Three Things to Know Right Now
Striped Bass Migration : Tracking the 2026 "Northern Push"
The run is active in the Chesapeake Bay area. However, the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers in Virginia and Maryland have fish moving through them right now on a catch and release basis. New Jersey back bays are showing early fish. The Hudson River and all New England tidal rivers are 3 to 7 weeks away.
Can I keep a striped bass I catch in a tidal river right now?
It depends on your state and where you are fishing. Harvest rules for tidal rivers vary by state and by specific waterbody. The general limit across most states is one fish per person per day, but slot sizes differ significantly depending on where you fish. The specific slot for each state is detailed in the state sections below.
Spring Run Timing : Navigating the 2026 "Delayed Start" Phenomenon
A long, cold winter has pushed the 2026 migration back by nearly two weeks.
Striped bass move earlier when the water is warmer and later when it is colder. Expect the 2026 run to be 1 to 2 weeks behind a normal year.
This delay creates a "compression event" where the fish will move twice as fast once the water warms. You need a different gear strategy for a fast-moving run than you do for a slow one.
Why Knowing the Water Temperature Before You Drive to the River Saves You From a Fishless Trip — and the Four Numbers That Tell You Everything
Striped bass do not follow a calendar. They follow water temperature. Understanding the four key temperature thresholds will tell you more about where the fish are and what they are doing than any other piece of information.
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Below 45°F the fish are resting and feeding very little. From 45 to 50°F they start eating aggressively and you can catch them but they are not yet moving into spawning rivers in large numbers. From 50 to 54°F the big push happens — large fish stage at river mouths and start moving upstream fast. From 54 to 68°F the fish are spawning. This is when the biggest females concentrate in the rivers, and it is also when most states have their strictest rules.
As of the week of March 22, 2026, every tidal river from Delaware Bay north is below 48°F. The Potomac and Rappahannock are approaching 50°F. A warm week with overnight lows staying above freezing can raise a shallow tidal river by 3 to 5 degrees quickly. That is when everything changes. Check water temperatures weekly at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov or weather.gov/marfc.
The Big Female Advantage : Protecting the Future of the Ecology
Large female striped bass are the most important fish in the river.
Master the Biology. Protect the Ecology." When you understand how a 40-inch female contributes to the river’s health, you realize why the right gear—and a quick release—is the most important part of the "Science of the Strike.
Harvest rules for tidal rivers vary by state and by specific waterbody. The general limit across most states is one fish per person per day, but slot sizes differ significantly depending on where you fish. The specific slot for each state is detailed in the state sections below.
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The reason large fish are protected is not arbitrary. A 2024 study confirmed that larger, older female striped bass produce far more eggs per pound of body weight than smaller fish. A single large female can produce more eggs than dozens of smaller ones combined. By protecting fish over 31 inches we protect the future of the fishery itself.
The rules also require inline circle hooks whenever you use natural bait like bunker, worms, or eels. Circle hooks almost always catch the corner of the mouth instead of deep inside the fish, which means fish that are released have a much better chance of surviving. This rule applies in every state covered in this guide. It does not apply to artificial lures.
South to North — River by River Run Timing
The table below shows where each major tidal river system is right now, what the water temperature is, and when the best fishing window is expected. Water temperatures are updated weekly. Status reflects conditions as of the week of May 6, 2026.
| River or Area | State | Water Temp (May 6, 2026) | Best Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| James River | Virginia | 66.9°F | Late March – mid June |
| Rappahannock River | Virginia | 67.5°F | Late March – mid June |
| Potomac River | Virginia and Maryland | 64.4°F | Late March – mid June |
| Susquehanna Flats | Maryland | 61.5°F | April – mid June |
| Delaware Bay | Port of Philadelphia | 64.6°F | April – mid June |
| Hudson River | Coxsackie, New York | 58.6°F | Mid April – June |
| Connecticut tidal rivers | North Stratford, Connecticut | 48.7°F | End April – June |
| Narragansett Bay | Newport, Rhode Island | 48.9°F | Mid May – June |
| Cape Cod | Woods Hole, Massachusetts (8447930: - NOAA Tides & Currents ) | 53.1°F | Mid May – June |
| Merrimack | Salisbury, MA - USGS-011008745 | 45.5°F | Late May – June |
When Is Striped Bass Season in Virginia Tidal Rivers?
