The Department of Natural Resources reminds Maryland recreational anglers that targeting striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is prohibited from July 16 through July 31. This closure, now in its sixth season, is necessary to protect the species, because when water and air temperatures rise in the hottest part of summer, fish are more vulnerable to dying after being caught and released. While recent research has suggested that environmental factors, such as warm winters and low water flows are significant factors influencing spawning success, the summer closure of the recreational striped bass fishery is an important measure the department implemented to protect the resident stock of striped bass and decrease overall mortality in Chesapeake Bay. During the season, DNR issues the Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast, which indicates when conditions warrant a “red flag” advisory, days on which anglers are encouraged not to fish for striped bass after 10 a.m. due to excessive heat. Chesapeake Bay striped bass mortality distribution broken down by sector. In 2022, the distribution was 44% recreational harvest, 21% recreational dead discards, 31% commercial harvest, and 4% commercial dead discards. (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources) A midseason closure was introduced in 2020 and […]
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