Maryland’s upper Chesapeake Bay is listed in the country’s top 25 places to fish by Field and Stream magazine. Fishing destinations were selected for “extraordinary beauty, diversity, and unique personalities”. Without question, the upper Bay possesses these attributes. The upper Bay offers expansive views, a broad diversity of fishing opportunities, and unique challenges.
Anglers pursuing black bass will find limitless opportunities to pursue their passion. In fact, this area is so expansive that it can be challenging to decide where to begin! For pursuing smallmouth bass, the best fishing is in the Susquehanna River proper, from Conowingo Dam to the town of Havre de Grace. Smallmouth bass up to 4 pounds are common. Largemouth bass enthusiasts have plenty of room to roam. Largemouth bass range from the town of North East to a line from Middle River on the western shore of the Bay to Fairlee Creek on the Eastern Shore. Within this area, woody debris, submerged aquatic vegetation, spatterdock and lily patches, wharfs, docks and bottom structure are among the preferred covers utilized by bass. Bass in the 2 to 6 pound range are abundant. Many Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey bass anglers are aware of this and as a result bass tournaments are numerous. In 1991, the “Bassmasters Classic” was even held in the upper Chesapeake region.
When anglers think of bass fishing in Maryland the tidal Potomac River immediately comes to mind, and with good reason. The Potomac River boasts an excellent bass fishery. However, for those searching for different challenges and plenty of room to spread out the upper Chesapeake Bay offers excellent fishing, as well. The upper Bay may not have the reputation that the Potomac River has, but to those who know and fish the upper Chesapeake Bay it is one of Maryland’s best kept secrets.
Posted: 5-12-2003
