Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Eric
Crystal River is hands down one of the best spots to fish—period—and the first 2/3 of Fall prove it. While other places in Florida might slow down or focus on just a couple of species in the fall, the Nature Coast cranks up the action.
The variety you can find here, all inshore, is something special. Sure, we head out to the grouper grounds to get in on that action, but don’t sleep on the backcountry. Fall time back there is on fire, with all your inshore Floridian favorites. Let’s take a look at the fishing report for October:
What’s Biting in Crystal River Right Now?
Reds & Trout
October in Crystal River is prime time to catch redfish and speckled trout. They’re the headliners for a reason, and they’re biting like crazy right now.
Reds are schooling up in the shallows, giving you plenty of chances to hook one whether you’re wading or casting from the boat.
They’re aggressive, and they’ll put up a fight—but if you’ve been waiting to land a big red, now’s your moment.
Speckled trout are also on fire this month. They’re thick in the grass flats and deeper channels, and they’re hitting hard on live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures. Of course the morning bite is where it’s at, so set that alarm early and get out there if you can.
When you feel that strike and see the silver flash of a big trout, you’ll know why Crystal River is the place to fish in the fall.
Shallow Water Grouper Fishing
Grouper aren’t just biting in October—they’re hitting hard and putting up a fight. This time of year in the grouper grounds, you drop a live pinfish or a chunk of squid into the water, and in what feels like no time at all, you’ve got a gag grouper on the line.
No need to head way offshore—these grouper are moving in close, right into the shallow reefs, ledges, and rocky outcrops closer to shore. They’re easy to reach but still pack one heck of a punch.
These suckers are strong and they’ll dive straight for cover, so you’ll need to be quick on the reel and ready for a serious tug-of-war.
One of the things that makes shallow water grouper fishing such a rush is the “close-quarters combat.” You’re not messing around in deep water—there’s less space for them to run, so the fight is intense and in-your-face. It’s just you and the grouper—and there’s nothing like feeling that line tighten up as a big one tries to bulldoze its way back to the bottom. Pulling up a grouper from just 10 or 20 feet of water is something every angler ought to experience at least once—and October – November is the best time to catch grouper in Crystal River.
Other Species
Snapper
While you’re targeting grouper, don’t be surprised if you also hook into some quality mangrove snapper. You can find them hanging around the same shallow structures, and they’re more than willing to bite.
If you hit the right spots around Crystal River, pulling in a cooler full of snapper is pretty much a given in October.
Snook
Snook are another “fall favorite” around here, especially in the mangroves. They’re sticking close to structure, waiting to pounce on anything that gets too close. With the cooler months on the horizon they’re also feeding aggressively right now, making this month and the next one of the best times to target them.
If you’re looking to hook into one of these fall favorites, you’ll need to bring your A-game. It takes some finesse to pitch live bait or lures into the tight pockets around the mangroves, but when that linesider hits, it’s worth every second. They’re putting up acrobatic fights—jumping, thrashing, and doing everything they can to throw the hook.
It’s a challenge, no doubt, but there’s nothing like landing a big snook this time of year.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are the speedsters of the inshore waters, and October is prime time to hook them. They’re aggressive feeders, schooling up near bait balls just off the grass flats.
When you spot them breaking the surface, it’s time to cast a spoon or a flashy jig right into the fray. But be forewarned—some of these fish can hit like a freight train and strip line off your reel in a heartbeat.
The key with Spanish mackerel is to keep your gear light and your drag set just right—too loose, and they’ll run you ragged. Too tight and you’ll risk snapping your line. All that said, they’re a blast to catch.
Are Tarpon Still Around Crystal River in Fall?
While the peak season is behind us, there’s still a chance to hook into one of these giants this month. A few silver kings are still cruising the backwaters and coastal creeks. So if you’re up for a real challenge, you do still have a shot. October gives you that last decent chance to catch one before they head out for the season.
By November, most of the larger migratory tarpon will have moved on to warmer waters. However, there can still be some resident tarpon around, mainly in the backwaters and warmer spring-fed rivers where they head as temperatures start to drop. (Stranger things have happened, so if your heart’s set on tarpon, go for it—just understand that November isn’t the best time to target them.)
The Bottom Line
There’s little that compares to the fishing in Crystal River during the first couple months of autumn. But don’t think it stops there. As we roll into December, the tempo shifts, and our most prized species start running up into the coastal rivers. It’s like clockwork. We’ll switch gears and tactics, but trust us—the epic fishing action isn’t going anywhere.
One of the best things about being a fishing guide in Crystal River is the pure excitement of the first two-thirds of fall. The cooler weather means the fish are more aggressively feeding, and the variety of species we can target is incredible.
Each day out here on the water brings new fishing adventures, whether it’s chasing redfish on the flats, grouper on the reefs, or snook in the backcountry. It’s a thrill to be a part of it all, guiding folks to some of the best catches of the year.
Crystal River Guide Service
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better combination of game fish species, opportunities, and weather than what’s happening in Crystal River from October to November. There’s no time like right now to get in on the big game grouper fishing and all the other action before the season starts to wind down.
The start of the fall fishing season here is something everyone should experience—it’s just that good.
So, if you’re ready to get out on the water and enjoy some of the best fishing you’ll find all year, let’s make it happen. Grab your gear, clear your schedule, and get out here.
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