The only catadromous fish in the DMV, spawning in the Sargasso Sea before elvers migrate upstream into freshwater rivers to mature over 10-20 years. Highly prized as trophy striper bait.
Season
April – November
Where
Chesapeake Bay Tributaries, Susquehanna River, C&D Canal
Salinity band
Diadromous (Freshwater to Ocean Migration)
Status
Native Diadromous / Migratory Species
Record
MD Record: 6 lbs 4 oz
How we fish for them
Fish small nightcrawler segments or cut bait on #2 circle hooks directly on muddy creek bottoms at night.
Rod: MIDCHANNEL (RF1-70MF) 7'0" Medium Reel: FAIRLEAD 3000 • 15lb Braid + 20lb Mono
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Safe release: Wet hands or rubber net before handling to preserve protective slime layer.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026