Chesapeake Bay Fishing Outlook: Braving the Chill for Reds, Stripers, and Specks

As of January 24, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in the Virginia region, is facing the challenges of cold weather and impending harsh conditions. Here’s a local’s perspective on what you can expect today. First, let's look at the tides. For Windmill Point, today's high tides are at 6:43 AM and 6:57 PM, with heights of 0.92 ft and 0.57 ft respectively. Low tides are at 00:10 AM and 1:34 PM, both around -0.01 ft to -0.02 ft[2]. The weather is cold, with a forecast that doesn't look promising due to an expected polar vortex next week. This cold spell has already made fishing conditions tough, especially for species like speckled trout, which are very lethargic in these temperatures[1]. Despite the cold, there are still some fish to be caught. In the Way South tributaries, red drum have been biting, with reports of anglers catching them using cut mullet, fresh shrimp, and paddletails. One angler recently caught a 31” over-slot red drum in Little Creek, and another caught four reds, the largest being 25”, in an unspecified tributary at night[1]. Migratory striped bass action near Cape Charles has slowed down significantly due to the wind and cold. However, schoolie striped bass are still active in the tidal rivers, particularly at night around areas with deep water and building lights. Using fresh cut bait or lures mimicking mullet can be effective[1]. For those targeting striped bass, the Middle Bay area, especially around Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay, has seen some action. Fish are often found in deeper waters, and soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads have been successful[3]. Given the conditions, here are a couple of hot spots to consider: - The tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach, where you can find a mix of speckled trout, red drum, and striped bass. Look for deeper waters and areas with building lights at night[1]. - The area near Cape Charles, though the bite is slow, it's still worth a try for those persistent anglers. Keep an eye out for schools of mullet and use lures that mimic them[1]. Sunrise today is at 7:14 AM, and sunset is at 5:20 PM. With the cold weather and impending polar vortex, it's crucial to dress warmly and be prepared for challenging fishing conditions. Remember, night fishing for striped bass can be very effective, especially around illuminated areas. Stay warm and good luck on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.