Way North and Delaware Fishing Report 4/27/2018:
The action dropped back off recently up north, as clouds, rain, and releases from Conowingo conspired to keep water temperatures on the low side. Most fish that have been caught in the northern region have been small, and in many cases, not in great numbers. As a result of the rapidly changing conditions, anglers on the flats are reporting anywhere from a skunk to two dozen or more fish caught in a day, with cows over 30 inches rather rare. One day to the next can make a huge difference.
Port Deposit has been home to a large number of smaller fish as well, which are primarily taking topwater lures and plugs like Rebels, and Rattle-Traps, and soft plastics. Many anglers have been having success by trolling lipped plugs, as well. Herb's reported that while most fish have been in the 16 to 22 inch range, they did hear of some in the upper 20's and lower 30's. Water temps on the flats have been bouncing around the 50-degree mark, which isn't exactly ideal, but rose in the past few days after finally receiving some direct sun. Some shad have also made their presence known on the flats - but certainly not in huge numbers.
Anglers looking to put some fish in the box have been running down past Heart-Miller and trolling, however, that's been a tough gig for most folks. While the past week was better than opening weekend (read the Upper Bay report for more details) fishing has still been quite slow for trophy fish above the Bay Bridges... well, and below them, too!
Way North and Delaware Fishing Report 4/20/2018:
With the opening of rockfish season this weekend, many anglers have been testing the waters looking for the right spot to drop lines and catch a trophy on opening day. Weather is expected to be fair, a bit chilly in the morning but warmer as the day goes on. We called Herb's Bait Shop to see how guys who found time to be out on the water this week did, and we weren't disappointed. They reported that the Susquehanna flats has cranked up recently, with trophy-sized now showing up along with the smaller males. Anglers who want to get in on this action should check out 5 Mid-Atlantic Hotspots for Shallow Water Fishing, which includes the low-down on the Susquehanna Flats, prior to heading out.
Anglers trolling bucktails, plugs, and hoses in deeper water have also discovered good numbers of big fish, most surprisingly close to bottom, or holding along channel edges. They also reported that bait fishing has produced positive results for some, with most fish that have been reported to the store very close to the limit for trophy season, hovering around the 33 to 38 inch mark. Herb's also reported that many of the fish are prespawn, creating a pretty serious catch-or-release dilemma. Sarge's chimed in with excellent reports coming out of the Elk River, primarily around Turkey Point. Jigging has been hot, and chartreuse and white BKD's and Bust 'em Baits have been the go-to.
White perch fishing has stayed hot, and the perch are active on the flats during evening time. Grass shrimp and blood worms have continued to be the best baits.
Way North and Delaware Fishing Report 4/13/2018:
Although the past few weeks haven't produced the best weather to be out on the water, this weekend we're looking forward to a break in the wind and cold, allowing anglers to get their first taste of what this summer will be like on the upper reaches of the Bay. Despite bringing about better weather than in weeks before, fishing has stayed fairly slow thus far. Herb's Bait Shop reported that fishing on the Susquehanna flats has been unusually slow to date, possibly due to low water temperatures stunting the beginning of the rockfish spawn. Most fish that have been caught have been smaller males with only the occasional big female showing up, and have primarily been on soft plastics fished up top. Sarge's reported that in the Bay itself trolling channel edges has produced slightly better results, with anglers landing the occasional trophy sized fish.
Way North and Delaware Fishing Report 4/6/2018:
Fluctuating temperatures have stunted the warming of the water we want to see in April, prior to the beginning of rockfish season. That being said, although large female fish have not moved into the waters of the northern Bay in great numbers, many anglers heading out and pre-season fishing are catching handfuls of small, 17- to 22-inch male fish. Trolling plugs has been a popular option, however navigating the fishery has been confusing to some due to the new regulations regarding circle hooks. Don't worry folks, lures are not affected by the regs. If anyone's confused about the current status we suggest you check out our Maryland Chesapeake Bay Circle Hook Regulations Update.
Meanwhile, Herb's has had some great reports coming off of the Susuqehanna Flats, where white perch have been mixed in with the beginning of our spring rockfish bite. Bloodworms have continued to be a great bait for anglers targeting the perch, and catfish have been a part of most anglers' catch. Most of the fish currently being caught here are the males, too, but this can be expected to change at any time - a day or two of sunny warm weather can trigger rather radical changes in the flats fishery, at this point in time. Hopefully flow will remain reasonable and the good clarity conditions we have at the moment on the flats will continue. Remember to stick with jigs and sub-surface lures until the water temps hit at least 50-degrees, and then topwater will begin being effective. Most importantly, look for those temperature breaks and fish the warmer water!
Captain Bone's recommended heading to the Maryland-Delaware line, where anglers catching white perch on bloodworms and grass shrimp have also reported schoolie male stripers mixed in, with an occasional bigger fish caught by accident.