Q.Inshore Migration Timing
When do striped bass arrive in the Chesapeake Bay?
A.
Striped bass arrive in the Chesapeake Bay in early-to-mid spring (March-April) for the spawn run, with the largest pre-spawn fish typically arriving first. They stage at the mouths of major spawning rivers (Potomac, Susquehanna, Choptank) before moving upriver as water temperatures hit the 50-58°F range.
The fall run begins in October as bass move south down the bay and out toward the ocean for winter. Trophy fish often hit lures in October-November as they fatten on bunker before migration. See migration calendar pages for striped bass timing across the entire range.