Chesapeake Bay Fishing Update: Shad, Perch, Cats, and Snakeheads Biting

CHESAPEAKE BAY FISHING REPORT - April 30, 2025 Howdy folks, Artificial Lure here with your midweek fishing update around the Chesapeake. Weather's been a bit erratic lately, but things are starting to stabilize as we head into May. The shad run is still going strong but starting to taper off. If you want to get in on this action, better head out soon. Over at Mason Springs and Fletcher's Cove, anglers have been having epic days, with some folks landing over 100 fish between them! Silver spoons have been the top producer, but darts are working well too. For best results, give your lure 10-15 seconds of sink time when casting to the seams[1][2]. White perch are making their seasonal move down the Choptank River and spreading into smaller creeks and tidal rivers throughout the middle Bay. They've been biting well on grass shrimp rigged on shad darts under bobbers. Try slowly retrieving and popping the bobber, then letting it sit for a few seconds before repeating. This technique has been producing decent catches even in windy, colder conditions[1][4]. Blue catfish action has been heating up in the tidal rivers. A pair of kayakers on Totuskey Creek off the Rappahannock landed several good eating-sized cats and one monster over 30 pounds. Fresh cut gizzard shad and eel have been the top baits for these bruisers[2][3]. Snakehead fishing is improving as water temperatures rise. Look for them in emerging vegetation beds, especially in the upper sections of tidal rivers on the western side of the Bay. White paddletails rigged weedless or chatterbaits with white plastic trailers are getting the job done[3][4]. For you striper enthusiasts, remember the closure is still in effect for Maryland waters until May 16th, and even then, some areas will remain closed. Check the Maryland DNR regulation map before heading out[3]. Hot spots this week include: 1. Fletcher's Cove for shad fishing - the river's running low but Americans are pushing in and hickories are at peak form 2. Mattawoman Creek's upper reaches for shad 3. Totuskey Creek for blue cats 4. Tidal salt ponds throughout the Middle Bay for white perch If you're planning to target invasive species like snakeheads, consider signing up for CCA Maryland's Great Chesapeake Invasives Count to help fisheries managers track their spread and get entered for monthly prize giveaways. That's the report for today. The tide's turning and the fish are biting, so get out there while you can. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and good fishing to all you Chesapeake anglers!