South Padre Island fishing report for the week of October 1, 2026. Fall is settling in at the southern tip of Texas. The water is cooling a few degrees, the bait is moving, and the Lower Laguna Madre is producing. October is a good month to fish the island before winter fronts start to reshape the patterns.
What’s Hitting
This week, the fall flounder run is starting, with fish moving down the Laguna Madre toward Brazos Santiago Pass. Redfish are on the shallow flats of the Lower Laguna Madre, tailing in the early mornings. Speckled trout are on the grass beds and in the potholes. At the jetties, there are bull reds, Spanish mackerel, and jacks. Snook are also around the jetties and in the Brownsville Ship Channel, which is a unique opportunity this far north.
Where to Find Them
For flounder, fish the edges of the channels, the drains, and the area around Brazos Santiago Pass. For redfish, the shallow flats on the west side of the Laguna Madre and around the spoil islands. For trout, the grass beds and potholes in two to four feet of water. For bull reds and snook, the jetties at the pass and the Brownsville Ship Channel.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are small in the Laguna Madre, and the wind is often the bigger factor. The last quarter moon this weekend softens the tides further. Water temperatures are in the low 80s and dropping. The water clarity on the flats is usually excellent, which makes sight-fishing possible. Watch for fall fronts, which can bring strong north winds.
Tackle & Tactics
For flounder, a mud minnow on a Carolina rig or a soft plastic bounced along the bottom. For redfish on the flats, a gold spoon, a soft plastic on a light jig head, or a weedless paddle tail. For trout, a topwater in the morning or a soft plastic over the grass. For bull reds and snook at the jetties, a live mullet or a large swimbait.
Local Intel This Week
Public launches include the Isla Blanca Park ramp near the jetties, the Port Isabel area ramps, and the Laguna Vista area ramp. Shore anglers have good access at the Isla Blanca jetties and the beaches along the island. Wade fishing is a popular way to access the flats. Fish are concentrated on the flats for reds and trout and near the pass for flounder. Check current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations and seasons before keeping fish, including the fall flounder rules.
This Week’s Tip
On the Laguna Madre, wade fishing is often the best way to approach spooky fish on the flats. Wade slowly, shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays, and watch for tails and wakes. A long cast with a weedless soft plastic is often all you need.
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