Quick & Dirty Bay Fishing Report: Striped Bass, Flounder, and Cobia Highlight June Action

Chesapeake Bay, Va. – Anglers across the Chesapeake Bay are enjoying productive outings as early summer conditions bring a wide mix of species into play, from hard-hitting striped bass to the long-anticipated arrival of cobia and red drum in the lower Bay.

Lower Bay

Cobia are beginning to make their seasonal entrance near the mouth of the Bay. Look for them cruising on the surface or hanging near buoys and structures. Meanwhile, Bull Red Drum have been spotted in shallow areas and are now moving toward deeper structures, signaling a shift to summer patterns.

Bluefish are returning to the lower Bay and can be found near wrecks and reef sites. Topwater lures and shallow-diving crankbaits are producing strikes from fish in the 2–4 pound range.

Flounder fishing remains strong in the back bays and near the inlets. Gulp baits and live minnows are the top producers, particularly when drifted over sandy bottom or channel edges.

Coastal Bays and Inlets

Striped Bass and Bluefish continue to mix in the coastal inlets. While many of the striped bass are undersized, the bluefish range up to four pounds and are responding to spoons, jigs, and topwater lures.

Flounder action is steady in the channels leading from the inlet and around inshore wrecks. Gulp baits fished on jig heads remain the go-to presentation.

Upper Bay

Striped Bass remain a favorite target, with success reported by anglers using soft plastic paddletails and live-lining white perch near structure and drop-offs.

Blue and Channel Catfish are offering steady action in the tidal rivers and creeks. Cut baits like gizzard shad, white perch, and menhaden are working well, especially in deeper pools and around snags.

Snakeheads are actively feeding in the warm shallows of tidal creeks, especially during sunny afternoon hours. Chatterbaits and paddletails are drawing aggressive strikes.

White Perch are holding in deeper holes and channel edges. Anglers using bottom rigs tipped with minnows are finding consistent success, with local YouTube anglers showcasing good results.

With a variety of species available across all regions of the Bay, now is a great time for anglers to gear up, hit the water, and take advantage of the excellent early summer fishing conditions.