Maryland Fishing Forecast | Week of November 2, 2026
Week of November 2, 2026 · Freshwater · Maryland
The Maryland fishing forecast for the week of November 2, 2026 covers smallmouth bass, walleye, brown trout, largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, chain pickerel, bluegill, and channel catfish. Open your region for a 7-day read on Deep Creek Lake, Liberty Reservoir, Wicomico River, and Potomac River, and the other waters people actually fish.
Each day shows whether the bite looks worth the drive, plus the best window and the wind. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
Maryland fishing regions
Click a region to open its forecast.
Western Maryland fishing
Western Maryland fishing forecast
For anglers searching for excellent opportunities, Western Maryland offers diverse waters to explore. If you’re wondering where to fish, Deep Creek Lake is a prime destination known for its rewarding walleye fishing and healthy populations of Largemouth Bass. The mighty Potomac River provides thrilling action for Smallmouth Bass, while the cold, clear waters of the Savage River are legendary for their elusive Brown Trout. Anglers often inquire about specific lake names and river stretches, and the Youghiogheny also holds good populations of various game fish, making it another excellent choice for those seeking a diverse angling experience beyond just pike fishing.
This week, anglers can expect cold temperatures across Western Maryland, with clear skies dominating the forecast. A brisk wind will make conditions feel colder on the open water of Deep Creek Lake, suggesting a slower bite for Walleye and Largemouth Bass in shallower areas. On the rivers like the Potomac and Savage, the clear water means stealth will be crucial when targeting Smallmouth Bass and Brown Trout. The cold will likely keep fish deeper or in slower, protected currents, so presenting baits slowly and near the bottom could yield the best bite.
Where to fish: Deep Creek Lake, Potomac River, Savage River, Youghiogheny.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:11 PM). On Deep Creek Lake, a slight pressure drop and broken sky had smallmouth looking up for reaction baits near main lake points.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Dawn (5:46 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:10 PM). The Potomac River offered a decent bite today, with the falling pressure encouraging active fish to hit jigs around current breaks and rocky structure.
Pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 4:09 PM. Smallmouth on the Savage River responded well to a subtle approach, as the continued pressure drop under clear skies had them hugging deep wood.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 4:08 PM. Fishing the Youghiogheny River for trout is a rewarding experience.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:07 PM). smallmouth bass at Deep Creek Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:50 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:06 PM). Start at Potomac River if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Walleye fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:11 PM). The falling pressure and light southerly breeze on Deep Creek Lake might mean the walleye are active near drop-offs, so I’ll start there with a jig.
Pressure is falling.
Dawn (5:46 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:10 PM). The falling pressure and gentle south wind on the Potomac River should have the ‘eyes biting aggressively in current seams, so I’m casting crankbaits right from the start.
Pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 4:09 PM. With a clear sky, a light south breeze, and the pressure continuing to drop, the walleye on Savage River will likely be shallower early, so I’m going to drift shiners.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 4:08 PM. Despite the chance of snow or rain, the steady pressure and light southwest wind on the Youghiogheny could trigger a bite in deeper holes, so I’ll work a blade bait low.
Light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:07 PM). A clear day with a light west wind and steady pressure on Deep Creek Lake suggests the fish might be tight to structure, requiring a careful presentation with a slip bobber.
Light wind.
