What's Biting in Virginia Beach: A Seasonal Fishing Guide

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March–May

Spring Fishing

Spring awakens the Chesapeake Bay and Lynnhaven River. Water warms, and bait returns, leading to great inshore fishing.

Puppy Drum are the first major catch. As water warms, quality  and puppy drum appear in the Lynnhaven River to feeding in shallow areas. Making them easy targets for light tackle anglers. 

Pro Recommended Trip

3/4 Day Bay or Lynnhaven Inlet

June–August

Summer Fishing

Summer is prime for Virginia Beach fishing. The Chesapeake Bay turns on, with migratory species arriving and the biggest variety of fish.

Cobia are the highlight from mid-June to August, with July peaking for bites. Bull drum also enter early summer, providing memorable trips. Flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, sheepshead, and spadefish remain active, ensuring nonstop action.

Pro Recommended Trip

3/4 Day or Full Day Bay

September–November

Fall Fishing

Fall is a great fishing season in Virginia Beach with cooler weather and less boat traffic. Trophy speckled trout are common in October and November, feeding near grass flats and docks.

Puppy drum stay active in shallow water, and striped bass appear as it cools. Early fall offers good cobia fishing before migration ends. Overall, fall provides excellent fishing, comfortable weather, and fewer crowds.

Pro Recommended Trip

Lynnhaven Inlet or Half Day Bay

December–February

Winter Fishing

Winter fishing in Virginia Beach slows in some areas but opens access to exciting seasonal fisheries. From December to February, bluefin tuna come close, allowing anglers to target large fish without long offshore trips. Tautog fishing stays good near wrecks and rocks, and striped bass offer action near Lynnhaven Inlet.

Winter trips depend more on weather, but when conditions align, fishing is unforgettable.

Pro Recommended Trip

Inshore Bluefin Tuna

Match the Trip to the Season

If you’re booking based on what you most want to catch, here’s the cheat sheet:

Seasonality FAQs

What's the best time of year to fish in Virginia Beach?

Late June through August offers the most variety and biggest trophy fish. October and November are the secret sleeper season for trophy speckled trout and puppy drum with smaller crowds.

Cobia season runs roughly June 15 through September 20. The peak bite is usually in August.

Inshore bluefin tuna show up off Virginia Beach from December into February. Exact timing varies year to year and depends on water temperatures and bait migration.

Mid-winter (late January to late February) outside of the bluefin run is the quietest stretch. We still run trips when weather and conditions allow.

Yes — winter is one of our most exciting seasons because of the bluefin tuna run. Tautog and striped bass also produce on the right days.

Fall is arguably the best time to fish the Lynnhaven. Trophy specks, strong puppy drum, and excellent weather.

Book Around the Bite

Whatever’s biting, we’re already on it. Call to talk through which trip fits the season and your goals.