San Antonio Bay
Seadrift · Tailing Redfish Flats
Texas, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Redfish.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Early summer heat pattern establishing with water temps in the upper 70s to low 80s. Morning fishing through 10am is prime before heat pushes redfish off the shallow flats into deeper grass bed edges. Pre-dawn starts are becoming essential as afternoon temperatures climb into the mid-80s. Focus on ICW edges and slightly deeper water after mid-morning when fish seek cooler refuge.
- Tide: Morning tide windows critical before heat stress. Fish shallow flats early, then work ICW edges as temperatures climb past 80°F.
- Water Temp: Upper 70s to low 80s — transitioning to summer heat pattern. Fish increasingly heat-sensitive after 10am window closes.
- Best Window: Pre-dawn through 10am golden hours. Weekend shows stronger winds building Saturday-Sunday, favoring early starts even more.
- Wind Trend: Manageable early week (10-12mph) building to 19-20mph weekend. Friday looks like the last calm-water opportunity.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Coastal Flats
- Best months: March–May, Sept–Nov; year-round for dedicated anglers
San Antonio Bay near Seadrift, Texas is the finest sight-fishing destination for tailing redfish (red drum) on the Texas Gulf Coast — a mid-coast system that combines miles of shallow turtle grass flats with exceptional clarity and fish populations less pressured than the famous Laguna Madre to the south. Bay Flats Lodge is the premier operation, offering wade fishing and skiff access to fish that average 6-15 lbs on the grass flats. Speckled trout and black drum provide additional species on the same water.
Texas redfish are among the most accessible large saltwater gamefish for sight-fishing anywhere in the world — wading the San Antonio Bay grass flats on a calm October morning with tailing fish visible in every direction rivals any saltwater flats experience.
January Outlook
January on San Antonio Bay near Seadrift is mid-winter on the Texas Gulf Coast. Redfish have moved off the shallow grass flats to deeper bay channels and the ICW edges as water temperatures drop. Bay Flats Lodge operations continue but target shifted to deeper structure. Cold fronts arrive frequently — the best fishing occurs in the 3-5 day window after a front passes when skies clear and wind drops.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow (deep, chartreuse/white)
- Bendback (gold, deep channels)
- Wool Crab (small, deep edges)
- Shrimp Pattern (#4, slow sink)
Tips
January redfish on the Texas coast are in deeper channels and ICW edges rather than the shallow grass flats. 8-weight rods with sink-tip lines reach fish down 4-8 feet. The post-front window with clear skies and dropping barometer produces the best activity. Guide skill matters most in winter — they know the holding areas.
Water Notes
Water 50-60°F. Texas Gulf winter. Redfish off the shallow flats in cold weather. Channel and deep bay fishing. Best in post-front clear windows.
February Outlook
February on San Antonio Bay continues winter patterns but with warming trends building through the month. Late February can see the first redfish moving toward the shallow grass flats as water temperatures begin their spring climb. The second half of February often produces excellent sight fishing during warming spells.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow (shallow, later in month)
- Redfish Crab (#4)
- Bendback (gold/tan)
- Shrimp Pattern (tan)
Tips
February is transitional — track the water temperature closely. When San Antonio Bay reaches 60°F, redfish begin the move toward the grass flats. A mid-February warm spell can produce flat-out excellent tailing fish. Bay Flats Lodge guides track water temperature obsessively in late winter — call ahead for current conditions.
Water Notes
Water 52-64°F. Late winter warming. Redfish beginning grass flat migration when temps hit 60°F. Best fishing late February during warm spells.
March Outlook
March is prime tailing redfish season on San Antonio Bay near Seadrift. Redfish are moving onto the shallow grass flats on warming water temperatures. Bay Flats Lodge provides the finest sight-fishing experience in Texas. Fish averaging 6-15 lbs are tailing visibly in gin-clear water.
