Chincoteague Bay is the largest body of water within Maryland's Coastal Bays system, covering approximately 72.6 square miles or 46,483 acres. This expansive, shallow bay is a polyhaline estuary, meaning it maintains a consistently high salinity level, which supports a robust inshore saltwater fishery. The bay's waters are bordered by both Worcester County, Maryland, and Accomack County, Virginia, offering extensive opportunities for recreational angling from both shore and boat. Its protected waters provide a haven from ocean swells, making it a popular destination for family fishing trips, crabbing, and targeting a variety of popular sportfish throughout the year.
Learn what type of fish are at Chincoteague Bay and what's needed to catch them.
Micropogonias undulatus
Scomber scombrus
Chaetodipterus faber
Pogonias cromis
Centropristis striata
Pomatomus saltatrix
Rachycentron canadum
Mycteroperca microlepis
Balistes capriscus
Elops saurus
Selene vomer
Lutjanus griseus
Menticirrhus saxatilis
Sphoeroides maculatus
Trachinotus falcatus
Orthopristis chrysoptera
Lagodon rhomboides
Sciaenops ocellatus
Carcharhinus plumbeus
Mycteroperca phenax
Stenotomus chrysops
Archosargus probatocephalus
Paralichthys lethostigma
Menticirrhus americanus
Squalus acanthias
Leiostomus xanthurus
Cynoscion nebulosus
Morone saxatilis
Paralichthys dentatus
Tautoga onitis
Cynoscion regalis
Learn how to get on Chincoteague Bay. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Chincoteague Bay, and when to apply.
Assateague bayside campsites
Registration · Overnight trips · Required year-round
Paddlers camping at Assateague's bayside canoe-in sites need a backcountry permit, bought in person at the Maryland ranger station.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Assateague Island National Seashore
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Maryland splits its waters into tidal and non-tidal zones for licensing purposes, and the two require different licenses from the Department of Natural Resources. The Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License covers tidal waters including the Bay, coastal bays, and their tributaries, while a separate Non-Tidal Sport Fishing License covers freshwater and non-tidal rivers. Some shared waters like the tidal Potomac River fall under tidal rules.
Beyond 3 nautical miles from shore, federal waters are managed by NOAA Fisheries in partnership with regional fishery management councils, and state rules no longer apply. Anglers targeting Atlantic highly migratory species such as tuna, billfish, swordfish, or sharks must hold a valid federal Atlantic HMS permit issued by NOAA Fisheries regardless of where they depart from. HMS permit holders are also required to report certain catches electronically to NOAA within 24 hours of completing a trip.
Most anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays, or tidal waters need a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Anglers under 16 are exempt, and those not required to hold the license who still want to fish tidal waters must register through the free Saltwater Angler Registry instead. Passengers on licensed for-hire trips are covered by the vessel.
Size limits, seasons, and daily bag limits apply per species in Maryland's Atlantic and coastal bay waters and are set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Limits change through the year and vary by species, including striped bass, black sea bass, cobia, bluefish, and red drum. The current table is maintained on the DNR regulations page.
Maryland residents need a Recreational Oyster License from the Department of Natural Resources to harvest oysters, and a license is also required for clam harvest. Harvesting areas are classified as approved, conditionally approved, or restricted by the Maryland Department of the Environment, and areas close based on water quality, rainfall, or contamination. Check current closures and consumption advisories through the MDE shellfish map or call the MDE hotline at 800-541-1210.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Chincoteague Bay to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Chincoteague Bay to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Chincoteague Bay and check the marine forecast before you launch.
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