Best Times & Seasons to Fish Near Baltimore (Complete Guide)

Baltimore is not well-known for fishing but does offer some great coastal fishing opportunities for anglers. Knowing the best seasons and times of day to fish near Baltimore can make a huge difference for your fishing success.

The best time to fish near Baltimore for striped bass, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and cobia is from April through October. Flounder fishing is best from August until December in the bay.

Fish Species	Best Times to Fish near Baltimore
Rockfish (Striped Bass)	May through December is the hot season for stripers in the bay.
Spanish Mackerel	March through October is the peak season for Spanish mackerel near Baltimore.
Bluefish	May through October is the peak season for bluefish.
Cobia	June through August is the best window for fishing.
Flounder	August through December is the prime flounder season in the bay.

Baltimore is one of the most popular cities in Maryland. One of the reasons for its popularity is the fishing activities in the city. Many anglers choose Baltimore as a perfect place for their fishing and visit the city during its fishing seasons.

The fishing season in Baltimore starts from the spring to the fall season. You can catch several fish species during this fishing season, but the autumn season is your best chance to get quality fish. You should fish the waters of Baltimore from March through November to make a good catch.

Best Times to Fish Baltimore

Fishing is best done in Baltimore during the fishing season. The fishing season is the time of the year when fish species are most available, and it is also the time when fish are usually active and ready to bite.

The fishing season in Baltimore starts from the spring season and ends during autumn. You will find numerous fish species actively taking the bite, which is a factor needed by anglers. You can visit the waters of Baltimore from March through November to make a good catch.

Fishing during the right season in Baltimore is excellent, but fishing during the right time of the day is perfect. You have to know the appropriate time to catch your preferred fish species when fishing in Baltimore. And the best time to catch a fish is during its active times.

Most fish are active in the morning and evening, while lesser species are active in the afternoon. So, the best time to fish in Baltimore is morning or evening. Fishing Baltimore during this time will give you easy, interesting, and productive fishing operations.

Recommended Fishing Charters Near Baltimore

These Baltimore-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Type of Fishing Offered
Lucky Strike Charters (Deale, MD)	Inshore & Nearshore
PrimeTime Charters (Stevensville, MD)	Inshore
JadeLady Charters (Stevensville, MD)	Inshore
Biff Fishing Charters (Stevensville, MD)	Inshore
Chills Light Tackle Guide Service (Baltimore, MD)	Inshore & Nearshore

Baltimore Species Breakdown: Best Times

Baltimore houses varieties of fish species. And this is what calls anglers from different parts of the world to its waters. These fish species meet the taste of many anglers, which puts them on a quest to fish the waters of Baltimore.

Let’s check out the fish species you will find in Baltimore, their active times and season, and the location to catch them.

Striped Bass

Fishing striped bass is common in Baltimore, and the best time to catch them is during the mid to late spring season. You should visit the waters of Baltimore from April to May to make a good catch. You might probably make the largest striped bass catch of your lifetime in the waters of Baltimore during this season.

Fishing striped bass is quite easy and promising if you take note of necessary factors. The best time to fish the striped bass is early mornings and late evenings, and you should fish from dawn to about two hours from sunrise and about two hours before sunset till dusk. Fishing during this time will provide you with the best result.

Baltimore provides several places to fish the striped bass. One of the places in the Chesapeake Bay, where you can catch numerous striped bass and other fish species. The Chesapeake Bay provides the conditions and resources needed for the best striped bass fishing operations.

Flounder

Flounders are one of the numerous fish species anglers won’t hesitate to catch whenever they have the chance. To have the best chance against the flounders, you should target the spring to fall seasons. So, you can enjoy the best flounder fishing in Baltimore from March through November.

Catching flounders is best done during the early hours of the morning and late hours of the afternoon. You should target these times to enjoy your fishing activities in Baltimore. You can also extend your flounder fishing to the early hours of dusk to make a good catch.

There are several places to catch flounder in and around Baltimore. One of the best places to fish flounders is Baltimore Harbor. The Baltimore Harbor houses several fish species, including the flounder, and provides one of the best conditions for productive fishing.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerels are migratory fish, and you will find them around Baltimore during the late spring season. This is the best time for you to visit the waters and catch as many as you can. You should prepare your fishing gear, improve your fishing skills and tactics, and visit the waters from April to May to make a good catch.

Spanish mackerels can show up anytime during the day, giving anglers a good chance to catch them. However, making the best catch can be experienced during the early morning hours and late afternoon hours. Spanish mackerels are most active and always ready to bite during these times.

There are different places in and around Baltimore where you can put your fishing skills to test against Spanish mackerels. One of the best places in the Chesapeake Bay, where you can have Spanish mackerels to yourself. The Chesapeake Bay houses numerous mackerels, making fishing easier for anglers.

Bluefish

Fishing the bluefish is best done during the fall months. The fall provides the best conditions for the fish, making them active and heavily biting. You should visit the waters of Baltimore to catch your bluefish from September down to November. You can also extend the fishing into early winter to make your last catches for the year.

You can catch bluefish at any time, provided it is their fishing season. But the best time to approach these fish is during the early morning hours. You can also target the late hours of the evening to make a good catch of bluefish. Fish during dawn and dusk to get the best bluefish fishing result.

