Winter Wonderland Fishing in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia

Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. First off, let's talk about the tides. For today, February 10th, 2025, at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we're looking at a low tide at 12:05 AM and another at 1:05 PM. The high tides are at 6:47 AM and 7:03 PM. Make sure to plan your trips accordingly, as these tidal changes can significantly impact fish activity[2]. Weather-wise, it's chilly, just what we expect in February. Bundle up because the cold can be biting. Sunrise is at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 5:39 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water. Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, the oceanic action is generally quiet, but there are some exceptions. If you're heading out to the wrecks and reefs off the coast, tautog are still active and willing to take green crabs or white leggers. Shrimp and clam have also proven effective as baits for these tough fighters[1]. In the freshwater and tributary areas, yellow perch, pickerel, and crappie are your best bets. These fish don't mind the super-cold water temps, so you can find them in the deeper haunts of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Dropping down tandems with minnows or using minnows on a bottom rig can get you into some nice action. Yellow perch have been particularly active around the Perryville area and in the mouths of other tidal rivers, with some jumbos over 13 inches being caught recently. Live minnows are working best, but small artificial jigs are also enticing bites[4]. Blue catfish are another species that are abundant throughout the Bay and will bite in the cold winter months. They will be holding along deeper ledges in the Susquehanna, Elk, and North East rivers. Fresh cut gizzard shad or eel are tried and true baits that usually get the blue cats biting. The biggest fish are typically caught in the winter and spring, so now is a great time to try for a trophy-sized fish[3][4]. For those targeting catfish, don't forget to set some cut baits along the channel edges; they never stop eating, no matter the temperature. If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Gunpowder River creeks and tributaries, which have been producing crappie, bass, and perch. The shorelines around Oxon Cove, riddled with fallen wood, are also a great spot for crappie. Fishing at night around areas with illuminated water, despite the cold nighttime temperatures, has been working well too[3]. So, gear up, stay warm, and get out there. The fish are waiting, and with the right baits and knowledge of the tides, you're set for a great day on the water. Tight lines, everyone