July is a great month to be on the water even if it’s one of the hottest months of the year. It’s one of the best months to target tarpon, bull redfish, sharks, and several other migratory species.
Weather & Conditions Forecast: What to Expect
Expected Air Temp: 80–100°F
Expected Water Temp: 85–90°F
It’s going to be hot. REALLY HOT. Expect afternoon thunderstorms to become much more common throughout the month, so keeping an eye on the weather will be important before every trip. The best fishing for inshore species will continue to be during the early mornings and late evenings, when water temperatures are a little cooler and fish are more active. It’s way too hot to fish up the creeks midday.
Fish Behavior: Who’s Showing Up in the Beaufort, SC Waters?
Redfish, tarpon, bull redfish, jacks, tripletail, sharks, and stingrays will all be around this month. One change from June is that the cobia have mostly moved offshore after spawning in the rivers during May and early June. On the other hand, more tarpon continue migrating into the area, making July one of the better months to target them.
Fly Fishing Forecast
Not much changes this month compared to June. Black flies in the 3–4-inch range will continue to be the best option for redfish. Flood tide fishing should still be productive, but most of those opportunities will be during the late evening tides because the early afternoon floods get extremely hot.
If targeting redfish on fly, the best conditions are still low wind during the early morning or late evening. Tarpon are a little different since we can target them throughout the day as long as we can find them.
Spin Fishing Forecast
Topwater lures are still my first choice during first light and right before dark. After the sun gets higher, switching to a 4–5-inch paddletail is still my favorite approach. Green, purple, and black continue to be my go-to colors. Between the morning and evening bite, I think the early morning will be a little more productive this month, but both can produce some really good fishing.
Bay Boat Forecast
Bull redfish, sharks, stingrays, and tarpon will be the primary targets, and there are usually plenty of opportunities for everyone on the boat to hook up to a fish. These trips are great for families and groups, as there is enough action to keep everyone engaged.
Some of my tips: since it’s so hot this time of year, make sure to put sunscreen on before getting on the boat instead of waiting until you’re already out there. Get a good night’s sleep before your trip, and start hydrating the night before and on the morning of your trip. It makes a huge difference when you’re spending several hours in the summer sun.
June Challenge: Catch a Tarpon
This month’s challenge is to beat your personal best tarpon or bull redfish, whether you’re fishing with a fly rod or a spinning rod. July gives us some of the best opportunities of the year to target trophy fish. If the weather lines up, there’s a really good chance of hooking up. If you’ve been wanting to cross a trophy fish off your bucket list, now’s the time. Give me a call and book a trip while these migratory fish are still here at (843) 725-8558 !
Thanks for reading the July 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