Bluefish are common, and you will find them at different places in and around Baltimore. One of the places you can find and fish them is the Chesapeake Bay. The bay gives you easy access to the fish, leaving you to put your fate on your fishing skills.

White Perch

Fishing the white perch is best done during the spring as it is their spawning season. You can also fish them during the mid to late autumn season. You should visit the waters of Baltimore from March through May or September through November to make a good catch.

White perch will mostly feed in the morning and evening, making it the best time to catch them. You should visit the waters of Baltimore during dawn and dusk to make a good catch of white perch. You can also fish them during the night and catch as many white perch as you want.

There are several places you can fish the white perch in Baltimore. One of the places is the snake reef, where you can catch different fish species alongside your white perch. You can also visit the Fort Carroll and Key Bridge of the Patapsco River.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Norfolk, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Best Time of the Day to Fish Baltimore

Fishing in Baltimore is best done in the morning, and you can enjoy your fishing operations during this time and get the best yield. Several fish species are active during the morning hours, ensuring you have something to catch when you set out on your fishing operation.

The tide is a highly essential factor to consider when fishing the waters of Baltimore. The tide can increase the success of your fishing operation, so you need to know the best tidal time to fish the waters.

The best time to fish the waters of Baltimore is during the slack tides. The slack tides occur between two to three hours before and after a low or high tide, and these tidal impacts affect the fish and make them more active.

The storms in Baltimore can be favorable to the fish and anglers. Fishing is best done after the storm. The storm increases the activeness of the fish in the waters, making them ready to take a bite. Fishing during this time will be highly productive as the fish are more liable to take the bait.

Fishing during winter is not a good option for you in Baltimore. However, you can make a good catch during the beginning of the winter season. But when the ice starts to thicken, fishing can be very frustrating. Yet, some anglers enjoy fishing and wading through the ice to make a good catch

Fishing at night is highly productive in Baltimore. You get access to varieties of fish species that are active and biting. Many anglers visit the waters of Baltimore at night to catch their preferred choice of fish species. You can also enjoy your fishing activities in Baltimore by fishing at night.

Shore fishing is also one of the most productive fishing practices in Baltimore. You can visit the shores of Baltimore to catch several fish species. Surf fishing can be highly productive only if you make good use of them.

Top 5 Fishing Spots in Baltimore

There are several places in and around Baltimore where you can catch as many fish species as you want. Here are some of these places;

• Chesapeake Bay: The Chesapeake Bay is one of the best fishing spots you will find around Baltimore. It houses varieties of fish species and gives one of the best conditions for successful fishing.
• Baltimore Harbor: There is no doubt that Baltimore Harbor is one of the best places to catch your preferred fish species. You can enjoy various fishing practices and give yourself a memorable fishing experience.
• Snake Reef: The Snake Reef is also one place to visit in Baltimore if you want to enjoy your fishing trip. You will find numerous fish species to catch at the reef. All you have to do is get your fishing gears ready and give the Snake Reef a visit.
• Patapsco River: You do not want to miss the fun of visiting the Patapsco River when fishing in Baltimore. You can create a memorable and adventurous fishing operation in the river by having one of the best catches.
• Magothy River: Fishing the Magothy River can be very productive. The river houses varieties of fish species for anglers. You can also visit the river’s waters to make good catches for the season.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape May, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Chesapeake Bay, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Virginia Beach, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Maryland, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Booking Charters in Baltimore

Booking charters is a common practice in Baltimore. Several anglers book their charter to enhance their fishing operations. Booking the right charter can help you ensure a highly productive fishing operation.

There are several charters in Baltimore, so you only have to book your preferred one and enjoy fishing.

Best Season to Go

As much as fishing requires some factors, booking charters also require some factors to consider. You have to consider the season before booking your charters in Baltimore. There are different seasons in the year, but the best season to book a charter is fishing.

As an angler, booking a charter is meant to enhance your fishing operations. And the only way to ensure this is to book the charter during the fishing season, and booking the charter during other seasons might bring lesser luck or fishing results.

The best time to book a charter in Baltimore is spring to fall. Booking your charters during this time gives you easy access to your preferred fish species, and you also get to record more fishing success when you book your charters anytime from March to November.

Booking your charters during this time also gives you the chance to experience the busiest season in Baltimore. Baltimore can be very busy when it comes to summer, but fish species and humans are in the high population. Fishing during this time can be fun-filled and highly productive.

Fishing in Baltimore can be more productive than you think. But to harness this to the fullest, you have to ensure your fish and book your charter during the appropriate season. You also have to know the best time of the day to fish.

Morning Vs. Afternoon

Knowing whether to book your charter in the morning or afternoon is quite easy when you know the best time to fish. Your charter should deal with your fishing operations, so whatever time you book, your charter should also be the best time for fishing.

We now know the best time to fish is during the active times of the fish you want to catch. So, booking a charter during this time can provide you with the result needed, and it will also provide you with a fun-filled and memorable fishing trip.

The best time to book a charter is in the morning, with more active fish to catch. Booking the charter during this time will provide you with access to varieties of fish species to catch. You can also book your charter during the afternoon hours, but you might record lesser success, especially if it is not the season for active fish in the afternoon.