Virginia Tidal River Striped Bass Regulations 2026
The key tidal rivers in Virginia are the James River (up to Richmond), the Rappahannock, the Pamunkey, the Mattaponi, and the York River. Virginia allows catch and release fishing in its tidal rivers year-round, but harvest does not open until May 16.
The defined spawning reaches go to a full no-fishing closure May 1 through May 15. Check the run timing table above for current water temperatures and fish locations. These are tidal river rules only — ocean and surf fishing follows completely separate regulations.
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January through April 30 is catch and release only in all Virginia tidal rivers. You can fish and target striped bass freely during this window — every fish must be released immediately. No harvest at all. Circle hooks are required when using natural bait such as bunker, worms, or eels.
May 1 through May 15 the defined spawning reaches are fully closed to all fishing — not even catch and release is permitted. Closed waters include the James River above Dancing Point, the Rappahannock above Tappahannock (Route 360 bridge) upstream to the Route 1 Falmouth bridge, and the Pamunkey and Mattaponi above West Point (Route 33). All other Virginia tidal rivers remain open for catch and release during this period.
May 16 through December 31 harvest is open. One fish per person per day. Confirm the current slot size at mrc.virginia.gov before fishing — Virginia's tidal river slot may differ from the coastwide ocean slot and can be updated mid-season.
One important note that applies all year: these rules cover tidal rivers only. Ocean fishing, surf fishing, and party boat fishing in Virginia follow completely separate regulations. Do not use this guide for ocean or surf fishing.
Official regulations are set by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Always verify current rules before you fish at mrc.virginia.gov. Regulations can change by emergency order at any time. The information on this page was accurate as of March 22, 2026. We are not responsible for regulatory changes made after this date. Validate this information at mrc.virginia.gov before every trip.
When Can You Fish for Striped Bass on the Tidal Potomac River?
Tidal Potomac River Striped Bass Regulations 2026 — PRFC Rules
The tidal Potomac River main stem — from Washington DC to the Chesapeake Bay mouth — is managed by its own joint commission called the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC), completely independent of both Maryland and Virginia. The main stem is catch and release only from January through May 14, with harvest opening May 15.
One of the most misunderstood facts on this river is that tributaries flowing into the Potomac are not covered by PRFC rules — Maryland shore tributaries follow Maryland DNR rules and Virginia shore tributaries follow VMRC rules. Check the run timing table above for current water temperatures and fish locations. These are tidal river rules only — ocean and surf fishing follows completely separate regulations.
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January through May 14 is catch and release only on the entire Potomac main stem. You can fish freely during this window — no harvest at all. No live eel is allowed on the Potomac River at any time of year. Inline circle hooks are required with natural bait.
May 15 through July 6 harvest is open on the main stem below the Route 301 bridge. One fish per person per day. Confirm the exact slot size at prfc.us before fishing — the PRFC sets its own size limit independently of both Maryland and Virginia.
July 7 through October 17 is catch and release only on the main stem. No harvest during the summer heat period. Warm water temperatures during this window make released fish much less likely to survive if stressed, and the PRFC closes harvest to protect the fishery.
October 18 through December 31 harvest reopens on the main stem. One fish per person per day through the end of the year. Confirm current slot size at prfc.us.
One critical fact that every Potomac angler must know: any creek or smaller river that flows into the Potomac is not governed by the PRFC. Maryland shore tributaries follow Maryland DNR rules, which includes a full closure of spawning tributaries March 1 through May 31. Virginia shore tributaries follow VMRC rules. Always check the correct state agency for any tributary you plan to fish — not just prfc.us.
Official regulations are set by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. Always verify current rules before you fish at prfc.us. PRFC rules are set independently and can change mid-season without notice. The information on this page was accurate as of March 22, 2026. We are not responsible for regulatory changes made after this date. Validate this information at prfc.us before every trip.
