Beaufort, SC Fly Fishing Trips

The South Carolina Lowcountry is a vast area the covers almost the entire coastline of the state and is home to some of the most unique inshore saltwater fly fishing on the planet. The area is a mosaic of barrier islands, estuaries, salt marshes, spartina grass flats, and oyster beds. Beaufort, SC sits squarely in the heart of the SC Lowcountry and is in a lower population area than its neighbors Charleston (to the north) and Hilton Head (to the south). Beaufort’s location is ideal for fly anglers looking for a year-round true Lowcountry experience away from the tourist centers of its neighbors. For those who don’t fly fish, conventional Beaufort fishing charters are available.

Beaufort, SC Fly Fishing Experience

Morning boat rides through the SC marsh are regularly accented by the awe inspiring golden hue of sunrise that is unmistakably Lowcountry. As the boat winds its way through the backcountry, the guide is reading the conditions and deciding on a strategy for the day dependent on a handful of factors. The wind plays heavily into the equation, and lack of bright sun can make seeing fish difficult, but the biggest factor is the tide. The South Carolina tides can swing over eight feet and dictate the areas where fish may be found and the techniques needed to catch them.

Low tide means fish are staging in areas waiting for the next big push of water to send them shallower. Fish can be targeted in deeper water and/or in the shallow areas that feed the spartina grass flats that sprawl across the Lowcountry. At lower tides, fish can be found actively feeding along shallow edges, and up and down the creeks that bring water onto the flats; assuming there is enough water in the creeks for them to feel comfortable. During lower water, fish can be found as singles, in small groups, and large schools, and can be seen cruising, backing, and/or tailing up their next meal of shrimp, crabs, and baitfish.

For those in the know, flood tides (higher tides) are the moments that Lowcountry fly anglers dream of. Flood tides bring enough water onto the flats to allow fish to feed in areas that are otherwise dry. These spartina flats are home to abundant numbers of fiddler crabs, which are the main forage during flood tides. While feeding on the flats, fish can be found floating, cruising, waking, and tailing. But it is the tailing fish, specifically redfish, that are the star of the show in coastal South Carolina.

The Lowcountry is a diverse ecosystem that is home to many species of fish that make fine fly rod targets:

Redfish: The most iconic fish in the Lowcountry, redfish can be found pretty much anywhere there is water. Redfish are the most consistent fly rod targets and can be targeted year-round in Beaufort. Fly anglers looking to test their game enjoy the technicalities of feeding flies to redfish in shallow water, while those new to fishing with flies appreciate the redfish’s voracious appetites and propensity to inhale flies with reckless abandon.

Tarpon: Mature tarpon migrate through the Lowcountry’s waters during the warmest months of the year. Schools of migrating tarpon can be found rolling, swimming, and sometimes laying up in the rivers, basins, and channels around Beaufort. Watching one of these giants inhale a fly and take to the air is one of the most exciting moments in all outdoor pursuits.

Cobia: Cobia arrive in the inshore and nearshore waters around Beaufort every spring. They can be found around nearshore wrecks, cruising the weed lines, and waking in channels and rivers. Cobia are opportunistic feeders that aren’t very particular and will readily inhale a well placed fly. Most cobia are hooked on or near the surface, and watching a cobia grab a fly is a moment that should be on all fly anglers’ bucket list.

Jack Crevalle: In the warmer months, when these bruisers are around Beaufort they are always down for a brawl. Big jacks can often be seen churning and boiling near the surface while crashing baitfish. Jacks are usually found hunting in schools and have big appetites. They are aggressive and powerful, and will devour just about anything in their paths. Jacks make great saltwater fly fishing targets and their reckless behavior allows anglers of all abilities frequent opportunities to do battle with them.

Tripletail: A more elusive and opportunistic target in Beaufort, tripletail are often found lurking around floating debris or structure hoping to ambush their next meal. They are relatively easy to spot and hook as they usually allow anglers to get close enough to deliver a precise cast without spooking. Their appearance is unique and suited to a nearshore water environment, although they can occasionally be targeted inshore on the flats during flood tides.

Albies (False Albacore): On a good day, fly fishing for albies is one of the most fun things for anglers of all abilities to do in the Lowcountry. Found in the nearshore waters off Beaufort and the barrier islands, they offer chaotic bites and blistering runs. Albies feed on schools of baitfish, in an event some refer to as a blitz. Pandemonium ensues as bait gets trapped on the surface between feeding fish from below and diving birds from above. Dropping a fly anywhere in the mix more often than not results in a bite and a battle that makes anglers question how a fish this size can fight this hard.