Fishing Report for Chesapeake Bay, Virginia – April 11, 2025

Today offers outstanding fishing conditions across Chesapeake Bay, with warming spring temperatures and abundant fish activity. Sunrise was at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, giving anglers nearly 13 hours of daylight to take advantage of the bite. The tidal cycle today is favorable: high tides are at 6:28 AM and 6:59 PM, while low tides fall at 12:38 AM and 1:14 PM. The tidal coefficient is strong, indicating high tidal ranges and active currents, which can enhance feeding activity.

The current temperature is in the low 70s with clear skies, and light winds are projected, creating calm water conditions perfect for fishing. This weather, paired with the increasing water temperatures, has energized many species in the region.

Blue catfish are by far the most active species right now, particularly in the Upper and Middle Chesapeake Bay. Reports indicate excellent catches around areas like the mouth of the Magothy River, Sandy Point, and tributaries such as the Chester River and Patapsco River. These fish range from 10 to 50 pounds, with some monsters over 40 pounds being landed. Fresh cut bunker is the go-to bait, fished on the bottom with circle hooks. Moving tides have been crucial to success.

Snakeheads, a spring favorite, are also waking up across the Lower Bay and its tributaries. They’ve been biting aggressively on white paddletails, chatterbaits, and live minnows under bobbers. Anglers have found success in shallower sunny spots and along shorelines with structure like fallen trees or grassy edges. Reports from the Blackwater Refuge highlight catches up to 12 pounds.

White perch and shad are also providing steady action in the rivers such as the Mattawoman Creek, Patuxent River, and Potomac River. Hickory shad and American shad are hitting black or orange shad darts and small plastics, while perch are favoring grass shrimp on bottom rigs. Pickerel are active in the Upper Bay tributaries, especially around submerged wood and sunken structures. Spinners and jerkbaits are recommended for enticing these ambush predators.

For bait, live options such as minnows, shrimp, and bloodworms yield excellent results across most species. Squid and clam are also working wonders for bottom-dwelling fish like perch and catfish.

Hot spots to consider today include:
1. The mouth of the Magothy River – for big blue cats.
2. Blackwater Refuge – for trophy snakeheads.
3. Patuxent River – for white perch and shad runs.

With ideal conditions and plentiful fish, today promises to be a fantastic day on the water. Don’t forget to bring plenty of bait, target active feeding zones during tidal changes, and enjoy the springtime bounty the Chesapeake Bay has to offer!

The fishing scene around the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, is heating up with springtime action in full swing. Today’s sunrise was at 6:38 AM and sunset will be at 7:34 PM, providing plenty of daylight for anglers to explore the waters. The tides at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel included a high tide this morning at 7:04 AM (2.53 ft) and will peak again at 7:20 PM (2.63 ft), while low tides occurred at 12:39 AM and 1:04 PM, giving a good mix of fishing opportunities throughout the day.

Weather conditions today are favorable for fishing with mild spring temperatures in the 60s and 70s, light winds, and partly sunny skies. These conditions, combined with water temperatures nearing 60°F in some tributaries, have fish actively feeding and moving into shallower waters.

Recent catches show a promising variety of species. The tautog bite is strong, especially at structures like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) and the Kiptopeke concrete ships, where several keepers were snagged on crab bait. Black drum are beginning to arrive in the area, with catches reported along coastal beaches, and red drum are expected to follow soon. Speckled trout numbers are increasing in tributaries like Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets, while blue catfish continue to be a reliable target, particularly in the upper portions of the bay. These are being caught using bloodworms, cut bait, and frozen shrimp.

For lure choices, anglers are having success with paddletails, jerkbaits, and live or cut crab for drum and tautog. Red shad darts are excellent for targeting hickory shad in the lower Susquehanna River, where the evening bite has been especially productive.

If you’re looking for hot spots today, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel remains a top choice for tautog and drum, with its abundant structure attracting fish. Kiptopeke State Park is another great location, especially for anglers looking to target fish near the concrete ships. For speckled trout and slot red drum, Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets are delivering steady action.

With spring in full swing, now is the perfect time to dust off your gear and head to the water. Whether you’re chasing drum, trout, or catfish, the Chesapeake Bay offers plentiful opportunities for anglers to reel in some great catches. Tight lines!

