Ken Lamb of The Tackle Box in Lexington Park reports improving fishing conditions across Southern Maryland waters as a recent four-day heat wave pushed Chesapeake Bay temperatures to 61 degrees on April 20, 2026, just two degrees below the ten-year record high for this date.
A sharp cooling trend beginning Sunday and continuing through Tuesday will moderate water temperatures slightly, but Lamb said warmth combined with normal tidal flows has already boosted fish activity in the region.
Crabs are moving into the shallows, with tiny sheds appearing along shorelines as molting begins. Early trotliners have reported modest catches in St. Mary’s County and nearby areas.
Pound netters recorded their first alewife of the season near Point Lookout this week, a positive development after baitfish were largely absent last year. A small speckled trout also turned up in the nets, marking the first of the year.
Croaker are showing in the lower bay below Reedville, Virginia, with fish of various sizes beginning to move northward toward Southern Maryland waters.
Big bull reds were observed chasing bait at the Bay Bridge Tunnel area south of Cape Charles last week. Black drum remain in traditional locations from Cape Charles through Pocomoke Sound and as far north as the Honga River.
Large striped bass, in pre-spawn or post-spawn condition, continue to hold in shallows throughout the bay. Lure casters have released many oversized fish this week. A May worm hatch occurred in the mouth of St. Jerome Creek last week, triggering aggressive feeding by big stripers.
Maryland’s 2026 recreational striped bass regulations allow catch-and-release fishing through April 30 in the Chesapeake Bay and most tidal waters. Harvest season opens May 1 except in spawning rivers. The Potomac River opens to harvest on May 16.
White perch are active in local creeks, providing action for both bait fishermen and lure casters. Catfishing continues to improve, with solid catches reported at Bushwood Wharf on the Wicomico River off the Potomac and at Benedict on the Patuxent River. Fresh cut alewife ranks as an excellent bait choice.
Lamb described the overall fishing scene as reaching liftoff, with conditions expected to orbit higher as spring progresses and water temperatures stabilize.
The recent heat wave accelerated spring patterns in Southern Maryland, where the Chesapeake Bay, Patuxent River and Potomac River form the backbone of local angling. Water temperatures near 61 degrees align closely with Maryland Department of Natural Resources buoy data showing main bay and river mouth readings in the low to mid-60s during mid-April 2026.
Anglers in St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties benefit from proximity to these productive systems. Point Lookout State Park and surrounding areas near the bay mouth often serve as early indicators for species moving up the Chesapeake.
Crab activity signals the start of the recreational season in shallows around St. Mary’s County. Trotlining remains a traditional method, and modest early catches suggest better results as waters warm further.
Alewife presence in pound nets near Point Lookout provides important forage for gamefish and indicates improving ecosystem conditions compared to 2025. The small speckled trout catch hints at early arrivals of this popular light-tackle species.
Croaker reports from below Reedville suggest the wave of fish will reach Southern Maryland waters soon, offering opportunities for bottom fishermen using crab or worm baits.
Black drum and bull red drum activity farther south reflects typical spring migration patterns along the Eastern Shore and into the lower bay. Anglers targeting these powerful fish often use heavy tackle and natural baits such as clams or crabs.
Striped bass action remains strong during the catch-and-release period. The May worm hatch in St. Jerome Creek, located in St. Mary’s County, created a brief but intense feeding frenzy. Anglers are advised to handle all released fish carefully to minimize mortality, especially as water temperatures rise.
White perch fishing in creeks offers consistent action for families and novice anglers using bloodworms, grass shrimp or small lures. Many creeks in Southern Maryland provide easy shore or small-boat access.
Catfish at Bushwood Wharf and Benedict reflect strong populations in the Wicomico and Patuxent rivers. These locations are popular with local fishermen seeking a reliable catch for the table or sport.
Lamb’s report from The Tackle Box, a longtime Southern Maryland institution, draws on direct feedback from customers and his decades of experience on local waters. The store continues to serve as a hub for bait, tackle and up-to-date information under its new ownership while Lamb provides weekly insights.
Cooler temperatures early next week may slow surface activity temporarily, but normal tides and overall warming trend support continued improvement. Anglers should monitor forecasts and adjust techniques as conditions change.
Southern Maryland’s fishing heritage remains strong, with opportunities spanning from trophy striped bass to family-friendly perch and catfish outings. As the season builds momentum, local waters offer diverse targets for residents and visitors alike.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages ethical practices, including proper handling during catch-and-release and adherence to size and creel limits once harvest seasons open.
With bay temperatures approaching record levels for April and fish showing increased activity, the coming weeks promise expanded opportunities across the region. Lamb’s assessment that the fishing season has liftoff reflects the transition from early spring challenges to prime conditions in Southern Maryland.
