4 Key Tips for Chesapeake Bay Striper Fishing in the Fall

Chesapeake Bay striper fishing enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of fall and cooler weather in the mid-Atlantic region. Since Chesapeake Bay is one of the most important spawning areas on the East Coast for migratory stripers (sometimes referred to as striped bass or rockfish), you may want to plan a trip to Virginia, Maryland, or Delaware during this time of year. Get four key tips for fall striper fishing that include timing, general locations, techniques, and regulations.

Plan to Fish During the Fall Migration

Since Chesapeake Bay is a spawning area for striped bass and the fall months are prime for stripers to feed before winter weather sets in, the timing is right for planning a striper fishing trip. As the water temperature drops, prey species like menhaden and bunker move inshore and hungry predatory fish follow close behind. You can often watch large schools of stripers chasing bait up near the surface, which makes for an exciting fishing experience.

Focus on Best Locations for Fall Striper Fishing

The best locations for Chesapeake Bay striper fishing range from deep channels to shallower rivers, depending on the conditions. Near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, close to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, is typically a good place to start. The currents and structure around the bridge attract large schools of baitfish and hungry stripers. The area around Tangier Sound and the deeper channels of the Bay are also productive spots.

As the fall season progresses, stripers often move into the rivers, such as the Potomac and Choptank, which are also excellent locations. The predatory fish chase baitfish that seek these warmer, shallower waters. Time spent fishing along the edges of these rivers later in the season can mean impressive catches.

Use the Best Techniques and Tackle for Fall

Chesapeake Bay striper fishing can involve several different techniques and types of tackle such as trolling, jigging, and fly fishing. If you’re planning your first trip to target striped bass, you may want to use live sand eels or try jigging with paddletail shad lures or sand eel imitating jigs from the shoreline.

Trolling

Trolling from a boat is one of the most popular techniques. Bunker spoons are lures that effectively mimic the baitfish (bunker) that stripers feed on. When trolling, varying the lure depth and speed is important. Pay attention to how active the fish are and adjust your technique to their behavior. If the fish are feeding more aggressively, you can troll faster and use larger fishing lures. On days when the fish are slower to strike, slow down your trolling speed and try to downsize your lures to mimic smaller baits.

Jigging

If you prefer an active approach to fishing for striper, jigging techniques are also productive. Jigging with heavy bucktails or metal diamond jigs near structure, such as bridge pilings or underwater humps, can also be highly effective. Don’t get discouraged if you lose a few jigs when you’re fishing close to structure, particularly in areas where there are strong currents, it can happen to even the most experienced anglers.

Fly Fishing

Fly anglers will find success in the fall, especially when targeting smaller schoolie-sized fish in the shallows. Use an 8-weight fly rod when fishing from the surf (on the beach) and have olive and white size 1/0 Clousers, size 2/0 yellow Deceivers, or small Gurglers and epoxy sand eels in your fly box.

Understand the Importance of Conservation and Regulations

While the fall season can offer incredible fishing opportunities, it’s important to practice conservation-minded angling. The striped bass populations in the Mid-Atlantic have seen major fluctuations over the years, leading to strict regulations to ensure the sustainability of the species. Check the current fishing regulations to make sure you are familiar with the current size and bag limits, as well as any seasonal restrictions. Practicing catch-and-release, particularly with larger fish, can help preserve striper populations for future generations.