As late fall fishing conditions set in, anglers on the Patuxent and Potomac rivers are experiencing excellent catches of rockfish, bluefish, sea bass, and white perch. Both trollers and jiggers are reporting success, aided by the season’s unique patterns and warm water temperatures.
Rockfish and Bluefish: Prime Targets for Trollers and Jiggers
Credit: Ken Lamb
Credit: Ken Lamb
Credit: Ken Lamb
Credit: Ken Lamb
Credit: Ken Lamb
The rockfish are schooling along 18-to-20-foot edges, creating ideal conditions for trollers and jiggers. Trollers targeting deeper waters around 40-foot drop-offs are deploying heavy 32-ounce weights to present their lures close to the bottom, luring larger fish. Meanwhile, jiggers working depths of 10 to 12 feet have encountered rockfish during midday hours, often mixed with sea bass and white perch.
The Calvert Cliffs Power Plant outfall remains a reliable hotspot, with lure casters landing rockfish consistently throughout the day. Breaking fish have been observed up the Patuxent and Potomac during moving tides in the early morning and late afternoon. These schools include occasional big bluefish, adding excitement for those seeking a mixed catch.
Record-Warm Waters: A Unique Fishing Season
Bay water temperatures continue to defy seasonal norms, measuring 56.5º on Sunday, which breaks the previous 10-year record of 56.1º set in 2020. By contrast, the coldest recorded temperature on the same date was 48º in 2008. However, significant snowfall runoff from the Shenandoah highlands, which recently received up to 15 inches of snow, is expected to cool the water sharply in the coming days. This cooling trend could push fish into late fall migration and feeding patterns, altering the current fishing dynamics.
Catfish in the Spotlight
In addition to rockfish and bluefish, catfish are actively biting on cut bait in the upper Patuxent and Potomac. Their abundance and eagerness to bite make them a reliable target for anglers seeking a variety of species.
Thanksgiving Wishes and Insights
Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox extends warm Thanksgiving wishes to all anglers, sharing valuable insights into the region’s fishing opportunities. As the season transitions, staying attuned to weather patterns and water temperature changes will be key to continued success on the water.
