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Fishing Conditions Forecast

August 16, 2017 through August 23, 2017

forecast iconAfter peak water temperatures in July and August, Maryland's water temperatures have begun cooling as the calendar inches towards Labor Day. These cooling temperatures will continue to provide more surface waters for striped bass and other popular Maryland gamefish to occupy. Aside from rain and winds from some pop-up thunderstorms on Friday, bay conditions should be relatively stable for the upcoming week with a slight warming of air temperatures through Wednesday, August 23rd.

  • Based on the latest DNR oxygen monitoring results, anglers will have the ability to fish the entire water column above Rock Hall to the top of the Bay and from Tilghman Island south to the State line. Near the Chesapeake Bay bridge, anglers should avoid fishing below 25 feet. In addition, most Maryland rivers have suitable oxygen conditions from surface to bottom.

  • If present, avoid fishing in any large algal blooms While not at bloom levels, above average algal concentrations are present in the lower Chester River, Eastern Bay, and Poplar Island south to the Choptank River. Water clarity conditions are better in the Bay Bridge to Rock Hall area.

  • Take advantage of the above average tidal currents and darker nights as a result of the upcoming August 22nd new moon. In addition, on Monday August 21st, during the solar eclipse period between 1:18pm and 4:02pm (depending on your location), expect lower light levels. Will this cause fish to move shallower and feed more aggressively? The only way to find out is to enjoy the eclipse from the deck of your boat with a fishing rod in your hands.

  • The best fishing areas could be further refined by intersecting these prime areas with underwater points, drop-offs, large schools of baitfish and moving water.

For more detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area of the bay, be sure to fully explore Click Before You Cast. Since this is a new feature for Chesapeake Bay anglers, drop us a line with comments or suggestions.