Chesapeake Bay Fall Fishing Forecast: Red Drum, Trout, and Bluefish Bonanza

As of October 7, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is buzzing with activity as the fall transition period kicks into full gear. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Conditions - **Tidal Report**: Expect a high tide around 9:30 AM and a low tide around 3:30 PM, with moderate tidal currents. - **Weather**: Today will be partly cloudy with a gentle breeze out of the northwest, temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. - **Sunrise and Sunset**: Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:33 PM. ### Fish Activity The cooling water temperatures have really heated up the shallow water bite. Red drum, speckled trout, and striped bass are actively feeding in the shallows over grass beds and nearshore structures. Schools of bluefish are still abundant, particularly around the Target Ship area, with many fish in the 20-24 inch range and some reaching up to 30 inches. ### Catches Yesterday saw a mix of species being caught. Anglers near Point Lookout reported catching redfish up to 25 inches, speckled trout, stripers, and bluefish. In the Rappahannock area, red drum were caught in deeper waters, including a few slot reds and one impressive 50-inch fish. Puppy drum up to 25 inches and under-slot striped bass were also caught in the Whitestone area. ### Best Lures and Bait For the shallow water bite, five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails in purple tiger on 3/8th ounce jigheads are proving highly effective. Live shrimp under a popping cork or on a fish finder rig are also working well, especially for speckled trout. For bluefish, topwater lures like Sting Silvers or small spoons are great choices. If you're after sheepshead, fiddler crabs, peeler crabs, or sand fleas are the best baits. ### Hot Spots - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT)**: This area is a hotspot for cobia, although the season is now catch and release. Schools of red drum can be consistently found around the islands of the CBBT. - **Lynnhaven Inlet**: Speckled trout and puppy drum are actively biting inside the inlet. This area is also good for catching spot, drum, and small croaker. - **Target Ship Area**: This zone has been consistent for catching nice bluefish and occasional cobia while trolling for blues. With the fall season in full swing, the Chesapeake Bay is offering a diverse range of fishing experiences. Whether you're targeting red drum, speckled trout, or bluefish, now is an excellent time to get out on the water and enjoy the bounty of the Bay.