Way North Fishing Reports

Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, February 13 Update:

The ice is beginning to break up in the Way North region of the Chesapeake Bay. After a few weeks of great ice fishing conditions on several of the tidal rivers, it looks like those opportunities are coming to an end. As the ice breaks up, anglers should avoid walking on it as well as wait to take their boats out until the ice is gone. The ice in this region grew very thick, and as it breaks up, there will be significant navigational hazards for boaters. The good news is that we are only a few weeks away from some of the spring spawning runs, and the yellow perch bite has already been kicking off. An angler ice fishing an unspecified tidal tributary in the northern portion of the Chesapeake Bay reported that he has enjoyed a good yellow perch bite over the past two weeks. They were catching their limit on most trips using minnows and small jigs. Reminder to anglers that the tidal yellow perch creel limit was reduced from 10 fish to five fish this year. Ice fishing opportunities will start to dwindle as above freezing temps this week started a thaw with more warm days on the way next week.

Way North Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, February 6 Update:

The Way North region of the Chesapeake Bay is over 90% locked up with ice thanks to the brutal winter temperatures that have stuck around for longer than we would have liked. The ice has grown very thick on all the Way North tidal tributaries and the Susquehanna Flats. Getting a boat out on the water is out of the question right now, but there are areas where ice fishing is a possibility. We don’t have any reports from anglers ice fishing in this region, but historically, yellow perch can be caught through the ice on the North East, Elk, and Bohemia Rivers. Live minnows will be the best bait to use, but small jigs and bladebaits can also work well to tempt perch and other species to bite. Largemouth bass are abundant in this area, and although they are lethargic this time of year, it is not unheard of to catch them through the ice. Remember that ice four inches thick or more is considered best for safety reasons. If you need a refresher on the ice fishing in our zone, be sure to check out Mid-Atlantic Ice Fishing Spectacular and Cheap and Easy Ice Fishing. Considering the weather, you might want to opt for land-based activities this weekend, in which case a great option is hitting the Chesapeake Bay Boat Show in Timonium at the Maryland Fairgrounds. They usually have a pretty good selection at the “Tackle Pier,” the Hawg Trough will be there, and FishTalk will be on hand, so be sure to swing by our booth and say hi!