When Is Striped Bass Season in Maryland Tidal Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay?
Maryland Tidal River and Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Regulations 2026
The key tidal rivers in Maryland are the Patuxent, Choptank, Chester, Gunpowder, Sassafras, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and the Susquehanna Flats area. Maryland has the most complex tidal river rules on the coast — two different calendars depending on where you fish. The Bay main stem is catch and release only through May 15, with harvest opening May 16.
Spawning tributaries are fully closed to all fishing from March 1 through May 31. All Maryland tidal waters are fully closed in August — no fishing, no catch and release. Check the run timing table above for current water temperatures and fish locations. These are tidal river rules only — ocean and surf fishing follows completely separate regulations.
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January through April on the Bay main stem is catch and release only. New for 2026: April is now catch and release on the Bay main stem — not a full closure as it was in 2024 and 2025. This is a meaningful change that gives anglers more spring access. You can fish and target stripers on the main stem in April — every fish must be released.
January through February on spawning tributaries is catch and release only. March 1 through May 31 all designated spawning tributaries are fully closed to any striped bass fishing — no fishing at all, including catch and release. This includes the Patuxent, Choptank, Chester, Gunpowder, Sassafras, Nanticoke, and Wicomico rivers, plus many smaller tributaries. Check dnr.maryland.gov for the exact list and maps of which tributaries are designated spawning areas before you go.
May 16 through July 31 and September through November harvest is open on the Bay main stem and most tidal tributaries. One fish per person per day. The in-Bay slot size is 19 to 24 inches — this is different from the coastwide ocean slot. No eels are allowed as bait from December 11 through May 15. No gaffing — fish must be landed with a net or lip grip.
All of August is fully closed statewide — no fishing of any kind, no catch and release, anywhere in Maryland tidal waters. This is a new rule for 2026 replacing the old two-week late July closure. Summer water temperatures make released striped bass much less likely to survive. Plan your trips around this closure.
December 6 through 31 is catch and release only on all Maryland waters. No harvest in late December.
The Susquehanna Flats area follows its own special schedule within Maryland rules. It is open for catch and release now through April 1, then fully closed April 1 through April 30, then catch and release again May 1 through May 15, then harvest opens May 16. The boundary runs from the Lapidum boat ramp to Twin Rocks to Tomes Wharf.
Official regulations are set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Always verify current rules before you fish at dnr.maryland.gov.
Maryland's 2026 rules changed significantly from 2025 and emergency closures can be issued at any time. The information on this page was accurate as of March 22, 2026. We are not responsible for regulatory changes made after this date. Validate this information at dnr.maryland.gov before every trip.
When Is Striped Bass Season in Delaware Tidal Rivers?
Delaware Tidal River Striped Bass Regulations 2026
The key tidal waters in Delaware are the Delaware River, the Nanticoke River, the C&D Canal, and Delaware Bay tributaries. Most Delaware tidal waters are open for harvest from January through March and again from June through December.
Spawning areas shift to catch and release only April 1 through May 31, and the Delaware River section between Trenton and the Salem River goes to a full no-fishing closure during that same window. Summer brings a special reduced slot on Delaware Bay waters from July 1 through August 31. Check the run timing table above for current water temperatures and fish locations. These are tidal river rules only — ocean and surf fishing follows completely separate regulations.
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January through March all Delaware tidal waters are open for harvest. One fish per person per day, 28 to 31 inch slot. Inline circle hooks are required with natural bait in all Delaware tidal waters.
April 1 through May 31 the Delaware River from Trenton south to the Salem River is fully closed — no fishing at all, not even catch and release. This section is open March 1 through March 31 and June 1 through December 31 only. New Jersey anglers fishing the NJ bank of this section during April and May cannot possess striped bass even if fishing from the shore. The Nanticoke River and its tributaries and the C&D Canal shift to catch and release only during April and May — you can fish and target stripers on these waters, just no keeping fish.
June 1 onward harvest opens on all Delaware tidal waters. One fish per person per day, 28 to 31 inch slot. Important exception: Delaware Bay and the Delaware River from July 1 through August 31 use a reduced slot of 20 to 24 inches — not the standard 28 to 31 inches. A 29 inch fish that is legal in June becomes illegal on the Bay in July. Know which slot applies before you keep a fish.