Dawn (5:50 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:06 PM). The frigid water and steady conditions on the Potomac River mean I’ll be slow-trolling minnows along the bottom, hoping to tempt a sluggish walleye.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on walleye days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Brown Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:44 AM, or the last hour before 4:11 PM. On Deep Creek Lake Monday, with the pressure dropping and a gentle southerly breeze, the browns should be active near structure, so I’ll start working jigs off those submerged timber edges.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:46 AM or 4:10 PM. The Potomac River on Tuesday, with a falling glass and light south wind under scattered skies, ought to have the bigger trout holding in the slower seams, making a perfect drift crucial for a solid hook-up.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:47 AM and 4:09 PM. A clear sky on the Savage River this Wednesday, despite the good drop in atmospheric weight, might mean a cautious approach to the deeper pools where the browns are likely to be hunkered down, but a well-presented streamer could still entice a strike.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Use the first light at 5:48 AM, or the last hour before 4:08 PM. Thursday at the Youghiogheny, with a steady glass and clear conditions turning to a mix of snow and rain, the browns might be a bit lethargic in the main current, suggesting a slower retrieve near structure could be the ticket to finding a willing fish.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:49 AM or 4:07 PM. Deep Creek Lake on Friday, under a bright sky with the glass holding firm and a slight westerly drift, will likely require a precise presentation to finicky browns holding tight to bottom contours, especially with the water cooling down.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:50 AM and 4:06 PM. The Potomac River this Saturday, with the water a chilly five degrees and a steady barometer under a few wisps of white, will demand patience and subtle jigging in the deepest holes where the browns are conserving energy, making every bump count.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on brown trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:44 AM, or the last hour before 4:11 PM. On Deep Creek Lake Monday, with the pressure dropping and a gentle south breeze, I’d target rocky points where the bass might be actively feeding, anticipating a weather shift.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:46 AM or 4:10 PM. The Potomac River on Tuesday, with a continued pressure dip and soft southerly air, called for working current seams and submerged timber where warmer flows could have largemouth ambushing prey.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:47 AM and 4:09 PM. Wednesday found me on the Savage River, where the bright sky meant probing shadows.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Use the first light at 5:48 AM, or the last hour before 4:08 PM. Put in at Youghiogheny for largemouth bass. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:49 AM or 4:07 PM. largemouth bass at Deep Creek Lake: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:50 AM and 4:06 PM. Start at Potomac River if largemouth bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Central Maryland fishing
Central Maryland fishing forecast
Anglers searching for where to fish in Central Maryland will discover excellent opportunities, even if the primary focus here isn’t typically walleye fishing or pike fishing. Popular lake names like Liberty Reservoir and Loch Raven are prime spots for targeting Largemouth Bass and Crappie, offering consistent action. For those who prefer moving water, the Monocacy River and the powerful Potomac River are well-known destinations.
Where to fish: Liberty Reservoir, Loch Raven, Monocacy River, Potomac River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Use the first light at 5:39 AM, or the last hour before 4:06 PM. On Liberty Reservoir, the steady atmospheric conditions and light south breeze hinted at a slow bite, so I started probing main lake points with a jig in that cool 7.3 degree water.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:40 AM or 4:05 PM. Despite the clear skies and light south wind on Loch Raven, the falling atmospheric pressure made me work hard, pitching soft plastics to any visible cover in the 7.4 degree water, hoping for a reaction strike.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:41 AM and 4:04 PM. Navigating the Monoc o Grand Prix circuit."
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:42 AM and 4:03 PM. Put in at Potomac River for largemouth bass. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:43 AM or 4:02 PM. largemouth bass at Liberty Reservoir: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:44 AM and 4:01 PM. Start at Loch Raven if largemouth bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:06 PM). The light southerly breeze on Liberty Reservoir, under broken skies and steady pressure, made for a tough bite in the 7.3-degree water, forcing a deep jig approach near structure.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Dawn (5:40 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:05 PM). With a bright, clear sky over Loch Raven and the light south wind, a falling glass indicated a tough day for smallmouth, requiring slow presentations along the drop-offs in the 7.4-degree lake.
Pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 4:04 PM. The end.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 4:03 PM. Put in at Potomac River for smallmouth bass. The day rates fair. Fish rock points. Pause the bait on the rock. Cold smallmouth eat on the sit, not the hop. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:02 PM). smallmouth bass at Liberty Reservoir: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:44 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:01 PM). Start at Loch Raven if smallmouth bass is the target. Slow day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Striped Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Use the first light at 5:39 AM, or the last hour before 4:06 PM. On Liberty Reservoir, the consistent air pressure and chilly 7.3-degree water had us methodically working main lake points, where a gentle southern air movement created a subtle current.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:40 AM or 4:05 PM. Loch Raven’s dropping atmospheric pressure, paired with a mild 7.4-degree water temperature, prompted us to target submerged structure where a light southerly wind offered a prime drift for feeding fish.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:41 AM and 4:04 PM. The Monocacy River, with its headwaters in Pennsylvania, flows south through Maryland.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:42 AM and 4:03 PM. Put in at Potomac River for striped bass. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:43 AM or 4:02 PM. striped bass at Liberty Reservoir: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:44 AM and 4:01 PM. Start at Loch Raven if striped bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on striped bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Use the first light at 5:39 AM, or the last hour before 4:06 PM. The light south breeze and steady air on Liberty Reservoir had me starting shallow, but the 7.3 C water temperature kept the crappie tight-lipped, making for a tough bite near structure.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:40 AM or 4:05 PM. On Loch Raven, despite the clear skies, a gentle south wind and dropping air suggested the crappie might be active, so I worked jigs around submerged timber, finding a few good slabs as the water hit 7.4 C.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:41 AM and 4:04 PM. The moderate southerly blow on the Monocacy River, with air falling and water at 8.2 C, pushed me to target calmer eddies and current breaks, hoping to find crappie staging for a warmer spell.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:42 AM and 4:03 PM. A light south wind and falling air with steady rain on the Potomac River had me fishing deeper channels and brush piles, as the 8.8 C water temperature hinted at a possible uptick in crappie activity despite the wet weather.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:43 AM or 4:02 PM. Back at Liberty Reservoir, the overcast conditions and light northwest wind, coupled with steady air and 8.4 C water, prompted a slow presentation near drop-offs, hoping the crappie were less skittish.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:44 AM and 4:01 PM. Loch Raven greeted me with an overcast sky and a light northwest breeze, but the chilly 6.9 C water and steady air made for a tough grind, requiring patience to tempt any crappie from deep structure.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Eastern Shore freshwater fishing
Eastern Shore freshwater fishing forecast
For anglers searching for walleye fishing or pike fishing in Saskatchewan’s Eastern Shore freshwater region, knowing where to fish among the many lake names is crucial for success. The Wicomico River and Nanticoke River offer excellent opportunities for Largemouth Bass, while Tuckahoe Creek is a prime spot for Chain Pickerel. Unicorn Lake consistently produces good numbers of Crappie and Bluegill, making it a popular choice for many freshwater enthusiasts here.
This week’s conditions show a clear sky with cold air and a steady wind, which can affect the best bite. The cold temperatures mean fish like Largemouth Bass and Crappie might be deeper or slower to react to presentations. A persistent wind often pushes baitfish, concentrating them and drawing in predators such as Chain Pickerel and Bluegill to specific areas. Anglers targeting walleye fishing or pike fishing should focus on protected points or structure where fish might seek refuge from the wind.
Where to fish: Wicomico River, Nanticoke River, Tuckahoe Creek, Unicorn Lake.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:30 AM, or the last hour before 4:01 PM. On Wicomico River, despite the chilly 6-degree water, a falling glass and general grayness suggest the bass might be moving, so I’ll probe the shallower weed edges.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:31 AM or 4:00 PM. Over at Nanticoke River, with the sun bright and the air still, the 7.7-degree water means a tough jig bite, requiring patience on deeper breaks.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:32 AM and 3:59 PM. Tuckahoe Creek, with its water flowing gently.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:33 AM and 3:58 PM. Put in at Unicorn Lake for largemouth bass. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. largemouth bass at Wicomico River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Nanticoke River if largemouth bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Chain Pickerel fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:30 AM, or the last hour before 4:01 PM. With a light southerly breeze and the pressure dropping under dark skies, the early spring pickerel were eager to hit in the shallows of Pickerel Point Lake, despite the chilly six-degree water.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:31 AM or 4:00 PM. A bluebird day with bright sun and steady pressure on Willow Creek Reservoir meant working the deeper weed lines was key to coaxing a bite from the warming seven-degree water.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:32 AM and 3:59 PM. The fish in Red Willow Slough were active on this sunny day with a gentle south wind, as the falling pressure and nearly nine-degree water had them cruising the edges for an easy meal.