Striped bass anglers looking for catch-and-release opportunities in the lower Chesapeake Bay have plenty of options.

The steep edges of the shipping channel hold promise for anglers trolling tandem large bucktails and sassy shads. There are schools of large menhaden in the region, and they will often be swept along the steeper channel edges by swift currents and the target of large striped bass.

Anglers are also reporting striped bass moving through the shallower waters, perhaps seeking warmer water temperatures.

Casting large lures during the evening hours can offer shore bound anglers a chance at some of the catch-and-release action.

Anglers should be prepared to release fish properly and quickly. This means releasing the fish in the water is best. If a picture must be taken, make sure someone is ready with a camera and rubber landing net. Hold the fish horizontally and make it quick. A refresher on the best catch-and-release practices can be found on the DNR website. 

Jigging is another popular way to catch and release striped bass this week when fish can be spotted on depth finders suspended under schools of menhaden or channel edges. The Potomac River is open to catch-and-release and offers numerous opportunities. 

Hickory shad continue to be found in the Potomac River below Little Falls and the Mason Branch of Mattawoman Creek. Small flashy spoons and shad darts cast near current breaks and channels are a fun way to enjoy this Catch-and-release fishery. The first American shad are reported near Fletcher’s Landing this week. Maryland anglers must purchase a District of Columbia fishing license to fish above the DC side of the line.

The white perch spawning runs in the Patuxent, Potomac, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke rivers continue this week and there is plenty of good fishing. The large female white perch are reported to be in the spawning reaches. The most popular way to fish for them is by casting small 1/16 to 1/8 jig heads tipped with grass shrimp, lip-hooked small minnows. Pieces of minnow or bloodworm and allowed to sink close to the bottom and worked in an arch as the current sweeps the jig down current. 

There are plenty of good fishing opportunities for blue catfish this week in the tidal Potomac, Patuxent, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke rivers. Cut bait is a very popular bait, but scented baits will work well also.

— This is a portion of the Maryland Fishing Report written and compiled by Keith Lockwood, fisheries biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.