As of November 7, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know:

**Weather and Tides:**
Expect moderate and breezy weather with mild air temperatures continuing into the near future. Tidal currents are above average due to the new moon on November 1, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset is at about 4:45 PM.

**Water Conditions:**
Water temperatures in the main Bay are in the low 60s, with the rivers running slightly cooler. Salinity is slightly higher than average above Cove Point, and oxygen levels are adequate from the surface to the bottom. Water clarity is average, so be sure to check the Eyes on the Bay Satellite Maps for the latest conditions.

**Fish Activity:**
The fishing action is robust, especially for striped bass and blue catfish. In the upper Bay, the Conowingo Dam Pool and the lower Susquehanna River are hotspots for blue catfish and striped bass. Use medium-sized surf rods with thin braid and cut bait to reach the bottom for blue catfish. For striped bass, soft plastic jigs and paddletails are highly effective.

In the middle Bay, the striped bass fishing has been disappointing in shallow waters, but deep water jigging at the mouths of tidal rivers and areas with bird activity over bait schools has been more promising. The lower Bay is offering excellent striped bass fishing, particularly by jigging and trolling along main channels and the mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Many of these striped bass are over the 24-inch mark, providing great catch-and-release action.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For striped bass, use soft plastic jigs, paddletails, and live eels. Trolling with small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad is also productive. For blue catfish, cut bait, especially fresh eel, is the top choice. White perch and catfish in the tidal creeks and rivers can be caught using bloodworms, cut menhaden, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and shrimp.

**Hot Spots:**
- **Conowingo Dam Pool:** Great for blue catfish and striped bass.
- **Lower Susquehanna River:** Excellent for blue catfish and striped bass.
- **Mouths of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers:** Ideal for striped bass jigging and trolling.
- **Port Deposit, Havre De Grace, and the Elk River:** Additional hotspots for blue catfish and striped bass.

With the right gear and knowledge of these conditions, you should have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay.