Species guide · Virginia

Atlantic croaker fishing in Virginia

Micropogonias undulatus, an inshore species also called croaker, hardhead and pinhead. Listed for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Where it's scoring now All Virginia waters

Season by month

From the Waterlands saltwater species research: when the fish are present and biting, not whether retention is open.

Mid-Atlantic

Jan: Not present
Feb: Not present
Mar: Not present
Apr: Off season
May: Shoulder season
Jun: Peak season
Jul: Peak season
Aug: Peak season
Sep: Shoulder season
Oct: Off season
Nov: Not present
Dec: Not present

Peak: Jun to Aug. In season (shoulder or peak): May to Sep.

Research notes, Mid-Atlantic region

In Chesapeake Bay from March through October, moving up the bay in spring and back to the ocean in autumn; best bottom fishing June through August on channel edges, oyster bars and piers. Catches swing a lot from year to year.

Seasons and limits in these notes are background. The regulations below and the regulator’s own page govern.

Where it's scoring now · 0

The Waterlands engine isn't scoring atlantic croaker in any Virginia bay system in the current 14-day forecast, which usually means the species is out of season.

Not scored in this forecast: Chesapeake Bay from Little Creek VA to Cape Henry VA including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Chesapeake Bay from New Point Comfort to Little Creek VA, Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point to Windmill Point VA, Chesapeake Bay from Windmill Point to New Point Comfort VA, Coastal waters from Chincoteague to Parramore Island VA out 20 NM, James River from Jamestown to the James River Bridge, James River from JRB to HRBT, Including the Elizabeth River, Rappahannock River from Urbanna to Windmill Point, Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA and York River.

How and where it feeds

Water temperature: Feeds from 55°F to 90°F, best between 65°F and 82°F.
Water depth: 2 to 40 ft of water.
Structure: Channel, oyster, pier, bridge, bay, estuary, surf and inlet, in that order of preference.
Tide and current: Prefers high tide and moving water, with light current.NCDMF says croaker fishing is best just before or just after high tide in channels or deep holes.
Light: Some lift around dawn and dusk; feeds at night too.
Pressure: Little response to pressure changes.
Wind and sea limits: 18 kt of wind and 3 ft of sea. The Waterlands engine scores hours down as conditions pass them.

Tackle and technique

Croaker feed on mud and sand bottom along channel edges, oyster bars, piers and deeper holes in bays and sounds, mostly in 5 to 30 feet of water. A two-hook bottom rig with small hooks and shrimp, bloodworm or squid catches them from piers, the surf and small boats. Fish the hours around high tide and into the evening.

Methods: bottom fishing
Lures: small jig heads tipped with bait, scented synthetic bait strips
Bait: shrimp, bloodworms, squid, clams, peeler crab

Regulations

VMRC saltwater regulations Buy a Virginia fishing license License types

Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Synced with VMRC Nov 3, 2026.

No reviewed atlantic croaker rule for Virginia is on file yet. Check with VMRC before you keep one.