LEONARDTOWN, MD — Early April weather in Southern Maryland continues to challenge anglers with swings between wind, rain, cold snaps and warmer spells, yet several fish species remain active in local waters according to reports from Ken Lamb of The St. Mary’s Tacklebox.
White perch are moving into shallows on warmer days. Several fish were caught this week on both bait and lures, though numbers remain below peak levels.
American shad and blueback herring runs are underway in the upper Potomac River and Rappahannock River. The 2026 fishery has produced strong results so far. Blueback herring appear in limited numbers but show signs of recovery. Maryland regulations and Potomac River rules protect all shad and herring, requiring catch-and-release only.
Catfish activity remains high in the upper Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Fish are progressing southward toward the Chesapeake Bay and could reach areas such as Bushwood Wharf and Breton Bay in the Potomac at any time. The Patuxent River offers reliable catfishing near Benedict.
Large striped bass continue to hold in the region. Catch-and-release anglers are landing fish measuring 35 to 40 inches along the bay shoreline. Conventional timing suggests these fish should have moved into spawning rivers by now. Observers note either late arrivals from the ocean or delayed spawning possibly linked to cooler water temperatures.
Pound netters reported the first alewife of the season this week. The baitfish appear good-sized and plentiful. This development marks a positive shift from 2025, when alewife catches in the area were nearly nonexistent and specimens were too small for effective use in crab pots or fishing.
Freshwater fishing in area lakes and ponds is excellent. A strong crappie run is active at St. Mary’s Lake.
Lamb noted the variable conditions typical of early April in Southern Maryland. “We have to duck and cover during wind and rainstorms and then shiver or sweat as temperatures sink and soar,” he said. “There are fish that are biting, but they can play hide and seek in the extremes of mother nature.”
A forecast for warmer weather late in the week promises improved conditions for time on the water. Anglers are advised to monitor local water temperatures and adjust tactics as fish respond to changing conditions.
Maryland’s 2026 striped bass regulations allow catch-and-release fishing in the Chesapeake Bay through April 30. Harvest begins May 1. Spawning rivers remain protected during the season. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources April 2026 fishing report confirms striped bass moving toward spawning areas in low-salinity portions of the bay and tidal rivers, with focus recommended on channel edges.
White perch activity aligns with broader regional patterns, as fish prepare to spawn in the coming weeks in Maryland waters. Smaller streams and downwind areas on sunny days can warm faster, creating prime locations.
Southern Maryland anglers targeting catfish, perch or freshwater species should prepare for fluctuating weather while taking advantage of current opportunities. Proper licensing and adherence to size, bag and gear rules remain essential.
The improved alewife presence supports optimism for bay health and better bait availability for upcoming crab and fishing seasons.
With warmer days ahead, residents and visitors in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties can look forward to productive outings in local rivers, bays and lakes.
