Crystal River February & March Fishing Report

Capt. Nick Warrington • March 20, 2026

Sheepshead

Sheepshead season is winding down, but the bite has still been very good while it lasts. We’ve seen strong numbers throughout February and into early March, with some quality fish in the 6–8 pound range. Most fish are being caught in 8 to 35 feet of water around rock piles and structure, with live shrimp continuing to be the bait of choice. If you’re looking to get in on this bite, now is the time to go before it wraps up and we wait until next January for it again.

Snapper

Earlier in the season, water temperatures dropped to extreme lows, which led to some inshore fish kills, including snook. Those colder temps also slowed down the mangrove snapper and hogfish bite inside of 60 feet through much of February.

The good news is that as conditions have stabilized, the snapper bite has really turned on especially over the past few weeks. We’re now seeing much better consistency, and this fishery should continue to improve as we move further into spring. 20-40' has been best for them.

Inshore fishing has bounced back nicely with the warmer temperatures. Both trout and redfish are becoming more active again, with improving reports coming from the flats and backcountry areas. As water temps continue to rise, expect this bite to only get better and more consistent.

Red Grouper

We’ve also been seeing some red grouper showing up in recent trips. Traditionally, we don’t target red grouper this time of year, but the fact that we’re getting into a few is great news for anglers. Even better red grouper are open year round, making them a solid option for anglers to target past 50' of water.

🔭 Looking Ahead To April & May

April is shaping up to be an exciting month as we fully transition into spring patterns.

We’ll start to see the arrival of mackerel (both Spanish & king), bringing fast paced action to the nearshore waters as they migrate into the area.

We’ll also begin targeting red grouper in depths beyond 50 feet, which can provide some great bottom fishing opportunities as conditions allow.

Toward the end of April and into May, keep an eye out for the start of cobia season, as these fish begin to show up along the coast and around structure offering one of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities of the year.

Overall, April should bring more consistent action across the board, with warming water temperatures opening the door for a wider variety of species and techniques.

Overall, April should bring more consistent action across the board, with warming water temperatures opening the door for a wider variety of species and techniques.

Check out some of our recent posts:

2026 Scalloping in Florida - When, Where, & How To

By Capt. Nick Warrington • March 12, 2026

Crystal River, Florida, a hidden gem nestled along the Gulf Coast, is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty and picturesque landscapes but also for a unique and thrilling summer activity: scalloping. This delightful underwater adventure combines exploration, relaxation, and a dash of adrenaline, making it a must-try experience for locals and visitors alike. In this article, we'll dive into the current scalloping season, catch limits, and techniques.

2026 Complete Guide to Crystal River Cobia Fishing

By Capt. Nick Warrington • March 12, 2026

There are few fish in Florida that attract as much attention as the Cobia. A migratory nearshore fish, the Cobia is prized for its combination of fight and table fare. How these fish are targeted in Florida makes them even more attractive to anglers who, at times, will custom design their vessels to make targeting them easier. This article will cover the ins and outs of cobia fishing, such as the state tackle record, fishing techniques, peak seasons, and even a recipe for preparing your catch.

Crystal River December & January Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • January 23, 2026

Winter fishing in Crystal River is in full swing, and while cold fronts and weather windows have made things a little tricky at times, the fish are still cooperating for those willing to pick their days. December and January bring some of our favorite opportunities of the year, with solid offshore bottom fishing and dependable inshore action when conditions line up. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re seeing on the water.

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