NORTHWEST FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS
Imagine a stretch of land and sea where the waters whisper tales of the ancient mariners, and every dawn brings forth an invitation to unveil the mysteries of the deep. Welcome to Northwest Florida, a haven for anglers, nestled amidst the serenity of the Gulf of Mexico and the grandeur of the southern wilderness. Stretching across a plethora of counties and cities, each with its unique flavor of fishing adventures, this region is an uncharted paradise waiting to be discovered.
The counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, among others, host a myriad of fishing experiences. Whether you are navigating the still waters of the backcountry, battling the waves offshore, or exploring the freshwater springs and rivers, there's a story waiting to be told at every cast of the line.
The cities of Pensacola, Navarre, and Destin are your gateways to the Gulf, where the deep blue holds promises of Red Snapper, King Mackerel, and Grouper. The reefs and wrecks are the battlefields where anglers earn their stripes under the Floridian sun.
Venture east, and the shores of Panama City Beach and Apalachicola beckon. Here, the fusion of freshwater and saltwater creates a fertile estuary, home to the elusive Tarpon, Speckled Trout, and Redfish. The annual Tarpon migration is a spectacle, a dance of power and grace that leaves a lasting imprint on the soul.
As the coastline gives way to the gentle hills and lush forests, the heart of the region beats strong in the cities of Tallahassee and Steinhatchee. Here, the freshwater realm offers a contrasting serenity. The rivers and lakes are the domain of Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish, with each cast resonating through the cypress stands and across the lily-covered waters.
Northwest Florida is not just a fishing destination; it's an odyssey that molds you with every tide, every sunrise, and every face of nature you encounter. The camaraderie among anglers, the wisdom of the old salts, the anticipation as you venture into the unknown, it's a narrative that transcends the act of fishing. It's about the legacy of the land and the sea, a legacy that you become a part of as you embark on this timeless adventure.
With every bait, every cast, and every catch, you unravel the essence of Northwest Florida, a narrative etched in the soul of every angler who has had the privilege to call these waters home, even if for a fleeting moment.
NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS
Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.
GREAT FLORIDA FISHING NORTHWEST REGION MONTHLY SALTWATER FORECASTS
JANUARY NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
January is a great time to go fishing in the bay and along the coast! Winter offers a variety of opportunities to catch different types of fish, including trout, reds, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, winter bonita, pompano, whiting, redfish, amberjack, scamp, red grouper, triggerfish, and vermillion snapper. You can try fishing from the pier, jetty, or surf for the best chances of success.
Excellent
Grouper
Speckled Sea Trout
Black Snapper
Mingo Snapper
Red Snapper
White Snapper
Trigger Fish
Good
Sheepshead
Flounder
Red Drum (Redfish)
Black Drum
FEBRUARY NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
February can be a great time for fishing despite the cold temperatures. There is a diverse range of fish species that can be caught in the bay and along the coast, including trout, redfish, black drum, flounder, white trout, winter bonita, pompano, whiting, amberjack, scamp, red grouper, triggerfish, and vermillion snapper. Some of the best sheepshead fishing of the year can also be found in the bay. Early mornings along the shore line and sand bars are ideal for catching winter bonita. You can try fishing from the surf, pier, or jetty for the best chances of success.
Excellent
Grouper
Speckled Sea Trout
Black Snapper
Mingo Snapper
Red Snapper
White Snapper
Trigger Fish
Good
Sheepshead
Pompano
Flounder
Red Drum (Redfish)
Black Drum
MARCH NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
March is indeed an exciting time for fishing as the start of the new fishing year brings many new species to the mix. Cobia is a highly sought-after species that arrives in March, along with the first king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle of the year. The king mackerel can be especially large, with many weighing over 40 lbs. The piers can see high numbers of kings caught when the weather is right towards the end of the month. Spanish mackerel invade the inshore areas, and pompano numbers increase, making it a great time for surf, pier, and jetty fishing. Spring break also sees many beachgoers filling the beaches, making for a lively atmosphere.
