Lexington Park, Md. – Yellow perch have begun their annual spawning runs in shallow creeks feeding the upper Patuxent River and Potomac River, drawing crowds of anglers to prime spots like Wayson’s Corner and Allen’s Fresh, according to a March 10, 2026, fishing update from Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox.
Lamb, a longtime local expert from The Tackle Box in Lexington Park, reported heavy parking along roadways at these locations, signaling strong activity. One dedicated angler landed 33 yellow perch at Mason’s Springs during the past week. Mild temperatures forecasted all week should sustain the bite, Lamb noted, encouraging anglers to head out.
Effective tactics include micro jigs fished under a bobber, tipped with Pro Cure Jell or a piece of night crawler to entice hungry perch. Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports from early March confirm yellow perch staging in tidal rivers across the region, including the Patuxent on the western shore, with fish moving upstream in waves to spawn in shallower fresh areas. Recent DNR actions lowered recreational limits in tidal waters to protect struggling stocks after low recruitment years, emphasizing conservation for larger spawning females.
Huge striped bass are also on the move during their spawning run, aggressively hitting cast lures from beaches in open catch-and-release zones in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Anglers must check current Maryland DNR regulations for allowed areas, as spawning rivers and certain upper Bay sections remain off-limits to targeting through May to reduce stress on fish. The Potomac River Fisheries Commission maintains catch-and-release rules from January through May 15 with no harvest permitted, requiring non-offset inline circle hooks for natural bait and restrictions on hooks per line.
Freshwater action remains strong in St. Mary’s Lake and other local ponds and lakes. Pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, largemouth bass, and crappie are active in warmer weather following winter’s cold snap. Recent reports highlight success with jerkbaits and tandem rigs in 8 to 16 feet of water at St. Mary’s Lake, where fish hold deep in 42- to 46-degree temperatures.
Lamb’s update highlights the transition from winter to spring in Southern Maryland fisheries, with perch leading the charge in tidal shallows, stripers pushing along accessible beaches under strict rules, and freshwater species responding eagerly to rising temperatures. Anglers are advised to verify regulations on the DNR website before heading out, particularly for striped bass zones, to ensure compliance amid ongoing efforts to support spawning stocks.
The mild forecast positions this week as prime time for Southern Maryland anglers to capitalize on multiple species in rivers, Bay beaches, and inland lakes, blending tradition with conservation in one of the region’s most accessible fishing corridors.