Best Times & Seasons to Fish the Chesapeake Bay (Full Guide)

The Chesapeake Bay is one of the best fisheries on the eastern coastline. Knowing the best seasons and times of day to fish the Chesapeake Bay can make a huge difference in your fishing success.

The best time to fish the Chesapeake Bay for striped bass, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and cobia is from April through October. Flounder fishing is best from August until December in the bay.

Fish Species	Best Times to Fish the Chesapeake Bay
Rockfish (Striped Bass)	May through December is the hot season for stripers in the bay.
Spanish Mackerel	March through October is the peak season for Spanish mackerel in the Chesapeake Bay.
Bluefish	May through October is the peak season for bluefish.
Cobia	June through August is the best window for fishing.
Flounder	August through December is the prime flounder season in the bay.

Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay can be inspiring, fulfilling, and full of fun. There are several fish species in the waters of Chesapeake, making it the right choice for anglers to explore their fishing activities. It also includes several fishing spots that you can visit at intervals to enjoy your fishing activities.

Best Times to Fish the Chesapeake Bay

The best time to go fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is April through August. Several fish species are active and are ready to bite during the late spring through early summer months. You can experience great fishing success during this time of the year in the Chesapeake Bay.

Aside from knowing the best seasons and months to go fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, you also have to get some other fishing knowledge. You also need to know the best time of the day to fish the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Fishing during the right time provides anglers with more chances of success when fishing.

The best time of the day to go fishing depends on the species of fish you want to catch. You have to know when the fish species you want to catch are active and taking the bite.

This happens at the best time of the day to catch the fish. Fish during the appropriate season and the right time of the day to catch the most fun when fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

Recommended Fishing Charters in the Chesapeake Bay

These Chesapeake Bay-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Type of Fishing Offered
Southern Belle Sportfishing (Virginia Beach)	Offshore & Billfish
Grading Scales Sportfishing (Poquoson, VA)	Inshore & Nearshore
Screaming Eagle Charters (Neavitt, MD)	Inshore & Nearshore
PrimeTime Charters (Stevensville)	Inshore
Lucky Strike Charters (Deale)	Inshore & Nearshore
Knot Wish’n Custom Charters (Virginia Beach)	Inshore & Nearshore
Maritime Mayhem Charter Service (Deltaville)	Inshore & Nearshore
Four Reel Charters (Virginia Beach, VA)	Inshore & Nearshore

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic to create your combo.

Chesapeake Bay Species Breakdown: Best Seasons

The Chesapeake Bay is the home of several fish species, and it is one of the best places to visit for your angling activities as you will be able to explore varieties of fish species. Many anglers visit this bay, and you can also include their numbers to create a fun-filled fishing adventure.

Here are some of the fish species you will find in the Chesapeake Bay:

Rockfish (Striped Bass)

Rockfish, also known as the striped bass, is one of the prized gems of the Chesapeake Bay. Fishing the rockfish at the Chesapeake Bay can be done at any time as the fish are plentiful and readily available.

But they are most abundant during the early spring as most anglers make the most catch during this time. You can catch the rockfish from January through February.

Catching the rockfish on Chesapeake Day should also be done at the appropriate time of the day. Fishing the striped bass should be done at the early hours of the day, starting from dawn to two hours after sunrise.

You can also set out for fishing during the late afternoon from two hours after sunset till dark, and you will make a good catch of fish during these times.

There are several places to catch rockfish in Chesapeake Bay. One of the best places to catch the striped bass is the rocky point beach at the upper Chesapeake Bay. You can also make a good catch at the Susquehanna Flats.

Bluefish

One of the astounding beauties you will find in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay is the Bluefish. Fishing for the Bluefish brings the best results during late spring down into early autumn. From May through October, you can get the most out of your bluefish fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

Bluefish enjoy low light conditions when they are most active and are ready to take a bite. You should go fishing for them during dawn and dusk to make a good catch.

You can also go fishing during the night and afternoon, but the dawn and dusk provide the most yield. You can visit the shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay to make the most out of your bluefish fishing.

To catch your Bluefish, you can visit Chesapeake beach, Kent Island, Tilghman Island, and several other places. You can enjoy your fishing activities at these spots and also get access to several other fun-filled activities.

Spanish Mackerel

If you are looking for the perfect migrating fish in the Chesapeake Bay, then you have the Spanish mackerel at your disposal. Fishing the Spanish mackerel should be best done during the spring down into the early fall.

The Spanish mackerel migrate to the Chesapeake Bay during these seasons and head towards places with warmer climates to spend the winter. The best time to fish is March through October in the Chesapeake Bay.

The Spanish mackerel is more likely to show up during the day than the night. But you can concentrate your fishing effort during the early hours of the morning. You can visit the waters of Chesapeake Bay to enjoy your fishing activities.

The middle and lower bay are the best places to catch the Spanish mackerel in Chesapeake Bay. You can also find them along Virginia’s Western shore. Spanish mackerel will make your day and fishing adventure a memorable one.

Flounder

The Chesapeake Bay is one of the places you will find these tasty fish species. Fishing the flounder in the waters of Chesapeake Bay should be done at the appropriate season.

Fall and early winter are the best seasons to visit the bay and catch your flounder. You can make a great catch of flounders during September through December. Enjoy your fishing activities in the Chesapeake Bay.

Fishing flounders are best done during high tides. You can also make great success when fishing during the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the evening. Fishing during these hours can also give you access to catch other fish species in the waters of Chesapeake Bay.

