Stuart fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Stuart fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for snook, tarpon, sailfish, mahi-mahi, king mackerel and peacock bass. Peak means the best fishing of the year, Good means steady fishing and Fair means possible but slower.
When is the best time to fish in Stuart?
The best fishing in Stuart is Apr–May and Oct–Nov, when snook, tarpon, sailfish, mahi-mahi and king mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for sailfish and largemouth bass; spring is best for snook, tarpon and sailfish; summer is best for tarpon, mahi-mahi and peacock bass; fall is best for snook, tarpon and sailfish.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for sailfish and largemouth bass; also king mackerel.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for snook, tarpon, sailfish and mahi-mahi; also king mackerel.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for tarpon, mahi-mahi and peacock bass; also snook and largemouth bass.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for snook, tarpon, sailfish and king mackerel; also largemouth bass.
Stuart fishing calendar by month
How good the fishing is for each fish, month by month. Tap a fish for our full guide.
- Peak best fishing of the year
- Good steady fishing
- Fair possible, but slower
- – slow, out of season or closed
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Snook | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fair |
| Tarpon | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Fair |
| Offshore | ||||||||||||
| Sailfish | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak |
| Mahi-mahi (dolphin) | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
| King mackerel (kingfish) | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Bass (canals & lakes) | ||||||||||||
| Peacock bass | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair |
| Largemouth bass | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak |
Seasons, size limits and bag limits change every year: see FWC saltwater rules and FWC freshwater rules. Snook and some other fish are catch-and-release in closed months.
What’s biting each month in Stuart
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Sailfish and Largemouth bass
Good King mackerel (kingfish)
February
Peak Sailfish and Largemouth bass
Good King mackerel (kingfish)
March
Peak Sailfish and Largemouth bass
Good Snook, Tarpon, Mahi-mahi (dolphin), King mackerel (kingfish) and Peacock bass
April
Peak Snook, Tarpon, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and Peacock bass
Good Sailfish, King mackerel (kingfish) and Largemouth bass
May
Peak Snook, Tarpon, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and Peacock bass
Good Largemouth bass
June
Peak Tarpon, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and Peacock bass
Good Snook and Largemouth bass
July
Peak Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and Peacock bass
Good Snook, Tarpon and Largemouth bass
August
Peak Peacock bass
Good Snook, Tarpon, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and Largemouth bass
September
Peak Snook and Peacock bass
Good Tarpon, King mackerel (kingfish) and Largemouth bass
October
Peak Snook, Tarpon and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Sailfish, Peacock bass and Largemouth bass
November
Peak Snook, Tarpon, Sailfish and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Peacock bass and Largemouth bass
December
Peak Sailfish and Largemouth bass
Good King mackerel (kingfish)
Best months for each fish in Stuart
- Snook: best Apr–May and Sep–Nov; good Mar–Nov.
- Tarpon: best Apr–Jun and Oct–Nov; good Mar–Nov.
- Sailfish: best Nov–Mar; good Oct–Apr.
- Mahi-mahi (dolphin): best Apr–Jul; good Mar–Aug.
- King mackerel (kingfish): best Oct–Nov; good Sep–Apr.
- Peacock bass: best Apr–Sep; good Mar–Nov.
- Largemouth bass: best Dec–Mar; good all year.
Reviews from nearby Fort Pierce trips
5.0213 reviewsfrom iOutdoors trips near Stuart. Stuart reviews will show here as they come in
Always enjoy coming out to fish Headwaters with Captain Paul! I’ll be back!
Jim Amsler · October 2026 · Google
Epic day on the water!
First time fishing with Captain Lemay and he did not disappoint at all. He was very courteous and worked great with my grandson Giving him advice on the ins and outs of landing them all . We did a four hour trip on headwaters and it was a great day of memories of epic proportions, He put my…
William Cooper · April 2026
Captain Bill was on the money again! Had a great day fishing with 32 in the boat! If you’re looking for Florida bass fishing, sign up with Capt Bill. You won’t be disappointed.
Jim Burch · March 2026 · Google
Fishing the Headwaters
Capt Paul Was very knowledgeable about the headwaters, and instructed us about the best methods used to catch Bass with live bait. We caught ten Bass during our afternoon charter and had an enjoyable day. My friend and I would recommend Capt Paul for your next charter. J Cattell
J Cattell · March 2026
We had a fantastic time at Headwater lake today with Captain Paul!
Holly Oconnell · February 2026 · Google
Second time I have fished with Captain Bill Goudy Jr. He did an incredible job putting me on a pile of fish on Headwaters Lake on an unseasonably cold day. Caught 56! large mouth bass. Already planning my next trip with Captain Bill.
Warren Barratt · February 2026 · Google
Great guide on a great lake.
Steve is very knowledgeable and really cares if his clients get results. He is easy to talk to and share information. If you need a seasoned and experienced guide for Fellsmere sign him up! You will not be disappointed.
Tony · February 2026
I had a great trip today with Captain Mike at Headwaters! Caught many quality fish! Absolutely beautiful day! Loved the spots Mike took me too! Wonderful conversation too!
John Linton · January 2026 · Google
Excellent fishing with Bill Goudy
A friend of mine and I went fishing with Bill Goudy at headwaters Lake in mid January. We caught a lot of fish. My friend got one over 6 pounds and I got one just under 5 pounds and a whole lot of them from their own down. The action was steady, sometimes slow, but if you waited it out, it wouldn’t…
Gary Doering · January 2026
We fished with Capt Bill Goudy Jr on Headwaters Lake on 3 Jan 2026 just after the cold weather. He put us on plenty of large bass with our best 5 weighing 24 lbs. He is knowledgeable and friendly and an excellent guide. Highly recommend him for a great day of fishing.
Tim Harrington · January 2026 · Google
Third trip with Captain Paul Dampier today,brought my daughter, she crushed it. Captain Paul had her pulling in 4# after 4#, then lined her up with a 5# ..... not done,she finished it off with a 6#...... Thank you Captain ☘️☘️☘️
Shannon Mccarthy · December 2025 · Google
I went out with Captain Bill and two of my best friends. We had a great experience. Captain Bill was amazing. He was great at communicating the best fishing technique to be successful at catching bass. All three of us caught a lot of bass and enjoyed learning about bass fishing, the area…
Rick Reeves · December 2025 · Google
Stuart fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Stuart?
The best fishing in Stuart is Apr–May and Oct–Nov, when snook, tarpon, sailfish, mahi-mahi and king mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for sailfish and largemouth bass; spring is best for snook, tarpon and sailfish; summer is best for tarpon, mahi-mahi and peacock bass; fall is best for snook, tarpon and sailfish.
What fish are biting in Stuart in winter?
From December to February, sailfish and largemouth bass are at their best, and king mackerel is good. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Stuart in summer?
From June to August, tarpon, mahi-mahi and peacock bass are at their best, and snook and largemouth bass are good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for snook in Stuart?
Snook fishing in Stuart is best Apr–May and Sep–Nov, and good Mar–Nov.
When is the best time for sailfish in Stuart?
Sailfish fishing in Stuart is best Nov–Mar, and good Oct–Apr.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Stuart?
Yes. Some fish have closed seasons, size limits and bag limits that change from year to year. Months marked “–” on this calendar are slow, out of season or usually closed. Your captain follows the current rules; check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for this year’s dates.
How do I book a fishing trip in Stuart?
Pick your trip and date on the Stuart fishing charters page and book online with a local captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call or text (407) 392-4593.