Fishing Fun: 8 Types of Fish to Catch in the Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, is a paradise for anglers to reel in the catch of the day. Stretching across Maryland and Virginia, its mix of saltwater and freshwater habitats supports a rich variety of fish species throughout the year. Whether you’re casting from shore, wading in the shallows, cruising from a private boat dock rental or heading out on a charter boat, the Bay offers opportunities for beginners and experienced fishermen. 

1. Striped Bass (Rockfish)

The most iconic catch in the Chesapeake Bay, the striped bass is Maryland’s state fish. It thrives year-round and makes for an excellent sport and dinner table fare. Spring and fall migrations bring some of the best trophy fishing, with anglers chasing both school-sized and large “cows.”

• Season: Best in spring and fall migrations
• How to Catch: Trolling with bucktails, casting lures or live-lining bunker and spot

2. Bluefish

Known for their aggressive strikes and fighting spirit, bluefish are famous for their powerful runs and razor-sharp teeth. They’re common in summer and a favorite among sport fishermen who enjoy a thrilling “hunt.”

• Season: Summer and early fall
• How to Catch: Casting spoons, trolling or using cut bait

3. Croaker

Croaker are easy to catch, abundant and a great target for beginners and kids. They’re often found near sandy bottoms and respond well to simple rigs with bait like squid or shrimp.

• Season: Late spring through fall
• How to Catch: Bottom rigs with squid, shrimp or bloodworms

4. White Perch

Available almost year-round, white perch are plentiful in rivers and creeks feeding the Bay. They’re a tasty catch and often bite on worms, minnows or small jigs. They’re easily accessible from the shore and boats cruising from private boat slip rentals and marinas.

• Season: Nearly year-round
• How to Catch: Small hooks with worms, minnows, or jigs

5. Spotted Sea Trout (Speckled Trout)

Found in grassy shallows and tidal creeks, speckled trout offer exciting light-tackle action and make an excellent dinner item. They’re most active in warmer months.

• Season: Spring through fall, peaking in summer
• How to Catch: Soft plastics, topwater lures or live shrimp in grassy shallows

6. Flounder

Anglers targeting sandy bottoms often reel in flounder, especially during the summer months. Their flat shape and excellent table quality make them a prized catch for anglers casting off from marinas and private boat lifts for rent.

• Season: Summer months
• How to Catch: Drifting sandy bottoms with squid, minnows or flounder rigs

7. Red Drum (Channel Bass)

These hard-fighting fish can be caught in shallow flats or deeper waters. The Bay holds both “puppy drum” (smaller fish) and bull reds (giants).

• Season: Summer through fall
• How to Catch: Cut bait, crabs or lures in shallow flats and deeper channels

8. Catfish

The freshwater tributaries of the Bay, such as the James and Potomac rivers, are home to trophy blue catfish and channel catfish, which grow to impressive sizes.

• Season: Year-round, especially productive in cooler months
• How to Catch: Stink baits, cut bait or live bait in rivers like the James and Potomac

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Seasons at a Glance

• Spring (March–May): Trophy striped bass run, white perch spawning runs, early croaker arrival
• Summer (June–August): Peak for bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, red drum, croaker and white perch
• Fall (September–November): Excellent striped bass action, continued red drum, trout fishing and big catfish in tributaries
• Winter (December–February): Catfish dominate the rivers, white perch and resident striped bass provide steady action

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Hotspots

• Susquehanna Flats (Upper Bay): Legendary spring hotspot for trophy striped bass during their spawning runs
• Tangier Sound (Middle Bay): Known for speckled trout, red drum and croaker in grassy shallows and tidal creeks
• Choptank River: Excellent for white perch, striped bass and catfish, plus easy access for shore anglers
• Solomons Island Area: Productive middle-Bay waters for striped bass, bluefish and flounder
• Mobjack Bay (Lower Bay, Virginia): A prime destination for speckled trout and red drum in summer and fall
• Mouth of the Bay (Virginia Beach / Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel): Trophy striped bass, bluefish and flounder hotspot with some of the best action on the East Coast

Chesapeake Bay Tributaries

• Susquehanna River
• Potomac River
• James River
• Rappahannock River
• York River
• Patuxent River
• Patapsco River
• Pocomoke River
• Wicomico River
• Nanticoke River
• Chester River
• Choptank River

From the Susquehanna River to the Virginia Capes, the Chesapeake Bay is a year-round angler’s playground. With its mix of diverse fish species, seasonal migrations and renowned fishing hotspots, the Bay promises unforgettable days on the water for everyone from families and casual fishermen to serious trophy hunters.