Every Boat Ramp on Chesapeake Bay (Upper)

About Chesapeake Bay (Upper)

The upper Chesapeake Bay is where the mighty Susquehanna River meets tidal waters, creating the legendary Susquehanna Flats — one of the most celebrated fishing grounds on the entire East Coast. Each spring, enormous schools of striped bass migrate up from the lower bay to spawn in these shallow, fertile waters, drawing thousands of anglers from across the mid-Atlantic region. The flats range from just a few feet to around ten feet deep, making them ideally suited for light-tackle casting and trolling for trophy-class rockfish.

Beyond the famed spring striper run, the upper Chesapeake offers outstanding year-round fishing opportunities. White perch and yellow perch provide fast action throughout the cooler months, while channel catfish and increasingly popular blue catfish inhabit the deeper channels near the river mouths. Largemouth bass thrive in the brackish marshes and tidal creeks that line the shores of Cecil, Harford, Baltimore, and Kent counties.

Havre de Grace, located at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the bay, serves as the gateway to this remarkable fishery. The town and surrounding communities of North East, Perryville, and Essex offer numerous public boat ramps, marinas, and tackle shops catering to visiting anglers. Whether you are chasing trophy stripers on the flats or filling a cooler with perch, the upper Chesapeake Bay delivers a world-class fishing experience.

Nearest towns: Havre de Grace, North East, Perryville, Essex