass, perch, speckled trout, and bottom fish are all contributing to a mixed bag, while bull reds are making one of their final appearances before heading south. The next few weeks should offer some excellent shallow-water opportunities as bait and predators settle into their fall… Read more from Tangier and Lower Shore...
Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, October 2 Update:
There is still plenty of life around the mouth of the Bay, but some of the summer visitors are beginning to pack their bags. Bull reds, bluefish, cutlassfish, and other seasonal players remain available, while tautog, sheepshead, shrimp, and inshore gamefish are keeping things interesting. Cooling water should continue to reshape the fishery through October, making this a good time to take advantage of the remaining warm-water… Read more from Way South...