I spoke monday (4-6) with a University of Maryland researcher who works with the state DNR to monitor and survey the striped bass spawning run in Chesapeake Bay tributaries. He told me that the first surge of spawning fish occurred last week with several
50+ cows among the spawners. Cool weather the last few days may have curtailed spawning temporarily, but this is certain to be an early spawn this year. Bay temperatures are now in the 50-55 degree range with ocean temps (Ocean City, MD) about 50. Hick
ory shad are running in Bay tribs 2 weeks ahead of normal schedule. My guess is that the first post-spawn cows should be heading through New Jersey within a week or so and arriving in Southern New England soon after that. The recent cooler weather may m
ake for a more drawn out spawn, but there should be at least a few big fish to chase from NJ to the south side within the next week to week and a half. If I were back up in CT or MA I'd start checking out big fish haunts pretty soon.
Regards,
Eric Lund
-- stuck in Baltimore; realm of the 12 inch striper...