Seasonal Fishing in Laguna Madre: A Month-by-Month Breakdown

🍂 Fall (September - November)

This is a prime transition period. Rising tides in September bring an influx of baitfish, and the weather becomes more pleasant. The "birding action" is at its peak, where laughing gulls feed above schools of shrimp and baitfish, indicating active redfish and trout below.

• September: The tides rise, and redfish begin to pod up in the westside lagoons. This is also when the white shrimp population is nearing maturity.

• October: Fall action continues, with excellent sight-casting opportunities. Look for stunning daybreak action and strong fishing on the sand flats.

• November: The tides are still relatively high, providing good opportunities for redfish, black drum, and speckled trout, especially in the mornings and evenings as the water starts to cool.

❄️ Winter (December - February)

Winter can be one of the most productive times for sight-casting in the Laguna Madre. The water is clearer and lower, making it easier to spot fish. When a cold front passes, fish move to deeper water, but on the second day of a warming trend, they return to the flats to feed.

• December: Tides fall, creating excellent sight-casting conditions. Redfish often feed on small crabs in the westside lagoons. Black drum fishing is also strong.

• January: You'll find great opportunities for large trout and redfish on the flats. Fish are willing to take a variety of baits, and blind-casting in deeper channels can be very productive.

• February: Similar to January, this month offers excellent sight-casting. The redfish and trout will move back onto the flats as the water warms up between cold fronts.

🌷 Spring (March - May)

Spring is a season of change. Winds can be strong, but rising tides and an influx of juvenile brown shrimp lead to a lot of feeding activity. This is an ideal time for targeting redfish and trout.

• March: Strong winds can be a factor, but the influx of juvenile brown shrimp draws redfish and trout into the lagoons. Look for "birding action" to find actively feeding pods of fish.

• April: Similar to March, the "birding action" peaks as the bait migration continues. Redfish and trout will pour onto the sand flats during midday.

• May: The birding action declines, but the podding of redfish on the west side continues, especially at daybreak. The east side of the bay also "turns on" for both redfish and trout.

☀️ Summer (June - August)

Summer brings warm weather and lower tides. The brown shrimp move to deeper water, and fish can be found in a variety of locations, from shallow flats to deeper channels. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most productive times.

• June: Tides fall and the water warms. Look for redfish tailing in the shallow, clear water of the westside lagoons or podding along the Intracoastal Waterway.

• July: Often considered one of the best overall months for fishing, July is characterized by the "redfish parade" of individual tailing fish. Large trout can be found near the Intracoastal.

• August: Similar to July, August is a fantastic month for tailing redfish. The bay water and sea breeze help mitigate the heat, making for comfortable fishing. Flounder can also be found in channels and passes.