---
title: Roy Conklin Catches Massive Carp in Monocacy River
canonical: https://marylandfeed.com/roy-conklin-catches-massive-carp-in-monocacy-river/
published: '2026-11-11T09:07:38-05:00'
updated: '2026-11-11T09:07:38-05:00'
author: MarylandFeed Staff
section: Natural Resources
places:
- Garrett County
tags:
- Fishing
- Bridges
- Blue Crabs
- Natural Resources
- Oysters
- Bay Bridge
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
source_url: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/11/11/maryland-fishing-report-november-11/
publisher: MarylandFeed
attribution: Copyright MarylandFeed. Quote with credit to MarylandFeed and a link to the canonical URL above.
---

# Roy Conklin Catches Massive Carp in Monocacy River

Roy Conklin recently caught a large carp in the Monocacy River, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The European carp, introduced to Maryland in the 1800s, is noted for its hard-fighting nature and is a popular target for many anglers.

---

### Press Release: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

*Published November 11, 2026. Reproduced in full from the [Maryland Department of Natural Resources](https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/11/11/maryland-fishing-report-november-11/).*

#### Maryland Fishing Report, November 11

Roy Conklin caught this massive carp in the Monocacy River recently. Photo courtesy of Roy Conklin

Maryland offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities that are embraced by anglers throughout the state The European carp was introduced to Maryland in the 1800s has a checkered history, but this hard-fighting fish is a specialized fishery that is enjoyed by many anglers.

**Forecast Summary: November 11 to November 17**

For more detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area of the Bay, be sure to check out Eyes on the Bay’s [**Click Before You Cast**](http://eyesonthebay.dnr.maryland.gov/eyesonthebay/clickbeforecast.cfm).

**Upper Chesapeake Bay**

Anglers in the upper Bay are enjoying good fishing for striped bass this week. Water temperatures remain rather mild at 61 degrees, so anglers are enjoying good to excellent shallow water action. Casting a mix of topwater lures, [paddletails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#paddle) and [jerkbaits](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jerkbait) is working very well for anglers in the lower sections of the region’s tidal rivers and the Bay shores. As one would expect, the morning and evening hours offer some of the better shallow water fishing opportunities.

Baitfish are moving out of the tidal rivers this week, but it has appeared to be a relatively slow process in the upper Bay. As a result, the jigging in the channels at the mouths of the tidal rivers and the Bay, usually a signature fall event, has been slow to develop.

There are some anglers who are still able to find a few spot for live-lining along channel edges where they can detect striped bass on depth finders. Others are using small white perch or live eels. [Trolling](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#trolling) is a viable option for some and pulling [umbrella rigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#umbrella) or tandem [bucktails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) behind heavy inline weights is what it takes to reach the striped bass.

Anglers are finding white perch in the deeper waters of the tidal rivers and creeks this week. Water temperatures are about 5 degrees warmer in 15-20 feet of water. Fishing with small plastic [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) on a dropper rig or as a single lure are a good choice for white perch fishing in deeper waters. The 2-inch Gulp or small [spin jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#spinjig) are excellent lures to use.

Fishing for a mix of blue catfish and channel catfish offers some excellent fishing opportunities in the region’s tidal rivers. Water temperatures are cool enough to cause most catfish to be very active. A variety of cut and scented baits work well and anglers targeting the largest blue catfish often use live bait in the form of bluegill sunfish or white perch.

**Middle Bay**

Beau Brooks holds up a large white perch caught while fishing deep. Photo courtesy of Beau Brooks

The Bay Bridge piers and rock piles continue to draw striped bass anglers this week. There are striped bass holding there and they will respond to live or cut baits drifted back to the pier bases during a running tide. Working the pier bases by casting soft plastic [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) or [bucktails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) is always a fun way to fish the bridge piers and rock piles during the morning and evening hours and tides.

Striped bass anglers in the middle Bay continue to enjoy good to excellent shallow water fishing this week. The Eastern Bay area along with the lower Miles, Choptank, Little Choptank, and Severn rivers are just a few locations where the action is happening. Casting [poppers](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#popper) or [paddletails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#paddle) during the morning and evening hours offers a lot of fun fishing. Be sure to check that the tide is running. The [Tide Finder link on DNR’s website](https://dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Tide-Finder.aspx) is a good tool to keep track of the tides.

Anglers are reporting breaking fish and diving gulls in Eastern Bay, the False Channel area, and scattered locations throughout the middle Bay. Baitfish are moving out of the tidal rivers but at a slower pace due to water temperatures in the tidal rivers hovering around 60 degrees. Salinity values are relatively high this month, which is good for striped bass catch-and-release recovery. Casting soft plastic or metal [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) into the mayhem is always an exciting time. Slicks and seagulls resting on the water may indicate you were a little late for the party, but a careful eye on a depth finder can reveal fish holding deep. This is when vertical jigging comes into its own.

