As of October 20, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is offering some exciting fishing opportunities.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be moderate with partly cloudy skies and a high of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperatures in the Chesapeake Bay have cooled down to the lower 70s, making it an ideal time for fall fishing. Tides are predicted to be moderate, with the high tide at around 9:00 AM and low tide at 3:00 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset is at 6:15 PM, providing ample daylight for both morning and evening fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Striped bass, or rockfish, are actively taking topwater plugs in the upper Bay tributaries such as the Patapsco River and around the Key Bridge. The mouth of the Severn River has also seen breaking schools of striped bass, making it a hot spot for anglers.

In the upper Bay, smallmouth bass are biting well along rocky shorelines and near the Conowingo Dam, where they can be caught using lures like bucktails, jerkbaits, and jigs.

White perch are plentiful in the creeks and near shoreline structures, biting on small spinnerbaits, spin jigs, and bloodworms. Spot and croaker are also abundant, particularly in areas like the mouth of the Patuxent River and Tangier Sound, where bloodworms and peeler crab are effective baits.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, topwater poppers, Zara Spooks, and paddletails are very effective. In the upper Bay, half-ounce jigs and Z-Man paddletails are recommended, especially when fishing structure like rock jetties and old pilings.

For white perch, small spinnerbaits and chartreuse Perch Hounders near docks and riprap are working well. Bloodworms, lugworms, and Fishbites are also good for bottom fishing for perch, spot, and croaker.

### Hot Spots
- **Patapsco River**: Known for its topwater action during the morning hours and breaking schools of striped bass.
- **Key Bridge**: A good spot for live liners using spot and for topwater fishing around the structure.
- **Conowingo Dam**: Excellent for striped bass and smallmouth bass, especially when water is being released from the dam.
- **Mouth of the Severn River**: Active with breaking schools of striped bass.
- **Belvedere Shoal and Six and Seven Foot Knoll**: Great locations for bottom fishing for spot, perch, and croaker.