Spotted Seatrout Fishing in Virginia
When spotted seatrout are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spotted Seatrout catch through the year
Recreational catch in Virginia by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching spotted seatrout in Virginia
Spotted Seatrout catches in Virginia run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Nov-Dec. Anglers keep about 7% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Virginia fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch spotted seatrout in Virginia?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Nov-Dec. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release spotted seatrout in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 7% of the spotted seatrout caught are kept and 93% are released. That works out to roughly 498K kept and 6.6M released in 2024.
How many spotted seatrout are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 7.1M spotted seatrout caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #3 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spotted seatrout data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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