Maryland’s capital city goes by many nicknames, one of the most famous being the “Sailing Capital of the World”. Once the short-lived capital of the United States, Annapolis is today more of a large town than a city, so fishing here won’t be in an urban environment. And for those of you interested in the angling side of things, we’ve got some good news – fishing in Annapolis is some of the best in the state.
That will come as no surprise to any of you who’ve cast a line (or ten) in the Chesapeake Bay before. From the iconic Rockfish to mainstays like Bluefish, White Perch, and more, this is a heaven for inshore and nearshore anglers. So stick with us while we show you why this city needs to be part of your Chesapeake Bay fishing experience.
Best Fish to Catch in Annapolis
Annapolis is located on a Chesapeake tributary called the Severn River. Between the river and the bay, you’re sure to find something to cast for at any time of year. The action really kicks in around spring when Rockfish become active, and this can last until the end of the year. But let’s take a more in-depth look at what you can target when fishing in Annapolis…
Striped Bass (Rockfish)
Known as Rockfish in these parts, Striped Bass are the main pillar of the Chesapeake Bay angling scene. You don’t need to be an expert angler to see why, either. They’re fun to catch no matter your skill level, grow to huge sizes, and will taste great when you have them for dinner. What else could you possibly need?
Technically, you can target Rockfish for most of the year. The first couple of months of the year are strictly catch and release, though, and several periods of time may be completely closed for fishing. This means you’ll need to check the current regulations and plan your trip ahead of time if you’re hoping to boat some Rockfish. Trust us, it’ll be worth it.
Bluefish
If Rockfish are the most popular species in the bay, then Bluefish are definitely the most aggressive. These savage swimmers will go after anything that gets in their way, so don’t worry much about picking the ideal bait here. They’re not afraid to bite humans either, so be careful around their sharp teeth when handling them.
Peak Bluefish season starts in July and usually lasts until November. Local blues are usually 12–24 inches long and can weigh up to 3 or 4 pounds, though larger ones do appear on occasion. You’ll be able to catch them both by trolling from a boat or by casting from shore.
Fun fact! About 90% of Bluefish harvested in Maryland each year are caught by sportfishing anglers.
Spanish Mackerel
Compared to Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel aren’t much of a sport fish. But what they lack in fighting prowess they more than make up in food quality. For anglers hoping to bring in a tasty dinner, going after a fish that’s easy to catch and tastes good is a winning combination.
Spanish Mackerel don’t always come this far up the bay, but when they do, they usually arrive in July or August and stay through September, like a lot of other popular fish out here. They’re open-water fish so almost all are caught from boats, though on occasion a lucky pier angler might hook into one or two.
White Perch
Small but prolific and nearly always willing to bite, White Perch are the unsung heroes of the fishing world. They taste absolutely fantastic on the plate, and since they’re so widespread and easy to catch, they make a prime target when fishing with kids. In fact, if you ask the average Annapolitan angler what the first fish they ever caught was, most will say it was a White Perch.
You’ll find White Perch spread throughout the Severn River (and other nearby tributaries) from late spring through fall, usually near shoreline structure. Here, small spinners or darts tipped with grass shrimp will get them biting. In the open Bay, they congregate over oyster bars in deeper water and can be caught during winter as well as summer by dropping down top and bottom rigs tipped with bloodworm bits.
Redfish
Last, but certainly not least, we have Redfish – a mainstay of saltwater fishing across the US. Known for their hard-fighting nature, you can have a lot of fun reeling in these stubborn fish across the Chesapeake Bay. That often includes Annapolis, although some seasons, due to salinity and temperature patterns, they don’t make their way this far north.
A great time to target Redfish in Annapolis is the fall and winter when the water temperature begins to cool down. You’ll usually find small and “slot size” keeper fish near structure in relatively shallow water, such as pier pilings, oyster beds, jetties. If chasing after big “Bull” Reds (which must be released), the middle Chesapeake sees a run of these fish out in deep water during August and September – within an hour or so of cruising time from Annapolis.
And More!
