Andros Island
Bahamas Flats
Andros, The Bahamas
Open live forecast →Target species: Bonefish and Permit.
About this Water
- Coastal Flats
- Best months: Year-round; peak Oct–June
Andros Island in the Bahamas is the world capital of bonefish — over 2,300 square miles of flats, creeks, and the West Side bight, supporting one of the largest bonefish populations on Earth. The island is famously varied: the East Side offers white sand flats and tailing fish in classic Bahamian conditions; the West Side bight is a vast network of mangrove creeks holding both bonefish and the largest documented permit in the country. Lodges range from international destinations to small Bahamian-owned operations on the inner creeks. Bonefish in the 6–10 pound class are routine; double-digit fish are caught annually.
Andros holds the largest bonefish flats system on Earth — over 2,300 square miles — making it the only place where 'unlimited' literally describes the available fishing water.
January Outlook
January in Andros offers outstanding bonefish fishing on the world's largest contiguous flats system. Cold fronts push through periodically but warm quickly. Fish are concentrated on the deep marls. Permit are present in the bights.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie (tan/white)
- Gotcha
- Merkin Crab (permit)
- Bead-head Clouser
Tips
Fish the incoming tide on the west side marls. Cold fronts push fish off the flats temporarily but they return quickly. Guides know where fish congregate in winter.
Water Notes
Water 72-76°F. Fronts arrive every 2 weeks on average. Excellent fishing between systems.
February Outlook
February is excellent with increasing bonefish activity. Large schools of bones on the Middle Bight flats. Permit fishing improves. Some of the most consistent bonefish fishing in the Caribbean.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha (pink)
- Merkin Crab
- EP Spawning Shrimp
Tips
The Middle Bight area is world-renowned for large bonefish. Schools of 10-50 fish actively feeding. Use light tippet (8-10 lb) and long leaders in clear water.
Water Notes
Water 74-78°F. Trade winds provide ideal daily conditions. Excellent visibility on the flats.
March Outlook
March brings outstanding bonefish and permit fishing. The Andros bights are humming with activity. Tarpon appear in the creeks and mangrove channels. This is one of the finest months to visit.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Merkin Crab
- Tarpon Toad (backcountry)
- Spawning Shrimp
Tips
Mid-March tarpon in the north bight creeks. Permit on sand bores in 2-4 feet. Giant bonefish schools on the North Bight flats at dawn.
Water Notes
Water 76-80°F. Trade winds steady. Best visibility of the year. Calm mornings before the breeze builds.
April Outlook
April is peak season at Andros. Bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in top form. The grand slam is very achievable here. Andros Town flats are legendary and at their best in April.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie (bone)
- Merkin Crab (permit)
- Tarpon Toad
- Gotcha
Tips
Target the Cargill Creek and North Bight areas for grand slam potential. April has the best bonefish numbers of the year. Morning poling in the bights is spectacular.
Water Notes
Water 78-82°F. Light trades. April has the clearest water of the year.
May Outlook
May has excellent fishing but increasing summer heat. Bonefish remain active in early morning and late afternoon. Permit fishing continues. Start early and rest during midday.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Merkin Crab
- Spawning Shrimp
- EP Bonefish Fly
Tips
6-10am and 3-6pm are the prime windows as heat builds. Shade-seeking bonefish in the mangrove edges. Stay hydrated and protect against the sun.
Water Notes
Water 82-86°F. Heat increasing. Afternoon convection. Early morning is the fishing window.
June Outlook
June in Andros is hot and the rainy season begins. Bonefish retreat to deeper marls and channels during midday heat. Early morning and late afternoon fishing is very productive for those who can handle the heat. Tarpon remain in the backcountry creeks.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha
- Spawning Shrimp (small)
- Tarpon Toad
Tips
Fish the first light incoming tide before 9am. Bonefish are in the marls before heat shuts down surface activity. A fan-boat or guided skiff reaches the fish quickly.
Water Notes
Water 84-88°F. Rainy season begins. Afternoon convection storms daily. Mornings can be glassy and excellent.
July Outlook
July is the low season at Andros. Summer heat and daily afternoon storms make conditions challenging. Bonefish are present year-round but fishing is best in the 6-9am window before heat and wind arrive. Lodge occupancy is low and pricing is typically reduced.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie (small)
- Gotcha
- EP Spawning Shrimp
- Bonefish Clouser
Tips
Early start is mandatory. Fish the first two hours of incoming tide. Guides know the wind-protected interior flats. Summer bonefish can be spooky in the heat-pressured shallow water.
Water Notes
Water 86-90°F. Peak summer. Daily thunderstorms. Fish early or not at all. Hurricane season begins.
August Outlook
August is the quietest month on Andros. Hurricane season and summer heat minimize lodge activity. Bonefish are present throughout the year as residents, but conditions are demanding. For adventurous anglers who can handle the heat and humidity, uncrowded flats await.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha
- Spawning Shrimp
- EP Bonefish Fly
Tips
If you fish August, hire the best guide available — local knowledge is essential for navigating summer conditions. Fish exclusively in the early morning. Monitor hurricane forecasts closely.
Water Notes
Water 86-90°F. Peak hurricane season. Monitor NOAA Atlantic forecasts before and during your trip.
September Outlook
September transitions toward fall. Hurricane risk remains but conditions improve dramatically in the second half of the month. Bonefish begin to school more actively as temperatures drop slightly. An underrated value month for experienced anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha (pink)
- Merkin Crab
- Spawning Shrimp
Tips
Mid-to-late September can be surprisingly productive. Fish begin feeding more actively as heat subsides. Fall bonefish schools start forming. Confirm hurricane status before booking late September.
Water Notes
Water 84-88°F and beginning to drop. Hurricane season continues through September 30. Best conditions in the final two weeks.
October Outlook
October is the finest fall month in Andros. Bonefish are active and schools are large. The summer crowds are gone. Permit are on the sand bores. One of the best values in Bahamas fly fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha
- Merkin Crab
- Spawning Shrimp
Tips
October bonefish at Andros rival the spring fishing. Lodge rates are often lower. Fish all day — October temperatures are comfortable.
Water Notes
Water 80-84°F. Hurricane season winding down. Excellent conditions from mid-October onward.
November Outlook
November delivers outstanding conditions. Cooler temperatures allow all-day fishing. Bonefish are in large schools and very aggressive. Permit on the deeper sand edges. This is a serious contender for the best month.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha (bone)
- Merkin Crab
- Bead-head Clouser
Tips
November bonefish are aggressive and less cautious than spring fish. Full-day fishing is comfortable. Large pod fish in the deep marls.
Water Notes
Water 76-80°F. Cool trade winds. Excellent fishing conditions through November.
December Outlook
December has excellent bonefish and permit fishing with cooler, clearer water. Christmas week visitors enjoy some of the finest bone fishing of the year. Wind picks up later in the month.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie (small)
- Merkin Crab
- EP Spawning Shrimp
- Gotcha
Tips
Fish the interior flats out of the wind. December bonefish are large (6-12 lbs) and less schooled than summer. A 10-pound bone is possible any day.
Water Notes
Water 72-76°F. Northeast trade winds build. Protected bights and creeks are the best option.
Access & Approach
Andros Town and Cargill Creek are the main lodges' areas. International flights via Nassau or direct charter. Bahamian fishing license required (issued through lodges). Guides essential — the West Side requires expert local knowledge.
Nearby Waters
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About Current
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