Chesapeake Bay
Susquehanna Flats · Eastern Shore
Maryland / Virginia, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Striper and Bluefish.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Summer's here with water temps climbing into the low 70s — prime time for schoolie stripers cruising the grass flats. Evening topwater action is heating up in the coves and creek mouths as resident bass feed aggressively before the heat peaks. The bonus this week is cobia starting their push into the lower bay near the CBBT, offering sight-fishing opportunities for those willing to make the run south.
- Tide: Evening outgoing tides best for schoolies feeding in coves. Lower bay sight-fishing cobia requires calmer morning windows.
- Action: Schoolie stripers on evening topwater poppers. Early cobia showing near CBBT — bring heavy tackle for sight-casting.
- Water Temp: Low 70s and climbing fast. Perfect for aggressive schoolie feeding before summer heat stress kicks in.
- Best Window: Evening topwater bite from 6-8pm. Morning cobia sight-fishing before winds build past 15mph.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Estuary
- Best months: Apr–Nov, peak Apr–May (Susquehanna Flats) & Oct–Nov
Chesapeake Bay supports the largest striped bass population on the East Coast — fish spawning in the bay's tributaries and migrating through bay waters from spring through fall. The fishery for fly fishers centers on light-tackle striper work in the lower bay, the Susquehanna Flats in spring (where pre-spawn fish stage), and the Eastern Shore creeks. Stripers in the 5–15 pound class are routine; larger fish (20+ pounds) are caught seasonally. Fall blitzes when stripers chase peanut bunker provide some of the most exciting saltwater action on the East Coast.
The Chesapeake produces ~80% of the Atlantic striped bass population — every striper caught from Cape Hatteras to Maine has an 80% chance of being a Chesapeake-spawned fish, making this estuary the literal nursery of East Coast saltwater fly fishing.
January Outlook
January is off-season for striped bass in the upper and mid Chesapeake Bay. Most bass have migrated to the lower bay and offshore. However, the lower Chesapeake near the Bay Bridge-Tunnel holds winter-resident stripers in the deepest channels. Perch, pickerel, and yellow perch fishing in the bay's tributaries provides excellent winter action for those willing to brave the cold.
Productive Patterns
- Small Jig (yellow perch)
- Soft Hackle Wet Fly
- Clouser Minnow (deep jigging)
- Diamond Jig (CBBT)
Tips
Yellow perch spawning runs into the Susquehanna and Patuxent tributaries begin in late January in mild winters. The CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel) rocks hold winter-resident stripers. Cold-weather fishing requires appropriate preparation — the Chesapeake is open and exposed to winter weather.
Water Notes
Water 36-44°F. Stripers concentrated in deep lower bay and CBBT area. Upper bay largely ice-free but cold. Yellow perch runs a bright spot.
February Outlook
February is the quietest month in the Chesapeake for striper fly fishing. Yellow perch runs in the tributaries are in full swing and provide good sport. The CBBT holds some winter-resident stripers in the deep rock structures. The Susquehanna Flats — legendary for spring stripers — is still cold and quiet but beginning to attract anticipatory attention.
Productive Patterns
- Yellow Perch Streamer
- Small Clouser Minnow
- Perch Fly (tributary)
- Diamond Jig (CBBT stripers)
Tips
February yellow perch runs in the Bush River, Bohemia River, and other upper bay tributaries are outstanding. These fish run 8-12 inches and provide great action on light tackle in the rivers. The harbinger of spring striper season. CBBT has some winter bass for those who make the trip south.
Water Notes
Water 36-44°F. Yellow perch runs peak in February in mild years. Striper migration to the bay is weeks away. Lower bay has some winter bass.
March Outlook
March brings the first stripers to the upper Chesapeake as post-spawn fish begin their return from the Susquehanna. The Susquehanna Flats come alive with schoolie bass by mid-March. This is the early-season excitement before the main migration arrives.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow (small)
- Deceiver (white)
- Herring Fly
- Grass Shrimp Fly
Tips
The Susquehanna Flats are the first area to fish in March. Schoolie bass arrive before the larger fish. The herring run up the Susquehanna draws bass to the flats. Early March can be cold and raw but the fishing is improving daily.
Water Notes
Water 44-52°F. First stripers arriving at the upper bay. Susquehanna Flats come alive by mid-March. Cold but fishable.
April Outlook
April is the beginning of a great striper season in the Chesapeake as post-spawn fish return from the rivers. Schoolies and keeper fish (18-28 inch) are everywhere. This is the most accessible striper fishery in the East.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow (chart/white)
- Deceiver
- Grass Shrimp Fly
- Bucktail (white)
Tips
Wade-fishing the upper bay grasses for schoolies. Chumming with grass shrimp in the rivers brings fish within fly range. The Susquehanna Flats is legendary.
Water Notes
Water 52-60°F. Excellent spring conditions. Post-spawn fish are hungry and active.
May Outlook
May is outstanding on the Chesapeake. Large stripers are moving out of the rivers and spreading through the bay. Top-water action on the grass flats in the mornings.
Productive Patterns
- Striper Popper
- Hollow Fleye
- Grass Shrimp Fly
- Clouser Minnow
Tips
Top-water fishing for stripers on the grass flats is extraordinary in May. Fish follow herring schools — follow the birds. Eastern shore tributaries hold large fish.
Water Notes
Water 60-68°F. Prime striper range. Stable spring conditions with light winds.
