Alabama’s short stretch of coast sits on top of one of the largest artificial reef zones in the country. The calendar here is built around the spring cobia run, the summer reef season and a strong inshore fall.
Related: Orange Beach / Gulf Shores Fishing Guide · Orange Beach / Gulf Shores Weekly Fishing Reports
| Month | Top Species | Peak Technique | Conditions & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sheepshead, Trout, Redfish | Fiddlers, slow jigs | Trout in Wolf Bay; sheepshead on hard structure |
| February | Sheepshead, Trout | Fiddlers, live shrimp | Sheepshead spawn peak at Perdido Pass |
| March | Cobia, Sheepshead, Pompano | Tower sight-casting | Cobia tower boats launch; the run begins |
| April | Cobia, Pompano, Trout | Sight-casting, jigs | PEAK cobia along the beach |
| May | Red Snapper, Cobia, Kings | Bottom rigs, trolling | Snapper season typically opens |
| June | Red Snapper, Amberjack, Kings | Bottom fishing, vertical jigs | Peak reef season on the Alabama reef zone |
| July | Snapper, Amberjack, Tarpon | Bottom rigs, live bait | Reef fishing strong; tarpon on the beachfront |
| August | Amberjack, Vermilion Snapper, Tarpon | Vertical jigs, live bait | Amberjack excellent on the deeper wrecks |
| September | Kings, Redfish, Flounder | Trolling, Carolina rigs | Bait moves; flounder stage at the pass |
| October | Redfish, Flounder, Trout | Live bait, jigs | Best inshore month; the flounder run is on |
| November | Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead | Jigs, live shrimp | Trout push into Wolf and Arnica bays |
| December | Sheepshead, Trout, Redfish | Fiddlers, soft plastics | Winter pattern; bottom trips on calm days |
Best Months to Visit Orange Beach / Gulf Shores
Cobia: March–April from the towers. Reef fish and amberjack: June–August, subject to federal openings. Flounder: October. Trout: November–February in Wolf Bay.