Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Sunday, October 19th, 2025, covering the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region.

Let’s start with the sunrise at 7:15 AM and sunset at 6:22 PM. Today we’ve got a light northerly breeze, but keep an eye out for shifting conditions—there’s a Small Craft Advisory coming in tonight, so the wind could pick up by late afternoon. Temps for the day are moderate, with morning fog giving way to mostly cloudy skies and a high around 68.

The tides today: low at 3:58 AM, peaking to a high at 9:22 AM (2.06 ft), dropping again to low at 4:30 PM, and rising to the evening high at 9:37 PM (1.88 ft). With the morning high tide and stable weather, early outings will be most productive around creek mouths and grassy flats near the Patapsco and Magothy Rivers.

On the fish scene, the fall transition is in full swing. Schoolie striped bass have rebounded nicely—local anglers are reporting steady catches, especially around the Key Bridge and up towards Hart-Miller Island. Most stripers are coming in between 18-28 inches, mixed with the occasional keeper from the older year classes. Expect plenty of action on bay anchovies and menhaden schools, which are flush this season according to the latest DNR forage survey.

Bluefish remain dominant—most are in the 2-4 pound range, but bigger bruisers have been landed down near Chesapeake Beach. White perch are still lively, especially close to deeper piers and structure in the Middle River and off Sandy Point.

Catfish are showing deeper in the channels—try chicken liver or prepared dough baits (Wheaties and cornflakes are old-school favorites if you want to get creative). Carp and channel cats seem to favor those homemade mixes this time of year.

As for lures, the bladed jig remains top performer throughout the bay—favorites are Z-Man ChatterBaits and Strike King Thunder Crickets. Pair these with a paddle tail trailer for best results. For perch and blues, try a 1/4-ounce jighead with a chartreuse soft-plastic grub or Gulp Alive minnow, especially around pilings and rock jetties.

Classic cut bait (menhaden, spot, or fresh clam) continues to tempt stripers and blues, while live minnow rigs are a steady bet for perch.

Hot spots for today:
- Key Bridge piers: strong striper bite at sunrise and just after the morning high tide.
- Sandy Point State Park: white perch and blues are thick right off the jetty, especially as tide flows in.
- Magothy River mouth: mixed bag bite with schoolies, perch, and decent blues—focus on rip lines and drop-offs.

With fall feeding frenzies underway, keep your gear close at hand and remember, the best action is often just after slack tide—when current picks up and bait starts moving.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s Chesapeake Bay fishing report. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow for more hot tips and daily updates.

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