Crystal River Fishing Report – October 2025

Hey folks, Captain Tanner here with your October Crystal River fishing update. Fall has settled on the Nature Coast, and with it comes one of the most exciting times of the year to be on the water. The bait is thick, the weather is cooling, and the fish are feeding hard before winter.

October Conditions

• Water Temperature: Cooling into the upper 70s°F, making for active inshore bites.

• Tides & Clarity: Clean water on strong incoming tides. Outgoing flows along grass edges are producing too.

• Weather: Crisp mornings and less humidity than summer. Afternoons can be breezy, so mornings are prime.

What’s Biting in October

Redfish

This is peak redfish season in Crystal River. Large schools are cruising oyster bars and grass flats, offering plenty of sight-fishing opportunities. Gold spoons, cut mullet, and live pinfish are all putting fish in the boat.

Speckled Trout

Trout are spreading out across the 3-6 foot grass flats and staging near drop-offs. Shrimp under popping corks and soft plastics have been the go-to. On calmer days, suspending plugs are also producing.

Snook

With the water cooling down, snook are feeding aggressively. Work the mangrove points and potholes on the flats. Early mornings with a topwater plug can trigger explosive strikes.

Spanish Mackerel & Jacks

Schools of bait offshore have drawn in plenty of Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle. Toss a silver spoon through the frenzy or chum to keep them close to the boat.

Cobia

October continues to offer cobia sightings near markers, rays, and bait pods. Live pinfish or eels remain top choices.

Tips for Success

• Best Times: Sunrise to mid-morning and late afternoon moving tides.

• Baits & Lures:

  • Gold spoons and cut bait for reds.

  • Popping corks and soft plastics for trout.

  • Topwater plugs for snook.

  • Fast jigs and spoons for macks and jacks.

• Tackle: Medium tackle with 20–30 lb leader works for most inshore targets. Step up your leader strength for mackerel or cobia.

Final Thoughts

October is one of the best months of the year to fish Crystal River. From schooling reds to hungry snook and fast-moving pelagics, there’s something for every angler this month.

If you’re ready to Fish the Nature Coast like never before, give me a call at (352) 577-4084 or book online at Florida’s On the Fly Charters.

Tight lines,
Captain Tanner Martin