Some anglers are still able to find the last spot, and they are a valuable resource if live-lining is on your mind. Small white perch and small live eels offer good alternatives. The Bay Bridge Piers, the Kent Narrows, and wherever striped bass can be found suspended along channel edges are all good places to send that live bait down to where the fish are holding. [Trolling](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#trolling) with [umbrella rigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#umbrella) or tandem-rigged [bucktails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) and sassy shads behind heavy inline weights is another way to get to where striped bass are holding deep.

Now that white perch are schooling up in the lower sections of the region’s creeks, usually near the mouths and in deeper water, this is a good opportunity to catch them. They will show up on a depth finder, often hovering over some lump or oyster reef in 20 feet or more of water. The water temperatures at that depth will usually be 5 to 7 degrees warmer than surface temperatures.

Small 2-inch Minnow Grub Gulp baits are popular on a jig head just heavy enough to get to the bottom. In windy or strong currents, they can be fished on a dropper rig with plenty of weight to hold bottom. Bottom rigs and Sabiki rigs tipped with grass shrimp or pieces of bloodworm will work well, especially in waters deeper than 25 feet. Anglers are reminded that store-bought Sabiki rigs must only have two hooks.

Fishing for blue catfish is good in the upper Choptank River this week from approximately the Dover Bridge area up to Denton and up the Tuckahoe past the Route 328 Bridge. Most of the blue catfish being caught are in the 16-inch to 20-inch range, which is a good eating size. Channel catfish and white catfish will also be in the mix.

**Lower Bay**

Fishing is always more fun when family is involved, and this family was definitely having a good time fishing for striped bass in the lower Patuxent River. Photo by Travis Long

Fishing for striped bass in the lower Bay is the main event this week and should continue through the rest of November. Anglers fishing in the morning and evening hours are catching them in relatively shallow waters in the lower sections of the tidal rivers and along the shores of the Bay. Casting [poppers](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#popper) or [paddletails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#paddle) are the most popular lures being used.

There are plenty of striped bass to be found in the deeper waters of the channels leading out of the tidal rivers and out in the Bay. Baitfish in the form of bay anchovies and juvenile menhaden are exiting the tidal rivers and running into waiting striped bass. When the striped bass push bait to the surface, it can be a feeding frenzy with seagulls and anglers being part of the action. Casting into the action with soft plastic or metal [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) is an exciting way to fish as is jigging underneath the surface action. Anglers should be on the lookout for slicks and gulls resting on the surface. These clues might lead you to striped bass holding deep and waiting for the next school of bait to be swept along by currents.

The lower Potomac River from Ragged Point and Piney Point south to Point Lookout is worth a look, as is the Patuxent River below the Route 4 Bridge. The Hoopers Island cuts, the mouth of the Nanticoke River and Tangier Sound all have their own striped bass action going on as well.

[Trolling](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#trolling) is an option for many anglers, especially on charter boats. [Trolling](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#trolling) [umbrella rigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#umbrella) and tandem-rigged [bucktails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) and [swimshads](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#softplastic) behind heavy inline weights is standard procedure. It is a good way to cover a lot of water along channel edges in the bay and a good way to enjoy the comfort of an enclosed cabin when it is chilly or windy.

White perch are being caught this week in the deeper waters of the tidal rivers and creeks. Most of the action tends to be taking place in 20-35 feet of water over oyster lumps and similar structure. The white perch are being caught on Sabiki rigs or bottom rigs tipped with grass shrimp or pieces of bloodworm. Dropper rigs with 2 inches or less soft plastics [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) are also working well. The lower Patuxent River near the Route 4 Bridge and the Tangier Sound areas are excellent places to give deep water fishing for white perch a try.

Blue catfish are always in play, and this week is no different. The Potomac, Patuxent and Nanticoke rivers all have large populations of hungry blue catfish waiting for anglers. Water temperatures are just about perfect for blue catfish to have an appetite for anything that smells like food to come their way. The fillets are mild and freeze well, once trimmed of all the red meat and silver skin.

**Blue Crabs**

It seems a bit crazy to be talking about blue crabs right now. November crabbing in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake is usually reserved for commercial crab potters working the depths of the bay. Water temperatures in the deeper waters of the tidal rivers of approximately 20 feet are in the mid-60s and are holding some of the largest blue crabs that have been seen in years. Many commercial crabbers are doing well and have been at it to make up for a poor oyster market. Razor clams and crabbing deep water has been producing outstanding catches of jumbo blue crabs in the tidal creeks and rivers. Recreational crabbers are getting in on the action and although they mention that some crabs do drop off when coming up from the depths, there are still plenty that hang on for the ride.