Excellent
Grouper
Scamp Grouper
Spanish Mackeral
Speckled Sea Trout
Pompano
Black Snapper
Mingo Snapper
Red Snapper
White Snapper
Trigger Fish
Bonito
Good
Sheepshead
Wahoo
Red Drum (Redfish)
Black Drum
Cobia
Blue Fish
APRIL NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
April is a great time for fishing with the weather continuing to warm up and cobia tournaments in full swing. The Harbor Docks tournament is a month-long event, while other two or three day tournaments are held at different locations each weekend. Cobia should be abundant in good numbers and king mackerel will be readily available almost any day after the middle of the month. Early April mornings can be chilly, so it's important to bring plenty of layers, such as sweatshirts, wind breakers, and sweat pants to stay comfortable all day on the water. Don't forget to bring sunscreen as well to protect yourself from the sun.
Excellent
Grouper
Bonito
Cobia
Black Drum
Red Drum (Redfish)
Scamp Grouper
Spanish Mackeral
Speckled Sea Trout
Pompano
Black Snapper
Mingo Snapper
Red Snapper
White Snapper
Trigger Fish
Sheepshead
Good
Wahoo
Red Drum (Redfish)
Black Drum
Bonito
King Mackerel
Amberjack
Bluefish
MAY NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
May marks the start of pelagic species fishing season, with king mackerel in good numbers and steady fishing. Wahoo and dolphin move closer in, and weed lines form offshore in the 10 to 80-mile range. Rips or big temperature breaks also form in the 20 to 80-mile range as the weather transitions from spring to summer. The weather in May is fantastic, with light crowds, calm seas, light winds, and bright sunny skies. Trout and reds invade the flats in the bay, and bottom fishing for amberjack, red grouper, scamp, vermillion snapper, and triggerfish is excellent. Offshore, blue and white marlin start to show up, and swordfish, yellowfin, and blackfin tuna are biting, making it one of the best times of the year for a variety of fishing opportunities.
Excellent
Amberjack
Crevalle Jack
Bluefish
Bonito
Cobia
Black Drum
Red Drum
King Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Pompano
Speckled Sea Trout
Sheepshead
BlackSnapper
Mingo Snapper
Red Snapper
White Snapper
Triggerfish
Wahoo
Good
Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi)
Grouper
Scam Grouper
Sailfish
Shark
Blackfin Tuna
JUNE NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Fishing in June offers a lot of opportunities for different species, both inshore and offshore. With red snapper season starting, snapper fishing will be a popular activity, as well as tarpon fishing along the beach. Offshore, fishing for wahoo, dolphin, tuna, and marlin is expected to be good. Kings and chicken dolphin can be caught near shore reefs and wrecks, and cobia will be around near shore reefs, wrecks, and FADs. Backcountry fishing can produce trout, while reds will be active on the flats and deepwater docks.
JULY NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
In July, the fishing remains strong with tarpon, snapper, grouper, and other species being caught in good numbers. The big game tournaments will continue offshore and provide opportunities to catch wahoo, dolphin, tuna, swordfish, and marlin. Kings, dolphin, bonita, and Spanish mackerel can be found close to shore on wrecks, reefs, and fish aggregation devices. Bottom fishing remains productive, with good catches of vermillion snapper, red snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, and almaco jacks. The weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time to be out on the water.
AUGUST NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
August is a great month for fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, with many species in season and good catches of amberjack, red snapper, tuna, marlin, sailfish, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, ladyfish, and bonito. The shallow waters and piers near the shoreline offer opportunities for a variety of catches, but beach-goers may be present during this popular time for summer vacations.
SEPTEMBER NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Fishing for blackfin tuna and sailfish along the Emerald Coast becomes popular in the fall season, with blackfin tuna usually caught within a range of 1-3 miles from the shore. September is considered to be the best time for catching sailfish inshore. As the number of tourists decreases, bottom fishing also becomes more favorable, offering good opportunities to catch red grouper, scamp, vermillion snapper, and triggerfish.
OCTOBER NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
October is a great month for fishing in Alabama and Northwest Florida Gulf coasts with many fishing rodeos and competitions happening. There are opportunities to catch various species of fish such as tuna, flounder, marlin, sailfish, red snapper, grouper, triggerfish, redfish, bluefish, mackerel, and baitfish. You can fish from piers, beaches, and offshore trips. The weather is perfect with warm temperatures and low humidity, making it an ideal time for a fall fishing vacation.
