Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Catfish Biting in Spring

Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for March 30, 2025. Let me tell ya, spring is in full swing and the fishing's starting to heat up! First off, let's talk tides. We've got a low tide at 3:30 AM, high tide at 9:41 AM, another low at 3:39 PM, and a final high at 10:03 PM. Water's moving good today, so keep that in mind when you're picking your spots. Weather-wise, we're looking at a partly cloudy day with temps in the mid-60s. Sunrise is at 6:52 AM and sunset at 7:25 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with. Now, onto the good stuff - the fish! Striped bass are still the main attraction, but remember folks, the season closes tomorrow. We've been seeing some big girls in the 30 to 40-inch range moving up the Bay. They're chasing schools of bunker, so keep your eyes peeled for birds working the water. White perch are running strong in the tributaries. Anglers have been having good luck with bloodworms and grass shrimp. The yellow perch run is winding down, but you might still find some stragglers in the upper reaches of the rivers. For you catfish enthusiasts, blue cats are biting well in the channels. Cut bait or chicken liver on a bottom rig is the way to go. Lure-wise, big soft plastics in the 9 to 10-inch range have been killer for stripers. White, chartreuse, or dark purple are your best bets. If you're into topwater action, try a Spook or a similar walk-the-dog style lure early in the morning or late evening. For those of you looking to wet a line from shore, bloodworms or cut bait on a bottom rig will get you into some croaker and spot. They're starting to show up in better numbers as the water warms. As for hot spots, the mouth of the Potomac and the area around the Bay Bridge-Tunnel have been producing some nice catches. If you're looking for a more protected area, try Mobjack Bay or the Piankatank River. Remember, folks, always check the regulations before you head out. Tight lines and good fishing!