**Freshwater Fishing**

Walter Witt holds up a nice chain pickerel caught in tidal waters recently. Photo courtesy of Walter Witt

The fall trout stocking program is complete but there is still some good trout fishing in the put-and-take management waters for anglers who use some different techniques. Casting small [spinners](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#spinner) or [streamer flies](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#streamers) in areas away from the stocking points can entice holdover trout that will normally reject Powerbait. The delayed harvest management waters offer fun catch and release fishing for trout. A [summary of the fall trout stocking program](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDDNR/bulletins/431536a) was issued last week.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and walleye is good this week in the upper Potomac River and Deep Creek Lake. In the upper Potomac, the grass beds are breaking up, and crawfish and baitfish are trying to move to deeper waters and find a nook somewhere to tuck in for the winter months. Smallmouth bass will be waiting, so small [crankbaits](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#crankbait), [tubes](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#tubebait), and [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) that resemble crayfish are good choices for lures. Floating leaves tend to be pesky this time of year as are bits of floating grass.

At Deep Creek Lake, the grass beds are also receding, and smallmouth bass will be stationed in the mid-depth areas in the search for crayfish. Walleye can be found along steep rocky dropoffs during the evening hours and [jerkbaits](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jerkbait) and small [crankbaits](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#crankbait) can be good lure choices.

Largemouth bass will generally be patrolling the transition areas between the shallows and the deepest waters. They are on the prowl for baitfish and crayfish moving from the declining grass beds to deeper structure. [Spinnerbaits](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#spinnerbait), [jerkbaits](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jerkbait), [crankbaits](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#crankbait), [paddletails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#paddle), and [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) are all worth a try. Chesapeake Channa will be hard to entice to strike a lure as water temperatures decline. Fishing large minnows under a bobber on waters where the sun has a chance to warm the water up a bit is a good tactic for targeting them this time of the year.

Cooler water temperatures and declining grass beds are setting the stage for fishing for chain pickerel. Once the grass is gone, chain pickerel will orient to sunken wood and similar structure. [Paddletails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#paddle) and [spinners](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#spinner) are excellent lure choices to fish for them.

Fall is one of the best times of the year to target crappie. They will be holding near structure in schools. Bridge piers, marina docks, sunken wood and fallen treetops are all good places to look for them. Fishing small soft plastics, marabou jigs or minnows under a slip bobber is a good way to fish for them.

**Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays**

Randy Buzilow caught this nice tautog on a jig with a piece of crab for bait. Photo by Randy Buzilow

Anglers fishing in the inlet area and the Route 90 and Verrazano bridges are having fun catching striped bass on soft plastic [jigs](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#jig) and [paddletails](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/recreational/fishing_glossary.aspx#paddle). Most of the fish being caught are being released since they fail to meet the 28-inch minimum, but there are some slot size fish being caught.

Fishing for tautog near the inlet jetties, Route 50 Bridge piers, and inlet bulkheads is good this week. Live sand fleas and pieces of green crab are popular baits.

The boats ferrying anglers out to the wreck and reef sites have been finding black sea bass for their anglers this week. Limit catches are not always possible, but everyone is catching fish. Black sea bass fishing is expected to improve in the next couple of weeks. Tautog are also being caught on the inshore and offshore wreck and reef sites by anglers who target them. A few large flounder are also being caught now and then, but most have moved farther offshore.

When the sea conditions permit, anglers headed out to the canyons are fishing for swordfish and tilefish in the depths of the canyons. Offshore anglers are anticipating the fall run of bluefin tuna.

**“No life is so happy and so pleasant as the life of the well-govern’d angler.”, Izaak Walton**

*[Maryland Fishing Report](https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/?s=maryland+fishing+report&as_sfid=AAAAAAXXp1nkqnFvmIJlOAlViQu7UkPG6LJcil5tiQz_85kK_JL5N7jQqoB50iRrkRcMHlX3UaZCPwK2q6lfp5R_QnYqeSi6-SSsxtZnV8BCONtREB2C2GtYyjV07QK_fTKZ97I%3D&as_fid=6643bc74de8ce9c62b0b9568836e825f3e44ce09) is written and compiled by Keith Lockwood, fisheries biologist with the [Maryland Department of Natural Resources](https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx).*

*The Forecast Summary is written by Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Director Tom Parham.*

*A reminder to all Maryland anglers, please participate in DNR’s [Volunteer Angler Surveys](https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/survey/index.aspx).*

Source: [Maryland Department of Natural Resources](https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/11/11/maryland-fishing-report-november-11/)