Dry Tortugas fishing forecast
Dry Tortugas is a saltwater fishing spot in Florida Keys, United States. Anglers here target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo, Permit, Tarpon. The most productive months are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 30.3 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 22 km/h from ESE |
| Wave height | 0.9 m at 5 s |
| Current | 0.04 m/s toward SW |
| Pressure | 1016 hPa |
| Depth | 8 m |
| Cloud cover | 5% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas currently scores 93 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 30.3 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Dry Tortugas:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
Approximate bottom depth: 8 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
-
Istiophorus platypterus
-
Acanthocybium solandri
-
Trachinotus falcatus
-
Megalops atlanticus
Best months by species at Dry Tortugas
| Indo-Pacific SailfishIstiophorus platypterus | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WahooAcanthocybium solandri | ||||||||||||
| PermitTrachinotus falcatus | ||||||||||||
| TarponMegalops atlanticus |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpon | 1/day | min 190.5 cm | — |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Florida residents 16–64 must purchase a Saltwater Fishing License; $17/yr (short-term rates available)., non-residents Non-residents 16+: $17/3-day, $30/7-day, $47/annual.
- saltwater-recreational — residents Federal Recreational Fishing License may be required in addition to state license when fishing federal (EEZ) waters., non-residents Same as residents. Many states require their own license even in federal waters.
Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. Always verify current rules at myfwc.com before fishing. Seasons and limits change annually.
Check Dry Tortugas before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 303 km of Dry Tortugas.
-
Florida Keys
Florida Keys Reef
Marco Island Florida
Marathon Hump
Sarasota Bay Gulf
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Dry Tortugas?
Anglers at Dry Tortugas target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo, Permit and Tarpon.
When is the best time to fish Dry Tortugas?
The most productive months at Dry Tortugas are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
What is the fishing forecast for Dry Tortugas right now?
Dry Tortugas currently scores 93 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Dry Tortugas?
Fishing at Dry Tortugas follows the local rules for Florida Keys, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Wahoo: Chasing the Ocean's Fastest SprinterHow to Catch Permit: Cracking the Flats' Hardest PuzzleHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.