March is a hinge month. Winter fisheries are winding down, spring ones are starting, and in a few places you can catch both. It is also spring break season for many families, so popular warm destinations get busy. Weather can swing widely, from warm calm days to cold, windy fronts.
Where to go in March
Florida Keys. March is when two Keys seasons meet. The Keys tourism office lists sailfish through March and describes tarpon as a spring fishery, and Sport Fishing magazine says spring tarpon season around Marathon runs from March through June. Bonefish prime months begin in March, and kingfish are still listed as active.
Costa Rica Pacific Coast. The central and southern Pacific billfish peak continues through April, according to Sport Fishing magazine, with operators there naming January through April as their sailfish peak.
Southwest Montana. An Ennis fly shop’s Madison River calendar shows spring Blue Winged Olives starting on the lower river in late March or early April. Cloudy, unsettled days tend to bring the best surface activity. This is quiet, early-season trout fishing before spring runoff.
Outer Banks, North Carolina. The visitors bureau says the surf and pier season begins in March. Giant bluefin are listed through late March, and spring catches include red drum, bluefish and striped bass.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation says early spring is the best time for walleye at the Truman Dam tailrace, and points spring crappie anglers to creek channels in the bays.
Which March trip fits you
Want warmth and a shot at big fish? The Keys or Costa Rica. Want a short, cheap drive? Lake of the Ozarks. Want quiet water and a fly rod? Southwest Montana before runoff. Want to walk onto a pier with the family? The Outer Banks.
Planning notes for March
- Spring break: Popular coastal destinations are busier during school break weeks. Book early, or aim for weeks outside your region’s break. Families can find ideas in our school break fishing guide.
- Weather: Expect variable days. Keep spare time in the schedule. See safety and weather.
- Gear: Layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons. See our packing list.
- Rules: Some seasons and closures change in spring. Check current regulations. See fishing licenses.
Seasonal patterns are broad and vary from year to year. A late cold snap or an early warm spell can shift the fishing by weeks.
More spring ideas: spring fishing trips. The destinations below are those whose season data includes March.
Destinations with fish in March
From each destination's sourced season data. "Peak" means sources single this month out; a typical year, not a promise.
- Florida KeysPeak month
Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Sailfish (peak), Snapper, Grouper, Wahoo, Tuna (peak), Snook, Redfish (peak), King mackerel (peak)
- Outer BanksPeak month
Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi-mahi, Wahoo, King mackerel (peak), Bluefish (peak), Striped bass
- Bahamas Out IslandsPeak month
Bonefish (peak), Permit, Mahi-mahi, Wahoo (peak), Tuna (peak)
- Costa Rica Pacific CoastPeak month
Marlin (peak), Sailfish, Roosterfish, Mahi-mahi, Tuna
- Lake of the OzarksPeak month
Bass (peak), Crappie, Catfish, Walleye
- Belize Flats and CayesPeak month
Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon
- Cabo San LucasPeak month
Marlin, Roosterfish
- Louisiana Gulf CoastPeak month
Redfish, Speckled trout
- Destin
Snapper, Cobia, Mahi-mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin, Redfish
- Little and Big Bay de Noc
Walleye, Panfish, Northern pike
- Lake Erie Western Basin
Walleye, Panfish, Bass
- Northern Michigan
Steelhead, Lake trout, Walleye
- Saginaw Bay
Walleye, Panfish
- Kenai Peninsula
Trout
- Northwestern Ontario Fly-In Fishing
Lake trout
- Southwest Montana
Trout
Sources and fact-checking (7)
Facts checked against these sources on October 23, 2026. Seasons, rules and businesses change; confirm with the official source before you travel. How we research.
- Unrivaled Fishing Throughout the Keys (Florida Keys News Bureau) (media.visitfloridakeys.com)
- Magical Marathon Memories: Tempting a Tarpon and Trolling the Hump (Sport Fishing) (sportfishingmag.com)
- Billfish Angler's Guide to Costa Rica (Sport Fishing) (sportfishingmag.com)
- Madison River hatches (Madison River Fishing Company, Ennis) (mrfc.com)
- Outer Banks Fishing (Outer Banks Visitors Bureau) (outerbanks.org)
- Outer Banks Boasts Some of East Coast's Best Fishing (Outer Banks Visitors Bureau) (outerbanks.org)
- Lake of the Ozarks fishing prospects (Missouri Department of Conservation) (mdc.mo.gov)
