The Upper Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Lure Tournament is a spring striped bass competition held on Maryland's upper bay

The Upper Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Lure Tournament runs each spring, typically in April or May, and draws anglers targeting striped bass in the waters around the upper Chesapeake Bay. The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and community groups who manage entry, weigh-ins, and prize distribution. You fish from your own boat or charter, catch striped bass using artificial lures only, and bring your fish to a designated weigh station at the end of the day.

The tournament rewards the heaviest fish and sometimes the largest catch total, depending on the year's format. Entry fees are modest—typically under $100 per angler—and go toward prizes and event costs. The exact dates, entry fee, and weigh-in location change year to year, so you will need to contact the organizing club directly or check with local tackle shops for current details.

Key Takeaways

  • The tournament runs in spring (April or May) and requires you to fish with artificial lures only—no live or cut bait.
  • You need your own boat or charter access; the tournament does not provide boats or guide services.
  • Entry fees are typically under $100, and you weigh your catch at a designated station on the day of the event.
  • Contact local tackle shops or the organizing fishing club to confirm the exact date, entry fee, and weigh-in location for the current year.
  • Striped bass size and bag limits follow Maryland Department of Natural Resources rules, which vary by season and may change year to year.

When the tournament runs and how to enter

The Lighthouse Lure Tournament typically takes place in mid-April through May, when striped bass move into the upper bay to spawn. The exact dates shift slightly each year based on water temperature and fish movement, so the organizing club announces the schedule in early spring. You can find entry information through local tackle shops in the Havre de Grace and Chesapeake City area, or by contacting the Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Club directly.

Entry is usually a single-day event, though some years may offer a two-day format. You pay your entry fee when you register, which can happen in person at a tackle shop or sometimes online through the organizing club's website. Registration typically closes a few days before the tournament date, so plan ahead if you want to fish.

What you need to bring and how the rules work

Artificial lures only—this is the core rule. That means hard plugs, soft plastics, spoons, and spinners. No live shad, no cut bait, no eels. You fish the upper bay during daylight hours, usually from sunrise to a set time in the afternoon (often 3 or 4 p.m.). Bring your own boat or arrange a charter in advance; the tournament does not provide vessels.

You must follow all Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations for striped bass, including current size and bag limits. These rules change periodically, so check the DNR website or call their hotline before you fish. Most tournaments require you to keep fish alive until weigh-in, so bring a livewell or aerated cooler. Weigh-in happens at a central location—usually a marina or boat ramp in the Havre de Grace area—and you must be there by the announced cutoff time or your catch will not count.

Where to fish in the upper bay

The upper Chesapeake Bay stretches from the Susquehanna Flats north to the Conowingo Dam, and striped bass during spring spawn move through predictable areas. The flats themselves—shallow, grassy water near Havre de Grace—hold fish early in the season. As water warms, bass move toward deeper channels and structure: the mouth of the Gunpowder River, the Sassafras River, and rocky points along the eastern shore.

Local knowledge matters here. Tackle shops in Havre de Grace and Chesapeake City sell maps and can point you toward current hot spots. Many tournament anglers fish the same general areas year after year, so asking other competitors or shop staff where fish were caught the week before the tournament can save you hours of searching. The upper bay is relatively shallow and navigable, but watch for submerged pilings and shallow bars, especially near the flats.

Lure choices that work in spring

Striped bass in spring respond well to medium-sized plugs that mimic shad—the fish's primary food source during the spawn. Topwater plugs work early and late in the day when light is low. Subsurface plugs that run 3 to 8 feet deep cover more water and often produce better during midday. Soft plastics rigged on jig heads let you work structure slowly and feel the bottom, which matters when bass are holding tight to rocks or drop-offs.

Spoons and spinners work too, especially in current or when bass are actively feeding. Bring a variety of colors—white, chartreuse, and natural shad patterns are reliable—and be ready to change if one lure is not producing. The upper bay's water clarity varies with recent rain and tidal flow, so darker lures work better in stained water and brighter lures in clear conditions. Most successful tournament anglers throw multiple rod setups so they can test different lures without wasting time.

Tides and timing on tournament day

The Chesapeake Bay's tidal range in the upper bay is small—usually 1 to 2 feet—but tidal current still matters for fishing. Striped bass feed more actively during moving water, so plan to fish the incoming or outgoing tide rather than slack water. Check the tide table for the tournament date and plan your morning so you hit your best fishing grounds during a productive tidal phase.

Water temperature in April and May ranges from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, so dress in layers and bring rain gear. Spring weather on the bay can change fast. Start fishing at first light—that is often when topwater lures produce best—and adjust your approach as the day warms. Many tournament winners fish hard in the first two hours, then shift to deeper structure or slower presentations as midday approaches.

After the tournament: weigh-in and prizes

Weigh-in is a public event, and anglers gather at the designated location to see the day's catches. Your fish are weighed on a certified scale, and the heaviest fish (or sometimes the heaviest three fish, depending on format) wins. Prizes are usually cash or tackle shop gift certificates, with payouts for first, second, and third place. Some tournaments also award a prize for the largest single fish caught.

The tournament is also a social event—it is a chance to meet other local anglers, swap stories, and learn what worked that day. Many participants fish the tournament year after year, so you will see familiar faces and hear about patterns that worked in previous springs. If you do not place in the money, you still get to be part of the community and come back stronger next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish the tournament?

Yes. Maryland requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license from the DNR website or at most tackle shops. The tournament organizers will not check your license, but fishing without one is illegal.

Can I fish from a kayak or canoe?

Most tournaments allow kayaks and small boats, but confirm with the organizing club first. Kayaks are slower and cover less water, which puts you at a disadvantage, but they are legal in most years. Check the specific tournament rules before you register.

What if I catch a striped bass that is too small or over the bag limit?

You must release it immediately. Tournament rules follow Maryland DNR regulations exactly. Keeping an illegal fish disqualifies you from the tournament and can result in a fine from the state.

How much does it cost to fish the tournament?

Entry fees are typically $50 to $100 per angler, though the exact amount changes year to year. Some tournaments charge a small additional fee for a big-fish pool or side bet. Ask when you register.

Where do I find out about next year's tournament?

Contact local tackle shops in Havre de Grace or Chesapeake City in February or March, or search online for "Upper Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Lure Tournament" plus the current year. The organizing club usually announces dates and entry details by early spring.