As the season changes, so do the fishing patterns in the lower Chesapeake Bay. The arrival of fall brings cooler temperatures and winds that stir the bay’s waters, leading to a phenomenon known as “Fall Turnover.” This mixing of water layers distributes nutrients and oxygen more evenly, affecting where fish can be found. This transition presents opportunities for catching a variety of species as they respond to the changing environment.
Flounder fishing is beginning to peak during turnover, and some huge fish (like the 2 citations above) are coming to the scales. Fishing around high tide and on the outgoing tide increases the chances of a good catch. The cooling waters encourage flounder to move inshore, providing excellent opportunities for both boat and shore anglers.
Sheepshead are hanging around structure and are hitting crabs at the CBBT. Red Drum are still offering anglers ample opportunities for a successful catch.
Meanwhile, cobia are currently being caught throughout the bay but the season closes soon on September 15. Bluefish are spread across the bay and along the oceanfront. While the Spanish mackerel catches have decreased recently, anglers remain optimistic on encountering a prized king mackerel. These larger Mackerel, “smokers”, are known for their ability so smoke your drag!
Anglers are seeing an uptick in bottom fishing, with increasing catches of croaker, spot, and whiting. The cooler weather also brings striped bass into shallower waters, making structures like near-shore sand bars and drop-offs effective targets.
Speckled trout and redfish are becoming more and more active in the shallows of inlets and rivers, especially in areas with grass, piers, docks, and rock jetties.
Surf and pier anglers have been reporting bluefish, Spanish mackerel, spot, croakers, and sea mullet.
Offshore boats are finding blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. The white marlin are schooling up off the Virginia Beach coast, allowing crews to catch and release multiple fish. Mahi and wahoo are also in the mix.
OBX
A NW wind and strong currents slowed the action on the OBX, but surf and pier fishermen are finding false albacore near the shore. Piers are producing some ribbonfish and pompano along with drum, blues, Spanish, mullet, croakers, and spot.
High winds have kept the blue water fleet inshore.