Productive Patterns
- Redfish Crab Pattern (#2-4)
- Clouser Minnow (chartreuse/white)
- Bendback (gold)
- Spoon Fly
Tips
Texas redfish on the flats are sight-fished like bonefish — spot a tailing fish, lead it by 4 feet, strip slowly. These fish are not leader-shy but they are noise-sensitive. Wade silently. 7-8 weight outfits with 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leaders.
Water Notes
Water 58-68°F. Spring warming. Redfish moving onto grass flats. Clear water, ideal conditions.
April Outlook
April is excellent on the San Antonio Bay flats. Redfish are fully established on the spring flats and tailing actively throughout the day. Speckled trout are also running the same shorelines. This mid-coast Texas fishery is underappreciated compared to the Laguna Madre.
Productive Patterns
- Crab Fly (tan/brown)
- Clouser Minnow
- Spoon Fly
- EP Fiber Crab
Tips
April redfish on the San Antonio Bay flats are aggressive and respond well to accurate presentations. Multiple fish sightings per day is standard. The bay's grass flats extend for miles — a skiff covers the most water efficiently.
Water Notes
Water 64-72°F. Ideal spring conditions. Grass flats active. Redfish and speckled trout both present.
May Outlook
May is excellent on San Antonio Bay. Redfish remain active on the spring grass flats as water temperatures climb toward summer levels. Speckled trout fishing peaks in May — these fish are on the same grass flats as the redfish and hit the same patterns. The sight-fishing window in May offers long days and good light angles.
Productive Patterns
- Crab Fly (tan/brown)
- Clouser Minnow
- Spoon Fly
- EP Fiber Shrimp (tan)
Tips
May provides some of the longest fishing windows of the year with extended daylight. The San Antonio Bay grass flats are fully alive in May with both redfish and speckled trout. The key is water clarity — post-front periods with clear water and light winds are the finest conditions.
Water Notes
Water 70-78°F. Excellent late spring conditions. Long days extend fishing windows. Both redfish and speckled trout very active.
June Outlook
June on San Antonio Bay marks the beginning of summer heat. Redfish are present on the flats but increasingly seek the edges of grass beds and slightly deeper water as afternoon temperatures climb. Morning fishing (pre-dawn start through 10am) is the most productive approach. Bay Flats Lodge guides know the summer patterns well.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow (slightly deeper)
- Redfish Crab (#4)
- Spoon Fly
- EP Fiber Shrimp
Tips
Start fishing at first light in June — the first 3 hours of the day are the golden window before heat pushes fish off the shallowest flats. The ICW edges and slightly deeper grass beds hold fish through the midday heat. An 8-weight with intermediate line reaches these fish effectively.
Water Notes
Water 76-84°F. Summer heat. Morning fishing best. Fish move deeper mid-day. Pre-dawn starts recommended.
July Outlook
July on San Antonio Bay is full Texas summer — intense heat and humidity. The sight fishing shifts largely to dawn and dusk windows. Redfish are present but concentrated in deeper grass edges and channel margins rather than shallow tailing flats. This is a productive but challenging month for the committed angler.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow (deep grass edges)
- Redfish Crab (deep retrieve)
- Bendback
- EP Minnow (chartreuse/white)
Tips
July redfish fishing is strictly a morning-and-evening endeavor on the Texas coast. 5am start, fish until 9-10am, then again in the evening 6-8pm. The fish are there but the shallow flats are too warm mid-day. Summer is also prime for jack crevalle on the bay if conditions cooperate.
Water Notes
Water 82-88°F. Peak summer heat. Fishing is early morning and evening only. Deep grass edges and channel margins hold fish mid-day.
August Outlook
August is the hottest month on San Antonio Bay. Conditions are challenging but the resident redfish are still present. Morning fishing from first light through 9am can produce excellent results. The grass flats near the ICW tend to hold more fish in deeper margins. Speckled trout have largely moved to deeper structure.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow (intermediate line)
- Redfish Crab (#4)
- Spoon Fly (early morning)
- Bendback (deep)
Tips
August on the Texas coast is all about the first hour of daylight. Pre-dawn rigging, on the flat at first light. The tailing activity in the brief cool of early morning can be spectacular even in August. Bring extra water, electrolytes, and sun protection. The fish are rewarding the early morning discipline.
