October 1, 2025
Game Changing Freshwater Inflows
Castaway Lodge Seadrift Report
By Capt. Kris Kelley
Gamechanging freshwater inflows are making there way into the bays at present. Capt. James just reported that San Antonio Bay above the ICW appears fresh and off color. He also noted that we have confirmed that the saltwater barrier dams at Goff Bayou are open. This is a pivotal moment for us relative to a trend started in 2009 of drought, hyper-salinity due to minimal freshwater inflows. This hasn’t helped the overall bay health but it now appears the trend may be changing. Despite record rainfall in the San Antonio area to 17″ in a 24 hour period, we were very skeptical of potential freshwater inflows into the bays.
Near Term
We will see consolidation of species in areas less productive during recent years as fish congregate over structure in mixed water environs. This is a strong indicator of greatly improved fishing moving forward as our focus narrows.
Long Term
Shrimp production, crab production, bait and bycatch, hatch rates of all species will hopefully begin to improve as salinity levels come down. One runoff event may not be the “cure-all”, but a trend toward more rainfall and less drought will certainly prove that this is a pivotal moment in the health of our bay system.
Trout to 28″ and Redfish well out of the slot were the bright spots over the last weeks fishing. Numbers have been waning with gutted water and tough conditions. Redfish and Black Drum have outperformed.
Looking over the weather forecast for the coming week finds us looking at the first signs of stabilizing conditions we’ve seen this year. That’s going to start opening up some areas and offering more than the few options 25 knot winds offer.
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Capt. Kris Kelley
Castaway Lodge
1-888-618-4868
www.seadriftbayfishing.com
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thoroughly enjoyed our time at Castaway Lodge during our duck hunt. Class act from the food, to the lodging & duck hunting. The entire facility was top rate & I really appreciated the effort. And thanks for supporting Serve Outdoors Texas charity by donating the hunt. Jody O.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice clean place. Everything is very nice and new looking. Very well maintained.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great father day fishing trip, we will return again! The lodge was wonderful and breakfast and dinner was great! Bill Hansen Medford Ma. Austin TxPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did a blast and cast and had a successful day getting a few birds and a lot of bites. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable which made our adventure a great learning experience too. The accommodation and hospitality at Castaway is top notch and I look forward to returning for another experience!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day fishing! Excellent guide and super meal! Thanks for having us. We will be back!!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time hunting! Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable and made it a great time for my daughter and myself.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great group of people, lodging and food. Definitely a great experience and plan to book another trip.
