Exumas
Great Exuma · Staniel Cay
The Bahamas
Open live forecast →Target species: Bonefish and Permit.
About this Water
- Coastal Flats
- Best months: Nov–June; peak Apr–May
The Exuma Cays offer some of the most pristine fly fishing flats in the Caribbean — vast shallow sand and grass banks protected within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, holding bonefish and permit that have seen almost no angling pressure. Great Exuma is the main island with services, while Staniel Cay in the central Exumas provides access to some of the most extraordinary outer cay fishing. The combination of remarkable scenery, crystal-clear water, and naive fish makes the Exumas a uniquely special destination for serious flats anglers.
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — established in 1958 as the first marine protected area in the Caribbean — has created a bonefish sanctuary where generations of fish have never experienced fishing pressure, resulting in the least-wary and most aggressive bonefish in the Bahamas.
January Outlook
January at the Exumas is the heart of the winter bonefishing season. The outer cays and protected inner sound flats are at their best with clear skies and good visibility. Cold fronts from the north occasionally pass through, but the Exumas' southern position makes them less severe than the northern Bahamas.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4-6)
- Gotcha (tan)
- Crazy Charlie (pink)
- Merkin Crab (small)
Tips
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park flats see virtually no fishing pressure in January. Bonefish average 5-7 lbs with fish over 10 lbs a real possibility. Hire a local guide from George Town — they know the remote tidal cays where fish have rarely seen a fly.
Water Notes
Water 70-74°F. Prime winter conditions. Wind from the east/northeast. Occasional cold fronts slow fishing for 1-2 days then improve it.
February Outlook
February at the Exumas is prime season for bonefish and the beginning of the permit season on the outer flats. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park creates vast protected areas of unfished flats. Great Exuma and Staniel Cay are the primary bases.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4-6)
- Merkin Crab
- Crazy Charlie (tan)
- Gotcha (small, pink)
Tips
The Exumas are less developed for fly fishing than Bimini or Andros, which is part of their appeal. The vast flats around Staniel Cay and the outer cays see little pressure. Bonefish average 5-8 lbs.
Water Notes
Water 72-76°F. Winter conditions. North fronts possible. Fish the inner cays for calm-water options.
March Outlook
March brings increasing warmth and the transition to spring bonefishing in the Exumas. Permit begin appearing on the shallow outer reef flats. The Exuma Sound flats are alive with bonefish in the improving conditions.
Productive Patterns
- Gotcha (tan/pink)
- Spawning Shrimp
- Merkin Crab (#2)
- Crazy Charlie
Tips
March is an excellent month to visit the Exumas — weather is reliable, fish are plentiful, and the crowds of peak spring haven't arrived. The protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park offers pristine flats. Permit fishing on the outer cays begins in earnest.
Water Notes
Water 74-78°F. Excellent spring conditions. Trade winds consistent. Prime time for the outer cay permit flats.
April Outlook
April is the peak Exumas season. The outer cay flats are teeming with bonefish and the permit spawning aggregations near the reef passes are extraordinary. Some of the largest permit in the Bahamas are encountered here on the undisturbed outer flats.
Productive Patterns
- Merkin Crab (#2)
- Spawning Shrimp
- Permit Crab (large)
- Gotcha (tan/pink)
Tips
The Exumas require a seaworthy flats boat for the outer cay flats — conditions on the exposed Atlantic-facing flats can be challenging. The protected inner Sound flats near George Town are excellent and more accessible.
Water Notes
Water 76-80°F. Prime spring conditions. The outer cay flats are extraordinary. Calm weather windows frequent in April.
May Outlook
May offers the finest all-around Exumas fishing of the year. Permit are spawning in accessible groups near the outer reef. Bonefish are everywhere on the shallow flats of the Exuma Sound. The protected marine park areas are seeing fish that have never seen a fly.
Productive Patterns
- Permit Crab (spawning)
- Merkin Crab (large)
- Spawning Shrimp
- Gotcha (pink)
Tips
The Exumas' relative remoteness means the fish here are extraordinarily naive — bonefish that have never seen a fly approach on the flats without spooking. Present with care anyway; the experience is special.
Water Notes
Water 78-82°F. Excellent conditions. Long calm days. Prime Exumas season.
