Easton, MD – According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, anglers along the Choptank River experienced robust fishing opportunities this week, particularly with the ongoing white perch spawning runs, as outlined in the department’s April 1, 2026, fishing report.
The report highlighted that the white perch have advanced significantly up the Choptank River and nearby Tuckahoe Creek, with larger female fish now joining the initial schools of smaller males. This movement signals the peak of the spawning season, providing exciting action for local fishers in the Easton area and surrounding Talbot County communities. Popular fishing spots included Denton and Greensboro along the Choptank River, as well as areas below Hillsboro on the Tuckahoe. Anglers reported success using small jig heads—ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 ounce—tipped with grass shrimp, lip-hooked minnows, or pieces of bloodworm, cast close to the bottom to target the schooling fish.
In addition to white perch, the Choptank River offered good prospects for blue catfish, especially from the Windy Hill area downstream to Denton. Fishers targeting perch in the Denton vicinity occasionally hooked smaller blue catfish measuring around 10 inches, which the report advised disposing of properly rather than releasing back into the water. For dedicated blue catfish angling, cut bait rigged on circle hooks proved most effective, capitalizing on the species’ aggressive feeding behavior during early spring.
These developments occur amid broader conditions in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay, where water temperatures in the middle Bay region, encompassing the Choptank River, hovered in the low to mid-50s Fahrenheit. Smaller rivers and streams, including tributaries like the Tuckahoe Creek, registered slightly warmer readings in the upper 50s, accelerating the migration of gamefish toward spawning grounds in low-salinity areas (0 to 2 parts per thousand). The forecast for April 1 through April 7 predicted average river flows and clarity, with above-average tidal currents due to the full moon on April 2, enhancing fishing dynamics.
The striped bass catch-and-release season remained active through April 30 across the Bay, including the middle Bay waters near the Choptank River. Anglers trolled steep channel edges using barbless bucktails dressed with sassy shads in chartreuse or white, limited to six lines without stinger hooks. Jigging with large soft plastic jigs also yielded results. The report emphasized careful handling of pre-spawn females to ensure quick revival and release, referencing DNR guidelines for best practices to minimize stress on the fish.
While the Choptank River tributaries were closed to striped bass harvest until May 1, the open Bay areas provided ample opportunities for catch-and-release. This season aligns with conservation efforts to protect spawning stocks, with regulations prohibiting eels as bait and requiring non-offset circle hooks for cut bait. Local fishers near Easton benefited from these measures, as the Choptank River‘s ecosystem supports vital spawning habitats.
Beyond the Choptank River, similar white perch runs were noted in other tidal rivers, but the report singled out the middle Bay for its prime conditions. Blue catfish populations thrived throughout tidal waters, with the Choptank noted for its strong numbers. The department urged circle hooks for catfish angling to promote ethical fishing.
Overall, the April 1 report painted a vibrant picture of spring fishing in the Choptank River region, encouraging Easton-area residents to participate while adhering to regulations. With trout stockings continuing statewide and crappie active in freshwater, the season promised diverse angling experiences. For those venturing out, monitoring water temperatures and clarity via DNR tools like Eyes on the Bay ensured safer, more productive outings.
The Chesapeake Bay‘s warming waters heralded an active period for conservation-minded fishing, with the Choptank River serving as a key hotspot for both recreational and ecological significance. For more information, visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources.