Kiptopeke State Park, Northampton County, VA
Spanish Mackerel fishing today
Marginal conditions for Spanish Mackerel.
43/100
Why today scores 43
- 60°F water — Below Spanish Mackerel's active range (65–82°F)
- incoming tide — Spanish Mackerel prefers incoming tide
- 8 mph wind — Light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
Right now at Kiptopeke State Park
- Water temp
- 60°F
- Air temp
- 69°F
- Wind
- 3 to 8 mph NW
- Tide phase
- incoming
- Sunrise / sunset
- 6:20 AM / 7:44 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 Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus. Fast-running summer migrant. Runs the lower Chesapeake and VA Atlantic coast in schools from late June through September. Targeted by casting small metal jigs (Kastmaster, Hopkins) into busting fish, or trolling #1-#2 Clark spoons behind planers at 6-8 knots. Wire leaders not required — just use long-shank hooks and fluorocarbon.
Preferred water temp: 65–82°F (ideal 74°F). Preferred tide: incoming.
VA regulations
- Minimum size
- 14"
- Daily creel limit
- 15
Virginia tidal waters (lower Chesapeake Bay and tributaries): 14-inch minimum fork length, 15 per day. No closed season; Spanish mackerel are a summer-only fishery in practice. VMRC regulation 4VAC20-540.
Source: VA regulations. Last verified: 2026-04-22.