Grand Strand Fishing Report: Week of October 15, 2026
Published October 15, 2026 · by SCFishingGuide.com
Conditions snapshot: on Oct 15, 2026 at 10:06 AM EDT, NOAA station 8661070 at Springmaid Pier read 75.9°F water.[1] Angler's Headquarters put the morning surface temp at about 74°F at the mouth of Little River Inlet, with the inshore water in the low 70s. The creeks are full of mullet and shrimp.[2]
Inshore
Red drum are "all over the place" on the north end. Look for them around oyster mounds, creek mouths, grass-line ambush points and the deeper channels. The bite at the Little River Inlet and jetties has been "phenomenal" on live and fresh-cut mullet.[3] Flounder fishing is strong around the inlets, sandy areas and creeks, mostly on live mullet. Bigger fish are holding on nearshore reefs (AR-460, the Ron McManus Reef and Three Mile Reef).[3] Trout should keep getting bigger through October. Use live shrimp while it lasts, then switch to DOA or Gulp! shrimp.[4] Sheepshead and black drum are on the jetty rocks and oyster bars at higher tides.[3]
Keeper rules: Red drum are now an 18–25" slot, 1 per person and 2 per boat. With natural bait on a 4/0 or larger hook, you must use a non-offset, non-stainless circle hook (Act 231, effective July 1, 2026). See Rules.
Surf & piers
Whiting are biting on the bottom from the piers and surf, and anglers are gearing up for pompano. A couple of king mackerel have been caught off the piers.[3] The fall mullet run peaks this month, bringing bull red drum, weakfish, Spanish and king mackerel to the beaches.[4] Remember: you don't need a license on a licensed pier. See the pier fees.
Nearshore & offshore
Spanish mackerel are schooling from the inlet out along the beaches, and bluefish are mixed in.[3] Bull reds of 20–40 lb are around the jetties and nearshore wrecks. Every one over the slot must be released.[5]
Outlook
Climatology has the water falling from about 73°F in mid-October to about 69°F by the last week. Flounder push offshore in November.[5] Fish the next two weeks hard.