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 | 21.5 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 30 km/h from SW |
| Wave height | 0.5 m at 4 s |
| Current | 0.14 m/s toward N |
| Pressure | 1012 hPa |
| Depth | 11 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jun 7, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Chesapeake Bay:
What you can catch
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Morone saxatilis
-
Pomatomus saltatrix
-
Sciaenops ocellatus
-
Cynoscion regalis
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
-
Norfolk Virginia Beach
Ocean City Maryland Offshore
Delaware Bay
Shenandoah River Virginia
Outer Banks North Carolina
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 82 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.
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.