Water Notes
Water 84-90°F. Hottest month. Serious early morning start essential. Fish most active first 2 hours of light. Beat the heat.
September Outlook
September marks the beginning of fall cooling on San Antonio Bay. As water temperatures moderate from the August peak, redfish activity increases and the morning fishing window extends. The first cold front from the north typically arrives in late September, triggering outstanding fishing in its wake.
Productive Patterns
- Redfish Crab (#2-4)
- Clouser Minnow
- Spoon Fly
- Crab Pattern (brown/tan)
Tips
The first fall front arriving in September can produce exceptional redfish fishing — fish that were listless in summer heat suddenly become aggressive. Monitor weather forecasts for September fronts. Bay Flats Lodge guides track these front timing patterns obsessively. Late September through November is prime season.
Water Notes
Water 78-86°F. Fall cooling beginning. Fish becoming more active. Post-front windows are the best September fishing.
October Outlook
October through November is the finest redfish season of the year on the Texas Gulf Coast. 'Redfish on the half shell' — large individual fish patrolling the flats with their dorsal fins visible — are the iconic sight. These October reds are at maximum size before moving off the flats for winter.
Productive Patterns
- Redfish Crab (#2)
- Clouser Minnow
- Spoon Fly (large)
- EP Crab (large)
Tips
Fall redfish on the San Antonio Bay flats are the best of the year. Larger fish, more visible, and actively feeding before the winter migration. October light makes spotting fish easier — lower sun angle versus summer glare.
Water Notes
Water 68-76°F. Fall cooling. Ideal redfish conditions. Longest tailing windows of the season.
November Outlook
November is widely considered the single best month for fly fishing on San Antonio Bay. Water temperatures are ideal, redfish are at maximum fall aggression, and the light angle is perfect for spotting tailing fish on the grass flats. Bay Flats Lodge books out months in advance for November. The combination of cool weather, active fish, and spectacular coastal scenery makes this a destination month.
Productive Patterns
- Redfish Crab (#2)
- Clouser Minnow (chartreuse/white)
- Spoon Fly
- EP Crab (brown/tan)
Tips
November is the apex of Texas redfish fly fishing. Fish are large, visible, and aggressive on the San Antonio Bay grass flats. The lower sun angle and clearer fall water makes sight fishing easier than any other month. If you only come once, come in November.
Water Notes
Water 60-70°F. Perfect fall conditions. Prime month of the year. Redfish at maximum activity. Book well in advance.
December Outlook
December brings the onset of winter to San Antonio Bay as cold fronts become more frequent and intense. The first half of December often fishes well in continuation of fall patterns. By mid-December, fronts cool the water significantly and redfish begin moving off the shallow flats to deeper winter holding. An early December trip can be excellent; late December is more weather-dependent.
Productive Patterns
- Redfish Crab (#4)
- Clouser Minnow
- Spoon Fly (early month)
- Wool Crab (small, later)
Tips
Book a December trip for the first two weeks to maximize the fall season extension. Monitor Bay Flats Lodge conditions updates. Post-front clear windows in December can still produce excellent tailing fish. By late December, fishing shifts to deeper patterns similar to January. The holiday fishing window is excellent for planning flexibility.
Water Notes
Water 56-66°F. Winter arriving. Early December extends fall season. Late December transitions to winter deep-water patterns.
Access & Approach
Seadrift, TX — 2 hours from San Antonio (SAT) or Corpus Christi (CRP). Bay Flats Lodge is the destination operation. Texas fishing licence + saltwater stamp required. 7-8 weight outfits with 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leaders for redfish.
Regulations & License
Fishing in Texas requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Texas fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
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