When the water temps start rising and the bait starts moving, striped bass show up in force. And when they’re here, you’ll know it—birds going crazy, water exploding, and reels screaming. But timing is everything. If you’re not fishing the right waters at the right time, you’re behind the bite.
These are the spots I keep an eye on every season. Some are early-season hotspots, others fire up later—but every one of them has the potential to put you on a striper worth remembering.
Raritan Bay, New Jersey
Raritan Bay is the go-to spot for kicking off spring striper season in the Northeast. As soon as the bunker show up, the stripers aren’t far behind. It’s one of the first places those big pre-spawn fish hit when they leave their winter grounds.
Early April through May is prime time. Most guys live-line or chunk fresh bunker, but plugs and soft plastics work too. If you’re fishing the New York–New Jersey line, this is where you want to be when things start heating up.
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
The Chesapeake is one of the most reliable early-season striper spots out there. The big females come in to spawn, and the bite can be red hot before the season closes for spawning protection. Once it reopens, you’ll find solid action through late spring.
Fish the main channels, ledges, and drop-offs near the mouths of feeder rivers. Jigging, trolling, and live-lining are all effective. You’re not just fishing for numbers here—you’ve got a real shot at a 40-pounder this time of year.
Hudson River, New York
When the big fish head upriver to spawn, the Hudson turns into a striped bass highway. April into early May is when things really kick off, especially between Newburgh and Catskill. These fish are heavy, hungry, and stacked up.
Chunking bunker is the go-to method here, but plugs and live bait have their place too. Keep an eye on the tide—it can make or break your day. This fishery is mostly catch and release during the spawn, but it’s worth every second for the fight.
Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts
The Canal is a striper magnet when the summer run starts rolling through. The current’s intense, the fish are big, and the anglers are serious. You’ll want heavy gear and the ability to throw big plugs a country mile.
Timing the tides is everything here. Fish push through in waves, and when it’s on, it’s mayhem. Don’t underestimate the current or the fish—this isn’t a beginner’s spot, but it’s one of the best places to hook into a true cow from shore.
Delaware Bay, Delaware
Delaware Bay sees solid action in both spring and fall. When the bunker are thick, the stripers are close behind. The structure, channels, and inlets all hold fish. It’s one of those fisheries that gets overlooked but regularly produces quality fish.
Cut bait works great here, especially during strong tidal flows. You can fish from shore or by boat, and both offer solid chances. This area doesn’t get hit as hard as the more famous runs, which makes it a great option for avoiding the crowds.
Montauk, New York
Montauk is the classic late-season striper spot. From September through November, the fall run here can be fast and furious. Fish stack up along the beaches, rips, and rocky shorelines. Surfcasters and boat anglers both score big.
Topwaters, bucktails, and big soft plastics all produce. You’ll want to match the bait and watch the tide swings. If you hit it right, you’ll be in the middle of birds, bait, and stripers feeding like crazy. It’s a grind, but it’s worth it.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
When the fall run pushes south, the Outer Banks can fire off with solid striper action. It doesn’t get as much love as it used to, but there are still quality fish to be had when the conditions line up.
Look for fish holding around bridges, inlets, and the surf during colder snaps. You’ll want to fish live bait, bucktails, or large swimbaits. It’s not always easy, but when they’re in, the action is heavy and fast.
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
This spot gives you good striper fishing across spring, summer, and fall. The bay holds fish tight to structure—especially around bridges, drop-offs, and current seams. It’s a great place to fish by kayak, boat, or even from shore.
Early morning and evening are best, and the topwater bite here can be explosive. Bunker schools are the key—find the bait, and the stripers won’t be far. If you’re fishing Rhode Island and want consistency, Narragansett is worth your time.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
