Fall Bull Redfish: Prime Time in Louisiana Waters

By Captain Gregg Arnold

As the summer heat begins to fade and the first cool fronts start pushing through Louisiana, something magical happens in our coastal waters. The fall season marks the beginning of what many consider the absolute best time for targeting bull redfish on the fly, and as a Louisiana fly guide who’s spent countless hours chasing these copper-colored giants, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like it.

The transition from summer to fall triggers several key changes that make this season exceptional for fly fishing Louisiana waters. Water temperatures begin their gradual decline from the scorching highs of August, settling into that sweet spot where bull redfish become incredibly active. These temperature changes coincide with massive baitfish migrations, creating a perfect storm of feeding opportunities that savvy anglers dream about.

During my Louisiana redfish charters this time of year, I consistently see bulls in the 20 to 40-pound range prowling the shallows with an urgency that’s simply not present during other seasons. They know winter is coming, and their feeding patterns intensify dramatically as they prepare for the colder months ahead.

What makes fall so special for fly fishing Louisiana redfish is the sheer abundance of forage moving through our waters. Schools of mullet, shrimp, and crabs become increasingly concentrated in the marshes and shallow flats, and the bull redfish follow in impressive numbers. As your Louisiana fly guide, I’ve witnessed scenes that would make any angler’s heart race – massive schools of bulls pushing bait in water so shallow their backs are exposed, creating those iconic “redfish wakes” that dreams are made of.

The cooler water also means these fish fight with renewed vigor. A 30-pound bull redfish in 75-degree October water will give you a completely different battle than the same fish in 85-degree August conditions. They’re stronger, more aggressive, and absolutely relentless when hooked.

One of the greatest advantages of booking Louisiana redfish charters during the fall months is the exceptional sight fishing opportunities. The summer’s algae blooms begin to clear, water clarity improves significantly, and the lower sun angle creates ideal lighting conditions for spotting these bronze beauties in the skinny water.

As a Louisiana fly guide, I spend countless hours each season learning to read these fish and the subtle signs they give away their presence. Fall fishing allows anglers to truly hone their skills – watching a bull redfish’s body language as it decides whether to eat your fly is an education in fish behavior that can’t be replicated any other time of year.

When fly fishing Louisiana waters during the fall season, I typically recommend stepping up your tackle slightly from summer configurations. These bulls are aggressive and strong, and you’ll want equipment that can handle their power. A quality 9 or 10-weight rod paired with a smooth drag reel is essential for success on my Louisiana redfish charters.

Fly selection becomes crucial during this period. The abundance of mullet means large baitfish patterns are incredibly effective, but don’t overlook crab and shrimp imitations, especially when working the marsh edges where these crustaceans are prevalent. The key is matching not just the size and color of the prevalent forage, but also the movement patterns.

Fall weather patterns create some of the most comfortable and productive fishing conditions of the year for Louisiana redfish charters. The oppressive humidity of summer gives way to crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons. More importantly, the frequent cold fronts that move through the region concentrate baitfish and activate feeding behavior in ways that benefit fly fishing Louisiana enthusiasts tremendously.

These weather changes also mean less boat traffic on the water. While summer brings crowds to popular fishing areas, fall finds the marshes and flats much quieter, allowing for a more intimate and successful angling experience. As your Louisiana fly guide, I appreciate having more water to work with and the ability to spend quality time with each school of fish we encounter.

As we enjoy this incredible fall fishing, it’s important to remember that these bull redfish represent the breeding stock of Louisiana’s redfish population. During my Louisiana redfish charters, I emphasize catch-and-release practices for these large fish, ensuring future generations of anglers will have the same opportunities we enjoy today.

The Louisiana coast provides some of the finest fly fishing Louisiana has to offer, and it’s our responsibility as anglers and guides to protect these resources. Proper handling techniques, using barbless hooks, and minimizing fight times all contribute to the successful release of these magnificent fish.

If you’ve never experienced fall fly fishing Louisiana style, you’re missing out on some of the most exciting angling our state has to offer. The combination of aggressive fish, excellent weather, and spectacular scenery creates memories that last a lifetime.

As the season progresses and water temperatures continue to drop, the fishing only gets better. November and December often provide the most consistent action of the entire year for Louisiana redfish charters focused on big bulls.

Whether you’re a seasoned fly angler looking to test your skills against Louisiana’s hardest fighting fish, or a newcomer wanting to experience world-class sight fishing, fall represents the perfect time to book your Louisiana redfish charter. The bulls are waiting, the conditions are prime, and as your Louisiana fly guide, I’m ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime.

Captain Gregg Arnold has been guiding fly fishing Louisiana waters for decades specializing in sight fishing for bull redfish, his Louisiana redfish charters focus on providing authentic, conservation-minded angling experiences in some of the most pristine waters the Gulf Coast has to offer.