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:33 AM and 3:58 PM. Despite the constant drizzle and moderate south wind stirring Aspen Grove Lake, the continuously falling pressure often triggers storms.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. chain pickerel at Wicomico River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Nanticoke River if chain pickerel is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on chain pickerel days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:30 AM, or the last hour before 4:01 PM. On the Wicomico River, with the water a chilly six degrees and a light southerly breeze under an overcast sky, those falling readings had the slabs biting well, especially around submerged timber.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:31 AM or 4:00 PM. The Nanticoke River’s clear skies and steady conditions meant a fair bite as the water warmed to nearly eight degrees, finding fish suspended off channel edges.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:32 AM and 3:59 PM. A rising water temperature nearing nine degrees on Tuckahoe Creek, suggests changes in its delicate ecosystem.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:33 AM and 3:58 PM. Put in at Unicorn Lake for crappie. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. crappie at Wicomico River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Nanticoke River if crappie is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Bluegill fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:30 AM, or the last hour before 4:01 PM. On the Wicomico River, the falling air and overcast sky had the bluegill tucked deep, but a slow retrieve near structure in the lee of the light south breeze eventually found a good bite in the 6-degree chill.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:31 AM or 4:00 PM. The Nanticoke River saw a fair bite as the clear, calm conditions and steady air forced me to probe the edges of weed beds, where the slightly warmer 7. 7-degree water held some active panfish beneath the ice.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:32 AM and 3:59 PM. Good bluegill fishing if you put in at Tuckahoe Creek. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:33 AM and 3:58 PM. Put in at Unicorn Lake for bluegill. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:34 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. bluegill at Wicomico River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Nanticoke River if bluegill is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on bluegill days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Southern Maryland fishing
Southern Maryland fishing forecast
Anglers searching for walleye fishing or pike fishing might be surprised by the diverse opportunities in Southern Maryland’s waters. For those wondering where to fish, the mighty Potomac River offers excellent chances for Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish, while the Patuxent River is known for its strong populations of Chain Pickerel. The serene St. Mary’s River also provides productive spots for Largemouth Bass and even some Smallmouth Bass in its upper reaches, making these prime lake names for your fishing adventures where many local anglers find the best bite for a variety of species across these interconnected waterways.
This week brings cold temperatures and a brisk wind across the Southern Maryland region, meaning fish activity will likely be subdued. While there is no snow expected, the clear skies will allow for good visibility on the water, which can make fish wary. Anglers should focus on deeper areas and slower presentations to entice bites from Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish. The cooler conditions often mean that Chain Pickerel might be less active, but a persistent approach can still yield results from these waters. Smallmouth Bass in the clearer sections of the rivers might respond to subtle movements near structure.
Where to fish: Potomac River, Patuxent River, St.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:35 AM, or the last hour before 4:06 PM. On the Potomac River, with the water hovering near six degrees Celsius and the pressure dropping, pitching black and blue jigs to submerged wood proved effective under the low light.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:36 AM or 4:05 PM. The Patuxent River’s slightly warmer water at nearly eight degrees Celsius, paired with a clear sky and falling pressure, had us slow-rolling spinnerbaits along rocky points where the fish were holding tight.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:37 AM and 4:04 PM. On the St. Mary’s River, despite the water approaching nine degrees Celsius under a bright sky and continuing pressure drop, a slow presentation with light line was essential to coax bites from wary fish around docks.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:39 AM and 4:03 PM. The Potomac River, with its water nearing ten degrees Celsius and a steady breeze bringing a mix of snow and rain, saw some decent action on squarebill crankbaits worked aggressively through the wind-blown shallows.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:40 AM or 4:02 PM. Despite the light drizzle and the Patuxent River’s water cooling back to nearly nine degrees Celsius, pitching dark-colored jigs into brush piles along the banks produced some solid strikes as the pressure held steady.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:41 AM and 4:01 PM. On the St. Mary’s River, a noticeable chill in the water at under seven degrees Celsius and a light north breeze made for a tough bite, requiring a painstaking drop-shot presentation on deep breaks to entice any interest.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:06 PM). On the Potomac River, with the water a chilly 6.7 degrees and the pressure dropping under an overcast sky, working jigs slowly near structure might entice a lethargic smallmouth.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Dawn (5:36 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:05 PM). The Patuxent River was a tough bite under clear skies and a gentle south breeze, as the falling atmospheric reading kept the smallmouth tight-lipped even with the water hitting 7.8 degrees.
Pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 4:04 PM. A fair day on the beach.
Pressure is falling.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 4:03 PM. Put in at Potomac River for smallmouth bass. The day rates fair. Fish rock points. Pause the bait on the rock. Cold smallmouth eat on the sit, not the hop. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (4:02 PM). smallmouth bass at Patuxent River: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:41 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (4:01 PM). Start at St if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Chain Pickerel fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:35 AM, or the last hour before 4:06 PM. The Potomac River delivered a strong pickerel bite near timber, with the low light and falling air encouraging aggressive strikes in the 6.7-degree water.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:36 AM or 4:05 PM. Despite the bright conditions on the Patuxent River, the dropping atmospheric reading kept the fish active, chasing lures along structure in the 7.8-degree depths.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:37 AM and 4:04 PM. On St. Mary’s River, the clear morning yielded a fair number of pickerel, requiring considerable effort.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:39 AM and 4:03 PM. Put in at Potomac River for chain pickerel. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:40 AM or 4:02 PM. chain pickerel at Patuxent River: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:41 AM and 4:01 PM. Start at St if chain pickerel is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on chain pickerel days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:35 AM, or the last hour before 4:06 PM. On the Potomac River, the falling air and a gentle southerly push had me casting near deeper bends, hoping to coax a channel cat from the 6.7 degree Celsius chill under the gray skies.
Pressure is falling.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:36 AM or 4:05 PM. Despite the crisp, open sky over the Patuxent River, that continued pressure drop hinted at some channel catfish stirring, so I focused on the sun-warmed shallows where the water hit 7. 8 degrees Celsius.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:37 AM and 4:04 PM. Fair channel catfish fishing if you put in at St. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:39 AM and 4:03 PM. Put in at Potomac River for channel catfish. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 5:40 AM or 4:02 PM. channel catfish at Patuxent River: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:41 AM and 4:01 PM. Start at St if channel catfish is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Maryland fishing forecast questions
Where should I fish in Maryland this week?
Start with the region closest to you. This page covers Western Maryland, Central Maryland, Eastern Shore freshwater, Southern Maryland. Named waters include Deep Creek Lake, Potomac River, Savage River, Youghiogheny. Open that region for the 7-day read.
What are people fishing for in Maryland?
The forecast is written for smallmouth bass, walleye, brown trout. Each region names the water to start on, including Deep Creek Lake.
When is the best time of day to fish in Maryland?
Use the day card, not a fixed hour. Walleye and smallmouth often bite in the hour before sunset. Lake trout are a midday fish in deep water. Deep Creek Lake prints sunrise, sunset, and the solunar periods in local time.
How do I read the Maryland fishing forecast?
Each day shows the bite label, wind, pressure trend, cloud, and precipitation. A falling barometer is marked because it often pulls fish up. A wind over 30 km/h means fish the lee shore.
Which Maryland water should I start on?
If you are near Western Maryland, start at Deep Creek Lake. The next named water on this page is Potomac River. Open the region for the 7-day bite, not a guess from the map.
Do I need to worry about ice in Maryland this week?
No. This week’s forecast does not show a freeze. Fish open water. The ice question only appears after at least two nights at or below freezing.
What does the Maryland fishing forecast use?
Each Maryland day uses pressure trend, wind, cloud, precipitation, sunrise and sunset, moon phase, and solunar times. Water temperature is estimated from the air and the season. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
More forecasts: Freshwater Fishing Forecast map · View Maryland’s bug forecast
About this forecast
Weather comes from OpenWeather at a representative point in each region. Water temperature is estimated from the week’s air temperatures and the season. It is not a buoy reading. Moon phase is calculated from the date. Solunar periods are the dawn, dusk, moonrise, and moonset windows, not a minute-by-minute table. Pressure trend compares the first and last reading of each day. A falling barometer with light wind and broken cloud is treated as a better bite than a rising barometer and a hard wind.