Get Your Free Little Lagoon Fishing Guide

Understanding Little Lagoon and Its Fish Species

Little Lagoon is a shallow coastal body of water located in Baldwin County, Alabama, near Gulf Shores. The lagoon covers approximately 8,000 acres and sits between the mainland and a barrier island system. What makes Little Lagoon unique is its shallow depth, with most areas ranging from 2 to 6 feet deep. This shallow environment creates ideal conditions for numerous fish species that thrive in brackish water—a mixture of saltwater and freshwater that characterizes most lagoon systems.

Get Your Free Guide to Kentucky Unemployment Employer Portal Access →

The primary fish species found in Little Lagoon include spotted seatrout, also called speckled trout, which are highly prized by recreational anglers. Red drum, commonly known as redfish, inhabit the deeper channels and oyster beds throughout the lagoon. Spanish mackerel make seasonal appearances, particularly during warmer months from May through September. Other species present include flounder, which hide along the sandy bottom, and various drum species including black drum and sheepshead. Mullet swim in schools near shallow grass flats, and they serve as both a food source for larger fish and a target species for anglers.

Understanding which species are present in different seasons helps anglers plan their fishing trips effectively. Spring and fall are peak seasons for spotted seatrout, while summer brings excellent Spanish mackerel fishing. Winter months can be productive for redfish, particularly in the deeper channels where fish congregate. The lagoon also supports juvenile fish populations, making it an important nursery area for Gulf of Mexico species.

Practical takeaway: Learning about the different fish species in Little Lagoon helps you choose the right fishing methods and seasons for the species you want to target.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Little Lagoon experiences distinct seasonal changes that significantly affect fish behavior and location. During spring months (March through May), water temperatures gradually warm from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit. This warming triggers spawning activity and increased feeding among most fish species. Spotted seatrout begin their spawning season in spring, and they are particularly aggressive during this period. Anglers often report excellent catches during April and May when trout stage in deeper channels before moving to shallow flats.

Get Your Free Guide to Mosquito Bite Relief →

Summer fishing in Little Lagoon, from June through August, can be extremely productive but requires different tactics. Water temperatures reach the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Fish tend to move toward deeper channels and areas with better water circulation to maintain oxygen levels. Early morning and late afternoon fishing produces better results than midday hours when water temperatures peak. Spanish mackerel move into the lagoon during summer months and provide exciting fast-action fishing. Redfish remain active throughout summer, though they often retreat to deeper holes and oyster beds during the hottest part of the day.

Fall months (September through November) bring another period of peak fishing activity. As water temperatures cool from the 80s back toward the 60s, fish become more active throughout the day. Fall is considered by many experienced anglers to be the best overall season for Little Lagoon fishing. All major species are present and feeding actively to build energy reserves for winter. October is particularly productive, with consistent catches of seatrout, redfish, and flounder. The cooler water also means anglers are more comfortable spending full days on the water.

Winter fishing (December through February) presents unique challenges and opportunities. Water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, and fish metabolism slows significantly. However, fish concentrate in deeper channels and holes, making them easier to locate once you find them. Winter catches are often smaller in volume but may include larger individual fish. Experienced winter anglers focus on deep-water areas and patience, sometimes going long periods between bites but landing quality specimens.

Practical takeaway: Matching your fishing approach to seasonal patterns—choosing the right locations and times of day based on water temperature—increases your chances of consistent success throughout the year.

Tackle and Equipment Recommendations

Successful fishing in Little Lagoon requires appropriate tackle matched to target species and fishing conditions. For spotted seatrout, a medium-light spinning rod between 6 and 6.5 feet long works well. Pair this with a spinning reel that holds at least 150 yards of line and has a smooth drag system. Line selection matters: many anglers prefer 10 to 15-pound braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader of 15 to 20-pound test. Fluorocarbon leaders are nearly invisible underwater, which is important in the clear shallow waters of Little Lagoon.

Free Guide to Big Brother Application Steps →

For redfish, slightly heavier tackle is appropriate. A medium spinning rod or conventional baitcasting rod rated for 15 to 20-pound line provides better control when fighting these strong fish around oyster beds and marsh grass. Red drum frequently inhabit shallow, snaggy areas, so having adequate line strength prevents break-offs. Many anglers use 17 to 20-pound braided line with 20 to 25-pound fluorocarbon leaders when targeting redfish.

Lure selection depends on the target species and water conditions. For seatrout, small soft plastic shrimp imitations measuring 2 to 3 inches work excellently. Paddle-tail designs create vibration that attracts fish in murky water. Small topwater plugs, typically 2 to 4 inches long, produce exciting surface strikes. For redfish, larger shad-pattern soft plastics (3 to 5 inches) or shallow-running crankbaits work well. Live bait options include mullet, shrimp, and pinfish, all naturally present in Little Lagoon.

Beyond rods and reels, successful anglers carry additional equipment. A landing net with a long handle helps you bring fish aboard safely, especially when fishing from shallow-draft boats. Polarized sunglasses allow you to see fish in shallow water and reduce glare. A tackle box organized by lure type and size saves time during your outing. A reliable GPS unit helps you relocate productive fishing spots and navigate safely. Many anglers also carry a simple fish ruler and weighing scale to record their catches.

Practical takeaway: Matching your rod, reel, and line weight to your target species and understanding which lures work in different conditions prevents frustration and increases your landing percentage.

Reading Water and Finding Fish

Little Lagoon's shallow water makes fish location relatively straightforward once you understand what to look for. Grass flats—shallow areas covered with seagrass—hold large populations of seatrout and redfish, particularly during spring and early fall. These flats are typically 2 to 4 feet deep. Look for slightly deeper channels running through the grass flats; these depth changes often concentrate feeding fish. The edges where grass transitions to sand or mud attract fish because these areas concentrate food sources.

Replace a Brake Master Cylinder Repair Guide →

Oyster bars and shell beds are prime redfish habitat. These hard-bottom areas create shelter and attract crustaceans and small fish that redfish feed on. However, fishing around oysters requires careful technique to avoid snagging your lure on shells. When drifting or casting near oyster beds, keep your rod tip higher than normal to quickly increase line angle when you hook a fish, giving you better control. Channels between oyster bars often hold the largest concentrations of fish.

Man-made structures throughout Little Lagoon also concentrate fish. Dock pilings, boat moorings, and navigation markers create shade and current breaks that attract multiple species. Spotted seatrout frequently shelter under docks and around pilings. Redfish patrol these structures looking for injured baitfish and crustaceans. Structure fishing requires precision casting and the ability to recognize when a fish strikes, but the payoff is often consistent catches.

Water color provides important information about conditions. Clear water requires longer casts and smaller, more natural-looking lures. Stained or turbid water allows you to fish closer to your target and use brighter-colored lures that are easier for fish to locate. After heavy rains, freshwater runoff creates areas of very low salinity near river mouths; some species prefer these areas while others move to higher-salinity zones. Wind direction affects water clarity, with offshore winds pushing clear Gulf water into the lagoon and onshore winds pushing turbid water into the system.

Practical takeaway: Understanding where fish congregate based on depth, structure, and water conditions allows you to fish efficiently and spend more time in productive areas rather than searching empty water.

Fishing Techniques for Different Species