Weather & Conditions Forecast: What to Expect
Expected Air Temp: 65–80°F
Expected Water Temp: 68–75°F
Temperatures are going to keep warming up throughout the month. As the water heats up, it’ll start getting a little dirtier compared to the clearer winter conditions. With the warmer weather, we will start seeing fiddler crabs coming out, which is a big sign. Later in the month, expect flood tides to start becoming a factor, and we will begin seeing redfish tailing in the grass on the right tides.
Fish Behavior: Who’s Showing Up in the Beaufort, SC Waters?
Redfish will still be the main focus, but there will definitely be a shift this month. Instead of being grouped up in tight schools, fish will start spreading out more as water temps rise. We will still be able to find them consistently, but it’ll take covering a little more water compared to winter patterns.
April is also when the migratory fish start showing up. We can expect to begin seeing tarpon, cobia, bull reds, sharks, tripletail, and jacks moving into the area as the month goes on. This opens things up a lot more and gives us more options depending on conditions.
Fly Fishing Forecast
We will start transitioning away from the smaller white winter patterns and into larger darker flies. Black and other natural tones will start working better as the water warms and gets more stained. Most flies will be in that 3–4 inch range this month.
Flood tide fishing also starts to come back in April, which is one of my favorite ways to target redfish. Being able to sight fish to tailing redfish in the grass is one of the most rewarding ways to catch them, and it’s something a lot of people look forward to all year.
Spin Fishing Forecast
As the water warms up and there’s more bait around, you’ll want to start increasing lure size. Moving from smaller 2½ inch baits to 3–5 inch paddletails will be more effective this time of year.
Topwater will also start becoming a factor again, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
April Challenge: Flood Tide Redfish
This month, try to get your first redfish on a flood tide. If you’ve already done it before, then make it a goal to catch more than you have in the past. It’s not always easy. It takes patience, good casting, and being able to actually spot fish tailing in the grass, but that’s what makes it fun when it all comes together.
If you want to give it a shot and just have a good time fishing, book a flood tide trip and we’ll go get after it.
Thanks for reading the April 2026 Beaufort SC Fishing Report Forecast
Book your next fly/light tackle fishing trip here in the beautiful waters of Beaufort, SC!
For the latest tide updates in Beaufort, SC, visit NOAA Tide Predictions
Check out other Beaufort, SC Fishing Reports!
Tight Lines,
Zach Markow