2026 Fall Fishing Report

Anglers love fall fishing on the Forgotten Coast for a good reason. The cooler temperatures, peaceful surroundings, and shorter days create the perfect environment for both freshwater and saltwater favorites to bite.

While fall officially began on September 20, fish recognize the season change when water temperatures drop to the low 70s or upper 60s. This shift pushes fish into deeper waters, making them more active and ready to strike. Unlike summer fishing, where mornings and evenings are essential, fall fishing on the Forgotten Coast peaks during high tide.

Plan your fishing trip to Franklin County this fall and take your pick from a wide variety of fishing hotspots: from the Apalachicola River basin and the estuary system to wetlands, barrier islands and oyster bars to sand flats and seagrass flats to bountiful artificial reefs in the Gulf. Fall is a great time to enjoy inshore fishing for Redfish and other perennial favorites such as speckled trout, tripletail, tripletail & flounder. Take your pick from a wide variety of inshore fishing hotspots: from the Apalachicola River basin and the estuary system to barrier island bay shallows and oyster bars to sand flats and seagrass flats. If you’d like some coaching, book a fishing charter with one of our expert guides!

Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing during fall is all about redfish. These hard-fighting fish offer an exciting challenge and taste delicious when cooked. You can find redfish and trout in the flats, especially north of the Hwy 98 bridge in Apalachicola, around Dog Island near Carrabelle, and in the flats of Eastpoint around Yents Bayou. As water temperatures drop, redfish head toward the river and gather around docks and flats in Postun Bayou.

For bait, live shrimp are always a solid choice. If you prefer using artificial lures, try gold or silver spoons or traditional grub in colors like Gulf red, white, or new penny. Redfish are also attracted to suspension lures in greenback or silver.

Offshore/Deep Sea Fishing

Offshore fishing in the fall can be unpredictable, so always check the weather and seasonal regulations before heading out. When conditions are right, target cobia around channel markers and buoys using natural or artificial eels or brightly-colored jigs. The best spots for cobia fishing are near the passes on either end of St. George Island. For deeper waters, consult your offshore fishing charts and focus on the K or S towers.

If you are surf fishing, fall is prime time as mackerel and pompano prepare to head to deeper waters. Focus on the deeper troughs between sandbars, using sand fleas, Fish Bites, or Fish Gum for the best results.

Freshwater Fishing

Fall brings excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing on the Forgotten Coast. Bass, bluegill, and stumpknockers are actively feeding, and crickets, worms, or light spinning tackle work well for catching them. If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, go after striped bass and sunshine bass, which provide exciting light tackle or fly rod action throughout the season.

Fall Fishing is so much fun and can be a fruitful endeavor. Book your trip now and experience spring fishing on the Forgotten Coast! Photo Credit: Robinson Guide Service