The little stretch in August of highs in the 70s and low 80s had the fish moving up shallow and starting the patterns that lead to some of the best angling of the year in our estuaries. The first few weeks of September will return to that pattern, and if it continues, the fall patterns should pick up full steam during this month.
The red drum fishing has been on fire just about everywhere you look. Lynnhaven has had one of the best years I can remember regarding biomass, and these fish will only become more aggressive until the biggest move on for the winter and our residential population hunkers down later in the year. Reds over 30” are being reported in the Lynnhaven Basin and River systems, and the puppy drum are swimming with their backs out when following them up into the shallows. Large shrimp are active in the muddier areas, and the outgoing tide forces the shrimp back from the “safety” of the grass into fish waiting to ambush them. Wakes and exposed bodies of fish primarily drive this sight-fishing. In contrast, the incoming brings clearer water and more traditional views of your target (a good pair of polarized sunglasses is required). Paddle tail lures will still work in these situations, but familiar shrimp patterns like the Zman EZ ShrimpZ or DOA’s shrimp pattern work great (extra points if you can skip the bait to them). A Vudu shrimp on a popping cork is a great alternative when fishing in nearby deeper areas. Fly anglers can use a wide variety of patterns. Any of the many shrimp imitations will be effective here, but also the “stimulator” patterns like the Kwan, Redfish Crack, or even a simple Seaducer. Weight and color selection for lures and flies should be based on water clarity and fish depth. Tailing fish have appeared lately on our flats and in the grass on our larger flood tides (include wind direction/speed when calculating expected depth). These schools are very aggressive, and while they’re not particularly “spooky”, the patient angler can catch several fish if they don’t push the school or cast into the middle of a frenzy. If multiple boats are fishing these schools, don’t be “that guy” that pushes them down. The nighttime bite continues to be excellent, with bunker and silversides targeted by large redfish in the lights.
Many Hampton-Roads anglers will be happy to know that we’re already seeing speckled trout in areas usually reserved for later in the fall. Lynnhaven, Rudee, the Back River, and even the Eastern Shore are beginning to see trout coming in shallower and inside the estuaries. I’m confident that the Little Creek Jetty and the Elizabeth River system are already starting to see specks. Shrimp patterns are also effective here, as are bigger lures and flies representing the mullet already getting into larger schools and preparing for their spawning migration. Points and areas with moving water, particularly on an outgoing tide, are great locations to find trout stacked up. Grass edges with deeper water below creeks are tough to beat, and oyster beds should be fished thoroughly. We’re still very early in the season, but if you find yourself hooking up with a few specks, make sure you continue to work in that area. I wouldn’t expect to see much change in water clarity before October, but shallow flats on both sides of the Eastern Shore and flats near the mouth of marshes from Buckroe into Mobjack and beyond are great places to look for gator trout swimming alone. A side-arm cast to keep the splash to a minimum will help spin anglers. Conventional gear should use a longer and lighter leader than they would for redfish or trout in deeper water. 4 to 6 feet of 12- or 15-lb fluoro is not unheard of. Gamechangers to represent finger mullet are the best choice that I’ve found for fly anglers – the challenge is to land the fly far enough from the trout not to spook it – but close enough to ensure a strike when it is retrieved past the waiting fish. This is one of the few times where I’ll use a leader of ten feet or more in salt water. While a large trout in the skinny water is a great accomplishment, be ready to work through some disappointment. They are challenging to feed.
Much like the Speckled Trout, smaller Striped Bass have started their inverse response to cooling water temperatures, and more of these are being found in the backcountry and shallows. Structures, especially bridge tunnels, will pick up in the larger tidal rivers as the month progresses, and the night fishing has already become superb. Stripers will key in on baitfish and like to eat on the drop, so paddle tails that are frequently jigged and flies with heavy heads or eyes are particularly effective. Please remember that the new regulation for rockfish in Virginia is one fish of 19-24 inches – and the Bay and Bay’s tributaries are all closed for harvest until October 4.
Other targets are still available for our local anglers, as well. The sheepshead and cobia are still biting, with cobia starting to pod up and make their way back out of the bay. The migration will take them through the lowest parts of the bay and out through the oceanfront, so keep an eye on that. Large Croaker have been reported lately, and the upcoming spell of NE winds should bring with it some decent Spot, although any “yellow bellies” are probably still some time away. Decently-sized bluefish have been popping up near significant inlets.
If you’re a fly angler who spends any time in the area, register for next month’s “Legends of the Fly” tournament. It’s a fantastic event open to all levels of competitive fly fishing (from serious anglers to just a day out with beer and a buggy whip) and raises money and awareness for great causes (Seal Kids and Project Healing Waters). Sign up for the 2024 tournament at http://legendsofthefly.com
Regardless of how you feel about it, summer is moving out and fall is moving in. Take advantage of the incredible fishing that we'll be enjoying!
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