Striped bass season opens this Saturday, May 16, in the Potomac River, giving Southern Maryland anglers the first chance at keeper-size fish in the 19-24 inch slot.
Ken Lamb of the St. Mary’s Tacklebox reports that keeper fish should be available in both the shallows and deeper edges. Trollers, jiggers and lure casters are expected to have success throughout the opening weekend.
The Patuxent River will open up to Point Patience on May 16, with the entire river opening on June 1.
Recent fishing has been productive. Lure casters found rock at Cedar Point at daybreak and sunset this week, with fish hitting swimming lures and jigs. Stripers were also very active at the Power Plant, both in the discharge and along the rocks on the shoreline.
Perch were taking bloodworms and lug worms in the evening this week in the St. Mary’s River near Church Point.
The weather forecast for the opening weekend looks good, offering excellent conditions for anglers across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
The Potomac and Patuxent rivers are among the most popular striped bass destinations in the Chesapeake Bay region. Local boat ramps and shore fishing spots in Solomons, Leonardtown, Lusby and Prince Frederick see increased activity as soon as the season opens. Many families and recreational anglers from Southern Maryland head to these waters each spring to enjoy the early-season bite.
Lamb advises anglers to check the latest Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations before heading out. The keeper slot is strictly enforced, and catch-and-release remains important for fish outside the slot.
The opening of striped bass season is a long-awaited event for many in the tri-county area. The fish are known for their strong fights and excellent table quality when kept within the slot. Early-season fishing often produces some of the best action of the year, especially around structure like Cedar Point and the warm discharge at the Power Plant.
The St. Mary’s River near Church Point has also been productive for perch, providing an additional target for anglers who prefer lighter tackle or want to involve younger family members. Bloodworms and lug worms have been the top baits this week.
With good weather expected, this weekend offers a perfect opportunity for families and friends to get on the water and kick off the spring fishing season. Whether trolling the Potomac, casting jigs at Cedar Point or targeting perch in the St. Mary’s River, Southern Maryland waters are primed for action.
For the latest fishing reports and conditions, local tackle shops like the St. Mary’s Tacklebox remain the best source for up-to-date information from anglers on the water.
