CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Sand Island, Midway Atoll Daily Water Report — August 28, 2026

Diving and sailing are the clear winners today, while anyone hoping to paddle a kayak or take a small boat out should think twice. The diving score of 8.5 ties yesterday's top mark, and sailing at 8.2 is solid despite a step back from the exceptional 8.9 we saw on the 27th. The tradeoff is that boating dropped to 4.4 and kayaking to 3.1, both dragged down by persistent ESE winds holding at 8.7 to 13 knots through the day, with a gust to nearly 17 knots forecast around 9 a.m. The best window for divers is the early morning low tide at 10:38, when the 0.08-meter low exposes the reef flats but the 1.5-meter swell at a long 9.15-second period should keep visibility reasonable in the deeper channels. Water temperature sits at 27.5 degrees, a tenth below the seasonal average, and the oligotrophic chlorophyll reading of 0.06 mg/m³ confirms classic blue-water clarity. Surfers will find the 7.6 score respectable, with the ESE swell from 117 degrees and 1.02 meters of pure swell energy combining with 0.48-meter wind waves for a rideable 1.5-meter face. The calmer wave heights near midnight are less relevant for daylight sessions; the afternoon incoming tide after 17:24 could add some push. Fishing at 6.9 is middle-of-the-pack but worth noting given the full moon and solunar major period from noon to 2 p.m. The stable barometric pressure at 1018 hPa and light overnight rain window that produced zero measurable precipitation suggest the fish won't be spooked by weather shifts. Wildlife watchers at 6.2 have a better shot during the minor period around sunset, especially with the low tide exposing sand flats, but the building wind will keep birds on the move. Compared with recent days, today's diving holds steady with the 8.5 from yesterday and Wednesday, while sailing dropped from the 8.9 peak two days ago as winds firmed up from the 9.5-knot average we saw Thursday. The surfing score is a tick below the 7.9 from Wednesday but on par with Tuesday's 8.0. Looking ahead, Friday brings a slight wave increase to 1.6-1.8 meters with a 50 percent rain chance, and winds gusting near 18 knots will further limit small-craft comfort. Sunday through Tuesday look roughest, with wave heights pushing 1.9 meters and rain chances climbing above 75 percent, so today is your best bet for clean conditions until at least midweek. If you want the water at its clearest and the wind at your back, the next few hours between the morning low and the incoming tide are as good as it gets.