If you're planning to hit the Chesapeake Bay today, January 24, 2025, here's what you need to know:

First off, the weather is cold, with temperatures staying below freezing, which has kept many anglers off the water. However, for those brave enough to venture out, here are the details.

### Tidal Report
For the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area, today's tide times are as follows: High tide at 3:53 AM and 4:03 PM, with low tides at 10:15 AM and 9:57 PM. Sunrise is at 7:12 AM, and sunset is at 5:21 PM[2].

### Fish Activity
The cold weather has made fishing a grind, especially in the Middle Bay. Striped bass, or rockfish, are mostly lethargic and hanging close to the bottom, scattered along ledges. Bouncing jigs with soft plastics while drifting in marked areas has been the most effective method. There have been reports of trophy-sized fish near the warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP), though these bites are few and far between[1].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw some reports of striped bass in the 40-inch range, though the action was slow. Anglers in the Middle Bay caught a few big fish, with some misses, using BKDs and Bust 'Ems on G-Eye heads. The upper Bay, particularly around the Susquehanna River, is locked up with ice, making it difficult for boat access. However, yellow perch and blue catfish can still be targeted in the deeper waters of the tidal rivers[1][3].

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads and jigs with BKDs or Bust 'Ems are recommended. In the upper Bay, live minnows, small metal jigs, and soft plastics are effective for yellow perch. For blue catfish, various cut baits work well[1][3].

### Hot Spots
- **Middle Bay**: Areas around the CCNPP warm water discharge and deeper ledges along the shipping channel are good spots to search for striped bass.
- **Chesapeake Beach**: This has been a hot zone with some short-lived bird action and reports of fish over 40 inches.
- **Eastern Bay**: Pods of fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40 to 60 feet of water[1].

Remember, the cold weather and icy conditions make fishing challenging, so be prepared and stay safe.

If you're heading out to fish in the Chesapeake Bay around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area today, here's what you can expect:

First off, let's talk about the tides. As of January 23, 2025, you're looking at a low tide at 9:20 AM with a height of 0.44 feet, followed by a high tide at 2:57 PM with a height of 1.62 feet. The next low tide will be at 9:03 PM with a height of 0.2 feet[2].

Weather-wise, it's been quite cold, and this trend is expected to continue. Water temperatures in the Middle Bay are in the low 40s, and they're likely to drop even more in the coming weeks. This cold weather makes the fishing a bit of a grind, but there are still some good spots to check out.

Despite the cold, there have been some reports of striped bass being caught. Yesterday, anglers reported catching some beautiful fish, though the action was not fast and furious. Fish in the Middle Bay have been lethargic, mostly hanging close to the bottom and scattered along ledges. Bouncing jigs with soft plastics along the bottom while drifting in areas where fish have been marked has been the most effective method[1].

For lures, BKDs and Bust ‘Ems on G-Eye heads have been noted as effective. The warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) is also a good spot, though bites there have been few and far between[1].

If you're looking for hot spots, consider the area around Chesapeake Beach, which has seen some short-lived bird action and reports of fish over the 40-inch mark. Another good spot is off the mouth of Eastern Bay, where pods of fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40 to 60 feet of water. Bloody Point is also a historical winter spot, especially in the deeper depths near Eastern Bay[1].

Sunrise today is at 7:12 AM, and sunset will be at 5:20 PM. Make sure to bundle up and be prepared for the cold.

Good luck out there, and stay warm

For those venturing out onto the Chesapeake Bay today, January 19, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

First off, the weather is quite chilly, with a forecast calling for more cold days ahead. The wind has been a significant factor, keeping many boats off the water, but for the hardy anglers, there's still some action to be found.

Tide-wise, today at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, you're looking at a low tide of 0.16 feet at 5:41 AM and a high tide of 2.13 feet at 11:43 AM. The next low tide will be at 5:58 PM with a height of 0.03 feet[2].

Sunrise is at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 5:15 PM, so plan your day accordingly.

In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, despite a recent lull in activity, there are still some big rockfish to be caught. Chesapeake Beach has been a hot zone with some fish over the 40” mark caught on soft plastics with 1.5-ounce heads. The mouth of Eastern Bay is also worth a look, where pods of fish can be found suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water[3].

