As of October 26, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the transitioning weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with northwest winds, which might make the back bay areas a bit bouncy. Water temperatures are dropping, now in the low to mid-60s, signaling the fish are in full fall feed mode. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 6:00 PM. Tides will be moderate, with high tide in the morning and low tide in the late afternoon.

### Fish Activity
In the upper Bay, striped bass are starting to move into deeper channels as the shallower waters cool down. Anglers have been having good luck at the Conowingo Dam pool and the lower Susquehanna River, where striped bass and blue catfish are active. Trolling deep with umbrella rigs or jigging with soft plastics, especially white sassy shads, has been very productive.

In the middle and lower Bay, the shallow water fishery for striped bass, puppy drum, speckled trout, and white perch remains active, particularly during the morning and evening hours. Casting poppers, Zara Spooks, and paddletails over grass beds and near structure has been effective. Drifting peeler crab baits in areas with strong currents is also a good method for catching puppy drum and speckled trout.

Large bluefish are still present in the lower Bay, particularly near the Target Ship and the mouth of the Potomac River. Trolling with surgical tube lures and large spoons behind planers is the best way to catch them. Occasionally, bluefish can be found close to the surface, and casting metal jigs with a wire leader can be very effective.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, use umbrella rigs with white sassy shads, or jig with soft plastics. In the shallower waters, poppers, Zara Spooks, and paddletails are working well. For bluefish, large spoons and surgical tube lures are recommended. For puppy drum and speckled trout, drifting peeler crab baits or using popping corks with a trailing plastic shrimp is effective. Sand fleas are the go-to bait for sheepshead at the South Jetty and bulkheads.

### Hot Spots
- **Conowingo Dam pool and lower Susquehanna River**: Great for striped bass and blue catfish.
- **Mouth of the Patapsco River**: Excellent for striped bass using deep trolling or jigging.
- **Tidal rivers and creeks near the lower Potomac River**: Ideal for a mix of striped bass, puppy drum, speckled trout, and white perch.
- **South Jetty and bulkheads near the inlet**: Perfect for sheepshead using sand fleas.

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities as the fall season progresses. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and adjust your tactics accordingly to make the most of your day on the water.