Fishing Report for Chesapeake Bay, Virginia – April 4, 2025

Today’s report brings a mixed bag of opportunities for anglers around the Chesapeake Bay. The sunrise was at 6:45 AM, and the sunset will be at 7:29 PM, offering plenty of daylight to cast your lines. Tidal activity in the Bay is steady, with a high tide at 3:57 PM at 1.49 ft and a low tide tonight at 10:56 PM at 0.12 ft, giving anglers optimal windows for fishing during these movements.

Although the striped bass season is closed for fishing in Maryland portions of the Bay, Virginia waters offer exciting opportunities. The shad run is in full swing in the tributaries, with hickory and American shad making strong showings in areas like the James River and the Mattaponi. Anglers using shad darts, silver spoons, and small twisty-tail jigs have reported steady catches. Additionally, the blue catfish bite is excellent throughout the tributaries like the Potomac River, with fish ranging from 5 to 50 pounds actively feeding on cut bait such as bunker.

Down in the lower Chesapeake, speckled trout and puppy drum are starting to wake up with the warming waters. Mobjack Bay, Lynnhaven Bay, and the lower James River are prime locations for targeting these species. Anglers are having success using 3- to 4-inch paddletails on jigheads or suspending twitchbaits like the Mirrolure around docks, oyster bars, and grass flats. These areas are seeing increased activity from baitfish and crabs, making them hot zones for early spring fishing.

If you’re after white perch, the Patuxent River and its tributaries are still producing well. Bloodworms, grass shrimp, and small jigs tipped with scented baits have been highly effective. Look for deeper channels or near structures where these fish tend to school. Pickerel are also active in the fresher tributary waters, with anglers having success using chatterbaits and small spinners.

For bait, consider bloodworms and grass shrimp for perch, cut bunker or gizzard shad for blue catfish, and soft paddletails for trout and drum. Eels may also tempt larger predator species like drum. Tackle shops around the Bay should stock these baits along with essential gear.

Two highly recommended fishing hotspots include:
1. **Mobjack Bay** – A great area for speckled trout and puppy drum, particularly along shoreline structures and grass flats.
2. **Potomac River, near Fletcher’s Cove** – A proven location for hickory shad and blue catfish this time of year.

With warming waters and the arrival of spring, it’s a fantastic time to fish the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re targeting shad in tributaries or trout in the lower Bay, there’s plenty of action to keep the rods bent. Tight lines!

The fishing in the Chesapeake Bay region is getting lively as spring rolls in. Here's the latest update for April 4, 2025.

Today in the Chesapeake region, we’re looking at favorable weather with clear skies and temperatures climbing into the upper 60s to low 70s. Sunrise was at 6:42 AM, and sunset will be at 7:35 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to wet a line. Moderate winds are expected, so keep an eye on the gusts if you're venturing out on a boat. The tidal activity is also favorable, with a mid-morning high tide and an evening low tide, ideal for targeting various species.

Fishing action around the Bay is heating up, with several species taking center stage. Blue catfish are the stars right now and are biting well from the Upper Bay down to the Bay Bridge. Spots such as the Susquehanna River, Chester River near Crumpton, and Hackett’s Point are prime for these whiskered giants. Cut bait like bunker or gizzard shad works best to lure these aggressive feeders, especially near deep channels or current edges.

In the Lower Bay, the shad run is in full effect. Hickory shad are biting well in the tidal sections of the James and Rappahannock Rivers. Anglers are reporting success with shad darts, small spoons, and curlytail jigs along the marshy banks and deeper pools. The Potomac River is also seeing good shad action, with reports of both hickory and American shad being caught.

For those fishing near the shorelines, speckled trout and red drum have been spotted around western tributaries like Mobjack Bay and Lynnhaven Inlet, as well as the lower Eastern Shore areas like Pocomoke Sound. Paddletail grubs on light jigheads or popping corks with soft plastics are effective for these species around docks, grass flats, and oyster bars.

White perch and post-spawn yellow perch are still active in rivers throughout the region, including the Choptank and Chester Rivers. Anglers are using shad darts, small jigs, and bloodworms on bottom rigs to land these tasty panfish in good numbers. Keep in mind, however, that many of the white perch are smaller, so patience (and extra bait) might be needed.

While the Maryland portion of the Bay is closed for striped bass, catch-and-release fishing is still permitted in Virginia waters and the Potomac River. If you're targeting stripers, stick to deeper channels or warmer, shallow mudflats where they’re chasing bunker schools.

Hotspots to consider today include:
1. **Wilson Bridge on the Potomac River** – Great for catching big catfish and shad.
2. **Mobjack Bay and Lynnhaven Inlet** – Productive for speckled trout and puppy drum.
3. **Susquehanna Flats** – Catfish are abundant and willing to hit cut bait.

For gear, bring an assortment of cut bait for cats and live minnows or small plastics for perch and shad. If targeting trout or reds, stock up on small paddletail jigs or twitch baits.

Tight lines, and enjoy the start of spring fishing in Chesapeake Bay!

It’s a beautiful day for fishing around the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, this Friday, April 4, 2025. The sunrise this morning at 6:45 AM brought clear skies and a light breeze, making for perfect springtime fishing conditions. The sun will set at 7:29 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to enjoy their time on the water.

The tides today near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel will feature a high tide at 1:41 AM and another at 2:08 PM, with low tides at 8:18 AM and 8:18 PM. These moderate tidal variations make the early morning and early afternoon promising windows for fishing action.

Currently, striped bass fishing remains closed in Chesapeake waters until May 16, but anglers are finding no shortage of excitement. Blue catfish are the star of the show in the lower and middle bay tributaries, with catches ranging from 10 to 50 pounds reported near the James River and other nearby tributaries. Fresh cut bait like bunker or perch is the go-to for these whiskered giants, making bottom rigs highly effective. Hickory and American shad are running strong and can be found in rivers such as the Potomac and Mattawoman Creek. Shad darts, silver spoons, and twisty tail jigs are the best lures for targeting these feisty fish.

Speckled trout and puppy drum are also making appearances in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Hot spots like Mobjack Bay, Lynnhaven Bay, and the lower James River offer great opportunities for shoreline and nearshore fishing. Anglers are having success with paddletails in the 3- to 4-inch range, fished on light jigheads around oyster beds, marsh edges, and drop-offs. Popping cork rigs with soft plastics are also highly effective in these areas.

For white perch enthusiasts, the bite remains steady in both rivers and tributaries like the Patuxent and Choptank Rivers. Bloodworms, grass shrimp, and small bottom rigs tipped with scented baits are all delivering solid results.

If you’re planning your day, consider these hot spots for action: Lynnhaven Bay for speckled trout and puppy drum, and the James River tributaries for large blue catfish. For variety, Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds are excellent choices, hosting early-season black drum and plentiful white perch.

Whether you’re casting a line for shad, hunting for trophy blue catfish, or enjoying the emerging action with speckled trout and puppy drum, today’s calm weather and moderate tidal shifts make it a great day to be on the water. Tight lines, and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay!

Good morning anglers! Here’s your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Friday, April 4, 2025.

The weather today is shaping up to be a fine spring day with sunrise at 6:43 AM and sunset at 7:30 PM, giving you ample daylight for a productive outing. Tidal activity is notable, with high tides at 3:29 AM at 1.88 ft and 3:57 PM at 1.49 ft, and low tides at 10:58 AM at 0.15 ft and 10:56 PM at 0.12 ft. This moderate tidal movement could help invigorate fish activity, especially during the high tide windows.

Although striped bass fishing is closed in both Maryland and Virginia waters this month, the Chesapeake Bay offers other excellent opportunities. White perch are still running strong in the tributaries, with good action reported on the Potomac, Choptank, and Pocomoke Rivers. Bloodworms, grass shrimp, and small shad darts are the best baits for targeting these perch. Anglers around the Patuxent River and Jug Bay have already enjoyed steady catches of perch this week.

If you’re after something bigger, blue catfish is the star species right now. These “river monsters” are abundant in the upper and middle sections of the Bay, particularly around channel edges near Sandy Point, Hackett’s Point, and the mouth of the Patapsco River. Some anglers have reported landing blue cats over 20 pounds, while fish in the 5-10 pound range are commonplace. Cut bait using bunker, perch, or gizzard shad is your go-to option for targeting these bottom dwellers.

For those looking to fish the lower Bay, areas like Lynnhaven Bay, Mobjack Bay, and the lower James River are hotspots for speckled trout and puppy drum. Anglers have found success fishing near docks, rocky shorelines, and oyster bars. Early spring lures such as paddle tails (3-4 inch) in natural colors or popping cork setups are proving effective.

