This is our Chesapeake Bay fishing guide. It covers the two famous catches, the licenses, and where to find the latest Chesapeake Bay fishing report.

Quick answer: Chesapeake Bay fishing starts with striped bass (rockfish), which spawn in the Bay from April into early June, and blue crabs. A Maryland Bay license costs $15 for residents and a Virginia saltwater license $17.50. For the latest Chesapeake Bay fishing report, check the Maryland DNR’s weekly report.

Contents

Striped Bass

Called rockfish or striper. Adults are usually 2 to 3 feet long. They spawn in the Bay’s tidal rivers from April into early June. The Bay produces 70 to 90 percent of Atlantic stripers.[1]

Blue Crabs

Crabs mate from May through October. They can grow up to 9 inches across. The Bay Program lists them as stable.[2]

Licenses

State Resident Non-resident
Maryland Bay and Coastal (1 year) $15 $22.50
Virginia saltwater (1 year) $17.50 $25

Sources: Maryland DNR guide and VMRC.[3][4] Each state honors the other’s Bay license, with Virginia’s free FIP sign-up.[4]

Weekly Reports

The Maryland DNR posts the Maryland Fishing Report about once a week.[5]

Rules Change

Seasons, sizes and limits change often. Check the Maryland and Virginia rules before you go.[6]

Frequently asked questions

What fish can you catch in the Chesapeake Bay? Striped bass (rockfish) and blue crabs are the best known.

Do I need a fishing license for the Chesapeake Bay? Yes, in most cases; under 16 is exempt in Maryland and Virginia.

When do striped bass spawn in the Bay? From April into early June.

References

See today’s tides on our tides page.