Easton, MD – According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, anglers across the state, including those on the Eastern Shore near Easton, experienced productive bass fishing conditions as of early April 2026. The latest fishing report, released on April 8, highlighted active striped bass spawning in low-salinity areas of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, with water temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to low 60s degrees Fahrenheit.
In the upper Chesapeake Bay, below a line from Abbey Point to Worton Point, catch-and-release striped bass fishing proved popular. Anglers reported success trolling large tandem-rigged bucktails and sassy shads, as well as jigging with large soft plastic jigs. Casting lures near schools of menhaden also yielded results, particularly in areas where striped bass gathered for spawning. The report noted that spawning activity peaked in zones with salinities of 0-2 parts per thousand and temperatures between 57 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
Closer to Easton, the Choptank River saw significant striped bass spawning, with water temperatures reaching around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, catch-and-release fishing remained prohibited in this river to minimize stress on the fish during this critical period. Nearby, the Tuckahoe River offered opportunities for related species like hickory shad, which often accompany striped bass. Anglers targeting shad used small flashy spoons and shad darts in the lower Susquehanna River, Deer Creek, Octoraro Creek, and other tidal areas.
For freshwater enthusiasts, largemouth bass fishing excelled statewide, including in the upper sections of the Bay’s tidal rivers and creeks around the Eastern Shore. These bass fed aggressively in transitional depths near emerging grass beds, sunken wood, and feeder creek mouths. Effective techniques included using spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics. The Susquehanna Flats and reservoirs across Maryland provided prime spots, with fish highly active as spring progressed.
Smallmouth bass also drew attention in specific locations such as the upper Potomac River, Deep Creek Lake, and the lower Susquehanna River. Anglers targeted these fish near current breaks, underwater ledges, and steep rocky drop-offs. Swimbaits, tubes, and crankbaits proved most successful in these environments.
The report emphasized responsible practices for catch-and-release fishing, recommending barbless lures and non-offset circle hooks, especially when blue catfish were incidentally caught alongside striped bass. Proper fish handling techniques were urged to ensure survival rates during spawning season. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources encouraged participation in volunteer angler surveys to aid fisheries management efforts.
Lower Bay areas, including the Potomac, Patuxent, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke rivers, mirrored the upper Bay’s trends, with striped bass moving into spawning grounds. Water temperatures in these regions hovered in the low 60s, supporting active fish behavior. On the Eastern Shore, these conditions promised continued opportunities for local anglers in the coming weeks, as long as regulations were followed.
Overall, the April 8 report painted a picture of robust bass fishing prospects, with the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem supporting diverse angling experiences. Hatchery crews continued stocking trout in streams, complementing the bass-focused activities and drawing more participants to Maryland’s waters. For more information, visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources.