Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report Jan 2025: Reds, Stripers, Tautog, and Cats Bite Despite Chill
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report Jan 2025: Reds, Stripers, Tautog, and Cats Bite Despite Chill
Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for the Chesapeake Bay area around Baltimore and Washington D.C. as of January 31, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 7:09 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:25 PM. The tidal report for Chance, Chesapeake Bay, shows a high tide at 2:30 AM with a height of 0.56 meters (1.82 feet), a low tide at 8:57 AM with a height of -0.23 meters (-0.74 feet), another high tide at 2:55 PM with a height of 0.66 meters (2.17 feet), and a final low tide at 9:31 PM with a height of -0.22 meters (-0.73 feet)[2].
The cold weather has been persistent, but that doesn't mean the fish aren't biting. In the Way South Chesapeake Bay, red drum have been quite active, particularly in the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Anglers have reported catching reds in the deeper parts of Rudee Inlet using fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits. A subtle presentation is key, as the colder temperatures have made the fish more lethargic[1].
For those targeting striped bass, the action has slowed down significantly due to the cold and wind. However, schoolie striped bass are still present in the tidal rivers and tend to bite best at night near areas with deep water and building lights. Using fresh cut bait or lures that mimic mullet can be effective[1].
Tautog are another species that have been active, both in the Bay and at offshore reef sites. With crab being scarce, shrimp and clam have proven to be the best baits for tautog. Additionally, black sea bass will become a target next month with the special February recreational season opening up in Virginia[1].
In the upper Chesapeake Bay, the ice has been a significant factor, but warmer weather forecasted towards the end of the month might improve conditions. For now, careful anglers can try their luck in areas that are not iced over, especially for yellow perch. The lower Susquehanna River is another spot to consider, where blue catfish can be found in the deeper channels. Gizzard shad or menhaden make good baits for these fish[5].
If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Elizabeth River and the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach for red drum and striped bass. For tautog, the offshore reef sites and certain areas within the Bay are worth a try. In the upper Bay, the lower Susquehanna River, particularly the deep hole below the railroad bridge, is a good spot for blue catfish[1][5].
In terms of lures and bait, for red drum, fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits are your best bet. For striped bass, fresh cut bait or lures mimicking mullet are effective. For tautog, shrimp and clam are the way to go. And for blue catfish, gizzard shad or menhaden will do the trick.
Stay warm out there, and let's hope for some warmer weather soon to get the fish more active. Tight lines
First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 7:09 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:25 PM. The tidal report for Chance, Chesapeake Bay, shows a high tide at 2:30 AM with a height of 0.56 meters (1.82 feet), a low tide at 8:57 AM with a height of -0.23 meters (-0.74 feet), another high tide at 2:55 PM with a height of 0.66 meters (2.17 feet), and a final low tide at 9:31 PM with a height of -0.22 meters (-0.73 feet)[2].
The cold weather has been persistent, but that doesn't mean the fish aren't biting. In the Way South Chesapeake Bay, red drum have been quite active, particularly in the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Anglers have reported catching reds in the deeper parts of Rudee Inlet using fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits. A subtle presentation is key, as the colder temperatures have made the fish more lethargic[1].
For those targeting striped bass, the action has slowed down significantly due to the cold and wind. However, schoolie striped bass are still present in the tidal rivers and tend to bite best at night near areas with deep water and building lights. Using fresh cut bait or lures that mimic mullet can be effective[1].
Tautog are another species that have been active, both in the Bay and at offshore reef sites. With crab being scarce, shrimp and clam have proven to be the best baits for tautog. Additionally, black sea bass will become a target next month with the special February recreational season opening up in Virginia[1].
In the upper Chesapeake Bay, the ice has been a significant factor, but warmer weather forecasted towards the end of the month might improve conditions. For now, careful anglers can try their luck in areas that are not iced over, especially for yellow perch. The lower Susquehanna River is another spot to consider, where blue catfish can be found in the deeper channels. Gizzard shad or menhaden make good baits for these fish[5].
If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Elizabeth River and the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach for red drum and striped bass. For tautog, the offshore reef sites and certain areas within the Bay are worth a try. In the upper Bay, the lower Susquehanna River, particularly the deep hole below the railroad bridge, is a good spot for blue catfish[1][5].
In terms of lures and bait, for red drum, fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits are your best bet. For striped bass, fresh cut bait or lures mimicking mullet are effective. For tautog, shrimp and clam are the way to go. And for blue catfish, gizzard shad or menhaden will do the trick.
