Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report: Spring Spawns, Catfish, and Hot Saltwater Bites

Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for Chesapeake Bay and its surroundings on this chilly February 15th, 2025. First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we're looking at a low tide of -0.23 ft at 3:39 AM, followed by a high tide of 2.35 ft at 9:54 AM. The afternoon will bring another low tide of -0.21 ft at 3:58 PM, and then a high tide of 2.36 ft at 10:16 PM[2]. The weather is crisp, with a sunrise at 6:52 AM and a sunset at 5:44 PM. It's a great time to bundle up and hit the water. In the Lower Chesapeake Bay, we're seeing the early signs of spring spawning runs. Yellow perch are starting to move into the tributaries, followed by white perch, shad, and eventually striped bass. If you're targeting these species, now is a good time to start checking the tributaries like the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James River[3]. For those after bigger game, the invasive blue catfish are still very active. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are your best bets for catching these giants, especially in the James River. Crappie action has also been good in the upriver sections, particularly around bridges and docks near the Washington Channel and Oxon Cove. Live minnows are your best choice here while the water temperatures are still cold[3]. If you're heading out to the saltwater areas, sea bass and tautog are the main targets right now. The special February black sea bass season is in full swing, allowing anglers to harvest until the end of the month. Virginia Beach has been a hotspot for sea bass, with some trips yielding boat limits of up to 90 fish. Five-pounders have been common, so it's a great time to get out there and fill your cooler[1]. For tautog, Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star has been finding success at various reef sites. It's been a bit hit-or-miss, but when the fish are biting, everyone on board is getting in on the action. Be prepared to move around to find the most active spots[1]. Sheepshead are another species that's been biting well, especially around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the artificial reefs in the lower bay. Use fiddler crabs or clams for the best results. Red Drum are also active, with reports of large schools feeding on the surface from the mouth of the Potomac to the entrance of the bay. Jigging them up from hard cover areas has been effective[4]. In terms of lures and bait, for the perch and shad, small jigs and spoons work well. For the blue catfish, stick with fresh cut bait. For sea bass and tautog, clams, squid, and crabs are your go-to baits. For sheepshead and red drum, fiddler crabs and bloodworms are excellent choices. Hot spots to consider today include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for sheepshead and red drum, the artificial reefs in the lower bay for sea bass and tautog, and the tributaries like the James River for yellow perch and blue catfish. Stay warm, stay patient, and good luck