Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Perch, and Pickerel for a December Outing

For those heading out to fish in the Chesapeake Bay today, December 14th, here’s what you can expect: First off, let's look at the tides. For Fleet Point, the high tide is at 10:54 AM with a height of 0.4 meters (1.31 feet), and the low tide is at 5:36 PM with a height of -0.04 meters (-0.12 feet)[2]. The weather is looking relatively calm, with sunrise at 7:13 AM and sunset at 4:47 PM. This time of year, the colder temperatures are starting to set in, but it's still a great time to catch some fish. In terms of fish activity, the striped bass season has just closed in Maryland waters, but catch and release is still allowed. However, the bite hasn't been as strong as hoped this fall. That said, there are still some pockets of fish to target. The Patapsco River has been a hotspot, with anglers trolling umbrella rigs in the main river channel edge catching fish in about 45 feet of water. Deep channels in the Patapsco are also holding schools of white perch, mostly in the 40-50 foot range. Blade baits have been particularly effective for catching striped bass and perch, which are holding close to the bottom[1]. For those targeting other species, the pickerel bite has been very consistent, especially in the tributaries like the Magothy River. Anglers are finding them around docks in the upper reaches of creeks and along shorelines with fallen trees and other structure. This makes the pickerel a great option throughout the winter fishing season[1]. If you're looking for other hot spots, the rock piles at the Bay Bridge and the ledges along the shipping channel on the main stem of the Bay are also worth checking out. These areas tend to hold a variety of species, including striped bass, bluefish, and even some tog[1]. In terms of lures and bait, umbrella rigs and blade baits are your best bets for striped bass and perch. For pickerel, using lures that mimic baitfish or other small prey can be very effective. So, grab your gear and head out to the Patapsco River or the Magothy River for a day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. With the right lures and knowledge of the tides, you should be able to catch some decent fish despite the colder weather. Good luck out there