"Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Snakeheads, Catfish, and Striper Action Heating Up"

Hey there anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing update for this beautiful Friday morning, May 9th, 2025.

The tides are running strong today with high tide coming in around mid-morning, making it perfect for hitting those creek mouths as the water pushes in. Sunrise was about 6:00 AM and we'll see sunset around 8:05 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with.

Let me tell you, the fishing action is really heating up across the Bay. Snakehead fishing has been absolutely on fire this spring, especially in the Potomac River tributaries. Folks on both the Maryland and Virginia sides are having great success working those emerging grass flats with topwater frogs. I've heard reports of some monster catches, including a 30.5-incher landed just last week in a northern Virginia creek.

Blue catfish are providing reliable action in the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James rivers. If you're heading to the James around Richmond, don't miss the flathead catfish bite that's been consistent lately. Fresh cut bait like gizzard shad has been the ticket for these big cats.

The striper bite is improving with some bigger fish showing up. Starting May 16th, the summer/fall striper season opens with the same regulations as last year: one fish per person per day in the 19-24 inch slot. Be sure to check the DNR regulation map before heading out since some areas remain catch-and-release only or no-targeting zones.

Good news for live-liners: spot and small croaker are starting to appear in the pound nets. For these smaller fish, try bottom rigs or Chesapeake sabiki rigs with small pieces of bloodworms or Fishbites.

White perch should be moving into their summer spots in the shallows and around oyster bottoms. Small spinners, artificial jigs, minnows, and grass shrimp will get their attention.

For you Bay structure anglers, tautog fishing remains strong, especially along the CBBT islands, but remember the Virginia tautog season closes May 15th.

Hot spots this week: I'd recommend hitting Potomac Creek for those snakeheads - Apex Predators guides have been putting clients on fish consistently there. For catfish action, the upper portions of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers won't disappoint. And if you're after some sheepshead, they're being caught throughout the Bay around structure.

Weather looks stable for the weekend with temperatures in the mid-70s and light winds, perfect conditions to get on the water.

That's your report for today, May 9th. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see y'all on the water!