2025/2026 Preview: Wet Cycle Brings Rebirth to the Bays

2025/2026 Texas Hunting & Fishing Outlook: Wet Cycle Brings Rebirth to the Bays Waterfowl, Gator, Teal, and Dove Season Preview

Howdy, y’all!

What a difference a year makes!

After years of dry conditions and unpredictable rainfall, we’re finally enjoying the benefits of a true wet cycle. The transformation across the Texas Mid-Coast has been incredible—ponds, flats, lakes, and freshwater sloughs are refilled; inland wetlands are thriving; and perhaps most exciting of all, the bays have been nourished and revitalized by generous freshwater inflows. This rejuvenation is already paying dividends for bay health, spawning cycles, and fish activity, and it’s setting us up for one of the most promising hunting and fishing seasons we’ve seen in years.

Dove & Teal Season – Kicking Off in September

We’ll launch the season with our crowd-favorite Dove & Teal combination hunts in early September. Thanks to improved ground moisture and well-timed rains, native food sources are abundant, drawing in strong concentrations of White-Wing, Mourning, and Eurasian Doves. Unlike dry years where dust bowls and scarce resources dominate the landscape, this year we’re seeing optimal habitat across the region. The birds are here—and they’re staying put.

Teal are loving the rejuvenated marshes and refilled back lakes, which are now teeming with aquatic vegetation and insects. Fast-flying and challenging, Teal make for thrilling hunts—and conditions couldn’t be better for steady action.

Waterfowl – 3 Pintail Limit this year; A Coastal Bonanza on the Horizon

The heart of waterfowl season arrives in November, and the wet cycle has already begun shaping what we expect to be a banner year. Freshwater inflows have flushed out salinity in many of the bay systems, giving new life to submerged vegetation and creating optimal feeding and roosting habitat. These conditions promote strong migratory stops and better duck concentrations throughout our barrier islands and backcountry.

Unlike the drought years that pushed waterfowl to the coast out of necessity, this season offers quality and quantity—ample, healthy habitat that not only attracts ducks but keeps them here longer. Expect to see high numbers of puddle ducks—Gadwall, Pintail, Wigeon, and Teal—frequenting freshwater ponds, while divers take to the saltier areas of the bays.

This is textbook waterfowling, and we’re in a prime position to take advantage.

Alligator Season – We’ve Got Openings!

Interest in gator season remains strong, and with the wetlands replenished and backwaters looking better than ever, we’re anticipating an active year. If harvesting a Texas gator is on your list, now’s the time to secure your spot—we’re nearly booked up.

Fishing – Bays Recharged and Fish on the Move

The wet cycle hasn’t just been good for waterfowl—it’s completely refreshed the bays. Freshwater inflows have cooled water temperatures, reduced salinity, and triggered baitfish and gamefish movements across the system. From Redfish cruising the flats to Speckled Trout schooling over oyster reefs, the action has been electric—and it’s only getting better as we move into fall.

This year’s fishing has reminded us just how quickly a healthy water cycle can restore balance and abundance to the ecosystem. Whether you’re casting from the shoreline or poling the back lakes, the bite has been consistent and rewarding.

From gators to gadwalls, from dove flights to trout strikes—this season is shaping up to be one for the books. We’re already welcoming guests from across the country, and dates are filling fast.

Come see us!

Capt. Kris Kelley Castaway Lodge 📞 1-888-618-4868 🌐 www.seadriftbayfishing.com

Proudly supported by: Mercury Marine, Air Ranger Airboats, Haynie Bay Boats, Baysport Marine Victoria, Coastline Trailers, JL Marine, Stiffy Push Poles, ForEverlast Products, Carbon Marine, CorrosionX, Pure Fishing, Bob’s Machine Shop.