ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — The Patuxent River opened for rockfish fishing on June 1, 2025, with a daily bag limit of one fish per person and a slot size of 19 to 24 inches, according to Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox. Anglers reported catches on opening day, signaling a promising start to the season. Fishing activity across the Chesapeake Bay and nearby rivers has surged, with bluefish, stripers, perch, spot, croaker, and red drum appearing in various locations.
On June 1, 2025, rockfish, also known as striped bass, became legal to catch in the Patuxent River, with early reports of success. Lamb noted, “I know of some catches on opening day yesterday (as I write), so I will hopefully have more information next week.” The season’s opening coincides with improving weather, as 80-degree temperatures and high tides early and late in the day are expected to create ideal fishing conditions this week.
In the Chesapeake Bay, bluefish weighing 2 to 3 pounds were caught below the Target Ship last week before cold, rainy, and windy conditions disrupted fishing. Bluefish have since moved to shorelines near Cedar Point and the Patuxent River’s mouth, making them accessible to lure casters. In the lower Potomac River, stripers, bluefish, trout, and a few red drum have been reported, with summer weather expected to drive fish to more areas.
Perch fishing has improved significantly, with bait fishermen and lure casters reporting strong catches throughout the region. Spot have appeared in the Patuxent River, reaching as far as Hellen Creek, where bait fishermen using bloodworms, Fishbites, and night crawlers filled a five-gallon bucket off a pier on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Spot and croaker are also present in the Potomac River, though most remain small but are growing quickly.
Large schools of bull red drum are active in the Chesapeake Bay and river mouths, feeding aggressively on bait fish. Lamb stated, “These cruise at high speeds and are crashing into schools of bait fish.” Successful anglers locate them by sight or smell, casting big lures that the fish readily strike. Trolling with large spoons, swimming plugs, or bucktails is another effective method, particularly in areas like the “humps” below the Target Ship, the Middle Grounds, and off Smith Point.
Cobia are beginning to arrive, with their season set to open on June 15, 2025. The combination of warm weather and favorable tides is expected to enhance fishing opportunities across species. Lamb encouraged anglers, saying, “Let’s go get them!”
The recent fishing activity reflects the seasonal patterns of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, where warming waters draw diverse species closer to shorelines and river mouths. The St. Mary’s County region, known for its rich fishing grounds, attracts both recreational and commercial fishermen. The Tacklebox, a local resource, provides regular updates to guide anglers on conditions and catches.
Anglers are advised to adhere to Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations, including size and bag limits, to ensure sustainable fishing. The presence of multiple species, from perch to red drum, underscores the region’s biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts to maintain healthy fish populations.