Hickory and American shad runs have picked up across the Bay tributaries, with strong activity along the Potomac River, Mattawoman Creek, and the Choptank River. Casting small spoons, shad darts, or twisty tail jigs will yield the best results. Shad fishing is a catch-and-release opportunity but offers plenty of action for light tackle enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for hot spots today, try these two recommendations:
1. **Hackett’s Point**: Perfect for blue catfish action with fresh cut bait on bottom rigs.
2. **Mobjack Bay**: Excellent for speckled trout and puppy drum along marsh edges and oyster beds using soft plastics or popping cork rigs.

Grab your bait and tackle, and enjoy the Bay’s bounty. Tight lines, everyone!

Today, April 4, 2025, fishing in and around the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, brings plenty of exciting opportunities for anglers. While striped bass fishing is temporarily closed in Maryland waters and restricted to catch-and-release in Virginia, there is no shortage of species to target. Here’s a full breakdown of the day’s fishing outlook.

Sunrise was at 6:45 AM, and sunset will occur at 7:32 PM, providing ample daylight to enjoy some quality time on the water. The water temperatures in the bay are hovering around 50 degrees, which is ideal for engaging seasonal fish activity. The weather is expected to be pleasant, with calm conditions and highs in the 70s, perfect for a spring outing.

Key species to target this time of year include blue catfish, hickory shad, white perch, speckled trout, and red drum. Blue catfish are particularly active around the Potomac River, Rappahannock River, and the upper bay channels. Anglers have reported success with cut bait, such as bunker or gizzard shad, fished on bottom rigs. Trophy-sized blue catfish weighing over 50 pounds have been caught recently in these waters.

Speckled trout and red drum are picking up along the shorelines of the lower Chesapeake Bay, particularly in areas like Lynnhaven Inlet, Rudee Inlet, and the Elizabeth River. Anglers are having success using soft paddletails on lightweight jigheads or fresh cut bait near oyster beds and grassy flats. The tautog bite is also improving over hard structures, like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT), with crab bait being the top choice.

In the tributaries, the white perch run is still strong. Bloodworms or shad darts tipped with small pieces of bait are working well. Hickory shad are trickling into rivers like the Rappahannock and James, with shad darts and spoons proving effective. These areas also attract striped bass migrating for spawning, although catch-and-release rules apply in Virginia waters.

For bait and lures, fresh cut bunker, bloodworms, soft crabs, and small paddletails in natural colors are your best bets. Chatterbaits and white-colored lures are excellent for targeting species like snakeheads in the grassier areas of tributaries.

Recommended hotspots include:
1. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) for tautog.
2. Lynnhaven Inlet and Rudee Inlet for speckled trout and red drum.
3. The Rappahannock and James Rivers for hickory shad and blue catfish.

The Chesapeake Bay offers exciting fishing opportunities this time of year, whether you’re catching trophy blue cats, enjoying the shad run, or working the shoreline for trout and drum. Tight lines out there!

The Chesapeake Bay is warming up, and the fishing scene is buzzing with opportunities as the season transitions into spring. Here’s today’s fishing report for April 2, 2025.

The weather continues to improve, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s. Sunrise today was at 6:46 AM, and sunset will be at 7:29 PM, providing ample daylight for anglers to enjoy. The tides in the bay are moderate, with a mid-morning high tide and a low tide in the early afternoon—ideal for targeting various species.

Recently, anglers have reported stellar action in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Blue catfish are particularly active in the upper bay, with hotspots near Hackett’s Point and the Susquehanna Flats. These giants are being pulled in using cut bait like menhaden or gizzard shad. Many are weighing in between 10 and 50 pounds, making it a great day for those targeting trophy-sized fish.

In the lower bay, the warming shallow waters are bringing speckled trout and red drum into play. Anglers have had success using 3- to 4-inch paddletails on lightweight jigheads near shoreline structures, oyster beds, and drop-offs. The James River, Mobjack Bay, and Lynnhaven Inlet are particularly productive areas. The tautog bite is also heating up at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT), with fresh crab proving to be the best bait at this location.

For panfish enthusiasts, white perch are still abundant in many tidal rivers. Bloodworms on bottom rigs or shad darts tipped with a piece of worm are highly effective. Meanwhile, yellow perch are being caught near their spawning grounds. Using live minnows as bait on bottom rigs has been producing excellent results.

