Chesapeake Bay Fishing Forecast: Rockfish, Bluefish, and More for an Ideal Fall Day

As of October 20, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is offering some of the best fishing conditions of the year. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and Tides The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s, making it ideal for a day of fishing. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is expected at about 6:15 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide at 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM, providing ample opportunities for both shallow and deep-water fishing. ### Fish Activity The fall season has brought a surge in fish activity. Striped bass, which opened for the fall season on October 4th, are biting well, particularly in the lower Bay and its tributaries. Puppy drum and speckled trout are also active, especially in the shallows of the lower Potomac and around Assateague Island. Bluefish, though starting to migrate south, are still plentiful in the two-to-eight-pound range and can be found around the Target Ship and other channel edges. ### Catch Reports Yesterday saw a mix of species being caught. Anglers reported good action on striped bass, puppy drum, and speckled trout using plastics fished in the shallows of the tributaries. Bluefish were caught using number one and two planers with surgical hoses, and some bull red drum and cobia were also reported, though cobia must be released as the season is closed. Flounder fishing remains steady in the channels and back bays around Assateague Island. ### Best Lures and Bait For those casting lures, jigs with paddle tails or popping corks with shrimp lures are excellent choices. Topwater baits are highly effective for enticing trout, drum, and rockfish. When it comes to bait, fresh shrimp is currently the top choice, especially when used on standard two-wire bottom rigs. Bloodworms and fishbites are also popular, but shrimp seems to be the go-to bait given its abundance in the bay and its tributaries. ### Hot Spots - The lower Potomac River is a hotspot for catching a mix of rockfish, redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. - The area around the Target Ship is great for trolling and catching bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional cobia. - Assateague Island and its surrounding back bays are ideal for flounder fishing. - The Corrotoman River has been productive for fly anglers targeting puppy drum, white perch, and carp. With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you’re set for a memorable day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Tight lines