Catfish

Blue Catfish Fishing in Maryland

The largest North American catfish, common in big Southern and Midwestern rivers and reservoirs. Trophy blues often come in winter on cut shad.

Waters: 1
State: Maryland
Water: Freshwater
Methods: Spin & Bait

Prime Months in Maryland: Jun, Aug to Nov

From the agency months on 1 Maryland water: Upper Chesapeake Bay.

Highlighted months are the best fishing; the other months are slower, not empty.

What to Use for Blue Catfish

Fishing In

Blue Catfish

Prime Now · Jun, Aug to Nov

Spin / Cast

7.5 to 8 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 5000 to 6500 levelwind reel, 30 to 50 lb line, 7/0 to 8/0 circle hooks.

Rod, Reel and Line

RodUgly Stik Catfish Casting Rod · 8 ft medium heavy, 15 to 30 lb, 2 pieceCheck Price
ReelAbu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Catfish Round Reel · 6500 (mono 320/12, 225/17; braid 310/30, 220/50)Check Price
LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 30 lbCheck Price

Tie On in November

Bait for November · Chunk or filletCut ShadFresh is best.
Bait for November · 1 to 3 inLive MinnowsLive shiners.
Bait for November · Whole, liveLive Shad and Herring

Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.

Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Also Worth Packing

Terminal Tackle

Gamakatsu Circle Hooks

Circle hooks designed to set in the corner of a fish's mouth, for fresh and saltwater bait fishing.

Check Price Maker's Page

Terminal Tackle

Egg Sinkers and Swivels

Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.

Check Price

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a Maryland fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Where to Catch Blue Catfish

1 of 1 waters

Saltwater & Coast · Maryland

Upper Chesapeake Bay

Part of Chesapeake Bay

The upper Chesapeake Bay runs from the lower Susquehanna River south to the Bay Bridge; Maryland DNR's weekly reports follow striped bass, white perch and blue catfish here, in the open Bay and its tidal rivers.

Blue Catfish: prime Jun, Aug to Nov

View Water