For those closer to Baltimore and Washington D.C., the Upper Middle Chesapeake Bay offers several hot spots. Areas like Sandy Point State Park down to Poplar Island have been productive. Look for deeper ledges along the shipping channel, and the warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) can be a good spot as fish seek relief from the cold water[3][4].

In terms of fish activity, striped bass, speckled trout, and red drum are the main targets. Striped bass have been biting best at night near dock and building lights, where baitfish are attracted to the illuminated water. Speckled trout and red drum can be found in the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach, often in deeper water but moving into shallower areas during warming trends[1].

For lures, MirrOLure Mirrodine slow sinking twitchbaits have been effective for catching speckled trout. Soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads are a good choice for striped bass.

If you're looking for specific hot spots, consider the areas around Chesapeake Beach, the mouth of Eastern Bay, and the deeper ledges near the CCNPP. These spots have historically held fish through the winter months.

Stay warm and tight lines

If you're planning to hit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore and Washington D.C. today, here's what you need to know. As of January 18, 2025, the weather is cold and snowy, with icy conditions building up in the tidal rivers and smaller tributaries.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today's tide times are as follows: high tide at 00:39 AM and 12:53 PM, with low tides at 7:39 AM and 8:04 PM. Sunrise is at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 5:14 PM. The weather remains chilly, with windy conditions that have kept many boats off the water.

### Fish Activity
Despite the harsh weather, blue catfish are offering the best fishing opportunities in the Lower Bay. Before the recent cold snap, anglers were catching significant blue catfish in all the Lower Bay tributaries. On the Potomac, fish ranging from 20 to 44 pounds were caught just north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in as shallow as 10 feet of water. The Rappahannock and James rivers have also been productive, with catches including fish up to 62 pounds.

### Best Lures and Bait
For blue catfish, fresh strips of gizzard shad have been the hot bait. If you're targeting striped bass, which are still present but less active due to the cold, umbrella rigs pulling five-inch sassy shads have been effective.

### Hot Spots
Consider heading to the mouth of the Potomac River, particularly just north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, for blue catfish. The Rappahannock River, especially around the Cut Channel up to channel marker 62, has also been a productive area for striped bass, although the season is now closed for keeping them.

### Additional Tips
Given the cold and windy conditions, tributaries offer some protection and can be good spots to fish. Be prepared for icy ramps and creeks, and dress warmly as the temperatures are expected to remain low.

If you're willing to brave the cold, you have a decent chance at catching some trophy fish, especially the big blue catfish that are active in these waters.

If you're planning to head out on the Chesapeake Bay today, January 17, 2025, here's what you need to know:

First off, the weather is not on our side. We've had a brutal cold snap with significant snowfall and freezing temperatures, making conditions tough for both fishermen and fish. The Middle Chesapeake Bay area received six to 10 inches of snow, and the cold has caused creeks and rivers to freeze up, limiting access to many spots.

Tide times for Tangier Sound Light, which can give you an idea of the tidal patterns in the area, are as follows: high tide at 2:03 AM and 2:20 PM, with low tides at 8:05 AM and 8:38 PM. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset is at 5:11 PM.

Fish activity is currently very slow due to the cold water temperatures, which are in the upper 30s. Striped bass, or rockfish, are mostly lethargic and holding close to the bottom. However, if you're willing to brave the cold, there are a few spots worth trying. The warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant is a good spot, as fish congregate there to escape the cold water. Another area is Bloody Point near Eastern Bay, where fish historically hold in deeper depths.

Before the cold set in, there were reports of big rockfish being caught in areas like Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay, using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. However, these bites have been scarce lately.

For those targeting blue catfish, which are more active in these cold conditions, the Lower Bay tributaries like the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James rivers are your best bets. Fresh cut eel and gizzard shad are top baits, and you can expect to find these fish along ledges and in holes in the deeper waters.

If you're looking for specific hot spots, consider the area around the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant for striped bass, and the deep waters off Fort Washington or the Rappahannock and James rivers for blue catfish.

