Fishing reports
7771 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
North Shore Summer Pattern: Lake Trout and Smallmouth Fill the Post-Steelhead Window
With no NOAA buoy readings available for this cycle, North Shore conditions rely on seasonal baselines and broader Great Lakes context. Wired 2 Fish reports this week that round gobies have reshaped forage dynamics across Great Lakes rocky structure, a shift that influences how lake trout and smallmouth feed along the North Shore's characteristic drop-offs and boulder fields. On Minnesota's Lake Superior shore, late June marks the established transition out of the spring steelhead run and into open-lake summer mode. Lake trout typically push onto deeper structure and break lines as water temperatures climb through June. Harbor and river-mouth smallmouth bass become increasingly active with warming surface temps. Tonight's full moon tends to concentrate feeding into the low-light bookends of the day: first light and the final hour before dark are historically the most productive windows. No gauge readings were available this cycle; check local forecast and current conditions before launching.
KY river catfish prime as full moon hits Ohio and Cumberland
No gauge readings came through for the Ohio or Cumberland this cycle, leaving us to lean on seasonal patterns and national intel. Late June is historically peak time for flathead and channel catfish on both rivers. The warm water temperatures typical of this period, combined with this weekend's full moon, set up textbook after-dark feeding windows on current breaks and deep-hole edges. Fishing the Midwest notes this week that "rivers can provide some outstanding fishing action throughout the summer," with larger systems especially productive in June and July. On the bass front, B.A.S.S. News reports that the post-spawn period through early summer is "one of the overlooked time frames for big-bass action," with fish shifting to current seams and transitional structure. Sauger typically push to cooler, deeper channel water by this point in the season. No direct reports from Kentucky guides or shops were available this cycle; verify current conditions locally before launching.
Full moon tips the scales for Cumberland cats, stripers, and tailwater trout
B.A.S.S. News reports that postspawn bass across Southern waters are now firmly transitioning to summer deep-water patterns — a shift well underway on Lake Cumberland as late-June heat settles over south-central Kentucky. No buoy or gauge readings were available for this report, and no Cumberland-specific dispatches appeared in this cycle's regional feeds, so conditions here draw on late-June seasonal norms for the fishery. Striped bass on the main lake are historically at their early-morning best before heat pushes them to thermocline depth; spotted and largemouth have vacated the shallows and are staging on mid-depth structure and ledges. Tonight's full moon (June 28) is the standout timing event of the week — flathead and blue catfish typically hit hardest through the night under full-moon conditions, making this one of the year's most productive catfishing windows. On the Wolf Creek Dam tailwater, dam generation schedule remains the controlling variable for rainbow trout throughout summer.
Stripers riding the full moon as summer patterns lock in off NH
On The Water's June 26 striper migration map reports bigger bass are now concentrating on sand eels, squid, bunker, and herring as the spring run transitions to summer. For the NH Gulf of Maine coast, that means fish are likely pulling back from shallower spring-run haunts toward deeper, cooler oceanfront structure. Saltwater Edge Blog's June Full Moon forecast reinforces the shift: stripers move out to the oceanfront as June temperatures rise, a pattern equally relevant north of Cape Cod. Full moon tidal swings peak this weekend, making dawn and dusk windows on moving water the prime targets. Squid has been a standout bait across southern New England per Saltwater Edge, and that pattern likely extends into NH waters. No NH-specific buoy or gauge readings are available for this update; verify current conditions from local sources before heading out.
Lake Ontario salmon fire offshore as tributary run builds toward fall
Strike Zone Charters (Lake Ontario) is reporting excellent salmon fishing this past week, with brown trout and lake trout mixing into catches. Fish are concentrated at 100 to 160 feet, with preferred depth shifting day to day as wind repositions the thermocline. Mag Dipsey Divers are the primary delivery tool when fish drop deeper, with green, white, and chartreuse e-chips drawing strikes. For anglers targeting the Salmon River and Oswego tributary systems, late June is a shoulder period between the spring steelhead season and the fall salmon push. Chinook typically do not begin staging in the tributaries until late August. Those looking to capitalize on current action are better positioned trolling offshore on Lake Ontario near tributary mouths, where the bite is clearly building. No USGS gauge data was available at publication time. Full Moon conditions this weekend may concentrate baitfish near inlet zones.
