Indian River Lagoon fishing report for the week of October 22, 2026. Cool mornings are sending redfish into tight schools on the flats, and the inlets still have snook chasing the remaining mullet.
What’s Hitting
Redfish are schooling on the shallow flats and along oyster edges, trout are holding on the grass, and black drum and sheepshead are around docks and bridges. Snook are at the inlets and dock lights, and pompano are in the surf near Sebastian.
Looking ahead, schooling redfish usually peak as the water drops, and trout fishing improves on calm mornings.
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 building toward the full moon, which floods the flats at high tide and pushes redfish into the grass. A rising tide is the best window, and calm mornings help sight-casting. Check a current tide chart and wind forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
A weedless gold spoon or paddle-tail on a quarter-ounce jighead works for reds and trout. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat on the grass.
Stay quiet. On shallow flats redfish spook easily, so use a trolling motor on low and make long casts.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Sebastian Inlet State Park, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and Round Island Riverfront Park in Vero Beach. Check current FWC regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, as redfish, trout and snook have specific rules.
This Week’s Tip
Look for pushes. A wake in shallow water with no boat nearby is often a school of redfish.
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