Greater Chesapeake Bay & Tributaries - MD

Techniques & Tips as of 3/22/25

From DECEMBER through MARCH ‘ONCE in a LIFETIME STRIPED BASS' are AVAILABLE to fly or light tackle catch in the middle and lower sectors of the Chesapeake Bay in the State of Maryland. Use Pro Depth Charge 3D Sinking Fly Line, 300 or 350 grain, with a 4 foot - 20 pound fluorocarbon leader (no taper needed) and 5 inch, sinking, Half and Half fly in your favorite color. When the fish are LOCATED IN DIFFERENT WATER COLUMNS, use sinking fly-line with a 4 foot leader. A sinking Clouser Minnow in highly productive. SINKING LINE TECHNIQUE - when the fly hits the water, the rod tip should be down, just above the water, pointing directly at the fly. Count down the fly to the desired depth. EXAMPLE: The fish are located in the 20 foot water column. Using a sinking Clouser Minnow, 3” length, 2/0 hook on Pro Depth Charge 3D Sinking Fly Line, 350 grain, with a 4 foot - 20 pound fluorocarbon leader (no taper needed)--sink rate with this fly and fly-line will be 1 foot per second. The countdown will be between 15 to 18 seconds. Now start swiftly moving the fly in 1 to 2 foot strips. MAY through NOVEMBER when FLY-FISHING SALTWATER - All equipment should be Saltwater Rated. When fish are BUSTING TOPWATER, use a floating fly-line with a tapered leader. A Blados Crease or Mylar Popping Fly are highly productive. TOPWATER TECHNIQUE - when the fly hits the water, the rod tip should be down just above the water, pointing directly at the fly, with all the slack out of the line. Immediately start swiftly moving the fly in 1 to 2 foot strips. REDFISH — when busting topwater use floating line with a large Blados Crease Fly or when down use sinking line & clousers. SPANISH MACKERELS —Once the fly hits the water immediately start a double-handed retrieve. Move the fly as fast as possible. The fly should be just under topwater. This makes it possible to use floating fly line. NOTE: Install 6 feet of Absolute Predator Toothy Fish Leader (Orvis Item #3A0A) from the end of the fly line to the fly.