Virginia Beach fall fishing is changing fast! Captain Chris of VB Backwater Guide Services joins Fishing the DMV to break down the October and November fishing patterns for speckled trout, redfish (puppy drum), and striped bass in Virginia Beach and the lower Chesapeake Bay. We discuss why redfish numbers have declined in the shallow backwaters, when the fall speckled trout bite really turns on, and how to catch stripers and trout around dock lights after dark.
After two difficult winters, Virginia's inshore redfish fishery has faced serious challenges. Captain Chris shares what he's seeing on the water, why young puppy drum have been particularly vulnerable, and how quickly the fishery could rebound with favorable winter conditions.
But there's plenty of opportunity for anglers heading into fall! As water temperatures cool, speckled trout begin moving into the backcountry, striped bass become more active around dock lights, and larger trout start showing up as November transitions into December.
IN THIS EPISODE:
🎣 Virginia Beach Redfish Report
· Why puppy drum have been difficult to find
· How the winters of 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 affected young redfish
· What could help Virginia's redfish population rebound
Fall Speckled Trout Fishing
· When trout move into Virginia Beach's shallow backwaters
· Why water temperatures near 65°F are important
· October and November fishing patterns
· Why December can produce trophy speckled trout
Striped Bass & Night Fishing
· How to catch striped bass around dock lights
· Finding productive water using current, depth changes, oysters, and grass lines
· Why small baitfish and shrimp presentations work
· Topwater, fly fishing, and conventional tackle techniques
Best Fall Fishing Flies & Lures
· EP Spawning Shrimp and Clouser Minnows
· DOA Shrimp and small shrimp-style soft plastics
· Matching Atlantic silversides with small, flashy flies
· How to present lures naturally around dock lights
Cobia Fishing & World Record Stories
· Sight fishing for cobia in the Chesapeake Bay
· Fly rod setups for cobia, bull drum, trout, and redfish
· The story of Cathy Kallberg's IGFA-recognized, record-tying cobia catch on fly tackle
Whether you're planning a Virginia Beach fishing trip, targeting Chesapeake Bay striped bass, learning saltwater fly fishing, or trying to catch more speckled trout this fall, Captain Chris shares practical advice from his experience guiding local waters.
BOOK A FISHING TRIP WITH CAPTAIN CHRIS
VB Backwater Guide Services
Website: https://www.vbbackwater.com/
Phone: 757-403-2045
Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbbackwater?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
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