NOVEMBER NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
In Northwest Florida during November, the saltwater fishing scene is vibrant with a variety of species ready to bite. Flounder fishing is at its peak, particularly in bays, nearshore areas, and around reefs and wrecks in shallow waters. Redfish are abundant in bays, flats, docks, bridges, and passes, while Trout can be found in flats biting on topwater lures. The region offers a plethora of fishing spots whether you're in Pensacola, Destin, Panama City Beach, or Navarre, with both inshore and offshore fishing opportunities available to anglers of all levels. Locations ranging from Mexico Beach to Steinhatchee, including Apalachicola and St. George Island, are covered by local fishing reports, providing a broad sense of the fishing scene in the area.
DECEMBER NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
In Northwest Florida, the month of December brings about chilly but exciting saltwater fishing opportunities, thanks to the region's diverse marine life. The cooler weather and passing cold fronts cause changes in water temperatures, affecting both fish behavior and angling tactics. Despite the cooler weather, the region continues to offer a variety of fishing opportunities:
Redfish and Sea Trout: These species are typically catch and release during this period and tend to remain in shallow waters if the temperatures stay in the seventies. Anglers are advised to fish in protected areas and sunny spots on cooler days, and look for fish holding in deeper pockets until the sun gets overhead. As the mullet run ends, it's crucial to remember that saltwater gamefish will be transitioning their feeding habits from finfish to shrimp and crabs, necessitating a downsizing in lure and bait size accordingly.
Mahi Mahi and Cobia: Mahi fishing picks up during December as they migrate south. Though not as abundant as during the spring run, a well-planned trip could yield a rewarding catch of Mahi Mahi and even a few Cobias, making it advisable to keep a jig handy.
Bottom Fishing: This type of fishing sees a significant uptick in December. However, it's important to double-check the rules since seasons change for certain species, and specific gear like circle hooks, descending devices, and de-hooking tools are required.
Snook, False Albacore, Spanish Mackerel, and Tripletail: December is a good month for catch and release snook action around lighted docks in the ICW. Additionally, anglers can find good action in the coastal gulf with false albacore, Spanish mackerel, and tripletail, depending on conditions.
Variety of Other Species: Winter in Northwest Florida offers a plethora of opportunities to catch different types of fish including, but not limited to, Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Winter Bonita, Pompano, Whiting, Amberjack, Scamp, Red Grouper, Triggerfish, and Vermillion Snapper. The variety of locations like piers, jetties, or surf also increases the chances of success.
Various Fishing Locations: The rich and diverse areas for fishing in North Florida list a variety of species including Redfish, Flounder, Sailfish, Snapper, Grouper, and many others that can be targeted in December.
These forecasts provide a promising outlook for both inshore and offshore fishing adventures in Northwest Florida, making December a month filled with outstanding fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels.
NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS
Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise more than 8,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals—with no closed seasons. The recreational fishery resources alone in these waters provide entertainment for more than 1.2 million anglers annually.
BLACK BASS
Largemouth bass are found in almost every body of freshwater in Florida. With more than 8,000 lakes and other waters available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top Spots for Black Bass aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch either good numbers of bass or to catch a trophy bass.
The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular freshwater game fish in Florida. Found statewide, largemouth bass have excellent growth rates, particularly in the productive waters of central Florida. Historically known for huge bass, Florida remains an outstanding destination to catch a trophy.
When to Fish: Spring is the best time of year to catch bass, when fish move into shallow water to spawn. Spawning may occur as early as January in extreme south Florida and as late as May in the panhandle, but March and April are peak months. Most large bass are taken at this time; after spawning, many large females move to offshore areas.
Range: Although the largemouth bass is by far our most common black bass, other species are found in Florida. The smaller Suwannee bass occurs in the Suwannee River and its tributaries, and in the Ochlockonee River. Favoring rock outcrops and moving water, Suwannee bass prefer crayfish to many prey items of largemouth. Crayfish-imitating crankbaits worked through deep-water bends will attract these hard fighting fish, as will plastic worms, plastic lizards or crayfish. The Santa Fe River is another good spot, and trophy-sized Suwannee bass up to three pounds can be found in the Ochlockonee River north of I-10.
These are the sites in Northwest Florida most likely to be best for black bass fishing in 2023.