Stay warm out there, and let's hope for some warmer weather soon to get the fish more active. Tight lines
View all episodes
By Quiet. PleaseHey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for the Chesapeake Bay area around Baltimore and Washington D.C. as of January 31, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 7:09 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:25 PM. The tidal report for Chance, Chesapeake Bay, shows a high tide at 2:30 AM with a height of 0.56 meters (1.82 feet), a low tide at 8:57 AM with a height of -0.23 meters (-0.74 feet), another high tide at 2:55 PM with a height of 0.66 meters (2.17 feet), and a final low tide at 9:31 PM with a height of -0.22 meters (-0.73 feet)[2].
The cold weather has been persistent, but that doesn't mean the fish aren't biting. In the Way South Chesapeake Bay, red drum have been quite active, particularly in the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Anglers have reported catching reds in the deeper parts of Rudee Inlet using fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits. A subtle presentation is key, as the colder temperatures have made the fish more lethargic[1].
For those targeting striped bass, the action has slowed down significantly due to the cold and wind. However, schoolie striped bass are still present in the tidal rivers and tend to bite best at night near areas with deep water and building lights. Using fresh cut bait or lures that mimic mullet can be effective[1].
Tautog are another species that have been active, both in the Bay and at offshore reef sites. With crab being scarce, shrimp and clam have proven to be the best baits for tautog. Additionally, black sea bass will become a target next month with the special February recreational season opening up in Virginia[1].
In the upper Chesapeake Bay, the ice has been a significant factor, but warmer weather forecasted towards the end of the month might improve conditions. For now, careful anglers can try their luck in areas that are not iced over, especially for yellow perch. The lower Susquehanna River is another spot to consider, where blue catfish can be found in the deeper channels. Gizzard shad or menhaden make good baits for these fish[5].
If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Elizabeth River and the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach for red drum and striped bass. For tautog, the offshore reef sites and certain areas within the Bay are worth a try. In the upper Bay, the lower Susquehanna River, particularly the deep hole below the railroad bridge, is a good spot for blue catfish[1][5].
In terms of lures and bait, for red drum, fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits are your best bet. For striped bass, fresh cut bait or lures mimicking mullet are effective. For tautog, shrimp and clam are the way to go. And for blue catfish, gizzard shad or menhaden will do the trick.
Stay warm out there, and let's hope for some warmer weather soon to get the fish more active. Tight lines
First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 7:09 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:25 PM. The tidal report for Chance, Chesapeake Bay, shows a high tide at 2:30 AM with a height of 0.56 meters (1.82 feet), a low tide at 8:57 AM with a height of -0.23 meters (-0.74 feet), another high tide at 2:55 PM with a height of 0.66 meters (2.17 feet), and a final low tide at 9:31 PM with a height of -0.22 meters (-0.73 feet)[2].
The cold weather has been persistent, but that doesn't mean the fish aren't biting. In the Way South Chesapeake Bay, red drum have been quite active, particularly in the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Anglers have reported catching reds in the deeper parts of Rudee Inlet using fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits. A subtle presentation is key, as the colder temperatures have made the fish more lethargic[1].
For those targeting striped bass, the action has slowed down significantly due to the cold and wind. However, schoolie striped bass are still present in the tidal rivers and tend to bite best at night near areas with deep water and building lights. Using fresh cut bait or lures that mimic mullet can be effective[1].
Tautog are another species that have been active, both in the Bay and at offshore reef sites. With crab being scarce, shrimp and clam have proven to be the best baits for tautog. Additionally, black sea bass will become a target next month with the special February recreational season opening up in Virginia[1].
In the upper Chesapeake Bay, the ice has been a significant factor, but warmer weather forecasted towards the end of the month might improve conditions. For now, careful anglers can try their luck in areas that are not iced over, especially for yellow perch. The lower Susquehanna River is another spot to consider, where blue catfish can be found in the deeper channels. Gizzard shad or menhaden make good baits for these fish[5].
If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Elizabeth River and the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach for red drum and striped bass. For tautog, the offshore reef sites and certain areas within the Bay are worth a try. In the upper Bay, the lower Susquehanna River, particularly the deep hole below the railroad bridge, is a good spot for blue catfish[1][5].
In terms of lures and bait, for red drum, fresh shrimp and soft plastic swimbaits are your best bet. For striped bass, fresh cut bait or lures mimicking mullet are effective. For tautog, shrimp and clam are the way to go. And for blue catfish, gizzard shad or menhaden will do the trick.
Stay warm out there, and let's hope for some warmer weather soon to get the fish more active. Tight lines