June Outlook
June brings summer heat and the beginning of the off-season for the Exumas. Bonefish are still present on the flats but the heat and occasional early-season tropical disturbances require flexibility. The uncrowded flats in June offer a different, quieter experience.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp
- Crazy Charlie
- Merkin Crab
- Gotcha (small)
Tips
June is the start of the slower season. Rates drop, crowds thin, and the fishing remains solid for those willing to deal with afternoon heat and weather flexibility. Early morning fishing before the heat builds is most comfortable and productive.
Water Notes
Water 80-84°F. Summer heat. Light tackle comfortable only mornings. Early hurricane season — watch forecasts.
July Outlook
July at the Exumas is deep summer — hot, humid, and potentially stormy. Hurricane season is active. The bonefish are present but concentrated on deeper, cooler edges of the flats in the heat of the day. Best suited for very flexible, experienced flats anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Gotcha (small)
- Spawning Shrimp (light)
- Crazy Charlie
- Bonefish Crab (small)
Tips
July requires maximum flexibility and strong local guide connections. When weather windows open, the fishing can be outstanding with almost no other anglers. The tradeoff is potential trip interruptions from tropical weather. Book with full cancellation policies.
Water Notes
Water 83-87°F. Peak summer heat. Hurricane season active. Fishing in cooler morning hours only. Afternoon thunderstorms daily.
August Outlook
August is the quietest month at the Exumas and the peak of hurricane season. Most fly fishing lodges operate on reduced schedules. For adventurous anglers who go, the flats fishing can be exceptional — the fish haven't seen a fly in months.
Productive Patterns
- Gotcha
- Crazy Charlie
- Spawning Shrimp
- Merkin Crab
Tips
August trips to the Exumas are for the truly flexible angler with a high tolerance for weather uncertainty. The reward is extraordinary fishing on flats that have been rested for months. A local captain who can read weather patterns is essential.
Water Notes
Water 84-88°F. Peak hurricane season. Most lodges on reduced operation. Fishing excellent when weather cooperates — which is unpredictable.
September Outlook
September at the Exumas is the tail end of summer. Hurricane season caution applies — book with flexible cancellation policies. When weather windows open, the fishing is exceptional with schools of large bonefish on the inner flats.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp
- Merkin Crab
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha
Tips
September Exumas requires weather flexibility. Check forecasts carefully. When conditions are right, the fishing is outstanding with minimal pressure.
Water Notes
Water 82-86°F. Warm fall. Peak hurricane season — weather vigilance required.
October Outlook
October marks the transition to the fall season at the Exumas. Hurricane season waning. Bonefish remain active as water cools slightly. The Exuma Cays are spectacular in the lower-angle autumn light.
Productive Patterns
- Merkin Crab
- Spawning Shrimp (tan)
- Crazy Charlie (pink)
- Gotcha (small)
Tips
October Exumas fishing improves as the season stabilizes. The combination of less heat, fewer tourists, and active bonefish makes this an excellent value month.
Water Notes
Water 80-84°F. Fall conditions improving. Bonefish very active. Hurricane season ending.
November Outlook
November ushers in the Exumas' prime winter season. The flats cool to ideal temperatures and northeast trade winds stabilize. The outer cays are at their most fishable with clear, calm days more frequent. Some of the best permit fishing of the year on the reef passes.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4)
- Merkin Crab (#2)
- Gotcha (tan)
- Crazy Charlie (pink)
Tips
November is one of the best months to visit the Exumas. The summer crowds and hurricane concerns are gone. Water temps are optimal. Bonefish are feeding aggressively. The outer cay permit flats are exceptional. Excellent value with high-season quality.
Water Notes
Water 76-80°F. Prime fall/winter conditions. Trade winds consistent. Exceptional visibility. One of the best months of the year.
December Outlook
December at the Exumas is prime season. The flats are at peak condition with cool, clear water and cooperative northeast trades. Bonefish and permit are actively feeding. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park offers a Christmas holiday fly fishing experience unlike anywhere else.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4-6)
- Crazy Charlie (tan)
- Gotcha (pink)
- Merkin Crab
Tips
December Exumas is an excellent Christmas season destination. Clear water, cooperative fish, and the spectacular cays scenery. Book well in advance for the holiday weeks. The outer cay flats near Staniel Cay are a highlight.
Water Notes
Water 72-76°F. Prime winter conditions. Cold fronts possible but less severe than northern Bahamas. One of the finest months.
Access & Approach
Fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT), Great Exuma Island, or Staniel Cay. Multiple small lodges and charter operations based in George Town and at Staniel Cay. Bahamas fishing licence required. A seaworthy skiff is needed for the outer cay flats. Commercial operations provide full services.
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About Current
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