Blue Catfish Fishing in Virginia
When blue catfish are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Blue Catfish 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 blue catfish in Virginia
Blue Catfish catches in Virginia run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Mar-Apr. Anglers keep about 46% 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 blue catfish in Virginia?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Mar-Apr. 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 blue catfish in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 46% of the blue catfish caught are kept and 54% are released. That works out to roughly 292K kept and 346K released in 2024.
How many blue catfish are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 637K blue catfish caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #11 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this blue catfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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