Fishing the Chesapeake Bay: Rockfish, Speckled Trout, and Puppy Drum Action Heating Up for Fall

As of November 22, 2024, the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect: ### Tidal Report, Weather, and Time Today, the sunrise is at 6:51 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. The tidal cycle shows high tide at 9:34 AM and low tide at 3:34 PM. The weather forecast indicates a pleasant day with cooler temperatures, which is ideal for the fall fishing season. ### Fish Activity The fish activity in the Chesapeake Bay is picking up, especially with the cooler temperatures. Rockfish activity is increasing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings, with larger fish expected to show up towards the end of November and in December. School-sized striped bass are abundant around lighted bridges and piers, particularly at night[1][2][4]. Speckled trout are still active in the shallows over grass beds, but they are starting to move to deeper waters. The Speck bite is hot, especially inside the rivers and inlets, with hotspots like the Lynnhaven River, Rudee Inlet, Little Creek Inlet, and the Elizabeth, Piankatank, and Rappahannock rivers[1][4]. Puppy drum are also plentiful in these areas, biting on similar baits as the speckled trout. Sheepshead and tautog are still biting around vertical structures, and the tautog bite is really picking up[1][4]. ### Best Lures and Bait For striped bass, use lipless crankbaits, jerk baits, and soft plastics like paddle tail swim baits. Trollers are having success with small umbrellas, tandems, and bucktails dressed with shad[2]. For speckled trout, live Mullet, shrimp, paddle tail swim baits, and popping corks are highly effective. Topwater lures work well in the mornings and evenings in the shallows[1][4]. ### Hot Spots - **Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel**: This area is seeing increased rockfish activity, especially around the pilings. - **Lynnhaven River**: A hotspot for speckled trout and puppy drum, with the Lynnhaven Troutzilla Tournament currently underway[1][4]. - **Rappahannock and James Rivers**: Good spots for catching striped bass by trolling with swim shads, bucktails, and plugs[1]. Overall, the Chesapeake Bay is in full swing for the fall fishing season, offering a variety of species and exciting fishing opportunities. Make sure to check the local fishing reports and regulations before you head out. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.