California Fishing Reports

NOAA buoy 46221 recorded water temps at 62°F and a 3.3-foot swell as of early this morning, with nearby buoy 46025 logging 61°F and light winds near 2 m/s — readings that corroborate what anglers are already finding offshore. Western Outdoor News — Saltwater reports that unseasonably warm conditions have pushed bluefin and yellowfin tuna into 1-day range southwest of San Diego, with a lone albacore — the first San Diego fleet albacore in years — gaffed aboard the Tribute out of Mission Bay on April 30. Longer 2–3 day trips are already picking up yellowtail and early dorado farther south. Inshore, Surf Fishing in So Cal's April season preview signals corbina and leopard sharks are entering their prime run along SoCal beaches as temperatures climb. The early pelagic push and active surf fishing make this a strong early-May window for anglers covering the LA Bight and Channel Islands.

1d ago

Reno Fly Shop (NV) reported at the end of April that 'most of our area stillwaters are full and fishing well' following a run of storms, with flows in the Truckee River corridor stabilized and 'continuing to warm up.' For the Eastern Sierra, this signals a promising opening stretch — area lakes and reservoirs are likely holding well, and trout should be active in the mid-water column and near thermal breaks as surface temps climb. No current USGS data is available from gauge 10265200, so exact stream flows are unconfirmed, but seasonal runoff is typical for early May in this range. Reno Fly Shop recommends tungsten balanced leeches, micro holo midges, and the Yankee Buzzer for stillwater conditions. MidCurrent notes that hatches are 'beginning to fire' across western trout fisheries at this time of year, with surface and film patterns beginning to produce. High-country access to alpine streams and backcountry lakes remains limited; lower-elevation waters are the primary target for now.

1d ago

NOAA buoys 46042 and 46026 are reading 57–58°F off the Central California coast as of early May 7, with buoy 46028 slightly warmer at 60°F farther offshore. That temperature picture is translating directly to fishing: per Western Outdoor News — Saltwater, Captain Jared Davis of the Salty Lady out of Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing reports 'vastly improved' salmon conditions below Pigeon Point, where nearshore water that had been running 58°F at the April 11 season opener has since cooled roughly four degrees — enough to push bonita out and change the surface character. Davis's nearshore figures are cooler than the offshore buoy readings, consistent with coastal upwelling building strength. Rockfish and California halibut are classic mid-May staples along this stretch and should be holding on structure in the current temperature band. Central Coast anglers should note the California Fish and Game Commission recently held a public hearing in Goleta on potential MPA expansion, per Western Outdoor News — Saltwater — confirm local access rules before launching.

2d ago

The USGS gauge at site 11447650 clocked the Sacramento River at 64°F and 12,000 cfs as of the evening of May 6 — conditions that fall squarely in the prime spring striper window for the Delta. Water in this temperature range draws striped bass into tidal channel confluences and current seams, where topwater and swimbait presentations can be especially effective at first light. No specific Delta captain or tackle-shop reports surfaced in this update cycle; NorCal Fish Reports maintains a dedicated Delta section but no conditions update was available at publication time. For post-spawn largemouth, Tactical Bassin's early-May coverage notes that fish at this transition stage split between shallow cover and open water structure — tule edges and dock pilings are classic holding zones worth cycling through before committing to a single depth. Catfish action is consistent with these warming-water conditions. Flows are moderate and unlikely to produce clarity issues in the near term. Check NorCal Fish Reports directly for the latest on-the-water intel before your trip.

2d ago

NOAA buoy 46026 registered 56°F water and 3.3-foot seas on May 6, with winds running at 5 m/s — comfortable conditions for most bay and nearshore anglers. Buoy 46013 off the Bodega coast confirmed even lighter winds (4 m/s) and a cool air temperature of 54°F, suggesting a calm coastal morning across the corridor. None of the angler-intel feeds in this reporting cycle carried Northern California-specific reports, so conditions assessments below draw on established regional seasonal patterns rather than verified current catch reports. At 56°F, California halibut are entering their prime spring feeding window across the bay's sandy shallows and channel edges. Striped bass are traditionally active in the estuary through May as baitfish schools concentrate along current seams. Offshore of Bodega, nearshore rockfish remain a consistent target year-round, and the coastal Chinook salmon season is typically underway by this date — though anglers should confirm current regulations and season status before heading out.

2d ago

California halibut moving onto the sandy flats in SF Bay. Drifting live bait and bouncing swimbaits both working.

Apr 9

Pre-spawn and spawning largemouth bass are feeding aggressively throughout the California Delta. Tule berms and riprap producing quality fish.

Apr 8

Long-range and half-day boats finding yellowtail at the Coronados. Iron jigs and surface poppers producing fish to 30 lbs.

Apr 7

General trout season opener brought huge crowds to the Eastern Sierra. Stocked and wild trout feeding well in rivers, creeks, and lakes.

Apr 5

The bass capital of the West is on fire. Largemouth on beds throughout the lake with fish to 10+ lbs being sight-fished.

Apr 3