When Does Striped Bass Season Begin?
For Many Anglers Spring signals Striped Bass Season. Most hardcore East-coast fisherman view Striped Bass season with excitement and anticipation. As the Striped bass migrate along the Atlantic East Coast fisherman from the Mid-Atlantic to Maine target and welcome the return of striped bass.
The Striped Bass Season kicks off in early April, for many of the Atlantic Coast States, Virginia and New Jersey start off in March, and if you’re not already rigged and ready, you could be missing out on some of the best action.
The key to early-season success isn’t just luck—it’s about knowing where to go, when to go, and what to throw.
This guide will walk you through the migration locations, gear, hot spots, and tactics to help you get dialed in on the Stripers from Day One and throughout the season.
Best Underwater Camera, capture all the cool footage
What Is the Striped Bass Migration Pattern in Spring?
Every Spring, striped bass begin their Northbound journey from the wintering grounds near the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic. These fish are driven by instinct to spawn in the freshwater rivers of the Northeast. This seasonal migration is predictable, powerful, and one of the best opportunities for anglers to target trophy fish close to shore.
Where Do Striped Bass Migrate in Spring, and When Do They Spawn?
By understanding when and where striped bass stage and spawn, you can align your fishing trips with peak activity. These are the general timelines and hotspots where spring stripers show up and get serious about feeding and reproducing: See Key Spawning Areas below
How Can You Intercept Migrating Striped Bass During Spring?
Catching striped bass in spring isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing their route and being in the right spot at the right time. As these fish move north to spawn, there are consistent “choke points” and ambush zones where they pause to feed. Intercepting them during these windows can make the difference between a slow trip and a banner day.
- Read the local fishing reports: Fishing magazines and blogs will post local Striped Bass catches as they migrate into the different areas.
- Watch the water temps: 48°F–55°F is prime for movement and feeding
- Look for bait: Herring, bunker, and shad are fish magnets. If you find the bait, you’re close to the bass
- Target choke points: Bridges, river mouths, creeks, and inlets concentrate fish as they push inland
🎯 Pro Tip: Match your timing to local water temperatures (aim for 48°F–55°F) and tides, and you’ll intercept bass staging in these proven spring corridors rather than chasing them beyond their spawning run.
🎯 Pro Tip: Be aware State Regulations are subject to change without notice so follow the trust but verify method, especially when traveling to another state to intercept migrating fish. Always comply by State Regulations and insure you have the proper licenses and permits for each state you fish in, or plan to fish in.
What Are Striped Bass Season Hotspots By State?
What Are Virginia’s Top Striped Bass Locations?
Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries come alive each spring as bass head upriver to spawn.
- James River (Richmond to Hampton Roads)
- York River (Yorktown area)
- Rappahannock River (off the Bay’s western shore)
- Chesapeake Bay Bridges (fish the drop-offs near key spans)
Where Should You Fish in Delaware for Spring Stripers?
Delaware’s tidal waters funnel migrating stripers into concentrated hotspots.
- Delaware River (Salem River, Rancocas Creek)
- Delaware Bay Shorelines (Mispillion River mouth, Broadkill Beach)
- Maurice River (deep holes near Heislerville)
What Are New Jersey’s Hottest Spring Striper Zones?
From bays to backwaters, Jersey holds stripers staging before the run north.
- Raritan Bay (around Sandy Hook and Keansburg)
- Barnegat Bay Inlets (Point Pleasant to Mantoloking)
- Delaware Bay Tributaries (Salem and Maurice River mouths)
- Cape May Point (jetty edges)
Where Are the Best Places to Fish for Striped Bass in NY during Spring?
You don’t have to wait for the fish to reach Montauk—hot spots light up earlier if you know where to look. These locations consistently see early movement as the water warms and the baitfish move in:
- Jamaica Bay – Bridges and marshy cuts are early feeders
- Hudson River (Below Albany) – Fish stage before running upriver
- South Shore Back Bays – Ideal for kayak and light tackle anglers
- Jones Beach to Fire Island – Classic surf spots when winds line up with tide and bait
- Long Island Sound – Striped bass invade bays, harbors and estuaries (Throgs Neck, to Orient)
__________________________________________________
Which Connecticut Rivers Hold Stripers in Spring?
Connecticut’s tidal rivers warm early, drawing bass into shallow channels.
- Thames River (New London to Niantic Bay)
- Connecticut River (Old Saybrook mouth)
- Housatonic River (Black Rock Harbor area)
- Long Island Sound Shorelines (Clinton, Guilford)
Where Can You Find Stripers in Rhode Island?
Though Rhode Island lacks major spawning rivers, its bays and harbors are prime staging areas.