When fishing from a boat you must follow the regulations of the state in which you land the fish. This matters when fishing near the Maryland or New Jersey borders.
Official regulations are set by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Always verify current rules before you fish at dnrec.delaware.gov. Regulations may be amended by emergency order at any time. The information on this page was accurate as of March 22, 2026. We are not responsible for regulatory changes made after this date. Validate this information at dnrec.delaware.gov before every trip.
When Is Striped Bass Season in New Jersey Tidal Rivers and Back Bays?
New Jersey Tidal River and Back Bay Striped Bass Regulations 2026
The key tidal waters in New Jersey are Raritan Bay, Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, the Mullica River, the Manasquan River, and the Delaware River along the NJ shore. Back bays and tidal rivers are open for harvest from January through March and again from June through December.
The Delaware River section from Trenton to the Salem River closes completely April 1 through May 31 — no fishing at all during that window. All tidal bay spawning areas are catch and release only April 1 through May 31.
A free NJ Saltwater Fishing Registry is required before your first trip — register at njfishandwildlife.com. Check the run timing table above for current water temperatures and fish locations. These are tidal river and bay rules only — NJ ocean and surf fishing follows completely separate regulations.
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January through March and June through December tidal back bays and marine tidal waters are open for harvest. One fish per person per day, 28 to 31 inch slot. Summer exception: Delaware Bay and the Delaware River from July 1 through August 31 use a reduced slot of 20 to 24 inches only — not the standard 28 to 31 inches.
April 1 through May 31 all tidal bay spawning areas are catch and release only. You can still fish and target stripers in back bays and tidal rivers during this window — just no keeping fish. Check njfishandwildlife.com for the exact spawning ground closure maps to know which specific areas are affected.
April 1 through May 31 the Delaware River from Trenton south to the Salem River is fully closed — no fishing at all, not even catch and release. Open March 1 through March 31 and June 1 through December 31 only. NJ anglers fishing the New Jersey shore of this section cannot possess striped bass in April or May even if Pennsylvania regulations allow fishing from the opposite bank.
A free New Jersey Saltwater Fishing Registry is required before your first saltwater fishing trip of the year. Register at njfishandwildlife.com — it takes a few minutes online. Inline circle hooks are required when fishing with natural bait in all NJ tidal and marine waters.
Official regulations are set by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Always verify current rules before you fish at njfishandwildlife.com. These rules apply to tidal rivers and bays only — not to ocean or surf fishing. The information on this page was accurate as of March 22, 2026. We are not responsible for regulatory changes made after this date. Validate this information at njfishandwildlife.com before every trip.
When Is Striped Bass Season on the Hudson River?
New York Hudson River Striped Bass Regulations 2026
The key tidal waters in New York are the Hudson River above the George Washington Bridge, the Catskill Creek, the Rondout Creek, and the Esopus Creek tidal section. Long Island Sound tidal rivers follow a separate schedule.
The Hudson River is closed January through March and opens April 1 for harvest through November 30. The most important fact every angler must know: the Hudson uses a 23 to 28 inch slot — not the 28 to 31 inch ocean slot. A 30 inch fish that is perfectly legal in the ocean is a violation on the Hudson.
Check the run timing table above for current water temperatures and fish locations. These are tidal river rules only — ocean and surf fishing follows completely separate regulations.
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January 1 through March 31 the Hudson River is fully closed — no striped bass fishing anywhere in the tidal Hudson above the George Washington Bridge, no catch and release, no targeting at all. The season opens April 1.
April 1 through November 30 harvest is open on the Hudson River. One fish per person per day. The slot size on the Hudson is 23 to 28 inches only — this is not the same as the coastwide ocean slot of 28 to 31 inches. The Hudson uses a smaller slot to protect the largest spawning females that are unique to this river system. A fish over 28 inches that is legal in the ocean is illegal on the Hudson. Know the slot before you keep a fish. Special gear rules apply on the Hudson: inline circle hooks are required with natural bait, no stinger or trailing hooks of any kind, barbless hooks are required when trolling, and a maximum of 6 lines are permitted while trolling.