Stripers Stack on Bait as Buzzards Bay Transitions to Summer Pattern
On The Water's June 26 striper migration map reports bigger bass concentrating around sand eels, squid, bunker, and herring as the spring run transitions into summer patterns, a shift Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound anglers should be dialing into now. Per Saltwater Edge's June full moon forecast, stripers are pushing out to deeper, cooler oceanfront water as late June arrives, with the second half of the month typically marking that transition. Squid fishing alongside stripers had been described as 'fantastic and not showing signs of slowing down' heading into this full moon window, per Saltwater Edge's new moon update. Fluke, scup, and black sea bass are settling into their usual summer holding spots throughout the region. OTW Surfcasting also notes sharks are already appearing in Massachusetts waters, with shore-based regulations currently in effect statewide. No live buoy readings were available for this update; check local conditions before heading out. Tonight's full moon will push amplified tidal swings through the Bay's channels and current seams.
Kenai sockeye push builds as interior chinook hit their prime window
AK Sea Grant's 34th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium at Kodiak — focused this season on marine heatwaves in high-latitude Alaska waters — underscores the ecological backdrop shaping salmon return timing across south-central Alaska. No current gauge readings, charter intel, or tackle-shop reports were available for this cycle, so conditions here draw on established late-June seasonality for the region. The Kenai's early sockeye run is typically at or near peak density right now, with fish holding in deeper slots and along current seams from Soldotna downstream. The late king salmon run traditionally opens around July 1, making the coming days a narrow transition window. Interior drainages — including the Copper River and upper Susitna systems — are simultaneously in their prime chinook push, while arctic grayling remain reliably active on tributary flats throughout the Interior. The full moon can shift salmon movement toward night hours. Verify current escapement data and any emergency orders with Alaska fish managers before launching.
Sea Bass Limits and Sharks Bust Loose as Summer Settles Over Raritan Bay
Black sea bass are running red hot off the Jersey coast, with Blue Chip Sportfishing reporting near-limits on virtually every trip out. Sharks have busted wide open, too: Blue Chip's Friday charter released multiple Mako sharks. Closer to Raritan Bay, Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands logged a productive striper charter Saturday with water temps back up to 65°F. Customers reached their three-keeper limit on bait (not jigs), with solid short-fish action alongside. Fluke fishing has been a grind. Capt Ron's describes mostly short fish with scattered keepers through mid-week, water temp running in the mid-60s. OTW Northern New Jersey's June 25 report notes ocean fluking is recovering after a recent upwelling event, while striper fishing remains decent along the beaches. On The Water's June 26 migration update shows bigger bass concentrating on sand eels, squid, bunker, and herring as the spring run fades into summer mode. Tonight's Full Moon will push strong tidal currents through Sandy Hook.
Summer Transition Underway on Central PA Limestone Streams as Trico Season Looms
PA Sea Grant's June 25 harmful algal bloom awareness webinar for Pennsylvania waterways is a timely backdrop as Spring Creek and Penns Creek anglers navigate summer's most technical window. No live gauge or temperature readings were available for either stream at this cycle, so conditions here reflect seasonal patterns rather than real-time data. That caveat noted: the June 28 full moon marks peak summer transition on these two iconic Centre County limestone streams, when trout go lockjaw through midday and focus feeding into tight early-morning and late-evening windows. MidCurrent's current fly-tying coverage flags midge-style patterns and CDC surface-film presentations as the go-to approach for 'clear, pressured water' — a fair description of Spring Creek's catch-and-release corridor and Penns Creek's gin-clear pools year-round. No local shop or charter reports for this specific corridor were available in this cycle to corroborate live conditions directly.
Stripers Shift to Summer Haunts as Gulf of Maine Full Moon Peaks
Per On The Water's June 26 striper migration map, bigger bass are now concentrating around sand eels, squid, bunker, and herring as the Northeast spring run transitions into summer patterns. For the Gulf of Maine, that typically means fish pushing toward deeper, cooler offshore structure and current-swept rip lines as nearshore water temperatures climb. The Saltwater Edge Blog's June full moon forecast echoes the picture, noting that bass tend to vacate inshore spring staging grounds in the back half of June in favor of oceanfront water. No NOAA buoy readings were available for this update — verify local conditions before your trip. Today's full moon drives strong tidal exchange in the Gulf, which can compress bait at current seams and open feeding windows around first and last light. Offshore, OTW Saltwater's June 24 northeast report describes canyon fishing as off to a "red hot start" with yellowfin and bigeye, signaling that warm blue water is pushing north along the shelf edge.
