Sign up for FishTalk Premium Access HERE.
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, May 8 Update:
Ocean anglers found solid action this week as Maryland’s sea bass season kicked off with productive trips out of Ocean City, while offshore tautog fishing produced several trophy-class fish. Large migratory striped bass continued moving through Delaware Bay, drawing heavy fishing pressure as post-spawn fish push north along the coast. Surf anglers on Assateague saw a mixed bag of black drum, striped bass, flounder, and rays despite rough… Read more from Coastal...
Freshwater Fishing Report, May 8 Update:
Wild spring weather and rapidly changing conditions have made many fisheries difficult to pattern, but trout anglers continue to find reliable action thanks to ongoing stocking efforts and productive mountain streams. Across the region, low water levels and lack of rainfall are beginning to impact river systems, slowing traditional spring runs and shifting fish patterns. Blue catfish remain one of the most dependable bites in tidal rivers and upper Bay… Read more from Freshwater...
Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, May 8 Update:
Tough weather conditions challenged anglers across the northern Chesapeake Bay this week, but a major bass tournament on the Susquehanna Flats still produced several impressive bags as spring bass patterns continue to develop around shallow grass and staging areas. Low river flows caused by ongoing drought conditions are also impacting traditional spring fisheries, with shad runs slowing earlier than normal throughout the lower Susquehanna… Read more from Way North...
Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, May 8 Update:
Strong winds continued to make fishing difficult across much of the Chesapeake Bay this week, but anglers who found protected water still reported solid action from blue catfish and striped bass. Lower-salinity areas north of the Patapsco River are producing the best catfish bite, while striped bass fishing around the Bay Bridge and Upper Bay channel edges has been productive for both live bait and light tackle anglers. Many anglers are also… Read more from Upper Bay...
Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, May 8 Update:
Persistent winds continued to limit fishing opportunities across the Chesapeake this week, but anglers who found protected water were rewarded with strong striped bass action in western shore rivers, main stem shorelines, and Eastern Shore shallows. Fish are holding tight to docks, shoreline structure, jetties, and current seams, with many anglers reporting steady action on paddletails and other soft plastics. Slot fish are becoming more… Read more from Middle Bay...
Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, May 8 Update:
Warming water temperatures in the Lower Bay have sparked improving shallow-water striped bass action, with anglers finding fish along drop-offs, channels, shorelines, and under working birds throughout the Potomac region. Slot fish are being caught consistently, although many anglers are also encountering large numbers of over-slot stripers as baitfish move into the rivers. Ongoing drought conditions and unusually low river flows continue to… Read more from Lower Bay...
Tangier, Pocomoke, and Lower Shore Fishing Report, May 8 Update:
Unseasonably cool, windy weather continued across the Chesapeake this week, but anglers taking advantage of short weather windows still found strong fishing opportunities in the Tangier region and along the Eastern Shore. Striped bass action remains productive with a mix of slot and over-slot fish still present, while black drum and the first bull red drum of the season are beginning to show around hard-bottom areas, reefs, and… Read more from Tangier and Lower Shore...
Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, May 8 Update:
Large bluefish have arrived along the Virginia Beach oceanfront and are providing exciting action in the surf, around Rudee Inlet, with many fish topping 30 inches. Red drum are also beginning to mix into the surf bite, while inshore anglers continue to pick away at striped bass and slot-sized reds in rivers and inlets despite inconsistent conditions. Croaker and kingfish are steadily moving into the Bay and showing up around area piers,… Read more from Way South...