Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Chesapeake Bay fishing report for the week of November 12 is based on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources report published November 11. DNR reported main-bay surface temperatures in the low 60s, with deeper water about 5 to 7 degrees warmer, higher-than-normal salinity due to dry conditions, and above-average tidal currents through Sunday because of the November 9 new moon. Striped bass are spreading into shallow water across the upper and middle bay.
What’s Hitting
Striped bass are the main story, with DNR describing fish in shallow water across the upper and middle bay, including the lower Miles, Choptank, Little Choptank and Severn rivers and Eastern Bay. White perch have moved to deeper water over oyster lumps and structure in tidal rivers, especially the Patuxent and Tangier Sound. Blue catfish are reported as good in the upper Choptank, with most fish in the 16- to 20-inch range. Large blue crabs are still being caught in deeper water. DNR also notes channel and white catfish in the tidal rivers, and the higher salinity is helping released striped bass recover.
Where to Find Them
DNR singles out the Bay Bridge piers and rock piles, the Kent Narrows and False Channel as productive striper spots. In the lower bay, look at the lower Potomac from Ragged Point to Point Lookout, the Patuxent below the Route 4 Bridge, the Hoopers Island cuts, the Nanticoke mouth and Tangier Sound. White perch hold on oyster lumps in 15 to 35 feet. Blue catfish are found in the upper Choptank from Dover Bridge to Denton. Smaller tributaries running in the low to mid-50s may hold perch and catfish close to deeper bends.
Tides & Conditions
Above-average tidal currents run through Sunday after the November 9 new moon. Water temperatures are in the low 60s in the main bay and the upper 50s to mid-50s in smaller rivers and streams. A coastal storm moving up the East Coast late this week may bring wind and rain, so plan trips around weather windows.
Tackle & Tactics
For stripers in shallow water, use topwater plugs early and late, or soft-plastic paddle tails and jerkbaits along shorelines and structure. Around the Bay Bridge piers, vertical jigs and heavier jig heads work well in current. White perch respond to bottom rigs with bloodworms or small jigs. Blue catfish take cut bait on bottom rigs. Use circle hooks with bait for stripers to help release fish safely.
Local Intel This Week
Sandy Point State Park provides shoreline access near the Bay Bridge. The Kent Narrows has public ramps and access. Point Lookout State Park offers access to the lower Potomac. The Choptank’s Dover Bridge area is a popular spot for catfish. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. DNR encourages anglers to participate in its Volunteer Angler Surveys. Plan for strong current near the Bay Bridge and the Kent Narrows through Sunday.
This Week’s Tip
Fish shallow shorelines with topwater lures at first light. DNR notes stripers are spreading into shallow water, especially during strong tides.
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