Striped Bass Fishing in Maryland
Check regulations
Check regulations
Year-round
Overview
Maryland is at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay striper fishery.
Light-tackle casting to breaking fish in fall is the most exciting striper fishing available.
Trophy striper regulations change annually—check DNR website before fishing.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge pilings hold stripers year-round.
Best Waters in Maryland
- Chesapeake Bay (main stem) — The epicenter of East Coast striper fishing with structure, channels, and open-water opportunities.
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel area — Pilings and artificial reef structure concentrate stripers for jigging and live bait fishing.
- Susquehanna Flats — Upper bay spawning area with spring trophy striper runs in shallow water.
- Tangier Sound — Mid-bay area with quality striper fishing around oyster bars and channel edges.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- Light-tackle casting
- Trolling
- Jigging
- Live lining bunker
- Fly fishing
Baits & Lures
- Parachute jig
- Rat-L-Trap
- Bunker/menhaden
- Clouser Minnow fly
- Shimano Orca topwater
Seasonal Guide for Maryland
SpringSpring Fishing
Trophy season targets spawning fish. Susquehanna Flats fishing can be outstanding in April-May.
SummerSummer Fishing
Chumming and live lining in the bay. Deep structure around bridge pilings holds resident fish.
FallFall Fishing
Best season for light-tackle enthusiasts. Breaking fish on the surface create exciting casting opportunities.
WinterWinter Fishing
Deep jigging in bay channels. Some trophy fish remain in deeper water throughout winter.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Maryland Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
Specific regulations for striped bass in Maryland are not listed in our database. Please check the official Maryland regulations for current rules.