Chincoteague NWR — Fishing Access, Accomack County, VA
Red Drum fishing today
Marginal conditions for Red Drum.
43/100
Why today scores 43
- 62°F water — Below Red Drum's active range (65–85°F)
- incoming tide — Red Drum prefers incoming tide
- 6 mph wind — Light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
Right now at Chincoteague NWR — Fishing Access
- Water temp
- 62°F
- Air temp
- 74°F
- Wind
- 6 mph N
- Tide phase
- incoming
- Sunrise / sunset
- 6:16 AM / 7:42 PM
- Moon
- first quarter, 33% illuminated
- Solunar windows today
- 12:40 AM - 1:40 AM · 4:40 AM - 6:40 AM · 9:50 AM - 10:50 AM · 5:10 PM - 7:10 PM
- Forecast
- Sunny
About Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus. Also called channel bass, redfish, or (as juveniles) puppy drum. Summer and fall target around the lower Bay shoals and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Big "bull reds" cruise the surf in fall.
Preferred water temp: 65–85°F (ideal 75°F). Preferred tide: incoming.
VA regulations
- Minimum size
- 18"
- Maximum size
- 26"
- Daily creel limit
- 3
Virginia Atlantic coast: 18–26 inch slot, 3 per day. Same rule as tidal Bay. All fish outside the slot must be released. Popular fall surf fishery along the Eastern Shore seaside and Virginia Beach.
Source: VA regulations. Last verified: 2026-04-22.