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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Red Drum in Louisiana Coast may fishing.

Sciaenops ocellatusSeasonal MovementGood

Same.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Good Year-round Gulf resident — winter schools in deep marsh ponds. Typical water temp: 52–62°FGoodFeb — Good Same. Typical water temp: 54–64°FGoodMar — Good Fish spreading back onto flats. Typical water temp: 60–70°FGoodApr — Good Spring fishing strong on flats. Typical water temp: 66–74°FGoodMay — Good Same. Typical water temp: 72–80°FGoodJun — Good Summer flats and marsh pattern. Typical water temp: 80–86°FGoodJul — Good Hot water — fish on cooler edges. Typical water temp: 82–88°FGoodAug — Good Same. Typical water temp: 82–88°FGoodSep — Peak Fall bull red run on Gulf beaches. Typical water temp: 78–84°FPeakOct — Peak Peak fall fishing — bull schools on beaches. Typical water temp: 70–78°FPeakNov — Good Bull schools dispersing. Typical water temp: 62–70°FGoodDec — Good Winter resident pattern. Typical water temp: 56–64°FGood

Migration pattern

Year-round resident. Highest density of redfish in North America in Louisiana marsh. Fall bull red run on Gulf beaches September–November.

Best locations

  • Lake Pontchartrain bridges
  • Barataria Pass
  • Grand Isle
  • Vermilion Bay

Top lures

  • Live mullet under popping cork
  • Cut mullet on bottom
  • Gold spoons
  • Soft plastic shrimp
  • Topwater plugs (skinny water)
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Red Drum in other regions

Get a notification when red drum show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Louisiana Coast.

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