As of November 3, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:58 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:15 AM and a low tide at 3:45 PM, making the changing tides ideal for various fishing spots.

### Fish Activity
In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, rockfish are starting to come out of their October lull, indicating a promising catch for anglers. Below the Conowingo Dam, blue catfish are very active due to the cooler water temperatures, and striped bass are also being caught with increasing frequency.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Anglers in the Middle Bay have reported catching rockfish, while those below the Conowingo Dam are landing lots of blue catfish, particularly on cut bait with fresh eel being the top choice. Striped bass are also common, especially where the water is churning from the open dam gates. Smallmouth bass and a few walleye are being caught along the rocky shorelines and ledges of the lower Susquehanna River.

### Best Lures and Bait
For blue catfish, cut bait with fresh eel is highly effective. For striped bass, larger rods are necessary for longer casting distances, and keeping lures off the bottom to avoid snagging is crucial. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs are effective for smallmouth bass. For rockfish, traditional lures such as shad darts tipped with grass shrimp have been productive.

### Hot Spots
- **Below the Conowingo Dam**: This area is hot for blue catfish and striped bass, with the churning water from the open gates attracting a lot of fish.
- **Port Deposit, Havre De Grace, and the Elk River**: These spots are also good for blue catfish and other species like smallmouth bass and walleye.
- **Middle Bay Tributaries**: Areas like the South River and other tributaries are holding redfish and offering good perch fishing.

With the cooler water temperatures and favorable tidal conditions, now is a great time to get out on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy some excellent fishing.