Panfish
White Perch Fishing in Maryland
A small, schooling relative of the striped bass found in Atlantic coast estuaries from Nova Scotia to South Carolina and in many inland lakes. Catches peak during the spring spawning run and again from September through November.
- Waters
- 3
- State
- Maryland
- Water
- Fresh & Salt
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Prime Months in Maryland: May to Jun, Aug
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F
M
A
M
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J
A
S
O
N
D
From the agency months on 3 Maryland waters: Lower Chesapeake Bay, Middle Chesapeake Bay, Upper Chesapeake Bay.
Highlighted months are the best fishing; the other months are slower, not empty.
What to Use for White Perch
Fishing In
White Perch
Prime: May to Jun, Aug
No fly setup listed for white perch; see Spin / Cast.
Spin / Cast
6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 4 to 6 lb line with a two-hook bottom rig and bloodworm or grass shrimp, or a small spinner.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodUgly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod · 5 ft ultralight, 2 to 6 lb, 1 pieceCheck Price
- ReelPflueger Trion Spinning Reel · size 20Check Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 4 or 6 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.
- Lure for October · 1/16 to 1/4 ozInline SpinnerAlong shoreline structure.See Options
- Bait for October · 1 to 3 inLive Minnows
- Bait for October · Whole or piecesBloodworms and SandwormsPieces on a bottom rig.
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.
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.
Where to Catch White Perch
3 of 3 waters