A Year-Round Fishing Calendar for Port O’Connor, TX

For anglers who love chasing tides and tracking seasonal movements, Port O’Connor, Texas, offers an ever-changing fishing experience. Each month brings something different to the water, and knowing when and where to go is key to success. With its rich network of bays, passes, and marshes, Port O’Connor delivers exciting action year-round for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more.

Whether you’re planning a spring break trip or a fall slam adventure, this guide will help you understand what to expect in each season and how to make the most of your time on the water.

Spring (March – May): The Reawakening
Spring in Port O’Connor marks the beginning of increased activity after cooler winter months. Water temperatures begin to rise, baitfish return to the flats, and redfish and trout become more aggressive.

Target Species:

Redfish

Sheepshead

Hotspots:

Oyster reefs in Espiritu Santo Bay

Jetties

Tactics:

Use popping corks with live shrimp for trout and drum.

Watch for black drum tailing in shallows on warmer afternoons.

Spring is also a great time for sight fishing, as water clarity improves and redfish feed in skinny water.

Summer (June – August): Topwater Thrills
Summer means long days and early morning explosions on topwater plugs. Speckled trout school on grass flats and redfish feed aggressively at sunrise. It’s also a popular time for families and weekend anglers.

Target Species:

Speckled Trout

Spanish Mackerel

Hotspots:

First and second gut along Matagorda Beach

Deep cuts in San Antonio Bay

Tactics:

Hit the water early to beat the heat and catch topwater bites.

Target big trout near drop-offs and current breaks.

In the heat of summer, fishing slows by mid-morning, so plan sunrise trips for best results.

Fall (September – November): Prime Time

Fall is arguably the best season for fishing in Port O’Connor. Baitfish are plentiful, temperatures are cooler, and game fish go into feeding mode ahead of winter. It’s also the start of the flounder migration and the bull redfish run.

Target Species:

Bull Redfish

Black Drum

Hotspots:

Pass Cavallo (bull reds)

Shell reefs in East Matagorda

Tactics:

Use live or cut bait near jetties for oversized reds.

Fish deeper shell for gator trout.

This is a favorite season for seasoned anglers looking to land the Texas Slam—redfish, trout, and flounder on the same day.

Winter (December – February): Cold Water Tactics
Winter brings cooler temps and calm waters. Fewer boats on the water mean less pressure, and big speckled trout can be found in deeper holes and warm-water discharges.

Target Species:

Trophy Speckled Trout

Sheepshead

Hotspots:

Deeper channels and boat cuts

Rocks and pilings near Matagorda Island

Tactics:

Fish slow with suspending twitch baits.

Target reds sunning on mud flats during warm spells.

Use shrimp-tipped jigs for sheepshead near structure.

Cold weather calls for patience and finesse, but the payoff is often a trophy trout in the 25–30″ range.

Bonus: What to Bring by Season

Spring:

Waders for early trips

Live shrimp or soft plastics

Summer:

Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat

Plenty of water and light clothing

Fall:

Layered clothing for chilly mornings

Landing net for bull reds

Winter:

Cold-weather gear and hand warmers

Slow-sinking lures for lethargic fish

Thermos of coffee!

Fishing Responsibly Year-Round

No matter the season, conservation matters. Always follow TPWD size and bag limits, use circle hooks when possible, and handle fish with care. Winter trout and fall flounder are particularly vulnerable to overharvest, so releasing larger fish helps sustain healthy populations.

Anglers are also encouraged to avoid overcrowding marsh drains during flounder runs and to minimize damage to fragile grass beds when poling or anchoring.

Let Lured Out Be Your Seasonal Guide
With such a diverse annual calendar, fishing Port O’Connor year-round is a never-ending adventure. Whether you’re chasing early spring redfish or looking for a winter wall-hanger trout, Captain Wes Bodden at Lured Out can put you on the fish.

His knowledge of tide patterns, seasonal migrations, and prime structures in every month of the year ensures you’ll fish smarter, not harder. From solo anglers to family trips, Lured Out customizes every charter for seasonal success.

A Calendar Worth Watching

In Port O’Connor, fishing isn’t limited to summer vacations or fall weekends—it’s a year-round pursuit. By tuning in to the natural rhythms of the coast and adjusting tactics for each season, anglers can enjoy consistent action every month of the year.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always something biting in Port O’Connor—and always another great fishing story waiting to be told.