UPPER LAGUNA MADRE

Reported by CAPT. RICHARD THOMPSON

Change is in the Wind

 

SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER are special here—a time of shifting winds, cooling water, and renewed movement among the fish we spend all year thinking about. However, with that said, the trout bite has been on absolute fire on the entire Gulf Coast. As summer loosens its grip and the first hints of fall drift across the Texas coast, anglers along the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay find themselves at the edge of change. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to dust off your wade boots and plan an all-inclusive guided fishing trip and lodging with us, this is it!

September and October usher in a shining season for Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay anglers.

(Photo: RICHARD THOMPSON)

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At R&K Coastal Outfitters, this season is when we see many of our guests catch the fish of a lifetime—and it’s also when we spend extra time talking about conservation, because these fisheries need our respect now more than ever.

The Seasonal Shift

Our summer down here started off dry and then later received great rain that naturally ensures that the salinity to fresh water ratios are in balance with each other. By early September, air temperatures finally ease from the 90’s into the 80’s. Water temperatures steadily fall from the mid-80’s into the upper 70’s by late October, prompting trout and redfish to move shallower. 

Wind patterns also transition—summer’s southeast breeze softens, replaced by lighter northeast and occasional early fronts that clean up the water clarity, especially near the Land Cut and along the King Ranch shoreline. Clean green water and dropping tides concentrate mullet, glass minnows, and shrimp, which in turn draw predators in predictable patterns.

Best Tactics

Wading the Flats: At sunrise, slip into the water with a topwater and work sand pockets near grass. As the sun climbs, switch to soft plastics and slow your retrieve.

Drifting: Drifting the expansive flats near Bird Island or Kenedy Ranch remains a proven strategy. Use a drift sock to slow your movement and focus on keeping contact with the bottom.

Sight-Casting: Clear October mornings create perfect conditions to stalk reds in 1–2 feet of water. Polarized glasses and patience are your best tools.

At R&K Coastal Outfitters, Krystal and myself, and our clients too, most of the time make it a point to release most of our bigger trout and reds. We photograph quick, respectful releases—never holding fish out of the water longer than necessary. These practices are crucial to keeping Baffin Bay’s unique trophy fishery thriving.

Conservation is not just a buzzword here—it’s a commitment. From choosing soft plastics to minimizing fish handling, every small action matters.

Shining Season

If you could pick two months to fish all year, September and October would be at the top of the list. The oppressive heat fades. The crowds thin out. The fish feed hard, fattening up before winter.

Whether you’re chasing a personal-best trout or following a school of reds across a glassy flat, fall is a reminder of why this bay remains so special—and why it’s worth fighting to protect.

We will hook you up!