As for lures and bait recommendations, speckled trout and red drum are hitting on popping cork rigs with soft plastics or suspending twitchbaits like the MirrOlure. Blue catfish are biting on chunk baits, while bloodworms and small minnows remain the go-to for white and yellow perch. For tautog at CBBT, crabs are a must, though shrimp and clam can serve as substitutes.

Top spots to check out today include the Susquehanna Flats for blue catfish, Cape Charles and lower Tangier Sound for red drum and black drum, and the Elizabeth River or Lynnhaven Inlet for speckled trout. The shallow waters in these regions are warming quickly, creating perfect feeding conditions.

If you’re heading out, don’t forget to stay aware of changing regulations—striped bass fishing is closed in portions of the bay, and only catch-and-release is permitted in Virginia waters this month. Tight lines, and enjoy the phenomenal spring action the Chesapeake Bay has to offer!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for Monday, March 31, 2025. It's a beautiful spring day out on the water, with temps in the low 70s and a light breeze. Sunrise was at 6:51 AM, and we'll have sunset at 7:26 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to wet our lines.

Tides are looking good today, with low tide at 4:20 AM (-0.47 ft) and 4:25 PM (-0.42 ft), and high tide at 10:30 AM (2.83 ft) and 10:53 PM (3.4 ft). That incoming tide in the morning should get the fish moving.

Now, let's talk fish. Striped bass season is winding down, with the catch-and-release period ending today. Anglers have been having luck with big females feeding on bunker in pockets of warmer water. If you're out there today, remember it's strictly catch and release, and use heavy tackle to reduce fight times.

White perch are running strong in the tidal rivers, with anglers catching good numbers on shad darts tipped with bloodworms or minnows. Yellow perch are mostly spawned out, but you can still find some post-spawn fish in the deeper waters.

Blue catfish are on the move as water temps warm up. They're being caught from the Susquehanna all the way down to the Bay Bridge. Cut bait like white perch or menhaden on a fish-finder rig is your best bet.

For lures, big soft plastic jigs and suspending jerkbaits like the Rapala X-Rap have been producing for stripers. For perch, small jigs with 2-inch plastics or shad darts tipped with Gulp baits are the ticket.

Hot spots this week include the Susquehanna Flats for stripers (remember, catch and release only), the Choptank River for white perch, and the channel edges near the Bay Bridge for blue cats.

That's it for now, folks. Remember, starting tomorrow it's hands off the stripers until mid-May. But don't worry, there's plenty of other fish in the sea – or in this case, the Bay. Tight lines, y'all!

Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Chesapeake Bay fishing report for March 30, 2025. Let me tell ya, spring is in full swing and the fishing's starting to heat up!

First off, let's talk tides. We've got a low tide at 3:30 AM, high tide at 9:41 AM, another low at 3:39 PM, and a final high at 10:03 PM. Water's moving good today, so keep that in mind when you're picking your spots.

Weather-wise, we're looking at a partly cloudy day with temps in the mid-60s. Sunrise is at 6:52 AM and sunset at 7:25 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with.

Now, onto the good stuff - the fish! Striped bass are still the main attraction, but remember folks, the season closes tomorrow. We've been seeing some big girls in the 30 to 40-inch range moving up the Bay. They're chasing schools of bunker, so keep your eyes peeled for birds working the water.

White perch are running strong in the tributaries. Anglers have been having good luck with bloodworms and grass shrimp. The yellow perch run is winding down, but you might still find some stragglers in the upper reaches of the rivers.

For you catfish enthusiasts, blue cats are biting well in the channels. Cut bait or chicken liver on a bottom rig is the way to go.

Lure-wise, big soft plastics in the 9 to 10-inch range have been killer for stripers. White, chartreuse, or dark purple are your best bets. If you're into topwater action, try a Spook or a similar walk-the-dog style lure early in the morning or late evening.

For those of you looking to wet a line from shore, bloodworms or cut bait on a bottom rig will get you into some croaker and spot. They're starting to show up in better numbers as the water warms.

As for hot spots, the mouth of the Potomac and the area around the Bay Bridge-Tunnel have been producing some nice catches. If you're looking for a more protected area, try Mobjack Bay or the Piankatank River.

Remember, folks, always check the regulations before you head out. Tight lines and good fishing!