As of November 16, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is showing some promising signs for anglers despite the recent challenges.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather has finally taken a turn for the better, with cooler temperatures and some rain moving through the region. This change has seemed to invigorate the fish, making them more active. Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-50s and a low in the mid-40s. Sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide expected around 10:30 AM and low tide around 4:00 PM.

### Fish Activity
The striped bass bite, which had been sluggish in many areas, is starting to pick up. Anglers are reporting better action, especially during the last hour of daylight. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, decent striped bass action has been observed around the Bay Bridge on both the east and west sides[2][5].

### Catch Reports
Yesterday, trollers in the Potomac River did well, catching stripers up and down the ledges of oyster bars using single lures, tandems, and small umbrella rigs. Light tackle guide Chad Koenig reported a successful trip with nearly 75 fish caught over 45 minutes of drifting, using soft plastics and metal jigs[5].

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics like the four-inch Z-Man Diezel Minnowz and metal jigs are working well. Tandem rigs with five-inch shad baits and small umbrella rigs are also effective. For those targeting white perch, small metal jigs and dropping down Fishbites, live minnows, or grass shrimp can be very productive[1][3][5].

### Hot Spots
- The Bay Bridge is a hot spot, with both the east and west sides producing decent striped bass action.
- The Potomac River, particularly the channel edges from Colonial Beach down to Piney Point, is another good area for trollers.
- The Patapsco River, especially around the mouth and along shoreline structures like shipping docks and seawalls, has been holding fish[1][3][5].

Overall, the cooler weather and recent rain have improved fishing conditions, making it a good time to hit the water in the Chesapeake Bay. Be patient, as the bite windows can be limited, but the rewards are worth the effort.