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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, August 21 Update:
Nearshore fishing continues to outperform the offshore bite, with keeper flounder producing around Maryland and Virginia wrecks and reefs and mahi showing around lobster buoys and floating debris. Offshore anglers can still target billfish and tilefish when weather allows, while the surf is offering kingfish, flounder, and increasing numbers of puppy drum from Assateague to Virginia Beach. The larger fall red drum migration should begin… Read more from Coastal...
Freshwater Fishing Report, August 21 Update:
Snakehead fishing remains strong despite fewer fry balls than expected, with Blackwater and Potomac tributaries producing fish around grass and sunken wood. Largemouth bass and crappie are also providing steady action in St. Mary's Lake and other reservoirs, while recent rains have improved conditions for mountain trout and sparked an excellent topwater smallmouth bite in several Shenandoah-area rivers. Blue catfish are another standout, with one… Read more from Freshwater...
Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, August 21 Update:
August heat has made the Susquehanna Flats bass bite tougher, but anglers are still finding quality largemouth by concentrating their efforts around sunrise, sunset, and cooler periods. Several different baits are producing around the grass beds, while snakeheads remain available throughout the Way North tidal rivers. With striped bass still closed, big blue catfish are another reliable option around Conowingo Dam, Port Deposit, and… Read more from Way North...
Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, August 21 Update:
The Upper Bay is offering a solid mix of croaker, spot, white perch, bluefish, and catfish while anglers wait for striped bass season to reopen in September. Keeper croaker and spot are producing bites around reef structure, while white perch can be found around docks and shoreline structure in the tidal rivers. Bluefish are also available around the Bay Bridge, Love Point, and southern Upper Bay ledges.
Keeper-sized croaker have made… Read more from Upper Bay...
Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, August 21 Update:
Bluefish and Spanish mackerel continue to provide exciting surface action around Sharps Island Flats, Hooper's Island, and the mouth of Eastern Bay, with some bull reds and even cobia mixed into the schools. Bottom fishing remains excellent, with anglers catching plenty of keeper croaker and spot over South River oyster bars, while white perch are providing good action in Choptank creeks. Crabbing is also on fire, with reports of epic… Read more from Middle Bay...
Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, August 21 Update:
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are providing fast-paced action throughout the Lower Bay, with strong reports from the Potomac mouth, Smith Point, Windmill Point, and the Target Ship. Bull red drum are holding along the shipping channel, while steady catches of nine- to 12-inch spot and croaker are making bottom fishing one of the best options for filling the cooler. Anglers should also keep an eye out for areas affected by the reported red… Read more from Lower Bay...
Tangier, Pocomoke, and Lower Shore Fishing Report, August 21 Update:
Red drum are beginning their summer spawning run, with trophy fish showing around sloughs and shoals from Onancock to Cape Charles. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are also providing excellent action along the main stem from the Target Ship toward Tangier Island, with surface-feeding schools offering exciting light-tackle opportunities. While the shallow-water speckled trout and puppy drum bite remains disappointing, bottom… Read more from Tangier and Lower Shore...
Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, August 21 Update:
Spanish mackerel are plentiful throughout the Way South region, with strong action around Thimble Shoal, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and schools of bait along the Virginia Beach coast. Bluefish are mixed in with the mackerel, while cutlassfish are providing a fun nighttime opportunity around piers and dock lights. Flounder fishing remains only fair, but keeper fish can be found around bridge structure and channels, while bull… Read more from Way South...