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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass in District of Columbia are anadromous fish that are part of the Atlantic coast stock that migrates seasonally between the Chesapeake Bay and New England waters.

The species is currently under conservation measures due to declining populations, with DC implementing strict slot limits and seasonal closures.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Also known as Rockfish

Physical Characteristics:
  • Can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 125 pounds, though fish in the 18-25 inch range are more common in DC waters.
  • Silvery with greenish-olive backs and distinctive seven to eight uninterrupted horizontal black stripes along their sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • DC waters, upper Potomac River.
  • After spawning, resident populations spread throughout DC waters.

Key Locations

  • Fletcher's Cove area, Chain Bridge vicinity, Tidal Basin, Washington Channel, Anacostia River, DC marinas, Hains Point, Anacostia Park, Kingman Island, Anacostia River from Anacostia Park to Bladensburg.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like seawalls in the Tidal Basin, bridges, docks, and fallen trees along shorelines.
  • The Washington Channel and Tidal Basin are productive for casting crankbaits along seawalls.
  • Focus on fallen trees and lily pad fields near Kingman Island at high tide.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in District Of Columbia?

Soft plastic straight tails and paddletails, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, topwater poppers, topwater frogs. Bait includes fish, crabs, worms, or processed baits.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in District Of Columbia?

DC's 2025 Striped Bass season runs May 16 through December 31. Spring (March-May) offers excellent fishing as post-spawn fish feed aggressively, while summer provides consistent action with fish moving between shallow and deep waters based on temperature.

How do you catch Striped Bass in District Of Columbia?

Make long casts and strip rapidly with fly gear. With spinning gear, either jig along bottom or steady retrieve in current. For topwater frogs in thick vegetation, wait a few seconds after a strike before setting the hook as snakeheads often short-strike.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Opportunistic predators with an eclectic diet including over 65 fish species and 45+ invertebrate species. In DC waters, they commonly feed on menhaden (bunker), anchovies, herring, silversides, blue crabs, and various smaller baitfish.

Where do Striped Bass live in District Of Columbia?

DC waters, upper Potomac River. After spawning, resident populations spread throughout DC waters.

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