Long Island Sound tidal rivers and back bays follow the New York marine schedule — one fish per day, 28 to 31 inch slot, open April 15 through December 15. Hudson River rules do not apply on Long Island Sound. If you fish both the Hudson and Long Island Sound in the same day, the slot sizes are different. Know which water you are on before you keep a fish.
Official regulations are set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Always verify current rules before you fish at dec.ny.gov. Hudson River and marine rules are entirely separate in New York — using the wrong slot size is a violation.
The information on this page was accurate as of March 22, 2026. We are not responsible for regulatory changes made after this date. Validate this information at dec.ny.gov before every trip.
When Is Striped Bass Season in New England Tidal Rivers?
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine Striped Bass Regulations 2026
The key tidal rivers in New England include the Connecticut River, the Housatonic tidal section, Narragansett Bay, the Providence River, the Merrimack River, the North River in Massachusetts, and the Penobscot and Saco rivers in Maine.
All five New England states keep tidal rivers open for harvest year-round with no seasonal closures — one fish per day, 28 to 31 inch slot everywhere. Maine has one major exception: the entire Kennebec River watershed is fully closed to all striped bass fishing.
Striped bass do not arrive in New England tidal rivers until May or June regardless of open season status — check the run timing table above for current water temperatures and fish locations. These are tidal river rules only — ocean and surf fishing follows completely separate regulations.
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Connecticut
Connecticut has no closed season. One fish per person per day, 28 to 31 inch slot in all tidal and marine waters year-round. Circle hooks are required with natural bait. Connecticut regulations apply to any striped bass in your possession while on Connecticut tidal waters — even if you caught the fish in another state's waters. Verify current rules at
Connecticut: portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has no closed season. One fish per person per day. Confirm the current minimum size at dem.ri.gov before fishing — Rhode Island regulations can differ slightly from the coastwide slot and should always be checked directly. Circle hooks are required with natural bait. The commercial striped bass season opens June 2, 2026. Verify current rules at
Rhode Island:
dem.ri.gov.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has no closed season. One fish per person per day, 28 to 31 inch slot year-round. Massachusetts requires inline circle hooks — meaning the point of the hook must face the shank directly with zero offset. Offset circle hooks are not legal in Massachusetts. This is stricter than most other states. No gaffing is allowed — a net or lip grip must be used to land fish. No spearfishing for striped bass. Verify current rules at mass.gov/marinefisheries.
Massachusetts: mass.gov/marinefisheries.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no closed season. One fish per person per day, 28 to 31 inch slot year-round. Hook and line only — no gaffing. Circle hooks required with natural bait. Verify current rules at wildlife.nh.gov.
New Hampshire:
wildlife.nh.gov.
Maine
Maine has no closed season for most tidal rivers. One fish per person per day, 28 to 31 inch slot, hook and line only, no gaffing. The one major exception is the Kennebec River — the entire Kennebec River watershed including all of its tributaries is fully closed to all striped bass fishing. This closure covers the entire watershed, not just the main stem. All other Maine tidal rivers including the Penobscot, Saco, Sheepscot, and Royal River are open year-round. Verify current rules at maine.gov/ifw.
Maine:
maine.gov/ifw.
Official regulations are set by each state's fisheries agency.
Always verify with your state's official agency before fishing. Regulations can change at any time by emergency order in any state. The information on this page was accurate as of March 22, 2026. We are not responsible for regulatory changes made after this date. Validate this information at the official state source before every trip.
Why "Motion Detection" Outperforms the Bottom Rig
Remember, often spring tidal river waters can be murky. A striper’s sense of feel, or motion detection, is its primary hunting tool in these conditions.
If your bait is pinned to the bottom in the mud, the vibrations don't spread. By using a drift rig to lift the bait, you create a vibration beacon that pulls fish from the opposite bank.
