The website for the Chesapeake Conservancy and the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay office, www.FindYourChesapeake.com, includes a section devoted to virtual trips, tours, and other online experiences for those who are self-isolating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource is amazing for those who are looking to explore new water and fishing opportunities. Fish & Hunt Maryland picked five river tours from their offerings that are great summer fishing destinations:

The Patuxent River 

The Northern area of the river is mostly gravel with some sand and clay– and a few areas with the standard mountain stream boulders. You won’t be doing a lot of boulder hopping on this river; it’s more walking through ankle-deep water or along the gravelly sides of the bank. These areas support predominantly bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, black and white crappie, pickerel, shad, chub, carp and yellow perch. Closer to the bay, as the water salinity rises, the diversity in fish drops. Anglers can find white perch, catfish, shad, and even a lost rockfish throughout the summer months.

Patapsco River

The Patapsco empties out into the Baltimore Harbor and flows into the Chesapeake Bay, but it has about 30 miles of access points as you head west. A variety of species can be found throughout the Patapsco River. While conventional tackle is mostly used on this river, it would not be unusual for a fly angler fishing with a bead head nymph to catch trout, smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, or rock bass during a day of fishing throughout the summer months. The Patapsco River, with its many angling opportunities, definitely deserves a place on your list of freshwater fishing hotspots. 

Elk River

Elk River is a stream located just a few miles from Elkton, in Cecil County, MD. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including bull trout, smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout and whitefish here. Whether you’re spinning, fly fishing or baitcasting your chances of getting a bite here are good. Be sure to grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Elk River. Anglers should try inline spinners and simple tactics to find what the fish are biting on. Most find luck with nymph flies and so forth.

Susquehanna Flats 

With the summer months creeping up, the countdown is on for summer 2020 fishing. But you’re missing out if you don’t head to the tidal creeks or another honey hole at least once in coming weeks. Susquehanna State Park has direct access to the Susquehanna River where anglers can improve their skills while catching striped bass as well as large and smallmouth bass. The annual shad and herring runs in early spring are an awesome sight. Perch, catfish and carp are also in abundance Ultra light tackle and five-and six-weight fly gear are perfect. Spinners, fly under bobbers and grass shrimp with shad darts all catch.

Northeast River 

Throughout the summer, the fish start to suspend in the river and can be caught on silver buddies, jerkbaits, tubes and smaller swimbaits. As grasses emerge, the entire Upper Bay, north of Aberdeen, both Eastern Shore and Western Shore get extremely hot. Large numbers of fish are common, and increasing every year. Mid-summer as the heat burns up, the grass is ridiculously thick and matted, so slow down, and fish the edges or use punching rigs to get under the grass matts.

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has compiled a FAQ list per Governor Hogan’s policy during the current shelter in place order. If you have questions, please check this site for the most up-to-date information from the Governor’s Office.

 Be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ fishing season calendar before heading out. You can also see regulations for hunting, and you can purchase your Maryland Fishing License online, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

 Need additional inspiration? Check out Fish & Hunt Maryland’s latest articles written by fellow sportsmen and local partners.

When it’s time to travel again and your’re ready to plan your next trip, check out the Plan Your Trip section of our website to find lodging options, fishing charters and guides, and outdoor retailers.