Remember, fishing will be a grind in these conditions, but if you're up for the challenge, you might just land a trophy fish. Stay warm and good luck out there

If you're planning to head out to the Chesapeake Bay today, January 16, 2025, here's what you need to know. First, let's talk about the tides. Today, you're looking at a low tide at 3:27 AM and again at 4:09 PM, with high tides at 9:52 AM and 10:12 PM. The tidal coefficient is average, so expect moderate currents and tidal movements.

Sunrise is at 7:16 AM, and sunset will be at 5:12 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water. The weather has been cold, but that's not stopping the fish from biting.

Migratory striped bass are still active, particularly in the Virginia Beach and Cape Charles areas, although the action in the Middle Bay has been a bit slower. For striped bass, live lining eels is highly effective. In the lower Eastern Shore, winter redfish and puppy drum are active, especially in the Virginia Beach tributaries like Lynnhaven and the Elizabeth River. For puppy drum, using a five-inch swim shad along rocky shorelines has been productive.

Speckled trout are also biting well in the rivers and inlets around Virginia Beach, with soft plastics on jigheads, MirrOlures, and suspending jerkbaits working well. In the Middle Bay, big striped bass are still being caught, particularly around Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay, using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads.

For today, consider heading to the Elizabeth River or Lynnhaven Inlet for consistent action on puppy drum and speckled trout. If you're after striped bass, Cape Charles is a hotspot, and don't forget to try live lining eels. The recent cold weather and high winds have made fishing challenging, but the fish are still biting despite the conditions.

Stay warm and good luck on the water.

As of today, January 12, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is facing some challenges due to the weather. The wind has been strong, and the cold weather is persisting, which has kept many boats off the water.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
This morning, the high tide was at 8:37 AM with a height of 0.58 meters (1.91 feet), and the next low tide will be at 3:59 PM with a height of -0.05 meters (-0.17 feet)[2].
Sunrise was at 7:17 AM, and sunset is expected at 5:08 PM. The moonset occurred at 6:28 AM, and moonrise will be at 3:43 PM.

### Fish Activity
Despite the adverse weather, there are still some promising spots. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, big rockfish are still being caught, although the action has been slow in the past week. Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay have been hot zones, with fish caught on soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. However, the recent wind and cold weather forecast suggest that the bite might be tough moving forward[3].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
There have been reports of striped bass, particularly in the 40-inch mark range, caught near Chesapeake Beach and Eastern Bay. Deeper ledges along the shipping channel and areas like Bloody Point near Eastern Bay are historical winter spots for these fish. Additionally, the warm water discharge at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) is a place where fish congregate to escape the cold water[3].

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads have been effective. In colder weather, deeper ledges and structures are key, so using lures that can reach these depths, such as jigs or spoons, is advisable.

### Hot Spots
- **Chesapeake Beach**: Known for its short-lived bird action and reports of fish over the 40-inch mark.
- **Bloody Point**: Historically holds fish in the deeper depths near Eastern Bay, especially during winter.
- **Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP)**: The warm water discharge here attracts fish seeking relief from the cold.

Given the current conditions, patience and persistence will be key. If you're out on the water today, be prepared for a grind, but the potential for catching some trophy fish is still there. Stay warm and good luck

For those venturing out onto the Chesapeake Bay today, January 10, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

First, let's talk about the tides. Today, you're looking at a high tide at 4:57 AM and another at 5:19 PM, with low tides at 11:24 AM and 11:12 PM. The tidal heights are moderate, with highs around 2.8 and 1.96 feet, and lows just slightly below zero[2].

The weather is quite chilly, with cold winds that have been keeping many boats off the water. However, for those brave enough to face the cold, there's some promising fishing action to be had. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset will be at 5:06 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, particularly around Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay, there have been reports of big rockfish being caught. Despite a bit of a lull in the action over the past week, fish over the 40-inch mark have been landed using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. Some areas like the mouth of Eastern Bay have seen pods of fish suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water, although the bird activity has been short-lived[1][3].

