Eggs, larvae, and early juveniles of striped bassMorone saxatiliswere sampled weekly from 1980 through 1985 in the Choptank River, Maryland. Yearly length-frequency distributions indicated variable survival of eggs and prolarvae (yolk-bearing larvae). Mortality of postlarvae (larvae that had absorbed their yolks) was 5–19%/d and was a decreasing function of larval size. Mortality of early juveniles was relatively low. Year-class success during 1980–1985 was significantly related to minimum water temperature during peak spawning periods and to rainfall during the early postlarval stage. Low water temperature (11–12°C) reduced the survival of eggs and prolarvae. Rainfall apparently depressed postlarval survival by creating acidic, potentially stressful, and toxic conditions.