Anglers across Southern Maryland are finding success in the Patuxent and Potomac rivers, with spot, rockfish, and bluefish leading the catch reports. Despite disruptions from porpoise and cow-nosed rays in the Potomac, fishing conditions remain favorable, particularly early and late in the day to avoid the ongoing heat wave. Ken Lamb, owner of St. Mary’s Tacklebox in Lexington Park, provided detailed insights into the region’s fishing activity, highlighting productive spots and strategies.
In the Patuxent River, spot fishing is thriving, with many fish now large enough for the table. On Friday, June 20, 2025, one skilled angler landed 38 eating-size spot in about two hours at Hawk’s Nest, just above Point Patience. Effective baits include Fishbites, lug worms, and bloodworms. Rockfish are also abundant, particularly at the mouth of West Basin near the Naval Air Station and around Cedar Point. Anglers using surface poppers, plastics, bucktails, and swimming plugs report strong catches, with the best results at dawn and dusk. “Fish avoid the hot sunshine just as we do,” Lamb noted, emphasizing the need to fish during cooler parts of the day.
The Potomac River and its tributaries host spot, perch, and small croaker, but fishing faced challenges over the weekend. On Saturday, June 21, 2025, schools of more than 50 porpoise arrived in the lower Potomac, scattering fish and halting excellent catches. Cow-nosed rays have also invaded the area, further disrupting activity. “When they appear in quantity, the fish go elsewhere,” Lamb explained, noting that fish avoid becoming prey. By Monday, June 23, 2025, Cornfield Harbor saw seatrout biting plastic lures with no porpoise in sight, though rockfish had not yet returned. Catfish have retreated to fresher waters upriver, where they are large, plentiful, and eager to bite.
In the Chesapeake Bay, bluefish are plentiful near the Target Ship. Trollers using inline weights with surgical hose lures and medium-sized spoons have been limiting out, filling their quotas quickly. Cobia, which were present before the season began, have left the area, with no recent catches reported. Lamb suggested that the current heat wave, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees, could encourage cobia to return soon. Stripers, sensitive to high temperatures, seek deeper waters during the day but feed actively at sunset and daybreak, offering opportunities for early and late anglers.
At Solomons Bridge, jiggers are finding success around the pilings during slack tides, as strong currents during main flows make it difficult to reach fish without snagging. “The water runs too fast there during the main flow to get all but the heaviest lures down where multiple snags await,” Lamb said. Freshwater fishing is also strong, with St. Mary’s Lake and other local ponds yielding excellent catches for anglers targeting bass and other species.
The region’s fishing success reflects the diversity of Southern Maryland’s waterways. The Patuxent River, stretching 115 miles from its source in Howard County to the Chesapeake Bay, supports a variety of species and fishing techniques. The Potomac River, one of the largest tributaries of the Chesapeake, offers similar opportunities but faces periodic disruptions from marine life. The Chesapeake Bay, a critical fishery for the Atlantic coast, continues to draw anglers with its bluefish and potential for cobia.
Lamb’s report underscores the importance of timing and location in maximizing catches. With 90-degree days forecast to continue, anglers are advised to focus on early mornings and evenings to target rockfish and other heat-sensitive species. The temporary absence of cobia and the impact of porpoise highlight the dynamic nature of fishing, where conditions can change rapidly. As the heat wave persists, anglers can expect continued opportunities for spot, bluefish, and freshwater species, with cobia potentially returning as waters warm further.
