As summer’s heat gives way to a cooler August in Southern Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are teeming with fishing opportunities. According to Ken Lamb of The Tackle Box in St. Mary’s County, anglers are finding success with a variety of species, from Spanish mackerel and bluefish to spot and catfish, despite some challenges with water conditions and elusive catches. With the striped bass season set to rebound around the full moon on September 7, 2025, now is an ideal time for local fishermen to hit the water.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish have surged up the Chesapeake Bay, reaching as far north as Cedar Point and the HI buoy near the Ship’s Channel. On Sunday morning, trollers reported strong catches in this area, with bluefish spotted even farther north at Sharp’s Island. In the lower Bay, from Point No Point to the Target Ship, both species are hitting trolled surgical eel lures and small spoons. Lamb highlighted the effectiveness of Spoonbrella rigs by Captain John, which have proven deadly for bluefish and mackerel. Anglers casting lures into breaking schools of bluefish on the surface are also enjoying fast-paced action, particularly in the lower Bay where these fish are feeding aggressively on bait schools.
Closer to home, the Patuxent River is a hotspot for spot, with plentiful catches reported from St. Leonard’s Creek to Cedar Point. Some keeper-sized croaker, locally known as hardhead, are also being caught in the Patuxent, offering anglers a tasty reward. Bottom fishing with bloodworms or peeler crab remains the go-to method for these species, with hard-bottom areas in 15 to 20 feet of water yielding the best results. The abundance of spot makes them a prime target for live-lining, a popular technique for anglers pursuing larger predators.
In the Potomac River, Mallows Bay is drawing catfish anglers as cooler water temperatures—flirting with the 10-year record low for August—have made these fish more active. Blue catfish, abundant in the Potomac, are aggressively biting cut bait and jigged lures. Mallows Bay, known for its historic shipwrecks and rich ecosystem, provides an ideal setting for targeting these hard-fighting fish. However, shoreline access can be challenging due to submerged vegetation, so anglers are advised to use piers like those at Jacksons Landing or Selbys Landing in Patuxent River Park for safer fishing.
Flounder are present in many areas, including the lower Patuxent and Potomac rivers, but catches remain inconsistent. Anglers targeting flounder along channel edges with Gulp baits or live minnows have reported some success, though patience is key due to variable water clarity. Recent calm winds have improved water clarity across the region, enhancing fishing prospects for the coming week. However, sea nettles and jellyfish continue to plague shallower creeks, pushing white perch into deeper, cleaner river waters. Lamb noted that white perch are avoiding these areas until the jellyfish clear out, making deeper spots near oyster bars or docks better bets for anglers using bloodworms or small lures.
Striped bass, a favorite among Southern Maryland anglers, have been scarce this week due to warm water temperatures and recent storms. However, Lamb predicts a strong return around the full moon on September 7, when baitfish schools and crab sheds are expected to draw stripers back to the Patuxent and Potomac rivers. Live-lining spot along steep channel edges, such as those from Piney Point to St. Georges Island in the Potomac, or jigging with soft plastics near Cedar Point, are proven methods for targeting stripers. Anglers should use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining to comply with Maryland regulations and minimize harm to released fish.
Cobia and bull red drum remain elusive in the lower Bay, particularly around the Target Ship and Middle Grounds. Sight fishing on calm days or chumming with live eels has produced limited catches, but these trophy fish require persistence. Trolling large spoons or casting paddletails can also yield exciting catch-and-release action for red drum, which often exceed the 31-inch maximum for keepers.
Southern Maryland’s fishing heritage, rooted in its 1,000 miles of shoreline, continues to thrive with public access points like Point Lookout State Park. The region’s mild late-summer weather, with scattered thunderstorms possible, favors fishing outings, though boaters should monitor marine forecasts for wind shifts. A Maryland fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older, available through the Department of Natural Resources website, with proceeds supporting habitat restoration. As invasive species like blue catfish pose challenges, targeted removals are helping maintain ecological balance.
With the Bay’s waters cooling and fishing conditions improving, Southern Maryland anglers have plenty to look forward to. Whether casting for bluefish, bottom fishing for spot, or waiting for the striped bass resurgence, the region’s rivers and bays offer something for every angler.
