A chilly wave sweeping through Southern Maryland last week has ignited a surge in fishing activity, with local waters teeming with rockfish and white perch, much to the delight of anglers.
Chesapeake Bay Yields Rockfish Bonanza
Trolling enthusiasts are experiencing high success rates in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly near Solomons. Reports from anglers confirm that schools of striped bass, or rockfish, are widely dispersed on both sides of the Patuxent River. Techniques such as trolling with small umbrella rigs and tandem setups, enhanced by white and chartreuse lures, are proving highly effective. Flocks of birds and electronic fish finders are helping anglers pinpoint hotspots.
“The fish are straight out and biting,” said Ken Lamb of the St. Mary’s Tacklebox.
Timing has proven essential for those targeting upriver rockfish, which follow unpredictable feeding schedules. Most catches fall within the legal size limits, though some oversize fish have been recorded. Anglers anticipate the possibility of landing rockfish up to 40 inches in length this week.
Fall Migration Energizes Potomac River Fishing
The Potomac River is abuzz with activity, particularly at fall migration hotspots such as the Coan River mouth and Vermar Beach. These areas are teeming with bait schools that have drawn rockfish, often accompanied by flocks of birds, serving as natural indicators of fish concentrations.
As the Atlantic striped bass migration nears Smith Point, the potential for larger fish entering the region grows. Anglers are reminded to keep their fishing drags loose to handle the power of these fish effectively.
White Perch Provide a Reliable Catch
In addition to rockfish, white perch have become a prime target for local anglers. Deeper river holes are yielding substantial catches. A recent success story comes from a kayaker near the Solomons Island bridge who filled a five-gallon bucket with white perch using sabiki rigs, with occasional rockfish also biting on the small lures.
Freshwater enthusiasts are also celebrating solid crappie hauls at St. Mary’s Lake, with minnows and jigs delivering consistent results.
Promising Outlook for Local Anglers
Southern Maryland’s fisheries are thriving as cooler temperatures energize fish activity. Whether it’s rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay, white perch in the rivers, or crappie in freshwater lakes, anglers across the region have plenty of options to make the most of the season.
For more information and updates, visit Ken Lamb’s St. Mary’s Tacklebox.