See our Page on Striped Bass Biology to Master the Science of the Strike
FAQ Spring Striped Bass Run 2026
FAQ Spring Striped Bass Run 2026
Striped bass start eating again when the water reaches about 45°F. They bite best between 48 and 54°F. They lay their eggs between 54 and 68°F. Research on the Roanoke River found that fish started swimming upstream to spawn exactly when the water hit 63 to 64°F. Once temperatures go above 68°F the spawn is finished and fish scatter back toward the ocean.
Big female striped bass make far more eggs than small ones. A 2024 study found that the biggest females produce more eggs for their body size than smaller fish — meaning one large fish removed from the population takes away far more reproductive potential than one small fish. The 28 to 31 inch slot protects the largest, most productive females while still allowing a harvest fishery on mid-sized fish.
A circle hook has a rounded tip that curves back toward the shank of the hook. When a fish swallows it and pulls away, the hook slides out and catches in the corner of the mouth instead of going deep inside the fish. This makes it much safer to release the fish alive. You must use a circle hook whenever you fish with natural bait like bunker, worms, or eels for striped bass. You do not need one for artificial lures. In Massachusetts the circle hook must be inline — meaning the tip is not bent to the side at all. Offset circle hooks are not legal in Massachusetts.
Tidal rivers are the rivers, bays, and estuaries where striped bass go to spawn each spring — places like the James River in Virginia, the Potomac, the Delaware, and the Hudson. Ocean fishing is everything else — the surf, nearshore waters, and offshore. The rules are completely different. Tidal rivers have spawning closures, catch and release periods, and in some cases special slot sizes like the Hudson River's 23 to 28 inch slot. The ocean generally follows a simpler coastwide rule. This guide covers tidal rivers only. If you are surf fishing or on a party boat, check your state's separate ocean regulations.
After laying their eggs in the rivers, adult striped bass swim back out to the ocean. They then move north along the coast, feeding as they go. By summer, some fish are as far north as Maine and Canada.
In fall they swim back south. By November most of the big fish are heading offshore to spend the winter in deeper, warmer ocean water. The fish that spawn in the Chesapeake Bay are the same fish that show up in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts later in the season.
The largest fish — the big females — move into rivers just before they lay their eggs, when the water is between 50 and 54°F.
In the Chesapeake Bay area that is usually late March to early April. On the Hudson River it is mid to late April. These fish must be released in most states during this window, but catching a large striped bass on a catch and release basis is still one of the best experiences in freshwater and tidal fishing.
Early morning and evening on a moving tide produce the most consistent action. Large swimbaits, big bucktails, and chunk bunker on circle hooks are the most effective presentations.
Not necessarily. Cold winters delay the timing of the run but do not reduce the quality of the fishing. Research on the Chesapeake Bay found that cold winters with high freshwater flow often lead to strong year classes of baby fish.
When the warm-up finally comes after a cold winter, fish that have been staging offshore push into rivers quickly and the bite can be very intense and concentrated. The key is watching the water temperature closely so you know exactly when the fish will arrive. That is what this guide is updated weekly to help you do.
The striped bass population has been under rebuilding measures since an ASMFC stock assessment found it was overfished. The one fish per day limit, the 28 to 31 inch slot, the protection of large females, the spawning closures, and the circle hook rules all exist because the science showed the population needed reduced harvest pressure to recover.
Long-term population health depends on these rules being followed consistently across all states. That is why every section of this guide links directly to the official state source — the rules exist for a reason and are worth knowing before every trip.
FISH ARE RUNNING RIGHT NOW
Spring Run
Understand the Spring Run on the East Coast and Get Your Season off to a Great Start!
Technique for Catch Stripers
Stripers are Running Now
Learn were to fish and how to catch stripers making their run up Tidal rivers. It is different than catching in the ocean.
Drift Rigs Are Perfect for Stripers
Drift Your Bait to Them
Once you understand how fish making their migratory run hold, and where, you will change how your catch them.
Resources and Further Reading:
Every biological and conservation claim in this guide is supported by peer-reviewed research. The citations below include direct links to each study via its DOI — a permanent identifier that takes you to the original journal article. If an article is behind a paywall, the author name and DOI are sufficient to request access through any public library.
