Saint Johns River - Duval, FL Fishing Report on 26th Jul, 2026

The inshore waters throughout Jacksonville and the lower St. Johns River system are firing on all cylinders as summer patterns settle in. Water temperatures are holding in the mid-to-upper 80s, driving strong early-morning feeds along grass edges, oyster bars, and shallow marsh flats. Inshore & Marsh Creeks: Redfish & Trout Redfish remain the star of the show. During incoming tides, fish are pushing high onto the Spartina grass flats looking for fiddler crabs and shrimp. Target these shallow-water reds using topwater lures early in the morning, switching to paddle tails on light jig heads or live finger mullet as the sun gets higher.

Best Baits: Live shrimp under a popping cork, live finger mullet, and 3-inch paddle tails in natural or dark mud minnow patterns.

Key Areas: Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) oyster mounds, creek mouths on outgoing tides, and flooded grass edges during high water.

River & Inlet Structures: Tarpon & Big Reds The silver king seasonal run is well underway near the mouth of the St. Johns River and along the jetties. Large tarpon are rolling along the tide lines, feeding on menhaden (pogy) schools. Drifting live pogies or fresh cut bait along deep ledge drop-offs during tide transitions has produced steady hookups.

Pro Tip: Time your trips around the first two hours of the falling tide. As water flushes out of the marsh creeks, predatory fish position themselves right at the mouths to ambush dislodged baitfish.