Welcome to the January fishing forecast for Beaufort, SC. With the start of the new year, it’s always exciting to think about the possibilities and opportunities ahead on the water. Every season brings something new to learn, and this year is no different. I’ve got plenty of goals I’m working toward in 2026, but for now, let’s focus on what January has in store and what you can expect when you head out this month.
Weather & Conditions Forecast: What to Expect
- Average Air Temp: ~40–65°F
- Average Water Temp: ~50–57°F
- So far, January is shaping up to be warmer than normal. Warmer winter air usually means foggy mornings, especially on calm days.
Because of the cold mornings, there’s no reason to rush to the ramp before sunrise like other times of the year. In January, the earliest launch time is usually around 8 a.m., and most days are better closer to 9–9:30 a.m. Fish tend to be more active once the sun is higher and the temperature warms up a bit, so waiting it out actually works in your favor.
Fish Behavior: Who’s Showing Up in the Beaufort, SC Waters?
You’ll still see the occasional trout, flounder, or sheepshead, but redfish are the main focus.
Both fly and spin anglers should expect to be targeting large schools, often anywhere from 20 to 300 fish, with multiple schools showing up throughout the day.
Fly Fishing & Spin Fishing Forecast
With the water clearing up in winter, white flies have been the most productive and continue to stand out this time of year. The same applies to artificial lures when spin fishing (lighter, more natural-looking colors are easier for fish to see in clear water).
On the gear side, if you’re thinking about upgrading or just doing some research, Fly Lords put together a really solid breakdown of the best saltwater fly rods worth checking out. Click here for the link.
Personally, I fish the Douglas Sky G series, and it’s easily one of my favorite rods in my lineup. Douglas makes a seriously well-built rod that is light in hand, powerful when it needs to be, and reliable in all conditions. The Sky G throws clean, accurate casts, handles bigger fish very well, and has held up great through all seasons of fishing, wind, and long days on the water. It’s a rod I trust and reach for often, which says a lot.
January Challenge: New Year, New Skill
January’s challenge is all about improvement. Pick one new fishing or wildlife-related skill to work on this year and actually commit to it. That could mean improving your fly casting, learning how to double haul properly, or finally teaching yourself how to tie flies.
It could also mean spending more time learning about fish behavior and conservation, and being more intentional about how you handle and release fish in 2026. You can reference information at Release over 20 to learn more.
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, take on a new challenge, and improve more than you did last year.
Thanks for reading the January 2026 Beaufort SC Fishing Report Forecast
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Tight Lines,
Zach Markow