REFERENCE 1:
Giuliano, A. (2023). Climate effects on the timing of Maryland Striped Bass spawning runs. Marine and Coastal Fisheries, 15(6). Supports: water temperature as primary migration cue; 3 days earlier per 1°C warming. doi.org/10.1002/mcf2.10274
REFERENCE 2:
Nack, C. C., Swaney, D. P., and Limburg, K. E. (2019). Historical and projected changes in spawning phenologies of American Shad and Striped Bass in the Hudson River Estuary. Marine and Coastal Fisheries, 11(3), 271–284. Supports: Hudson River projected to spawn 15 days earlier by 2090s. doi.org/10.1002/mcf2.10076
REFERENCE 3:
Goertler, P. A. L., et al. (2021). Striped bass migration timing driven by estuary outflow and sea surface temperature. Scientific Reports, 11, 378. Supports: water temperature as primary driver of migration timing. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80517-5
REFERENCE 4:
Carmichael, J. T., et al. (1998). Spawning migration of telemetered striped bass in the Roanoke River, North Carolina. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, 127(2), 286–297. Supports: upstream migration begins at 17–18°C. doi.org/10.1577/1548-8659(1998)127:0286
REFERENCE 5:
Brown, C. A., et al. (2024). Female age at maturity and fecundity in Atlantic Striped Bass. Marine and Coastal Fisheries, 16. Supports: large older females produce disproportionately more eggs per body weight. doi.org/10.1002/mcf2.10280
REFERENCE 6:
Secor, D. H. (2000). Spawning in the nick of time? Effect of adult demographics on spawning behaviour and recruitment in Chesapeake Bay striped bass. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 57(2), 403–411. Supports: age diversity in spawning stock stabilizes recruitment. doi.org/10.1006/jmsc.1999.0520
REFERENCE 7:
Fabrizio, M. C., Tuckey, T. D., and Musick, S. (2017). A Brief Guide to Striped Bass Ecology and Management in Chesapeake Bay. Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Supports: Chesapeake Bay as primary spawning nursery for Atlantic coast stock. doi.org/10.21220/V5NQ9X
REFERENCE 8:
Secor, D. H., and Houde, E. D. (1995). Temperature effects on the timing of striped bass egg production, larval viability, and recruitment potential in the Patuxent River. Estuaries and Coasts, 18(3), 470–484. Supports: egg production peaks coincide with rising temperatures. doi.org/10.2307/1352370
REFERENCE 9:
Uphoff, J. H. (2023). Perspective comes with time: Long-term egg and juvenile indices and Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass productivity. Marine and Coastal Fisheries, 15(5). Supports: cold winters and freshwater flow linked to strong year classes. doi.org/10.1002/mcf2.10248
REFERENCE 10:
Secor, D. H., et al. (2020). Multiple spawning run contingents and population consequences in migratory striped bass. PLOS ONE, 15(11), e0242797. Supports: two distinct Hudson River spawning contingents identified via acoustic biotelemetry. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242797
REFERENCE 11:
Wang, Y., et al. (2023). Spatial variability of striped bass spawning responses to climate change. Global Ecology and Conservation, 43, e02454. Supports: 44 years of Hudson River data showing earlier spawning onset; upper river more sensitive to warming. doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02454
REFERENCE 12:
Wang, Y., et al. (2025). Decadal-scale changes in fish spawning strategies: A case study of striped bass in the Hudson River. Ecological Indicators, 172, 113301. Supports: regime shifts in 1985 and 1998; narrowing of optimal spawning temperature window. doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113301
DISCLAIMER HEADING:
Important — Verify All Regulations Before You Fish
The fishing regulations on this page were accurate as of March 22, 2026. Striped bass regulations can change at any time by emergency order from state and federal fisheries management agencies. We update this page weekly during the spring season, but we cannot guarantee that every regulation reflected here is current at the moment you are reading it. This page is intended as an educational guide only and does not constitute legal fishing advice. Always verify the current regulations directly with your state's official fisheries agency before you fish. Links to all official state agency sources are provided in each state section above. We are not responsible for any fines, violations, or legal consequences resulting from reliance on the information on this page without independent verification.