2017 Striper Migration Map
The striper migration has begun! A mild February was followed by a cool March, but the striper migration is right where we’d expect it. Striped bass are moving toward their spawning grounds in Chesapeake Bay, and smaller stripers are getting active in warming inshore areas in Delaware Bay, southern New Jersey, the west end of Long Island, and tidal rivers in Connecticut.
Chesapeake Bay
In the main stem of the Chesapeake, water temperatures are cooler than at the same time last winter, thanks to cold weather and snowmelt. Surface temperatures are slowly creeping up through the low 40s, and everything looks on track for a normal mid-April spawn. Striped bass are moving up the bay and into the spawning tidal rivers. They are the Potomac, Patuxent, Nanticoke, Choptank and Susquehanna rivers.
According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, recent snowmelt has resulted in water temperatures in the lower Susquehanna River dipping to about 42°, checking the progress of striped bass staging for upcoming spawning activity. Striped bass are present in the lower parts of the river, and those participating in the catch and release fishery are reminded to use barbless hooks and to stay below the spawning reach line that runs from the Susquehanna State Park boat ramp to Twin Rocks to Tomes Wharf in Port Deposit. Natural Resource Police officers are present in the area, enforcing regulations (no fishing in the spawning reach for striped bass) and are warning anglers that striped bass must be released immediately in the legal Susquehanna Flats Catch and Release area. Striped bass are to be released immediately by law, so be prepared to unhook fish quickly in the water and if you must pose for a…
