Chincoteague NWR — Fishing Access, Accomack County, VA

Sheepshead fishing today

Workable day for Sheepshead.

68/100

Why today scores 68

  • 62°F water — Inside Sheepshead's active range
  • incoming tide — Sheepshead prefers slack 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 Sheepshead

Archosargus probatocephalus. Structure-oriented crustacean eater with famously human-like teeth. VA piers, jetties, and the rocks and pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are the classic targets. Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or small pieces of shrimp on a knocker rig right against the structure. Expect to lose tackle.

Preferred water temp: 60–82°F (ideal 72°F). Preferred tide: slack.

VA regulations

Daily creel limit
4

Virginia Atlantic coast and ocean piers: no minimum size, 4 per day. Seasonal fishery in practice — warm-water months only.

Source: VA regulations. Last verified: 2026-04-22.