Way North Fishing Report, May 28 Update:
Well, when there’s stripers on the Flats, that may be where you’re headed! This week anglers continued to catch keeper stripers across the Susquehanna Flats and in the Dam pool, although the Flats are getting more attention. Clyde’s is reported that the best bite was at dusk and dawn and the hits were sparse when the sun was strong. Anglers who headed out early and hit the afternoon bite alike reported that jigging soft plastics on the channel edges was the ticket to bringing in keeper fish. While most reported somewhat steady catches, the results were a mixed bag of throwbacks and fish reaching up to 27 inches. Chartreuse and white six-inch soft plastic BKDs were the weapons of choice. Some anglers are also reporting success live-lining with white perch.
If you’re chumming, you might think you’re fishing for stripers, but chances are cats will be putting the bend in your rod. Chumming for stripers and stripers alone is virtually impossible right now, with so many catfish in the water. On the flip side of the coin snakeheads can most definitely be targeted, particularly in the Havre de Grace area. Reports continue to come in of a solid bite in that zone, with the snakes chasing minnow, chatterbaits, and paddletails cast to docks and structure. Several have also been reported out on the flats.
Way North Fishing Report, May 21 Update:
Keeper rock are on the flats, and they’re slurping down live white perch. Todd (from Ghost Drag) noted that his three-man crew was limited out by 10:00 a.m. recently, and other readers have reported similar action when attaching small perch to their circle hooks. Clydes confirmed this, noting that they heard talk of multiple reports of excellent days on the Flats this week. They also suggested heading up to the Conowingo Dam pool. While reports of keeper stripers were lower compared to Flats anglers, they sure weren’t in short demand. In both areas, it’s easy to wrangle up a catfish as well. Channel and blue cats are popular targets and simply letting a cut bait soak on bottom is enough to lure them in. Just remember, folks — using fresh bait is your ticket to catfish-heaven. They’re far more likely to turn their noses up at something frozen without the stink that catfish oh-so-love than something juicy. If you catch blues of flatheads, don't forget to register for the Great Chesapeake Invasives Count (which takes all of 30 seconds) and snap off a picture - this month's prizes include 10 $25 gift certificates to Island Tackle Outfitters!
In other news, the lower Susquehanna is a surprisingly good hotspot for snakehead right now. They’re happy to hit chatter baits, jerk baits, and a variety of topwater lures. Clyde’s reported that they’re commonly being caught alongside largemouth bass, which have been similarly active.
Way North Fishing Report, May 14 Update:
Did someone say snakehead? The lower Susquehanna, Conowingo dam pool, and northern tribs all popped up as snakehead hotspots this week. Multiple anglers reported heading out for them early in the day and crushing with chatter baits, plastic frogs, and other surface lures. Catching them has been a breeze for anglers on shore, who have easy access to the shallows where they’re hiding. Kayak anglers are also benefiting from their preference in the shallows, easily navigating marshy and low-water areas where they’ve been hiding. Most guys who reported to Captain Bones caught a couple to a few, ranging in size from sandwich to dinner for two.
The dam pool and lower Susquehanna are topnotch spots for flathead catfish right now. The lower Susquehanna is producing some seriously big ones, ranging from the mid-to-upper 30s in inches. In the dam pool, the catch has been on the smaller side but consistent. Top baits are fresh-cut menhaden and white perch. If you’re looking for the freshest of fresh baits (and some extra fish in the cooler), you can hit up the tribs for white perch. They’ve begun to move into their summer haunts and aren’t shy about picking up bloodworms or grass shrimp from a bottom rig.
For those who tried to tune in to Live With Lenny last night we apologize for the technical difficulties, evidently we broke the internets. The show has been rescheduled for next Wednesday evening at 5:00 p.m. when we'll have a striper season update and discuss targeting invasive species like snakeheads and blue cats with David Sikorski from the CCA.
Way North Fishing Report, May 7 Update:
It seems kind of like a blessing for northern Chesapeake anglers in that the focus on big fish was further south, because at least up north anglers are able to enjoy calm days without dodging countless planer boards. The lower Susquehanna is still closed for rock (through May 16; check the DNR map for closure areas here) but has lots of mostly small stripers in it that have been caught by accident. Clyde’s told us most are instead targeting catfish. They’re still easy to find, and some struck the high side of 30-plus inches this week… no complaints there! Anglers landing them primarily used clam, chopped menhaden, and occasionally chicken livers, which for some reason seem to have fallen out of favor a bit recently.
Perch are becoming more accessible in the tribs. They’ve finally cozied up in some shallow water spots, and can be caught from shore. Bloodworms on bottom rigs are a fan favorite. Snakeheads are also around! Readers from the area have checked in to let us know that this species had become very active around the marinas recently.