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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Summer Flounder in Chesapeake Bay (Lower) may fishing.

Paralichthys dentatusMigratoryGood

Spring inshore — fluke on sand bottoms.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Absent Offshore wintering. Typical water temp: 42–48°FFeb — Absent Same. Typical water temp: 44–50°FMar — Possible Earliest fish in southern part of region. Typical water temp: 48–54°FPossibleApr — Fair Spring fluke arriving in bays and inlets. Typical water temp: 54–60°FFairMay — Good Spring inshore — fluke on sand bottoms. Typical water temp: 58–66°FGoodJun — Peak Peak summer fluke — channels, drops, and back bays. Typical water temp: 66–74°FPeakJul — Peak Same — best time for doormat-class fish. Typical water temp: 72–80°FPeakAug — Good Summer fluke fishing solid. Typical water temp: 74–80°FGoodSep — Good Fall offshore migration begins. Typical water temp: 68–74°FGoodOct — Fair Last of the season inshore. Typical water temp: 60–66°FFairNov — Absent Fish have moved offshore. Typical water temp: 52–58°FDec — Absent Offshore. Typical water temp: 46–52°F

Migration pattern

Same offshore-winter / inshore-summer pattern, with NJ/DE/MD/VA holding the largest resident populations through warm months. Doormat-class fish hold tight to structure breaks in 30–60 feet.

Best locations

  • Bay Bridge Tunnel structure
  • Mouth of the Potomac
  • Fisherman's Island
  • Buoys 36/42

Top lures

  • Bucktail tipped with squid or Gulp!
  • Spro Bucktail Jig + curly tail
  • Live killifish (mummichog)
  • Squid strip on hi-lo rig
  • 3-way rig with strip bait
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Summer Flounder in other regions

Get a notification when summer flounder show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Chesapeake Bay (Lower).

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