Welcome to the April 2025 Beaufort, SC Fishing Report Forecast! As the Lowcountry shifts into spring, anglers can expect a noticeable change in both the water and the fish. Warmer temperatures, calmer winds, and longer days are creating the kind of conditions that draw life back to the flats—both above and below the surface. April is a month of movement: baitfish return, new species start to show up, and the patterns we’ve grown used to over winter begin to shift.
Weather & Conditions Forecast: What to Expect
- Average Air Temp: 60-85°F
- Average Water Temp: 70-80°F
- Water Clarity: Expect it to get more stained, especially after midday. That’s good news—fish get less skittish, so you can start throwing bigger flies and lures.
- Tides: Warmer temps = better early and late bites. During flood tides, redfish move into the grass to hunt fiddler crabs—prime time to spot tails waving in the sun.
- Tide Swing: ~7ft
- Average Wind: 10mph
- Wind & Storms: Compared to March, April is calmer and cleaner. We’re looking at less wind, fewer storms, and more favorable mornings.
Fish Behavior: Who’s Showing Up in the Beaufort, SC Waters?
April is full of movement. Here’s what’s going on beneath the surface:
- Redfish are spreading out and “crawling” up the banks—literally. You’ll start to see backs and tails as they push shallow to feed. Expect great sight-fishing windows, especially around flood tides.
- Trout are pushing shallower with the warming water. Target creek mouths and deeper grass edges in the early morning or at dusk.
- Tripletail & Cobia are starting to trickle in, depending on the temperatures. Keep your eyes peeled when running the flats.
- Sharks are also starting to cruise around. If you’re feeling bold, rig up for one of these brutes on light tackle.
The April Bite: The Timing is Everything
- The early morning and late evening will be the best times to go out. Cooler water = more active fish
- Flood tides are the main event. Redfish will tail through the grass, feeding on fiddler crabs—an excellent scenario for sight-fishing.
- Switch to sinking jigs or deeper flies once the sun is up and the bite slows down.
- Overall, the fish will be feeding more, moving more, and more willing to chase.
April’s Big Expectations
- Flood tides: The best part of springtime in the Beaufort Lowcountry. Book your trip around a good flood tide, and prepare for unforgettable sight-fishing.
- Diverse Action: From tailing Reds to new arrivals like Triple Tail, there’s something for every style of fishing.
- Calm Conditions: April’s light winds and pleasant weather make it one of the most enjoyable months to be out there.
April Challenge: Fishing Smarter, Conserve More
Respect the fish; respect the fishery
- No Redfish Keeping: Let ’em go to grow!
- Handle Trout with Care: If you’re releasing specks, use a dehooker or pliers to avoid touching them—they’re much more fragile than redfish.
- Quick Fight, Quick Release: As water warms, fish become stressed out more easily. Land your catch fast, keep ‘em wet, and release them gently.
Want to protect our fishery and give trout a better shot at surviving? Learn how to handle and release your catch the right way. Visit 👉 ReleaseOver20.org
Thanks for reading the April 2025 Beaufort, SC Fishing Report Forecast
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For the latest tide updates in Beaufort, SC, visit NOAA Tide Predictions
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Tight Lines,
Zach Markow