Spring Season???

[Joe Walsh]

Any guesses on whether all the snow up North, will mess up Trophy season? I sure hope not, I missed last year... And am chomping at the bit...

[5th Tuition]

Joe; I don't think what's happening up north make much difference to the stock that's off lower Virginia and North Carolina.

I'd say that as we get closer to the time they should be moving up is of more importance. Cold temps made the migration later last year; the same may happen again this year unless we get warmer temps in March.
Heavy rainfall close to the start of the season really messes up trophy season Catching) with dirty water, but there is a theory that the rainfall helps the eggs hatch

Anyway; things are on hold for now
5th

[Skip]

Opening day is April 18th this year. IMHO - I think many Rock will still be heading up the bay around that date.

We might see a good start - then a little lag during spawn - then good catching again as they head out.

Trophy season should last into 2nd week of May - barring a huge warm up of water temps. It takes a lot of sunny ,warm days to heat up the spring bay water.

If we get decent amount of bait from Bay Bridge to Solomons area - there should be plenty of good fishing.

Good for fishermen but bad for overall big Rock population.

[Joe Walsh]

I was thinking melting snow pack would bring lots of mud, and de-icing chemicals, down through the Susquehanna.
Joe

[Skip]

Joe - that is tough to predict.

If the warm up is gradual - the snow should seep mostly into the ground and we will not see much run off.

IMHO - real worry is heavy storms in late March / April that cause Susky to flood.

Keep fingers crossed we only see light rains scattered out like every 3-4 days this spring.

If we do get muddy water - remember - the run off is fresh and often rides on top of the saltier bay water. Surface might be mud but down 10-20 can be much clearer.