Maryland Fishing Report: July 18

Sandy Point State Park

We’ve all learned in our lives that nothing ever stays the same, and this certainly holds true for the Chesapeake Bay. She started out as a river valley and became flooded after the last ice age to become the largest estuary in the United States.

The view from a drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge shows how much this treasure means to so many people — bulk carrier ships anchored and waiting to pick up their cargo, fleets of sailboats off the mouth of the Severn River, commercial crab boats tending their strings of traps, anglers fishing near the piers and throngs of people enjoying Sandy Point State Park.

More than 18 million people live in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The bay has had a difficult time putting up with us, but she always promises hope and keeps showing us that she is resilient.

It’s just a simple fact; we are all part of the bay’s problems and can be part of the solution. We’ve learned from our past mistakes and implemented policies and management that have seen the resurgence of underwater grass beds in the bay, protection and growth of critical forests and wetlands, and the restoration of fish populations. One thing doesn’t change – the bay teaches us that hope springs eternal.

Weekly Fishing Conditions Forecast Summary: July 18-24

Scarce oxygenated, cool water conditions continue to force bay rockfish into smaller and smaller areas. With the water getting closer to temperatures rockfish will avoid — 84 degrees or higher — stick to the mainstem of the bay and seek out the coolest water with adequate oxygen available that combines excellent structure, moving water and bait. Focus your fishing times to low light periods when nighttime temperatures provide limited relief for hungry gamefish.

Expect the continued hot, sunny weather to continue to push water temperatures toward the mid 80s. Anglers will experience typical summer temperatures in the mid to upper 80s for most of this upcoming week with a good chance of daily thunderstorms from Saturday through Tuesday. There will be above average tidal currents Monday and Tuesday as a result of the upcoming full moon July 28.

For the full weekly fishing conditions summary and more detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area of the bay, be sure to check out Eyes on the Bay’s Click Before You Cast.

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