- Narragansett Bay (Jamestown Bridge drop-offs)
- Sakonnet River (near Tiverton)
- Greenwich Bay (mouth area)
- Block Island Sound (shoreline structure)
What Are Massachusetts’ Early-Season Striper Hotspots?
Massachusetts acts as a major feeding and staging zone before bass push into Gulf of Maine.
- Cape Cod Canal (east and west ends)
- Buzzards Bay (Monument Beach, West Falmouth)
- Barnstable Harbor (inside Breakwater Park)
- Plymouth Beach (outflow creek mouths)
Which Maine Waters Should You Target for Spring Stripers?
Maine sees limited spawning but excellent spring feeding in its southern estuaries.
- Kennebec River (Bath to Popham Beach)
- Sheepscot River (Wiscasset area)
- Penobscot Bay (rocky points and island inlets)
- St. Croix River (near Calais)
What Are The Best Fresh Baits for Striped Bass Season?
Live baits offer the most natural presentation and scent trail, making them irresistible to migrating stripers. In early spring, when fish are following schools of forage, nothing beats a wriggling eel or oily bunker to trigger an aggressive strike. Herring and mullet work beautifully in current seams, while mummichogs and bloodworms excel in shallow back bays and tidal creeks. By matching the local hatch and keeping your bait lively, you’ll put your lure right in front of hungry bass on the move.
Download The FREE Annual Striped Bass Migration Guide Here!
Tip: After you rig live bunker or fresh chunks, always wipe the hook tip clear of any fish scales or debris—as one scale can prevent the point from penetrating a striper’s tough mouth, leading to missed hook-sets and spit baits.
Tip: Look for Hatchings: Sand eels, or worm hatches such as cinder worms get Striped bass in feeding frenzies, try and match the hatch, but be warned hookups can be tough.
🔴 Live Baits (High-Action, Natural Presentation)
Tips for Using Fresh Baits Effectively
- Use circle hooks (inline, non-offset) to comply with conservation regulations
- Match hook size to bait profile — don’t overpower soft baits like bloodworms
- Keep live bait lively — use aerated buckets or livewells, especially in warm temps
- Add scent to cut bait (Pro-Cure, menhaden oil) when water is stained or cold
- Time your sets to tide: outgoing tide near structure usually produces best
What Are the Best Lures to Catch Striped Bass During the Spring?
Choosing the right lure during spring comes down to conditions and how the fish are feeding—or refusing. These tried-and-true lures give you coverage across depths and retrieve styles while mimicking common forage species.
Don’t Forget To Check Out My Post On “Best Striper Fish Lures”.
How Do You Catch Striped Bass When They Stop Feeding?
Even the best-timed trip can run into moody fish. During the pre-spawn and spawn phases, stripers often go tight-lipped. Understanding how to provoke a reaction strike during these windows is crucial to staying productive on the water.
- Pause Techniques: Jerkbaits or soft plastics with long pauses can frustrate and trigger hits
- Profile Change: Downsizing to smaller baits or switching lure shapes can make the difference
- Color Contrast: Adjust based on water clarity—white or chartreuse in murky water, darker shades in clear
- Add Scent: Attractant like Pro-Cure or Gulp! can seal the deal when bass hesitate
What Gear Do You Need for Spring Striper Fishing?
Having the right gear not only helps you fish more efficiently, it ensures you’re prepared for sudden changes in weather, current, or fish size. Here’s my go-to setup that’s been field-tested during spring runs from back bay creeks to jetty surf.
- Rod: 7’6″ Medium-Heavy Fast Action (for surf, boat, or bank)
- Reel: 4000–6000 size spinning reel, 30 lb braid, 25 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Carry Items: Waterproof backpack or sling, pliers, headlamp, fish grips
- Bonus Tools: A small drone for shoreline scouting for bait schools
Click On Each Item To Reveal Prices Or To Order
What Tide and Temperature Conditions Are Best for Striped Bass?
You can have the best bait and perfect gear, but if the tide’s wrong or the water’s too cold, the bite may shut down. Spring stripers love predictable conditions—here’s when to make your move:
- Outgoing Tide: Especially strong near river mouths and inlets
- Afternoon High Tides: Flats heat up = feeding stripers on top
- Moon Phases: New and Full = faster currents and stronger activity
- Temps: Fishing turns on fast once the water breaks 48°F
How Can You Increase Your Chances of Catching Striped Bass This Season?
It all comes down to preparation, positioning, and adjusting to the fish’s behavior. Study the migration, track local water temps, know your tides, and hit areas where stripers pause to feed. And most importantly, don’t wait until everyone says “the bite’s on”—that means it’s already moving past you.
Inshore Striped Bass Gear Checklist:
Download The FREE Annual Striped Bass Migration Guide Here!