We’ve shown you the local stars, sure, but that’s far from everything this part of the Chesapeake Bay has to offer. If you’re a fan of bottom feeders, you’ll have a blast going after the local Flounder. Also keep an eye out for Seatrout, Blackfish, Sheepshead, and more. In the freshwater areas around the city, you can also find Perch and Catfish.
Recent Annapolis Catches
Fresh fishing reports from anglers
How to Go Fishing in Annapolis
One of the things we love about fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is that you’re not limited to only one type of fishing. You’re free to go with whatever option suits your time and budget the best. Whether that’s casting a few lines from shore on a lazy Saturday morning or cruising around the bay on a boat or kayak, the sky’s the limit.
Pier and Shoreline Fishing
There are several public fishing piers and parks in and around Annapolis and plenty of fish within an easy cast from shore. Live bait, such as bloodworms or minnows, are effective for catching a bunch of different species, while artificial lures will be your go-to when setting up for a specific fish. Try casting small spinners for White Perch, or swimbaits, paddletails, and topwater plugs for Stripers.
It’s important to pay attention to tides and water conditions when pier and shoreline fishing in Annapolis. A change in the tide often triggers feeding, and in shallow areas a high tide is usually the best time to fish. Choosing a location with good structure, such as jetties or drop-offs, will also improve your chances of success.
Charter Fishing
If you came to Annapolis determined to catch big fish and have the most fun doing it, we recommend hiring one of the many local fishing charters. Professional anglers run these businesses, and you can count on them to know these waters like the back of their hand. Another perk is that you won’t have to worry whether you’re following the local regulations. These can be complicated if you’ve never been fishing here before.
And, let’s not forget the fact that fishing on a boat is probably the best way to explore the width and breadth of the Chesapeake Bay. You can find species like Cobia in the lower reaches of the bay, meaning the only way to get to them from here is by boat.
Top Fishing Spots in Annapolis
While the Chesapeake Bay is obviously the main destination for hordes of anglers year after year, we wanted to highlight some popular local spots you can check out while in Annapolis.
- Severn River. Entering the Chesapeake Bay right next to Annapolis, the Severn River is the obvious first choice for anyone looking to go on the water while staying close to the city center. To that end, we recommend checking out Truxtun Park in particular. It’s got a dock allowing you to fish from shore without hassle. You can also launch your own boat or kayak from there if you want. Jonas and Anne Catherine Green Park is another favorite of locals. An old bridge here was turned into a fishing pier with lots of space for anglers and a fish reef within casting distance.
- Upriver Creeks. If you have a boat or kayak and can head upriver of the Route 50 bridge, the many creeks, such as Saltworks, Clements, and Brewer, are excellent areas to target Pickerel and Perch. Come during the winter months when Pickerel become most active, and cast inline spinners and jerkbaits.
- Hacketts Bar. Located in the open Bay – a short run from the mouth of the Severn River – this oyster bar is a popular spot for bottom fishing. But keep your eyes out while cruising here, especially during fall. Schools of Rockfish can often be spotted breaking water on bait somewhere in the mouth of the river.
- Tolly Point. This is the southernmost point at the mouth of the Severn, creating a shoal that runs out into the bay. Currents swirl across the shoal, and that can attract anything from Stripers to Redfish.
- Sandy Point State Park. Although not in Annapolis itself, a 20-minute drive to the north puts you at Sandy Point. There’s a large beach with a surf fishing area and a jetty to cast from. In the spring, some very large Rockfish and Blue Catfish swim here. During the summer and fall, White Perch, Spot, Croaker, and smaller Stripers are all possibilities.
Fishing in Annapolis FAQs
Fishing in Annapolis: A Chesapeake Gem
As you can see, it’s pretty obvious that fishing in Annapolis doesn’t disappoint. This is important to note when we consider the high standards of Chesapeake Bay fishing. Excellent angling aside, it’s also a city filled to the brim with history. It’s a living memento of the American Revolution and more than worth your time and attention. If George Washington had time in his busy schedule to slot in a few hours of fishing here, we’re sure he had a blast.
What about you? Have you ever been fishing in Annapolis? Any catches you’d like to brag about? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
