If you're planning to hit the Charles River in Boston today, November 16, 2024, here's what you need to know for a successful day of fishing.

First off, let's look at the tidal and weather conditions. The high tide is expected around 10:30 AM, and the low tide will be at 4:30 PM. The weather forecast is partly cloudy with mild temperatures, around 58°F, and a gentle breeze out of the northwest. Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 5:43 PM, giving you ample time for both morning and evening fishing sessions.

Fish activity in the Charles River remains strong, especially for striped bass and bluefish. These species are still active, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours when the water is cooler. Yesterday saw a good number of stripers caught, ranging from 12 to 25 inches, with some larger fish also reported. Largemouth bass were also plentiful, with catches ranging from 10 to 15 inches, often found near shoreline structures and in the lagoons.

For striped bass, soft-plastic baits such as creature baits, crayfish imitations, and ribbontail worms on weighted hooks were effective. Topwater baits worked well for largemouth bass near shoreline structures in the evenings. Bright-colored shallow-diving crankbaits and spinnerbaits were successful near downed trees, while dark-colored jigs performed better along the bridges and pilings. For deeper waters, spoons and weighted or lipless crankbaits were more effective.

If you're looking for hot spots, the lower basin of the Charles River is a great place to start, particularly around the bridge pilings which provide shade and ambush points for feeding fish. Another hot spot is the lagoons and areas with overhanging branches, where largemouth bass tend to gather.

Overall, the Charles River is offering a good mix of fish species and favorable conditions for a productive day of fishing. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before you head out.