As someone who checks salinity readings obsessively after every rain event, I can tell you this week’s heavy rainfall changed everything. Fresh water flooding into the bays pushed fish out of their usual spots and into places you might not think to look.
Here’s what local captains are reporting from the water.
Where the Fish Moved
Redfish pushed toward higher salinity near passes and inlets – exactly where you’d expect. They can’t tolerate the fresh water flooding the back bays right now. Trout followed the same pattern, stacking up in deeper channels where water quality stayed more stable.
Flounder fishing actually improved along sandy drops where freshwater meets salt. They’re ambushing bait that’s disoriented by the sudden salinity change. Probably should have led with this: flounder are capitalizing on the chaos.
Adjusting Your Approach
Fish deeper than you normally would. Most species dropped 2-4 feet below their usual holding depths looking for better water. What worked last week won’t work this week.
Slow down your retrieve significantly. Cold, murky water means fish are striking more cautiously than usual. Give them extra time to track and commit to your bait.
Bright colors help in stained conditions. Chartreuse and pink stand out when visibility drops to a foot or less. Natural colors are wasted right now.
The Outlook
Conditions should stabilize by midweek as runoff slows and tides mix things back to normal. Plan trips for Thursday or later when salinity normalizes across the bays. The fish will return to their regular haunts once water quality improves.
