As we step into the last week of September, the Chesapeake Bay area, including Baltimore and Washington D.C., is experiencing a delightful transition into fall. Here’s your daily fishing report for September 24, 2024.

**Weather Conditions:**
Moderate weather is predicted, with limited rain and comfortable temperatures. Daytime air temperatures are in the mid-70s, while nighttime temperatures are dipping into the mid-60s. Wind speeds are moderate, around 10-15 mph, making it a great day to get out on the water.

**Water Conditions:**
The Chesapeake Bay's surface water temperatures have cooled to the lower 70s, ideal for increased fish activity. Water levels are stable, and clarity is good, especially in the upper and middle Bay areas. The flows from the Conowingo Dam are moderate, following a late-day power generation schedule.

**Best Fishing Spots:**
- **Upper Bay:** The mouth of the Patapsco River and the Fort McHenry area are hotspots for striped bass. Anglers are having success jigging with soft plastics along channel edges and live-lining spot. Love Point and the old Key Bridge are also producing good catches.
- **Middle Bay:** The Choptank River is seeing a great white perch bite, particularly near riprap areas. Rockfish and red drum are also being caught here, with early mornings and evenings being the best times.
- **Lower Bay:** The shallows of Lower Bay tributaries, such as the lower Potomac, are productive for striped bass, puppy drum, and speckled trout. Deeper water areas around the Target Ship and Tangier Island are good for bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and cutlassfish.

**Bait and Tackle Recommendations:**
- For striped bass, use soft plastic jigs, topwater lures like poppers and Zara Spooks, or live-line spot. Jigging with a three-quarter ounce jighead and a soft plastic paddletail can also yield impressive catches, as seen with a recent 46-inch black drum catch.
- For white perch, small spinnerbaits, spin jigs, and bottom rigs baited with grass shrimp or bloodworms are effective. Fishing near docks, piers, and submerged structure is recommended.
- For bottom fishing, use bottom rigs tipped with bloodworms, Fishbites, or peeler crab to catch spot, perch, and croaker.

**Fish Activity:**
- Striped bass are actively schooling and chasing baitfish, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. They can be found near shoreline structure like rocks, old pilings, and piers.
- White perch are abundant in shallower waters during morning and evening hours, often near structure such as docks and riprap walls.
- Puppy drum and flounder are also active in the shallows, feeding on mullet and peanut bunker.

**Local Events and Regulations:**
- The cobia season officially closed on September 15th in both Maryland and Virginia waters, but catch and release is still allowed.
- There are no major local fishing events today, but be mindful of catch limits and size restrictions for various species.

**Tips from Local Anglers:**
- Cover lots of water to find schools of fish, especially using side scan imaging to locate them.
- Early mornings and evenings are the most productive times for fishing, especially for topwater action.

With these conditions and tips, today promises to be an excellent day for fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Get out there and enjoy the fall fishing season