Where to Fish for Blue Catfish Today

Invasive apex predator, now abundant throughout the tidal Potomac, Patuxent, and Nanticoke. MDDNR actively encourages harvest. Caught on cut bait (bunker, white perch, gizzard shad) fished on bottom. 50+ lb fish are routine on the Potomac.

Preferred conditions

Water temp: 55–85°F (ideal 72°F)
Tide: either
Moon: either
Depth: 10–60 ft
Active months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Best blue catfish conditions today

Sort Open harvest only

What anglers are reporting about blue catfish

From the Maryland DNR weekly fishing report, published May 27, 2026 · 15 days old — a newer report may be available.

Upper Chesapeake Bay

The weekend rain brought about some increased flows at the Conowingo Dam this week and anglers are fishing at the dam pool for blue and flathead catfish with good results. The blue catfish action mixed with channel catfish continues down the Susquehanna and out into the upper Bay. All the region’s tidal rivers also hold populations of blue and channel catfish. Overcast conditions often make for excellent fishing for striped bass, which anglers are reporting this week. Casting paddletails and soft plastic jigs near structure and jigging along channel edges is a very popular way to fish and obtain good results.

Species mentioned: blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, striped bass

Excerpts are anecdotal and reflect a single week's observations from DNR biologists and reporting anglers — not predictions. Use as one signal among many; verify against current conditions before planning a trip.

Regulations by jurisdiction

Maryland (tidal)

Stale: last verified 51 days ago.

tidal bay

Creel: 0

Invasive species in Maryland tidal waters. No minimum size, no creel limit, open year-round. MDDNR encourages anglers to harvest rather than release. Not listed in the Chesapeake Bay seasons/sizes/limits table because no restrictions apply.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Virginia (tidal — VMRC)

Stale: last verified 51 days ago.

tidal bay

Creel: 20

Virginia tidal rivers (James, York, Rappahannock, and their tributaries below the fall line) and inland Lake Gaston / Kerr Reservoir: effectively unlimited harvest of fish under 32 inches, BUT only 1 fish per day over 32 inches (trophy-size retention cap to preserve the big-fish fishery despite the invasive status). The general freshwater creel (20/day) applies above the fall line. VA has been actively reconsidering the 32-inch cap — a 2025 bill proposed removing it — so re-verify before relying on this for a trophy-size retention claim.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Potomac main stem (PRFC)

Stale: last verified 51 days ago.

tidal potomac

Creel: no daily limit

Potomac River main stem (PRFC): invasive, no size limit, no daily creel limit, open year-round. PRFC, MDDNR, and VDWR all encourage harvest on the Potomac. The tidal Potomac produces 50+ lb fish routinely; it's a destination trophy fishery.

Source · verified 2026-04-22