Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Summer Rockfish Wraps Up, Solomons Heats Up

Summer Rockfish season closed on a high note. From July 25 through July 31, our boats stayed on the fish, and the action barely let up for a single trip. If you missed this final week, don’t worry—we have huge news about what’s coming next. Starting August 7, our saltier water adventures out of Solomons Island, MD kick off, and early reports point to one of the best late-summer runs in years.

This report covers the last week of summer Rockfish charters, the still-red-hot Blue Catfish bite out of Fort Washington, and everything you need to know to book your Solomons Island trip before the calendar fills. Let’s get into it.

How Did the Last Week of Summer Rockfish Fishing Go?

In a word: fantastic. Our captains put anglers on quick Striped Bass limits, then kept the rods bending with big catfish numbers all week long. Here’s the day-by-day rundown out of Pasadena, MD and Fort Washington, MD.

July 25 — Live Bait Stripers, Then a Catfish Blitz

We started with very good live bait Striper fishing, then switched over and started whacking the Channel Cats and Blue Cats. Out of Pasadena, the live bait action was crazy good, followed up by strong Blue and Channel Catfishing. Meanwhile, the Blue Catfish were popping out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD.

July 26 — Excellent Blue Catfish Bite

The Blue Catfish stayed active out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington. It was another excellent bite, with the fish chewing hard from the first drop.

July 28–29 — 48 Cats After a Quick Striper Limit

We banged on them these two days! Great fishing all around, with 48 catfish landed after a quick limit of Stripers out of Pasadena, MD. That’s the beauty of a combo trip—limit out on Rockfish fast, then keep everyone reeling with hard-fighting cats.

July 31 — An Incredible Final Morning

We wrapped up the season with an incredibly good last morning of summer Rockfishing out of Pasadena, MD. What a way to close out the summer striper window.

The takeaway: Every trip this final week produced action, whether the target was Rockfish or Blue Catfish. Summer Rockfish season went out swinging.

Is the Blue Catfish Bite Still Hot at Fort Washington?

Absolutely. The Blue Catfish out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD have been chewing day after day, and this past week was no exception. The July 25 and July 26 trips both produced strong action, with the fish active from morning through the afternoon.

Here’s why Fort Washington keeps delivering:

• No size or bag limits. Blue Catfish are an invasive species, so you can keep every fish you catch.
• Big fish, big numbers. These river monsters pull hard and rarely quit.
• Scenic setting. You fish against the backdrop of Historic Fort Washington and Mount Vernon.

The best part? Blue Catfish don’t follow the Rockfish calendar. While Striped Bass targeting is closed for all of August, the Fort Washington catfish bite keeps rolling. If you want nonstop rod-bending action this month, this is your trip.

The takeaway: The Fort Washington Blue Catfish bite is red hot and open all summer long—no closure, no slowdown.

What Makes August 7 So Exciting Out of Solomons Island?

It’s almost that time! On August 7, 2026, our saltier water adventures out of Harbor Island Marina in Solomons Island, MD officially begin—and the early reports are phenomenal.

Spanish Mackerel just arrived this past weekend. Anglers have already landed several legal Cobia over 43 inches in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake, and there are loads of huge Red Drum showing up too. All four target species are reporting for duty.

Why is that such a big deal? Late summer 2025 was a letdown. The Spanish Mackerel never really showed up in numbers, keeper Cobia were so few and far between it was almost a waste to try, and the Reds mostly stayed below the MD/VA line. This year is shaping up completely differently. With all four species already active, 2026 looks like it could be an incredible late summer and early fall out of Solomons Island.

When Can You Target Each Species?

Here’s the window for each of our four target species:

• Big Bluefish (5–15 lbs): August 7 through about October 12
• Spanish Mackerel: August 7 through mid-September
• Cobia (harvest allowed): August 7 through September 20
• Red Drum: August 7 through about October 12

You can learn more about these trips on our Cobia, Red Drum & Spanish Mackerel fishing page.

Which Solomons Trips Can You Book?

We’re offering two great options starting August 7:

• 8-Hour Grand Slam Adventure (afternoon/evening, daily): Chase all four trophy species—Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum—in one action-packed trip.
• 6 AM–Noon Trips (Aug 7 through mid-September): Target Spanish Mackerel and some Bluefish, or head into the protected waters of the Patuxent River for Norfolk Spot and Atlantic Croaker bottom fishing.

That morning option is perfect for families and anyone who wants calm, protected water. The Patuxent River shelters you from rough Bay conditions while still keeping the coolers filling with tasty Spot and Croaker.

The takeaway: August 7 launches a loaded late-summer season out of Solomons Island, with all four trophy species already showing up strong.

Why Should You Book Your Solomons Trip Now?

Simple math: the best dates go fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year. With Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum already active, demand is going to climb quickly once word gets out.

Booking early gives your group first pick of dates while every species is running hot. Whether you want the full 8-hour Grand Slam or a relaxed morning of bottom fishing on the Patuxent, now is the time to lock it in. View all available charter trips and rates to plan your outing.

The takeaway: Reserve your Solomons Island date early to secure the trip and species window you want.

Book Your Chesapeake Bay Charter Today

Summer Rockfish went out strong, the Fort Washington Blue Catfish are still chewing, and the Solomons Island saltier water season is about to explode. Here’s your quick recap:

• Right now: Red-hot Blue Catfish out of Tantallon Marina in Fort Washington, MD—open all August, no closures.
• Starting August 7: Trophy Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum out of Solomons Island.
• Two Solomons options: 8-hour Grand Slam Adventures daily, plus 6 AM–noon Spanish Mackerel/Bluefish or Patuxent River bottom fishing trips.

Grab your crew, pick your date, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to check availability and lock in your trip. We’ll be where the fish are—come join us!