Robbie's Marina Channelon Islamorada / Upper Keys Flats
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Islamorada / Upper Keys Flats
- 01Tailing Bonefish and Permit are active on the shallow flats during tide changes.
- 02Redfish and Snook can be found deep in the backcountry and around mangrove edges.
- 03Mackerel are moving onto the flats, providing fast-paced action, especially in cooler water.
- 04Look for Barracuda on the flats as water temperatures begin their seasonal fall.
- 05Resident Tarpon are still a possibility, particularly on warmer, calmer days.
What to tie on at Robbie's Marina Channel
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Tarpon Toad
A proven pattern for resident tarpon, imitating crabs or baitfish in mangrove areas and channels.
Buy at AmazonMerkin Crab
Crabs are a primary food source for permit and bonefish on the flats year-round.
Redfish Fly (Weedless)
Ideal for targeting redfish and snook in the shallow backcountry and around mangroves, where weedless presentations are crucial.
Buy at AmazonDeceiver (Lefty's)
A versatile baitfish pattern, excellent for targeting larger predatory species like tarpon, barracuda, and snook as they ambush bait.
Buy at AmazonEP Shrimp
Shrimp are a consistent food source on the flats, targeting bonefish, permit, and redfish.
Buy at AmazonGotcha
A classic shrimp imitation for bonefish and permit, effective for tailing fish on the flats.
Buy at AmazonSnook Fly
Focus on the mangrove shorelines. Snook move toward these structures to regulate temperature. A white or chartreuse baitfish pattern stripped near cover is a top winter producer.
Clouser Minnow (Saltwater)
Extremely versatile in winter. Chartreuse/white mimics the small pilchards and glass minnows present. It stays deep enough to reach Redfish and Snook hugging the bottom in cooler water.
Buy at AmazonCrazy Charlie
A quintessential winter flats pattern. In February, Bonefish are often found in deeper water or on the edges of flats; the bead-chain eyes provide the perfect sink rate without spooking fish in clear, calm winter air.
Buy at AmazonFlorida season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.