Offshore

Norfolk Canyon

Offshore · Virginia · Norfolk Canyon east of Cape Henry

Location Snapshot

Norfolk Canyon is a deep Mid-Atlantic submarine-canyon fishery east of Cape Henry, distinct from Virginia Beach inlets, bridges, and nearshore structure. Yellowfin tuna, white marlin, and mahi-mahi are the principal supported targets, while swordfish adds a deeper-water canyon component.

Information Only

StrikeTracks does not currently provide an Offshore fishing-condition rating. Marine Conditions are observations and forecasts for trip planning. They are not an Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor fishing score.

Marine Conditions

Planning context — not a fishing rating.

Offshore Waters Forecast

Today

N winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt. Seas 12 to 14 ft, occasionally to 20 ft. Wave Detail: NE 13 ft at 12 seconds.

Marine Alerts

Gale Warning · Moderate — Gale Warning issued October 20 at 2:17AM EDT until October 22 at 1:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Nearby fishing destinations

Wachapreague Inlet68.7 mi
Virginia · Mid-Atlantic / Virginia Eastern Shore · Inlet
Approximately 68.7 miles away
Kiptopeke / Cape Charles74.2 mi
Virginia · Mid-Atlantic / Virginia Eastern Shore · Shore
Approximately 74.2 miles away
Rudee Inlet / Virginia Beach74.3 mi
Virginia · Mid-Atlantic / Virginia Capes · Inlet
Approximately 74.3 miles away

Fishery Profile

Fishery Overview

Norfolk Canyon offshore fishery

Norfolk Canyon is a submarine canyon destination in VA. Rudee, Lynnhaven, and CBBT are inlet/bridge identities. Deepwater coral HAPCs may apply on walls.

Fishery type: Submarine canyon
Fishing modes: Offshore boat
Habitat and structure: Canyon head · Bluewater

Static seasonal guidance · Last reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Not a live bite forecast.

Fishery Targets

Yellowfin, white marlin, and mahi follow a typical season.

Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency and editorial sources. About fish illustrations

Yellowfin tuna
Primary
Thunnus albacares
Also called Ahi
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER — EARLY FALL
White marlin
Primary
Kajikia albida
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER — EARLY FALL
Mahi-mahi
Primary
Coryphaena hippurus
Also called Dorado
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER — EARLY FALL
Swordfish
Secondary
Xiphias gladius
No seasonal pulse known

Typical Seasonal Targets

Yellowfin tuna — SUMMER — EARLY FALL
White marlin — SUMMER — EARLY FALL
Mahi-mahi — SUMMER — EARLY FALL

Seasonal presence is general guidance and does not indicate current fish activity.

Access, Safety and Regulations

Access

Long offshore runs from Virginia Beach / Cape Henry fleets.

Primary hazards

Remote from tide gauges. Bluewater weather is the limiting factor.

Fishery considerations

Rudee or Lynnhaven tides are not representative of this location.
NWS regional only.

Regulations

Size limits, seasons, and possession rules change. Verify the current official regulations before fishing.

View current recreational saltwater regulations

Fishery Sources

Editorial and agency sources supporting this fishery profile. Live and predicted conditions use the separate Data Sources section.

NOAA Fisheries Atlantic HMS (opens in a new tab)
NOAA Fisheries
Virginia Marine Resources Commission (opens in a new tab)
VMRC

Location and Access

Offshore · Virginia

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This marker is the mapped fishing area. It is not a boat ramp, a parking area, or a place to drive to.