Chesapeake Bay fishing forecast
Chesapeake Bay is a saltwater fishing spot in Virginia/Maryland, United States. Anglers here target Striped Bass, Bluefish, Red Drum, Weakfish. The most productive months are typically April, May, June, September, October, November.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 28.1 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 25 km/h from SW |
| Wave height | 0.8 m at 4 s |
| Current | 0.27 m/s toward NNW |
| Pressure | 1009 hPa |
| Depth | 11 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay currently scores 81 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 28.1 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Chesapeake Bay:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
Approximate bottom depth: 11 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
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Morone saxatilis
-
Pomatomus saltatrix
-
Sciaenops ocellatus
-
Cynoscion regalis
Best months by species at Chesapeake Bay
| Striped BassMorone saxatilis | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BluefishPomatomus saltatrix | ||||||||||||
| Red DrumSciaenops ocellatus | ||||||||||||
| WeakfishCynoscion regalis |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | 1/day | 71.1–78.7 cm slot | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Red Drum | 1/day | 45.7–68.6 cm slot | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Federal Recreational Fishing License may be required in addition to state license when fishing federal (EEZ) waters., non-residents Same as residents. Many states require their own license even in federal waters.
FishRadar regulations are summaries only. Federal and state waters rules overlap — always verify current federal and state agency rules before fishing.
Check Chesapeake Bay before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 183 km of Chesapeake Bay.
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Norfolk Virginia Beach
James River VA
Potomac River MD
Ocean City Maryland Offshore
Delaware Bay
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Chesapeake Bay?
Anglers at Chesapeake Bay target Striped Bass, Bluefish, Red Drum and Weakfish.
When is the best time to fish Chesapeake Bay?
The most productive months at Chesapeake Bay are typically April, May, June, September, October, November.
What is the fishing forecast for Chesapeake Bay right now?
Chesapeake Bay currently scores 81 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Chesapeake Bay?
Fishing at Chesapeake Bay follows the local rules for Virginia/Maryland, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Striped BassHow to Catch BluefishHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.