Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Stripers, Perch, and Monster Blues Bite in March 2025

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for March 21, 2025. It's a beautiful spring morning out on the Bay. Sunrise was at 7:05 AM and we're looking at a high of 62°F with partly cloudy skies. Water temps are climbing into the mid-50s, which means the fish are getting more active. Tide-wise, we've got a high tide coming in at 6:45 AM, followed by a low at 1:38 PM. The evening high will be at 6:58 PM. Tides are running about average for this time of year. Now, let's talk fish. Striped bass season is still catch-and-release only until May, but anglers are reporting some nice catches. Most of the action is happening in the lower Bay, with some 30-inchers being caught near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. White perch are starting to show up in good numbers in the tributaries, and we're seeing some nice yellow perch action too. For you catfish enthusiasts, the blue cats are biting well in the James and Rappahannock rivers. Some real monsters in the 40-50 pound range have been landed this week. Lure-wise, soft plastics in white or chartreuse are working well for stripers. Try a 6-inch Storm WildEye Swim Shad or a 9-inch soft plastic on a jig head. For perch, small minnow-imitating lures or shad darts are your best bet. If you're going after those big blues, cut bait is still king. Speaking of bait, bloodworms and grass shrimp are producing well for perch. For stripers, try live eels or bunker if you can get them. As for hot spots, I'd recommend giving the Lynnhaven Inlet a shot for some striper action. The Piankatank River has been producing some nice perch catches. And if you're after those big blues, head up to the Rappahannock around Fredericksburg. Remember, folks, always check the latest regulations before you head out. Tight lines and good fishing! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.