In response to declining spawning success for striped bass, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is taking action to safeguard the species' future population. The DNR has submitted emergency regulations, including extending closure dates during the 2024 season, to address the issue. The proposed changes, if approved, will close the May trophy season.

Recent research has indicated that environmental factors such as warm winters and low water flows have significantly impacted the spawning success of striped bass. While these factors play a role, DNR scientists and fishery managers believe it is vital to implement additional measures to reduce fishing mortality associated with harvest, as well as the mortality of fish that die after being caught and released. The ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations of Marylanders can enjoy striped bass fishing.

Meanwhile, fishing enthusiasts in Maryland can take advantage of the plentiful opportunities despite the colder weather. Offshore of Ocean City, anglers are reeling in hefty black sea bass. These prized catches provide an exciting option for those willing to brave the elements and bundle up for a rewarding fishing experience.

As for the fishing forecast, the upcoming week will bring cool temperatures throughout Maryland, accompanied by windy conditions on Wednesday. Surface water temperatures range from the upper 40s in the upper Chesapeake Bay to the low 50s near the Virginia state line. Baitfish have relocated from the rivers to the warmer bottom waters of the Bay, seeking respite from the dropping temperatures. Overall, salinity levels are average, and suitable oxygen conditions can be found in all areas of Maryland's portion of the Bay.

Anglers should expect average flows in rivers and streams across the state, while tidal currents will be above average through Sunday due to the recent full moon. Water clarity is generally average for Maryland's Bay, rivers, and streams, with more detailed and up-to-date conditions available through Eyes on the Bay's Satellite Maps.

In terms of specific fishing locations, anglers targeting striped bass in the Conowingo Dam Pool and the lower Susquehanna River are encountering slim pickings, with a large percentage of the catches falling below the legal size. However, smallmouth bass and walleye are being caught in the boulder-strewn section of the river, delighting anglers who are using tubes, soft plastic jigs, and small crankbaits as go-to lures.

In the deeper parts of the Susquehanna River and its surrounding areas, fishing for blue catfish and channel catfish is proving to be very rewarding. Anglers fishing from shore and boats are experiencing success in catching large blue catfish using cut baits, chicken liver, and scented baits.

Moving further down the Bay, striped bass can still be found in about 30 feet of water, particularly at the mouths of the Patapsco, Magothy, and Chester rivers. However, their presence may be elusive at times. Water temperatures in the lower sections of the tidal rivers have dropped below 50 degrees, prompting fish to seek warmer waters in deeper areas of the Bay.

White perch have migrated to deeper waters in both tidal rivers and the Bay, often favoring hard-bottom areas with good flow and warmer waters at depths of 30 feet or more. To catch white perch, anglers are recommended to use bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworm or dropper rigs with flies or small jigs tipped with bloodworm.

Along the lower Potomac River, anglers are enjoying fruitful striped bass fishing near steep channel edges. Areas such as Swan Point, Cobb Point, St. Clements Island, and Ragged Point are all yielding good results for striped bass suspended close to the bottom in about 30 feet of water. Exciting techniques like jigging with soft plastic and metal jigs, as well as trolling with umbrella rigs and tandem rigged bucktails, have proven successful. Anglers fishing in the tidal Potomac are also experiencing good catches of largemouth bass near drop-offs, with spinnerbaits, craw jigs, small crankbaits, and jerkbaits as effective lure choices.

Crappie fishing is thriving this season, with crappie being found schooled up and holding tight to deep structures in various areas, including bridge piers in the tidal Potomac. Anglers have been using small minnows or marabou jigs under a slip bobber to successfully catch crappie.

The western region of Maryland offers excellent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts, with Deep Creek Lake proving fruitful for northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye. The mouths of the main coves in the upper reaches of the reservoir are ideal locations for finding northern pike, while casting deep-running jerkbaits and small crankbaits near steep rocky shores is yielding success with walleye. Smallmouth bass can be found along the deeper edges of the reservoirs, with tubes, small crankbaits, and craw jigs being popular choices for luring them in.

As surf anglers eagerly await the migration of large striped bass along Maryland's shores, reports from southern New Jersey indicate that significant striped bass can already be found in the surf. Maryland's surf is expected to follow suit in the near future. In the meantime, sub-legal striped bass, dogfish, and skates are providing most of the action for anglers in the surf.

At the Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area, fishing for striped bass has been robust, although most catches fall short of the minimum size requirement. Soft plastic jigs and paddletails have proven effective in luring striped bass, while increasing numbers of tautog can be found around the jetties and bridge piers, with green crab as the preferred bait.

Flounder fishing is still viable in the channels leading to the inlet, although the numbers of flounder are dwindling rapidly. Anglers are mostly catching and releasing striped bass at the Route 90 and Verrazano bridges, enjoying the excitement of light tackle fishing with undersized fish.

In conclusion, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources is taking steps to protect the spawning population of striped bass amid declining numbers. As fishing conditions vary across different regions of Maryland, anglers can still enjoy fruitful fishing experiences, with opportunities to catch black sea bass offshore of Ocean City and engage in various other forms of fishing throughout the state.