Major Delmarva rivers include the Choptank, Nanticoke, Wicomico and Pocomoke.
Further down into Virginia are bayside creeks such as the Onancock, Occohannock, Pungoteague, Nassawadox and others.
Virginia seaside waterways include Gargathy andAccomack creeks.
Many of these rivers feature a wide range of habitat from their upper reaches out to the bay.
River explorers may see a wide range of plants, animals and fish on an excursion.
Often species that are normally isolated occur together as the river waters a mix of fresh and saltwater environments are blended.
Four Maryland rivers, the Choptank, Nanticoke Wicomico and Pocomoke offer outstanding fishing for both freshwater and saltwater species.
In the upper sections of these rivers, lily pads and other structure provide an ideal environment for freshwater species including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, pickerel, gar, white perch, yellow perch, shiners, herring, shad and bullhead catfish.
Fishing can be not only productive, but spontaneous as every cast holds potential for an unexpected species.
As these four rivers flow towards the bay, the environment changes.
Cypress swamps give way to open marshes and saltwater species begin to be more common.
This mid-section still holds good fishing for largemouth bass and other freshwater species, but here anglers may also cast lures and find that striped bass, perch, channel catfish or other species are among the day's catch.
The lower areas of these rivers can contain more saltwater and may hold trout, red drum, black drum, croakers, Norfolk spot, bluefish, striped bass, flounder, perch, eels, channel catfish and other fish.
Fishing the lower reaches of the larger Eastern shore rivers can be very productive during certain periods of the year.
Late winter and early spring give cool weather anglers opportunities to locate and fish dense schools of yellow and white perch that have congregated prior to spawning.
Again the fall, fish such as rockfish and croaker school up to feed before leaving the rivers.
As visitors travel south into Virginia, the environment changes.
The long and winding rivers give way to shorter, saltier creeks.
Virginia creeks offer a different experience for fishermen, nature lovers and explorers.
Some of the most breathtaking and dramatic landscapes in the area include places such as Onancock Creek.
Virginia bayside creeks have excellent fishing for species such as red drum, speckled trout, rockfish and others.
Another Virginia option are the smaller seaside creeks where anglers can fish for flounder, trout, black drum and other saltwater fish.
A good way to explore area rivers is to start with a guided trip.
Maryland and Virginia fishing guides have the experience, boats and equipment necessary for an enjoyable trip.
While much of a river trip can be quiet, slow paced and relaxing, an experienced guide will be able to move you efficiently and quickly if the fish or wildlife have migrated up or down the river's body.
A guided trip is also an excellent family activity.
Most guides offer several types of trips and know how to fill a day with activities that will interest every family member.
In addition to fishing, guides may offer special family-oriented trips such as nature tours, birdwatching trips, or other services.
Some rivers or creeks even have secluded beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, shell collecting and birdwatching.