The Indian River Lagoon is fishing well this June, with redfish tailing the flats at first light, snook holding around the spoil islands and docks, and trout on the grass. Mornings are calm and clear before the afternoon storms build inland — the early window is everything on the lagoon this time of year.
What’s Hitting
Redfish are tailing on the flats early and schooling in the deeper potholes as the day heats up. Snook are holding around the spoil islands, docks, and bridges (closed season — release them). Spotted seatrout are biting on the deeper grass flats, and black drum and sheepshead are around the structure. Tarpon and ladyfish are working the deeper channels and around the inlets.
Where to Find Them
Fish the lagoon flats at first light for tailing and waking reds, then work the deeper potholes and edges as the sun climbs. Snook hold the spoil islands, dock lights, and bridges. Trout are on the three- to six-foot grass flats. The Sebastian Inlet and the deeper channels hold tarpon, snook, and snapper on the moving tide. Black drum are around the bridges and docks.
Tides & Conditions
Lagoon fishing is best in the calm early morning when you can spot tailing reds on the flats. Trout bite the moving tide over the grass. The afternoon sea breeze and thunderstorms build daily, so fish the morning. Water is warm and clear on the flats and can get hot and still by midday, pushing fish to the deeper edges and potholes. The lagoon lays out glass-calm at dawn, the only time the tailing reds are easy to spot before the heat and the sea breeze push them deep.
Tackle & Tactics
Sight-fishing the reds calls for weedless soft plastics, gold spoons, and well-placed live shrimp or cut bait. Snook around structure eat jigs, swimbaits, and live baits, especially at the dock lights after dark. Trout want popping corks and soft plastics over the grass. Approach the flats quietly — these lagoon fish spook easily in the clear, calm water.
This Week’s Tip
When the sun gets high and the tailing stops, don’t quit — just change tactics. The reds drop into the deeper potholes and along the drop-offs to escape the heat and light. Fan-cast a soft plastic or a gold spoon through the dark potholes and the edges of the flats, and you’ll keep catching fish long after the early tailing bite shuts off.