June Outlook
June has good striper fishing in the Chesapeake Bay as summer arrives. The main spring migration has concluded but resident and smaller migratory stripers remain throughout the bay. The grass flats of the upper bay hold schoolie bass. Evening topwater fishing for schoolies is excellent in the coves and creek mouths. The bay heats up quickly in June.
Productive Patterns
- Striper Popper (evening)
- Clouser Minnow (schoolies)
- Grass Shrimp Fly
- Crab Fly (cobia)
Tips
June brings cobia to the Chesapeake Bay near the CBBT and along the Virginia shoreline — a very different but extremely exciting fishery. Schoolie stripers on topwater poppers in the evening are great sport in the bay's coves. The lower bay has excellent cobia sight-fishing from boats.
Water Notes
Water 68-76°F. Summer approaching. Schoolie bass plentiful. Cobia entering the lower bay in June.
July Outlook
July is the heart of summer on the Chesapeake. Stripers are present but scattered and somewhat lethargic in the warmest water temperatures. The exceptional summer fishery is actually cobia — entering the bay in good numbers and targetable by sight-casting from boats. Schoolie stripers in the upper bay's cooler tributary mouths. Night fishing for stripers under lights in the marinas and bridges.
Productive Patterns
- Cobia Fly (large, sight-cast)
- Striper Popper (early AM)
- Clouser Minnow (schoolie)
- Night Streamer (marina lights)
Tips
July Chesapeake means cobia. These 30-80 lb fish are sight-fished in shallow bay water — an extraordinary fly fishing experience. Fish with a boat partner who spots cobia from a poling platform while you cast. The lower bay near the CBBT concentrates fish. Night fishing for stripers under bridge lights is also productive.
Water Notes
Water 76-82°F. Summer peak. Stripers in cooler water. Cobia excellent in lower bay. Night fishing productive for stripers.
August Outlook
August maintains the summer pattern. Cobia are still present in the lower Chesapeake. Schoolie stripers are in the cooler headwater tributaries and around structure in the upper bay. The annual 'rockfish' spot-fishing in the Chesapeake's deep summer structure holds fish. Night fishing for stripers on the lower bay bridges is consistently productive.
Productive Patterns
- Cobia Fly (sight-fishing)
- Clouser Minnow (deep structure)
- Striper Night Fly (marina lights)
- Topwater (early AM schoolies)
Tips
August Chesapeake fishing: early morning topwater for schoolies in the upper bay shallows, daytime cobia in the lower bay, night fishing for stripers under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The CBBT pilings hold cobia and stripers simultaneously in summer. Late August sees the first hints of fall movement.
Water Notes
Water 76-82°F. Late summer. Cobia season still active. First fall signs possible by month's end. Night fishing for bass excellent.
September Outlook
September brings the fall migration as stripers begin their southward movement. Schoolies are in every tributary and cove. Bluefish add to the excitement. Top-water action returns.
Productive Patterns
- Striper Popper
- Deceiver
- Clouser Minnow
- Bluefish Fly
Tips
September marks the best top-water fishing. Stripers blitzing on bay anchovies in the lower bay. The CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel) is a fall hotspot.
Water Notes
Water 68-74°F and cooling. Fall pattern begins. Increasingly stable with autumn approaching.
October Outlook
October delivers peak fall fishing with massive striper concentrations. The bay is filled with migrating fish. Excellent opportunities from the shoreline, wading, or boat. Some of the largest fish of the year appear.
Productive Patterns
- Hollow Fleye (bunker)
- Large Deceiver
- Popper (top-water)
- Clouser (deep)
Tips
Follow the birds. Large bunker schools attract cow stripers. Top-water action in the morning, jigging or deep swinging flies on the outgoing tide. Fish the tunnel rocks.
Water Notes
Water 60-68°F. Excellent fall conditions. Fish are stacking up before heading south.
November Outlook
November has outstanding striper fishing as fish concentrate before the migration south. Large bass are caught from the Maryland/Virginia shorelines. The CBBT is world-class for large fish in November.
Productive Patterns
- Hollow Fleye (bunker)
- Bucktail (large)
- Deceiver
- Crab Fly
Tips
The bridge-tunnel rocks produce the largest stripers. November fishing can extend into December if water temps stay above 45°F. This is the last good month.
Water Notes
Water 52-60°F. Cold but fish are very active. The last push of migrating fish.
December Outlook
December sees the Chesapeake striper migration completed for most of the bay. The CBBT still holds some winter-resident stripers in the rock structure of the tunnel islands — winter fishing for large bass is possible here through December. The upper and mid-bay are quiet. Yellow perch runs in the tributaries begin in late December in mild winters, signaling the approaching new year.
Productive Patterns
- Hollow Fleye (CBBT resident bass)
- Diamond Jig (CBBT)
- Bucktail (deep rock)
- Small Clouser (perch, late month)
Tips
The CBBT is the last reliably productive striper location as December progresses. Rock structures around the tunnel islands concentrate winter-resident bass in 20-40 feet. Dress warmly — the open bay is raw in December. The Chesapeake season is winding down; start planning for April's Susquehanna Flats opening.
Water Notes
Water 42-50°F. Most stripers departed. CBBT holds winter residents. Yellow perch season beginning. December is primarily planning season for most Chesapeake anglers.
Access & Approach
Annapolis, MD and Crisfield, MD are the main bases. Susquehanna Flats catch-and-release-only spring fishery. Maryland or Virginia saltwater license required (depending on bay section).
Nearby Fly Shops
- Fish Talk Magazine
- Backwater Angler
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Chesapeake Bay conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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