Escambia River Marsh
(Santa Rosa and Escambia counties)
Features: Bass numbers, striped bass numbers
A Largemouth Bass fishery for harvest and high catch rates of smaller size Largemouth Bass and a variety of fish species. The marsh area of the Escambia River is a hot spot for Largemouth Bass fishing and promises to yield high catches of harvestable size Largemouth Bass, as well as, many other species including being a hot spot destination for Hybrid Striped bass. The Escambia River also supports one of the richest assemblages of native North American freshwater fish of any Florida river with 85 know native freshwater species. The lower river and delta marshes may be accessed easily from numerous points between Pensacola and Pace along Highway 90.
Holmes Creek (Tributary to Choctawhatchee River)
(Holmes, Walton and Washington counties)
Features: Bass special opportunity, bream numbers
A pristine Florida waterway with high catch rates of panfish, multiple species, and home to the unique Choctaw Bass. Holmes Creek is a 16-mile tributary to the Choctawhatchee River and is a designated Florida canoe trail easily accessed in Vernon, Florida. Fifteen springs along this scenic tributary provide diverse habitats for a rich variety of fish and mollusks. Holmes Creek is also a major summer aggregation area for the federally protected Gulf Sturgeon, as well as, thermal refugia for the Gulf Striped Bass.
Yellow River
(Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties)
Features: Bass special opportunity, bream numbers, catfish size and numbers
A Monster trophy catfish fishery for Flathead Catfish (State Record location for Flathead Catfish) and high catch rates of panfish and multiple species. he Yellow River is home to monster Flathead Catfish and currently boasts the location of the new Florida State Record Flathead Catfish caught in August 2020. This behemoth weighed in at 69.9 pounds. The upper Yellow River provides anglers an assortment of largemouth bass, spotted bass, redear sunfish (shellcracker), bluegill, spotted sunfish, warmouth and shadow bass. Sixty-one miles of the Yellow River flows in a southwesterly direction into Blackwater Bay, an arm of Pensacola Bay, through Florida’s Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. The Yellow River’s one major tributary, the Shoal River, joins the Yellow near Crestview, Florida.
Ochlockonee River / Lake Talquin
(Leon, Gadsden and Liberty counties)
Features: Bass size, crappie size and numbers, striped bass size, catfish size and numbers
A hot spot destination for Striped Bass, especially below the dam, as well as quality-sized black bass, a numbers destination for Channel Catfish, and a top spot for Black Crappie fishing. The Ochlockonee River is a Top Spot destination for striped bass anglers! The Ochlockonee River is impounded to form Lake Talquin reservoir located between Gadsden and Leon counties Florida approximately 10 miles west of Tallahassee. Lake Talquin is bordered by State Road 20 on the east side and State Road 267 on the west and offers numerous access points. Both the river and the lake offer anglers multiple fishing choices. Lake Talquin is known for producing trophy Largemouth Bass but is also a Top Spot destination for Black Crappie anglers and Striped Bass anglers. Attention Striped Bass Anglers: There is an FWC Striped Bass tagging study currently on-going in the Ochlockonee River. If you catch a Striped Bass, please call the telephone number on the tag to claim your prize. Please do not pull the tag out of the fish. Cut the tag off the fish as close to the fish’s body as possible.
Wacissa River
(Jefferson County)
Features: Unique fishing opportunity for Suwannee Bass
A unique Florida Black Bass species location and fishery for Suwannee Bass. Also, a TrophyCatch program Hall of Fame fish location. The Wacissa River is a large, spring-fed stream located in south-central Jefferson County, Florida. Its headwaters are located about a mile south of the town of Wacissa, where the river emerges crystal clear from a group of large limestone springs. Not only renowned for its scenic beauty and paddling opportunities, the Wacissa is also home to the Suwannee Bass, a unique species of Florida black bass. Monster Largemouth Bass also lurk in the waters of the Wacissa River and has yielded a Hall of Fame Largemouth Bass submitted to the FWC TrophyCatch Program weighing in at over15 lbs. that was successfully caught and released.
GREAT FLORIDA FISHING NORTHWEST REGION "LOCAL EXPERT" FRESHWATER FORECASTS
The following is our curated list of local freshwater fishing forecasts in Northwest Florida. We share links and informations from "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.
Northwest Region - FWC Fishing Regional Forecasts
Great Florida Fishing
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