Myakka River - August Fishing?

kellercl

I typically fish every April in the Charlotte Harbor, but given global events that obviously has been canned.  So I am looking to fish in August.  I have a few questions:

1) How far down the in the harbor do I need to fish in August?  I have been told via heavy rain in August the river is mostly fresh water and fish push down to Bull/Turtle.  Any truth?  I typically fish Hog Island and mid West Wall

2) I assume it rains often in August?  

Gypsies Call

I live on the river and fish the system extensively, but others may have different thoughts.  Here goes... snook fishing in the river is very good from October when it cools until April, with fish following winter migratory patterns based on temp. The colder it is early in the winter period, the farther up the river they seem to migrate.  This winter has been mild, and most of my snook caught have been south (west) of the US  41 bridge and closer to the harbor.  I'm planning to spend more time past the El Jobean bridge, starting around the locks and working down toward Cattle Dock Point, which is directly across from Hog Island in the coming weeks.  I will then concentrate further down by Trout Creek and some of the other small creeks that dump into the harbor along West Wall.  By mid-May I expect to be fishing as far down as Cape Haze, if that is where they are.  

Regarding rain... late afternoon thunderstorms can put a damper on things, so I try to get out early and end early. Plus, its pretty dang hot too!  

Finally, not sure if you are an artificial's or live bait guy, but getting white bait in August in the Harbor isn't too hard.  I fish 90% topwater, so don't spend much time searching.

Hope this helps.

GC

kellercl

Superb response.  Answered everything I need to know.  Now I have a plan.  I didn't want to waste my time fishing the river if the fish push to the lower harbor.  Just saves me a bunch of time.  Roger on the being safe and fishing early.  I am exclusively artificial, so no issues with bait.  

Thanks, I really appreciate the assistance.  I only get down there 2-3 times a year, anything that can speed things up is greatly appreciated.  

Gypsies Call

Thanks.  Before you come down, PM me and I'll try to update you then on the fishing.

kellercl

Absolutely will do.  Thanks so much.  My in-laws live on the Myakka with a boat.  I am lucky to take it out a few times a year.  But I have always fished fall and spring.  The summer is new to me.  

allgood333

Looking for some suggestions for fishing the myaka around the harbor cove retirement park for the next week?

kellercl

This time of year there are two things to look for.  Saw grass for trout, 3-5 ft of water.  And look for schools of spanish, you can see them with a bunch of diving birds with boiling water.  Twitch bait for the trout, spoons (I like ACME) for the spanish.  Both spanish and trout should be in massive quantities this time of year.  

allgood333

Thanks, I'll give it a try🐟👍🇺🇸

kellercl

The schools of spanish are super easy to spot, when you toss a spoon reel as quick as you can.  Super aggressive fish.