When does prespawn start in Maryland?

[Buzzbaiter]

I’m sure it’s a long ways off, but I’m itching to start catching. In years past, I’ve always missed prespawn because I started too late (usually around the time they spawn). When does it start getting good in Central Maryland?

[fishwizzard]

Mid/late March is when it seems like I can start catching pond bass consistently, maybe another month for things to really pick up.  It's also sadly when my work starts picking up so I never get to take full advantage.  I will start "seriously" fishing creeks/small flows any week now, but things only seem to really kick off once we hit that awful period where the water is cold enough to call for waders but the air temps make the hike back to the car sweatier than I want. 

[Deleted account]

Oh, I know this one, It varies by the year, but late February into mid March is when it starts. March and April are usually the best months for true pre spawn fishing, and the biggest fish of the year are caught during this time. A fairly consistent occurrence around here is that temperatures will rise and then cool off again, these fluctuations can happen several times. Last year, I started seeing the beginnings of nest building in late February. This year will probably be somewhat later, but who knows for sure. Also keep in mind that smaller, shallower, dirtier water, specially those with dark bottoms heat up quicker, and the smaller ones, just like fish tanks are less stable, so a couple of days can have a greater effect on temperatures than on the larger waters. 

[Buzzbaiter]

4 hours ago, Deleted account said:

Oh, I know this one, It varies by the year, but late February into mid March is when it starts. March and April are usually the best months for true pre spawn fishing, and the biggest fish of the year are caught during this time. A fairly consistent occurrence around here is that temperatures will rise and then cool off again, these fluctuations can happen several times. Last year, I started seeing the beginnings of nest building in late February. This year will probably be somewhat later, but who knows for sure. Also keep in mind that smaller, shallower, dirtier water, specially those with dark bottoms heat up quicker, and the smaller ones, just like fish tanks are less stable, so a couple of days can have a greater effect on temperatures than on the larger waters. 

How is the inland perch fishing right now? From what I’ve read, perch spawn quite early, so I’m hoping to catch some prespawn/spawn perch out of the reservoirs. A healthy fish fry should get me through to March.

[fishwizzard]

22 minutes ago, Buzzbaiter said:

How is the inland perch fishing right now? From what I’ve read, perch spawn quite early, so I’m hoping to catch some prespawn/spawn perch out of the reservoirs. A healthy fish fry should get me through to March.

For me perch are predominantly a kayak species so I’ve never really looked into seeing how early I can catch them as I don’t like cold-water yaking. There’s a spot or two near me where I can fish for them from the bank/beach, I’ll give it a try once it warms up this week and see what’s happening. 

[Deleted account]

6 hours ago, Buzzbaiter said:

How is the inland perch fishing right now? From what I’ve read, perch spawn quite early, so I’m hoping to catch some prespawn/spawn perch out of the reservoirs. A healthy fish fry should get me through to March.

Yellow perch is just starting to get going, white perch are always available somewhere in MD. In the reservoirs, it's a bit later than in tidal water. 

[casts_by_fly]

Are you guys iced over in MD?  I’m about 100 miles north of the state line  (I’m 2/3 the way up NJ) and we have been iced solid for the past month or so now. 
 

last year for us ice came off mid March and as of the end of April our water temps were 49-50 still, even in the smallest, shallow lakes. Fish were still schooled deep with nothing up shallow at all.  I’d call it early prespawn maybe. Surprising that you’d be two months ahead for only 100 miles unless you’re down on the VA line.

[Bird]

58* water temps is peak pre-spawn for LM in the lakes I fish here in VA/WV.

Time of year may vary but I start consistently catching staged fish around the 58* mark.

[casts_by_fly]

20 minutes ago, Bird said:

58* water temps is peak pre-spawn for LM in the lakes I fish here in VA/WV.

Time of year may vary but I start consistently catching staged fish around the 58* mark.

same here for me. That’s reliably into may here.

[TOXIC]

1 hour ago, Bird said:

58* water temps is peak pre-spawn for LM in the lakes I fish here in VA/WV.

Time of year may vary but I start consistently catching staged fish around the 58* mark.

This is a good guide for most anywhere the water gets cold enough to freeze or close to it.  Moon phase and the dogwood trees have something to do with it ? but water temps can over rule most everything.  

[T.J.]

On 2/7/2022 at 11:55 AM, casts_by_fly said:

Are you guys iced over in MD?  I’m about 100 miles north of the state line  (I’m 2/3 the way up NJ) 

I’m in south jersey. Union lake is clear of ice as of today.  Sounds like there might be a derby there this Saturday.  Forecast is pushing 60* so even without a tournament, I’d bet there are 20 boats out Saturday. 

[casts_by_fly]

23 hours ago, T.J. said:

I’m in south jersey. Union lake is clear of ice as of today.  Sounds like there might be a derby there this Saturday.  Forecast is pushing 60* so even without a tournament, I’d bet there are 20 boats out Saturday. 

I’m between I80 and I78.  Guys have been ice fishing earlier this week so not much open water. I’m going out tomorrow and we’ll see what’s open. 
 

rick

[casts_by_fly]

On 2/10/2022 at 10:07 PM, T.J. said:

I’m in south jersey. Union lake is clear of ice as of today.  Sounds like there might be a derby there this Saturday.  Forecast is pushing 60* so even without a tournament, I’d bet there are 20 boats out Saturday. 

I ended up at round valley. Went to Merrill first and the ramp was frozen (rest of lake was open).  Spruce has inches of ice. RVR was clear but windy and cold. Probably 8 boats out and tons of people on shore. 36 degrees and 25’ visibility. I couldn’t be bothered so after 45 minutes or so I called it and made a break back to the ramp. I’ll wait for the ice to come off at some more preferred lakes. 

[T.J.]

4 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

I ended up at round valley. Went to Merrill first and the ramp was frozen (rest of lake was open).  Spruce has inches of ice. RVR was clear but windy and cold. Probably 8 boats out and tons of people on shore. 36 degrees and 25’ visibility. I couldn’t be bothered so after 45 minutes or so I called it and made a break back to the ramp. I’ll wait for the ice to come off at some more preferred lakes. 

I couldn’t get out today, other commitments. I did see results from Union lake derby. Some nice  bass were caught. Pickerel action was good down here today based on posts on Facebook. I don’t think there was enough ice for any ice fishing this year so far. I think it is rare around me anyway.  I’ve never tried it.  I have never  been to any of the lakes you mention (yet?). Hoping to travel north for a change this season. 

[casts_by_fly]

12 hours ago, T.J. said:

I couldn’t get out today, other commitments. I did see results from Union lake derby. Some nice  bass were caught. Pickerel action was good down here today based on posts on Facebook. I don’t think there was enough ice for any ice fishing this year so far. I think it is rare around me anyway.  I’ve never tried it.  I have never  been to any of the lakes you mention (yet?). Hoping to travel north for a change this season. 

let me know if you head up this way. Last year at the end of April the water was still 50 so I’d plan for after that at least.  July fished great and on through the year. 

[DruC]

Would any of you maryland kayak guys want to try the Shenandoah or the Rappahannock/ Rapidan river for some pre spawn bronzies this weekend or next?