As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

**Weather and Tidal Report:**
The weather forecast looks promising through Wednesday evening, with gusts expected later in the week. Water temperatures in the lower Chesapeake Bay range from 59.2°F at Sewells Point to 61.5°F at the Chesapeake Light Tower. Sunrise today is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. Tides are moderate, with high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide around 4:30 PM.

**Fish Activity:**
The speckled trout bite is on fire right now, with anglers catching them in almost all the tributaries, including the Lynnhaven River, Rudee Inlet, the Elizabeth River, and the Piankatank and Rappahannock rivers. Popping corks paired with fresh shrimp or soft plastics are very effective. Yesterday, boats trolling in Linkhorn Bay caught limits of keeper trout using green and orange bass assassins.

Rockfish activity is increasing, especially around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings, where larger fish typically show up towards the end of November and in December. School-sized rockfish are abundant throughout the lower bay, particularly at night around bridges and piers with lights. Lipless crankbaits and jerk baits are proving effective.

Puppy drum are still making a strong showing in most tributaries, and some big ones are being caught around the islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Tautog have moved inshore with the cooler water temperatures and can be found at wrecks, rock piles, and other hard bottom structures. Sand fleas and crab baits are their preferred diet.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For speckled trout, use live Mullet, shrimp, paddle tail swim baits, and popping corks. For rockfish, lipless crankbaits, jerk baits, swim shads, bucktails, and plugs are working well. Tautog are biting on sand fleas and crab baits. For puppy drum, topwater lures in the shallows and Gulp baits rigged on one-quarter ounce jigheads are effective.

**Hot Spots:**
The Lynnhaven River, particularly around Linkhorn Bay and Broad Bay, is a hotspot for speckled trout. Rudee Inlet and the Elizabeth River are also producing good catches. For rockfish and puppy drum, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings and the islands around it are excellent spots. The mouth of the Rappahannock and James rivers are good for trolling.

With the fall season in full swing, the Chesapeake Bay is offering diverse and exciting fishing opportunities. Make the most of the good weather and hit the water to catch some of these active species.