For those targeting striped bass, the southern parts of the bay, especially around the Eastern Shore near Cape Charles, have seen steady action. Sho-Nuf Sportfishing reported catching some nice trophy fish in this area, which were tagged and released[3].

If you're looking for hot spots, consider heading to Chesapeake Beach, known for its short-lived bird action and reports of fish over the 40-inch mark. Another good spot is the area near the mouth of Eastern Bay, where you can find fish suspending in deeper waters. For land-based fishing, Sandy Point State Park and First Landing State Park are excellent choices, offering access to striped bass, summer flounder, and other species[4].

Best lures and bait include soft plastics, especially those on 1.5-ounce heads. For the more adventurous, trolling for bluefin tuna with heavy tackle is also an option, though this is more common in the Virginia Beach area[1][3].

Stay warm and tight lines

As of January 9, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is facing some challenges due to the weather. The wind has been strong, and the cold temperatures are keeping many boats off the water.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the tidal conditions at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel are as follows: high tide at 3:52 AM with a height of 0.83 meters, low tide at 10:20 AM, another high tide at 4:10 PM, and a final low tide at 10:12 PM. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset is at 5:05 PM. The weather forecast indicates more cold weather on the way, which may affect fishing conditions.

### Fish Activity
Despite the adverse weather, there has been some notable fish activity. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, big rockfish are still being caught, although the action has been slow in recent days. Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay have been hot zones, with fish over the 40-inch mark caught using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. However, the bite has been inconsistent, with some days seeing very little action[3].

In the southern part of the bay, near Cape Charles, there has been migratory striped bass action. Boats like Sho-Nuf Sportfishing have reported steady catching with some trophy fish caught and released. Additionally, bluefin tuna have been active in the ocean off the Virginia Beach area, with reports of large catches, including a 94-inch fish weighing 502 pounds[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads have been effective. Jigs and crankbaits can also work well, especially in areas with underwater structures. For bluefin tuna, traditional tuna lures and bait such as ballyhoo or squid are recommended.

### Hot Spots
- **Chesapeake Beach**: Known for its short-lived bird action and larger rockfish catches.
- **Mouth of Eastern Bay**: Fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water.
- **Kiptopeke State Park**: Offers direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and is a good spot for striped bass, cobia, and summer flounder.
- **Pooles Island**: Situated in the upper parts of the bay, it's a busy spot for targeting bluefish and striped bass[4].

Given the current conditions, it's crucial to be prepared for the cold and potentially rough waters. Dress warmly, and make sure your gear is in good condition before heading out.

For those venturing out onto the Chesapeake Bay today, January 5, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

First off, let's look at the tides. Today, you'll have a low tide at 5:48 AM and a high tide at 11:56 AM, with another low tide coming in at 6:18 PM. These tidal shifts can be crucial for finding active fish[2].

Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day with crisp temperatures, so make sure to bundle up. Sunrise is at 7:18 AM, and sunset will be at 5:02 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing.

The striped bass season for the Potomac River and other parts of the Lower Chesapeake Bay has closed, but catch and release fishing is still allowed. However, many anglers reported successful catches just before the season closed. The mouth of the Potomac was particularly productive, with boats catching slot-sized fish and even some trophy fish. On the Rappahannock, the striped bass bite picked up near the mouth, especially around the Cut Channel up to channel marker 62. Boats were using umbrella rigs with five-inch sassy shads to great effect[1][3].

If you're looking to put some fish in the cooler, blue catfish are abundant in the Lower Bay tributaries. Anglers on the James and Potomac rivers have reported catching multiple blue cats over 30 pounds, with one bank angler on the Potomac catching a 44-pounder[1].

For lures, umbrella rigs with sassy shads are a good choice for striped bass. For blue catfish, use sturdy bottom rigs with bait like nightcrawlers, chicken livers, or even cut bait.

As for hot spots, consider the mouth of the Potomac River and the Cut Channel on the Rappahannock. Another great spot is Elizabeth River Park in Chesapeake, Virginia, which offers a 125-foot pier and convenient boat access. This area is excellent for catching a variety of species, including striped bass and blue catfish[4].

Stay warm and tight lines