UTERBlue catfish fishing in Maryland freshwater
In Maryland freshwater, blue catfish peak October–July and are around year-round, spawning in June–July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Tidal Potomac blues — invasive, and anglers are asked to keep them.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Blue catfish in Maryland freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeakTidal Potomac blues — invasive, and anglers are asked to keep them.
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawning
- JulySpawning
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish blue catfish near Tidal Potomac, Susquehanna Flats, Deep Creek Lake
The tidal Potomac's grass bass and invasive snakeheads and blue cats, tidal creek perch runs, the Susquehanna Flats, Deep Creek Lake in the mountains, and Gunpowder trout.
What to use for blue catfish
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 40–90°F water, best at 55–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blue catfish in Maryland freshwater?
Peak season is October–July, with fish spawning in June–July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Blue catfish are here year-round. April: Tidal Potomac blues — invasive, and anglers are asked to keep them.
Where do blue catfish hold in Maryland freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around Tidal Potomac, Susquehanna Flats, Deep Creek Lake, Patuxent River, Gunpowder River, Choptank River.
What is the best bait for blue catfish in Maryland freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for blue catfish in Maryland freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/regulations/index.aspx before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/licensing.aspx.
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All about blue catfish · Maryland fresh water, the whole year