Anglers are seeing strong rockfish activity in the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers as the fall fishing season gets underway, with trollers and casters both finding success. White bucktails with white plastic curly tails, cast along the edges of the shallows, have proven effective for trollers. Meanwhile, poppers and lures are also producing results as anglers target rockfish from above Half Pone Point in the Patuxent on both sides of the river. In the Potomac, fishing remains productive from Ragged Point to Dahlgren, with blues, redfish, and some flounder mixed in with the stripers.
Redfish, in particular, are making their presence known. Anglers are encountering plenty of puppy drum and slot reds throughout the region. The larger bull reds continue to cruise the bay and the lower Potomac, providing exciting opportunities for anglers ready to tackle the big fish. Anglers are advised to adjust their drags accordingly, as these big reds can test tackle at any moment.
White perch are becoming more selective as the season transitions, but they remain accessible for both lure casters and bait fishermen. The perch are more active during high tides and warm afternoons, rather than the colder early mornings. As they begin to gather in the deep holes of rivers, small shiny metal jigs have proven to be particularly effective in drawing strikes.
In the upper bay, live liners are having success with stripers, using spot as bait. One particularly productive location is near the Nuclear Power Plant outfall, where rockfish and redfish are plentiful.
As fall progresses, local fishermen are beginning to transition into the season’s patterns. By the end of next month, trolling for rockfish in the bay and rivers is expected to become even more fruitful, as the cooler weather brings an excellent bite. This seasonal update is provided by Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox, who has been tracking the trends in local fishing action as the fall fishing season takes shape.
