Upper Bay Fishing Reports

Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, November 7 Update:

The Angler in Chief said the Bay Bridge is holding good numbers of rockfish in the 16” to 26” range, which are hitting jigging spoons in 30’ to 45’, but by most reports, those who can still find spot and liveline are doing more of the catching. Other anglers are reporting that the Bay Bridge rock piles have been holding some fish recently. Metal jigs and spoons have been very effective, though you may get snagged up while jigging over the rocky structure. There was also a report from an angler who said they found a few schools of fish between the bridge pilings in 60 feet of water, suspended halfway down the water column. While there have been fish around, there have also been a lot of boats, so if you can get out during the week, that may be your best bet.

North of the Bay Bridge, there has been good action near the Brewerton channel, and the deeper ledges close to Six and Seven Foot Knoll. White perch have been schooling in depths of 20’ to 40’ and the rockfish have been in these same areas. Bottom fishing with bloodworms has been the most effective method for catching the perch, and boats able to get spot for live lining are reporting quick limits. Inside the Patapsco River, anglers are catching fish along main channel edges and at nearshore structure. Catches have been reported from Fort McHenry out to the mouth. Anglers fishing in the Chester have also reported a decent striped bass bite, with open water bird shows coming up from time to time. As water temperatures continue to drop, the open water fishery should continue to become more consistent. Steep channel edges on main channels will be great places to search for baitfish. Once you find the bait, stripers are likely close by.  

We wanted to mention that the cooler temperatures have also kicked off the pickerel bite, but the low tides have made it extremely difficult to get into the tidal creeks in the Magothy and Baltimore area tribs this week. The bite should get better once we return to a more consistent tide cycle.