Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Blue Cats, Specks, and More for Spring 2025

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!