Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Reds, Trout, Flounder Abound in Fall Transition

As of October 6, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay is buzzing with activity, making it an exciting time for anglers. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and Tides Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the northeast. Tides are moderate, with the high tide at 10:32 AM and low tide at 4:17 PM, which should provide good movement for the fish. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise was at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:27 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish. ### Fish Activity The fall transition is in full swing, and fish are feeding aggressively as water temperatures cool. Red Drum are a highlight, with schools consistently found around the islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and in the shallows over grass beds and nearshore structure. Yesterday, anglers reported catching red drum up to 50 inches in deeper waters and several slot reds in the 20- to 25-inch range. Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum are also active, particularly inside Lynnhaven Inlet and in local rivers. These fish are biting well on artificial lures such as five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails, as well as on live shrimp and peeler crabs. Flounder fishing remains strong, with large catches reported in the bay’s inner regions and around ocean floor structures. Live Spot has been an effective bait for the heftiest flounder. Sheepshead are abundant at wrecks, reefs, and bridges, preferring crabs like fiddler crabs, peeler crabs, and green crabs. Anglers have caught some very nice sheepshead this week. ### Best Lures and Bait For Red Drum and Speckled Trout, use five-inch chartreuse Jerk Shad and four-inch Gulp paddletails on 3/8th ounce jigheads. Live shrimp under a popping cork or on a fish finder rig are also highly effective. For Flounder, Live Spot is a top choice. For Sheepshead, fiddler crabs are the best option, but peeler crabs and green crabs work well too. ### Hot Spots - The area around the CBBT is a hotspot for Red Drum and Sheepshead. - Lynnhaven Inlet is excellent for Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum. - The bayfront near Point Lookout is good for a mix of redfish, speckled trout, stripers, and bluefish. - The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a good spot for Spot, Drum, small Croaker, and Roundhead. With the striped bass fall season now open, this is an ideal time to cast your line in the Chesapeake Bay. Tight lines