Indian River Lagoon fishing report for the week of October 15, 2026. Fall brings schools of redfish onto the flats and the first cooler mornings, and the mullet run keeps the inlets busy.
What’s Hitting
Redfish are schooling on the shallow flats and along the oyster edges, trout are holding on the grass beds, and black drum and sheepshead are around the docks and bridge pilings. Snook are at the inlets and the dock lights, and pompano are in the surf near Sebastian. Jacks and ladyfish are crashing bait on the surface.
Looking ahead, cooler weather should bring more redfish into the shallows, and trout fishing will improve on the grass.
Where to Find Them
Look for redfish on the flats on a rising tide, particularly near mangrove edges and oyster bars. Drift the grass beds in 3 to 5 feet for trout, and fish the inlet jetties at Sebastian and Fort Pierce for snook on the outgoing tide.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are easing with the moon heading toward first quarter. Rising tide on the flats is the best window for redfish, while calm mornings help sight-casting. Check a current tide chart and wind forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
A weedless gold spoon or a paddle-tail soft plastic on a quarter-ounce jighead works for reds and trout. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat on the grass. Spinning gear with 10 to 15 pound braid is plenty.
On the grass flats, drift with the wind and cover water until you find a pod of fish, then anchor up and work the area thoroughly.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Sebastian Inlet State Park, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and Round Island Riverfront Park in Vero Beach. Fish are concentrating at the inlets, the grass edges and the oyster bars. Check current FWC regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, as redfish, trout and snook have specific rules.
This Week’s Tip
Stay quiet on the flats. In shallow water, redfish spook easily, so pole or use a trolling motor on low and make long casts.
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