What's Happening Now in Virginia Fishing

A look at current Virginia fishing action as of March 1st, 2010 and a glimpse into the next 30 days

Current Fishing Conditions in Virginia Waters

The word is C-O-L-D.  Water temperatures at the CBBT were holding at 42 degrees, 47 degrees offshore of Virginia Beach as of the first of the month.  If the current trend continues, look for a late start on this year's fishing season.  Fishing opportunities are limited until the weather improves.

 Late February /Early March Virginia Regional Fishing Reports

Virginia Fall Line Fishing Report - Richmond, Tri-Cities, Fredericksburg

Catfish (blues, channel and white cats) are available in all upper portions of the tidal rivers.  Ring perch should be making their annual spawning runs in the same areas.  If the season begins to finally turnover later this month action on largemouth bass, crappie and pickerel will pick up.  Rockfish will ascend the tidal rivers this month.  Of course, this is strictly catch and release fishing.  If the weather does break later this month, look for smallmouth bass to gather around feeder creek mouths in rivers west of the Fall line.  Shad and herring could show up right at the Fall line in Richmond and Fredericksburg late this month if the weather cooperates.

Northern Neck / Middle Peninsula Fishing Report - Smith Point to York River

Rockfish will begin moving into the Bay sometime this month and then into the tidal rivers.  Anglers are anxiously awaiting the opening of the Maryland season in April after a long, cold winter of inactivity.  Croaker will arrive probably next month in the southern part of this region.  White perch (stiff backs) will be available in the tidal creeks and rivers.  At the end of the month, speckled trout may show up in Mobjack Bay or the area around Gwynn's Island if the weather turns warm.

Lower Peninsula / South Hampton Roads Fishing Report - York River to Bay Mouth

School rock will be available around the four rock islands of the CBBT.  Once water temperatures reach the mid 40s, tautog will become active in the same areas.  If the weather turns warm later this month puppy drum, croaker and a few grey and speckled trout may start feeding in shallow water.  The Hot Ditch lived up to its name this winter, yielding good catches of speckled trout and puppy drum.  If the weather warms, these fish will begin fanning out into other areas.  Look for an influx of croaker next month.

Atlantic Ocean Virginia Fishing Report - Chincoteague to the N.C. Border

"Deep drop" trips to offshore ledges and wrecks remains productive despite the cold conditions.  These trips are producing tilefish, sea bass, rosefish, barrel fish and grouper.  Closer to shore, tautog are available on ocean wrecks.  Because of the sustained cold, the most productive spots will be further offshore where the water temperatures are in the mid and upper 40s.  If the weather improves later this month, speckled trout and puppy drum will be active in Rudee Inlet.  Next month sea bass will start moving onto inshore wrecks and croaker should swarm in shallow waters.