Fishing Report
Chesapeake Bay (lower), VA
Summary: Lower Bay - 8/28/26 Striped bass fishing remains closed in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake and all tributaries on the Maryland side of the Potomac River until September 1. The main stem of the Potomac River and all tributaries on the Virginia side of the Potomac opened to striped bass fishing on August 21. Maryland anglers seeking striped bass in the Potomac River have been working the steep channel edge from St. George Island to Piney Point and off St. Clements Island. Most anglers are live-lining spot or jigging with good results. Anglers in the lower Bay region are very fortunate that they have several fish species that are in abundance and that they can fish for. Spanish mackerel are at the top of the list since they are only here for a short time and make wonderful table fare. Most Spanish mackerel are being caught by trolling Small Drone spoons and gold Clark spoons behind planers and inline weights. At times anglers may encounter breaking fish consisting of Spanish mackerel and bluefish working over a school of bay anchovies. This is the time to ease up carefully, upwind, and cast metal jigs into the melee. Allow the jig to sink and then rapidly retrieve; a slower retrieve will allow bluefish to catch up to the lure. Bluefish are spread throughout the lower Bay and most now tend to be in the one-pound size range, but larger ones are being caught. Most anglers are trolling a mix of surge tube lures and small Drone spoons when targeting bluefish. They are being caught along the shores of the bay by casting a variety of lures or by using cut bait. Large red drum are providing exciting catch and release action this week. Jigging is one of the most popular ways to target them when schools can be located. Large soft plastic jigs are a favorite but heavy Crocodile spoons also work well. They are also being caught by dropping cut bait or soft crab baits down to the red drum when they can be located. Schools of red drum are often located on depth finders, disturbed water, and slicks. Anglers are chumming for cobia and report that catches have dropped off recently in some areas. Smith Point, the Target Ship, and Point Lookout remain popular areas to chum or sight cast for cobia. Anglers are reminded that they cannot use live eels for cobia bait during the striped bass closure. Speckled trout are being caught by anglers casting soft plastic jigs and paddletails along promising looking shorelines. Drifting peeler crab or soft crab baits in areas with currents is also a popular way to fish, especially in the creeks draining from the marshes on the Eastern Shore. Spot continue to provide fun and rewarding fishing in most areas of the lower bay region. The lower Patuxent River, the mouth of the Nanticoke, Hoopers Island, Tangier Sound, and Point Lookout are just a few of the areas where spot and a mix of croaker can be found. Blue Crabs Recreational crabbing could only get better if the crabs jumped into the boat on their own accord. Recreational crabbers are enjoying excellent crabbing opportunities in the middle and lower Bay regions and good in the upper Bay. The largest crabs are coming from waters 15-20 feet deep and medium to small crabs in waters less than 10 feet. There are doublers everywhere and they can be seen swimming south in the current or holding on to dock pilings a few feet under the surface. Once the sooks harden up, the jimmies will abandon their lady friends, and the sooks will begin their long journey to the mouth of the Chesapeake.