For October 17th, 2024, the fishing scene on the Charles River in Boston is looking promising, despite some challenging tidal conditions.

First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, the tidal coefficient is relatively low, with a value of 49, dropping to 44 by noon and ending the day at 39. This means the tidal range will be lower than usual, resulting in smaller currents. The high tide is at 11:25 AM with a height of 11.8 feet, and the low tide is at 5:14 AM with a height of -1.0 feet.

Sunrise today is at 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at 5:58 PM, providing ample time for both morning and evening fishing sessions.

Fish activity in the Charles River has been steady, particularly for those targeting striped bass and chain pickerel. Yesterday, anglers reported catching striped bass in the mid-to-upper 20-inch range, especially in the early morning and late evening when the sun is not directly overhead. Chain pickerel are also active and can be caught throughout the day.

Given the current conditions, soft-plastic baits such as creature baits, crayfish imitations, and ribbontail worms on a weighted hook are highly effective for striped bass. For those preferring topwater baits, evenings near shoreline structures are ideal for largemouth bass. Dark-colored jigs work well along the many bridges and pilings, while spoons and weighted crankbaits are better in deeper waters.

Hot spots to consider include the wider waters of the Lower Basin, especially around the bridge pilings which provide shade and ambush points for feeding fish. The areas near underwater holes and ledges, where depths can change abruptly, are also worth exploring.

In summary, today's low tidal coefficients and the cooler October weather make for a good day to hit the Charles River. Focus on early morning and late evening sessions, and don't hesitate to try out those soft-plastic baits or topwater lures in the right spots. Good luck out there