Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 25, 2019 Update:
Fishing in the Chesapeake and its tributaries has been shut down this week by high winds, low temperatures, and thin ice cover in some areas. Alltackle in Annapolis had no confirmed reports of anglers on the water, or of those fishing lakes and ponds (which were often coated in a thin layer of ice this week, denying anglers any shot at fish). There was some speculation that the bite in the Eastern Shore mill ponds has stayed active – a couple of reports of yellow perch, crappie, and pickerel came in, however, we also heard from anglers who braved the weather and experienced icing rod guides and short-lived, frigid, bite-less experiences. Though the past week was tough, the forecast this weekend looks far clearer, with lower winds but still chilly temperatures. Of course, you could always take a short trip to Florida...
Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 18, 2019 Update:
With fishing participation dropping off some bites have been picking up this week, both changes attributed to the shift in weather, as the cold snap seems to have triggered many anglers to stay at home but the yellow perch to bite. This week, those diehard enough to travel out onto the water in freezing temperatures have been finding perch in the upper reaches of local tributaries, creeks, and freshwaters. Chester River, the Tuckahoe, and Beachwood Park in the Magothy have all been good areas according to Anglers in Annapolis. They’re also reporting that bull minnow suspended by a bobber, Mepps spinners, and nightcrawlers have been producing. The Eastern Shore mill ponds continue to be active, and anglers on their waters are catching plentiful pickerel, as well as the occasional crappie, bass, and perch. Be aware, however, that skim ice can present a problem at any of these areas. While wind has kept most open areas clear of ice, up in creeks and coves skim ice and slush can be problematic.
Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 11, 2019 Update:
Each day as I travel the bridge over the waters of the South, I notice that the river around me is devoid of the boats which speckle its waters during warmer seasons of the year. Although the recent lack of boats may be attributed to the blustery, chilly weather, I’m fairly certain if there were fish in the water there would be boats as well. Our sources this week confirmed my theory, noting that it isn’t just the waters of the South that have been slow, but the surrounding tributaries as well. High winds the past few days have deterred anglers from heading onto the open water, but the reports from Anglers in Annapolis earlier this week confirm that even if they had left the dock the bite slow at best. White perch and pickerel have been sparse, and those that are being caught are often hitting a bull minnow on a shad dart, under a bobber. One exception: angler Kevin Thomas is back to his winter antics and last week caught four chunky schoolie stripers in the lower Severn. Keep your eyes out for the new edition of FishTalk, hitting the streets in another week or so. In it, we begin a two-part series on off-season striper catch-and-release fishing, in which Kevin shares some of his secrets for deep winter success.
Most anglers who have shifted to freshwater, which has remained productive, are reporting better catches. The Eastern Shore millponds have stayed very active, as well as the Shore’s upper tributaries.
Middle Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, January 4:
Editor’s Note: We’d like to say a special thank-you to Parker Martin for compiling the fishing reports these past few months. Now he’s getting ready to study abroad, and starting this week the reports are being compiled – once again – by none other than Mollie Rudow. Parker, as we bid you adieu we rest assured in the knowledge that the FishTalk fishing reports will be in good hands moving forward!
Well, moving into 2019 we’re coming to you with a sparse amount of fishing intel. Anglers Sport Center reported that the number of boats leaving the docks the past few weeks have been few and far between, and those who have ventured out onto the cold waters of the Chesapeake and its tributaries are often coming home without having seen a fish. We didn’t hear anymore confirmed striper catch-and-release reports from the western shore tributaries, however previous weeks have seen fish caught in the Severn. A few have also popped up at the warm water discharges, which could be worth giving a try with dark-colored BKDs. Alltackle in Annapolis suggested heading south, where some large fish are being pulled out of the lower regions of the Bay (read the Lower Bay report, for more details). Many others are simply shifting to sweetwater, and having a blast catching pickerel, bass, crappie, and perch (see the Freshwater report), which are remaining quite active with the warm weather we've been having.