There are several places to catch flounders in the Chesapeake Bay. You can visit the third and fourth islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to enjoy your fishing activities. You can also visit other fishing hot spots in Chesapeake Bay to enjoy your fishing activities to the fullest.

Cobia

Cobias are also a common fish species you will find in the waters of Chesapeake Bay. You will get plentiful cobias to catch during the summer seasons.

Cobias migrate to the Chesapeake Bay to spawn, so you will have plenty of cobias to catch and enjoy. Fish the waters during June through August for the best fishing.

Fishing cobias is best done when the sun is at its highest. Cobias love warm waters and enjoy the brightest time of the day.

You can leverage this and catch them during the afternoons to make a good catch. Enjoy your fishing activities in the Chesapeake Bay by choosing the right time of the day to fish.

Best Time of the Day to Fish Chesapeake Bay

Fishing the waters of Chesapeake Bay can provide you with the best success and yield. It is best to fish at the right time of the day to enjoy your fishing activities in Chesapeake Bay. The best time of the day to fish the waters of Chesapeake Bay is during the early hours of the morning or late hours of the evening.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Stevensville, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Chesapeake Bay Fishing & Tidal Impacts

Fishing during high tides will provide you with the best result in Chesapeake Bay. Many fish species are usually active and bite during the high tides, and fishing during this time will provide you with a great catch in the Chesapeake Bay.

Storms & Chesapeake Bay Fishing

Storms are also an important factor when fishing. You have to consider this factor to make the best out of the waters of Chesapeake.

Storms can increase the activeness of several fish species, making them a positive factor for fishing. You should fish the waters of Chesapeake Bay after a storm to make a good catch.

Is Winter Fishing Good or Bad in the Chesapeake Bay?

Fishing during winter can provide you with good results, provided you go for the fish species available during this time.

Several fish species are active during the winter, so you can go fishing for them in the waters of Chesapeake. You can make a good catch and make your fishing time worthwhile in the bay.

Night Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay

Fishing at night is a common practice among anglers in the Chesapeake Bay. Several fish species grace the waters of Chesapeake at night, giving anglers varieties of fish to hunt. You can enjoy your night fishing at the bay by going for the right fish species at the right time.

Shore/ Surf Fishing: Best Times & Season

Shore fishing is also one of the common fishing practices in the Chesapeake Bay. There are several shores you can visit and several fish species to catch. You can enjoy your fishing activities and record huge success by surf fishing the waters of Chesapeake Bay.

Top 5 Fishing Spots in the Chesapeake Bay

There are several fishing spots in the Chesapeake Bay. You can catch varieties of fish species in these waters to enjoy your fishing activities. Some fishing spots in the Chesapeake Bay include;

• Chesapeake Bay Bridge: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge refers to the middle bay. It contains varieties of fish to catch, and it is a good fishing spot to explore your fishing skills and activities.
• Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach is found in the lower bay. It is a good fishing spot as many anglers visit the beach to make their catch. You can also catch varieties of fish species at this fishing location.
• Rocky Point Beach: This is also a common fishing spot for your angling activities in the Chesapeake Bay. It is found in the upper bay and houses varieties of fish species for your activities.
• Tea Kettle Shoals: This is also found in the upper bay. It is also a good spot for fishing and contains resources for convenient and successful fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
• Kiptopeke State Park: The Kiptopeke State Park can also provide you with the fishing opportunities you need. You get access to varieties of fish species in these waters and provide you with the needed resources.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Norfolk, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Ocean City (NJ), please check out this helpful guide.

Booking Charters in the Chesapeake Bay

You can catch the most fun and easily perform your fishing activities by booking a charter in the Chesapeake Bay. Booking charters will make your fishing trip to Chesapeake worthwhile, and it provides you with easy and convenient transportation for your fishing adventure.

You should book the best charter for your fishing adventure in the Chesapeake Bay.

Best Season to Go

Booking charters in the Chesapeake Bay should also be done at the right time of the year. You have to know the appropriate season to book a charter to get the best out of your fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. Booking charters at the right time of the year can also boost your fishing success and adventure in Chesapeake.

Booking charters in the Chesapeake Bay should be done during spring or summer. These are the best times of the year to get the best out of your fishing activities.

You also get to enjoy the other activities that occur in the Chesapeake Bay. Book your charters during April through August and get the best out of your fishing activities.

The Chesapeake Bay also becomes one of the busiest locations in summer. The summer accommodates different people from all around the globe in Chesapeake.

These people come for different purposes, and they add to the liveliness of Chesapeake Bay. Visiting the bay from June through August can be very productive and full of fun.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Baltimore, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Morning vs. Afternoon

Booking charters also require the best time of the day to book them. As an angler, you need to know the best time of the day to set out for your fishing adventure. You have to know the best time of the day that best supports your angling activities.

When booking charters for your fishing activities, you should consider the morning one of the best times. The morning blesses your activities with cool weather, nice fishing time, and convenient fishing procedures. The morning is one of the few times most fish species become active and bite.

Booking a charter in the morning and going for a fishing adventure will yield greater results. Booking a charter in the afternoon will also provide several benefits.

You will be able to get a good view of the landscapes and beauties of Chesapeake Bay. You will also make a good catch as several fish species are active in the afternoon.

Book your charter during the best time of the day to enjoy every one of your activities in the Chesapeake Bay.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Virginia Beach, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish New York City, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape May, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Maryland, please check out this helpful article I wrote. To learn if Virginia Beach fishing is good, please check out this helpful guide.