New Smyrna Flatson Mosquito Lagoon / Indian River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Water temperatures are cooling
- 01Water temperatures are cooling, stimulating increased fish activity across the flats.
- 02Primary forage includes abundant baitfish, shrimp, and crabs.
- 03Focus on shallow, grassy flats for sight fishing opportunities.
- 04Look for subtle feeding cues like tailing fish or nervous bait.
- 05Snook can be found near mangrove edges and structure.
What to tie on at New Smyrna Flats
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Redfish Fly (Weedless)
Specifically designed for redfish, this weedless pattern is ideal for targeting tailing fish in the shallow, grassy flats of Mosquito Lagoon, where redfish are actively feeding.
Buy at AmazonClouser Minnow (Saltwater)
A versatile baitfish imitation, effective year-round for the predatory species currently active in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River, including redfish, seatrout, snook, and tarpon.
Buy at AmazonPopping Bug (Saltwater)
Topwater action is excellent during summer. This fly creates disturbance mimicking fleeing baitfish, enticing aggressive surface strikes from snook, redfish, and seatrout.
Buy at AmazonTarpon Toad
With tarpon and big snook biting around Ponce Inlet and structure, this baitfish/crab imitation is a proven pattern for these aggressive summer predators.
Buy at AmazonEP Shrimp
Shrimp are a consistent and abundant food source in the inshore waters, making this fly highly effective for tailing redfish and opportunistic seatrout and snook on the grass flats.
Buy at AmazonChartreuse Deceiver
A versatile baitfish imitation, effective for a variety of predatory species including seatrout, snook, redfish, and tarpon, especially in the murky inshore waters.
Buy at AmazonGurgler (Saltwater)
Another excellent topwater pattern for summer, the Gurgler imitates injured baitfish or surface prey, attracting aggressive strikes from snook, redfish, and seatrout.
Merkin Crab
Crabs are a consistent food source on the tropical flats, making this imitation effective for redfish and snook actively foraging in the shallow water.
Gurgler (Saltwater)
Topwater action increases with warming spring waters. This popper creates disturbance, mimicking a fleeing baitfish or injured prey, which can entice aggressive strikes from all target species, especially in low light.
Florida season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.