The Potomac River has joined Maryland Bay waters in opening the rockfish season, and anglers are already finding success. The Patuxent River is now open up to Point Patience, giving Southern Maryland fishermen more opportunities to target striped bass.
Trollers and casters caught stripers this week starting Saturday in the Potomac. Windy conditions made fishing challenging, but experienced anglers adapted and brought fish to the boat. Lure casters working the shorelines at Cedar Point on Naval Air Station Patuxent River did well in the morning and at sunset. Favored lures include Wind Cheaters, Daiwa SP Minnows and Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows.
Spot are showing up in the lower Potomac, particularly in the St. Mary’s River, and have also been caught in the Patuxent. These fish represent the early wave of the summer migration that will fill local creeks and rivers until mid-October.
Perch are returning to the creeks as water temperatures rise. Bottom fishermen reported good catches at Ragged Point in the Potomac over the weekend. Both perch and spot are responding well to bloodworms.
Catfish remain active in the upper Potomac. Blue cats are being caught in the Benedict area of the Patuxent and in the Potomac as far south as Cobb Island and Bushwood Wharf.
Ken Lamb of St. Mary’s Tacklebox noted that windy conditions hampered some trips but crafty anglers still found fish. The opening of rockfish season is a highlight for local fishermen in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. The Potomac and Patuxent rivers provide accessible fishing grounds for residents from Waldorf to Solomons and beyond.
Southern Maryland’s fishing community benefits greatly from these seasonal openings. Many families rely on the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for recreation and food. Proper catch-and-release practices and adherence to size limits help sustain the rockfish population for future seasons.
Lamb advises anglers to check current regulations and weather conditions before heading out. As water temperatures continue to warm, more species are expected to become active in local creeks and rivers.
The St. Mary’s Tacklebox continues to serve as a hub for fishing information and supplies in the region. Local bait shops and marinas report steady business as the fishing season gains momentum.
Anglers are reminded to practice safe boating, respect private property and follow all Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations. Reports of fishing activity help biologists track fish populations and maintain healthy fisheries in Southern Maryland waters.