Stripers Shifting to Summer Mode at the Chesapeake Mouth
Per On The Water's June 26 striper migration map, bigger bass are concentrating around sand eels, squid, bunker, and herring as the spring run transitions into summer. At the Chesapeake Bay mouth, that shift lands under this weekend's full moon, which will push the strongest tidal exchanges of the month through the bay entrance and build productive current seams along channel edges and shoal breaks. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data was available for this update, so anglers should verify current water temperatures locally before heading out. Cobia are historically at or near peak arrival at the bay mouth in late June, making this one of the most species-diverse windows of the year. Summer flounder are well into their warm-season residence along sandy bottom and channel drops. The full moon window, peaking June 28, typically sharpens the dawn and dusk bite on the incoming tide — this weekend is worth prioritizing if conditions cooperate.
Stripers and Squid Stay Hot in Narragansett Bay Through Full Moon Weekend
Striped bass and squid fishing have been the standout story in Rhode Island this June, and heading into the June 28 full moon, both are still producing. Saltwater Edge Blog's recent new-moon forecast noted that water temperatures have been staying cool through the second half of the month — an unusual grace period keeping fish active longer than typical. Per Saltwater Edge, the striper bite has been "fantastic" with no signs of slowing, and the squid fishery is equally strong. On The Water's June 26 migration update confirms bigger bass are now keyed on sand eels, squid, bunker, and herring as the spring run shifts into summer patterns. Full-moon tides will run strong this weekend, creating aggressive nocturnal feeding windows on rips and structure throughout Narragansett Bay. Scup, black sea bass, and fluke are settling into their usual summer spots per Saltwater Edge. Plan your tides and get on the water.
Stripers Shift Offshore as Full Moon Tides Prime Chincoteague Inlets
Per On The Water's June 26 striper migration map, bigger bass are concentrating around sand eels, squid, bunker, and herring as the spring run transitions into summer patterns across the Mid-Atlantic — a shift that historically tracks into Chincoteague's nearshore zones as fish push toward cooler Atlantic-facing structure. OTW Saltwater's Northeast Offshore Report from June 24 noted canyon fishing off the mid-Atlantic coast is "off to a red hot start with yellowfin and bigeye," a strong sign for Chincoteague-area boats willing to run the shelf break. No direct intel from local Eastern Shore charter captains or tackle shops was available this cycle, so conditions in the inlets and back bay are estimated from regional and seasonal patterns. Summer flounder and cobia are both seasonally prime along Virginia's barrier island chain in late June, and Full Moon tides this weekend will drive strong current through Chincoteague Inlet — historically the most reliable monthly window for keeper fluke in the channels and red drum in the surf.
Rangeley brook trout and landlocked salmon ease into summer patterns
Mainely Fly Fishing (ME) set the seasonal tone in their early spring 2026 report: a slow, compressed start with ice out on Dundee Pond delayed until April 4. That late arrival pushed spring trout activity a week or two behind schedule, and now, deep into late June, brook trout and landlocked salmon in the Rangeley chain are beginning their familiar summer transition toward deeper, cooler water as lake surfaces warm. No current NOAA buoy or USGS gauge readings are available for this report, and no charter or tackle-shop intel from the immediate region surfaced this cycle. Stream fishing on the Androscoggin headwaters favors first and last light, with terrestrials: black ants, foam beetles, and early hoppers increasingly effective alongside evening caddis as the season turns. Anglers should verify current conditions locally and check state regulations before heading out.
Big stripers running the east end as Long Island shifts to summer pattern
Per On The Water's June 25 Long Island report, big stripers are feeding on a buffet of bait off the east end, with Montauk sustaining an excellent bass bite on squid and sand eels, a pattern holding since at least mid-June. The Fisherman's Long Island forecast for the week of June 25 confirms outstanding striped bass action island-wide, alongside improving sea bass and porgy fishing. Fluke are gaining momentum, with keeper fish showing up more consistently from the South Shore bays through the Peconics. South Shore reefs are producing sea bass on rigs and jigs, per On The Water. Offshore, OTW Saltwater's northeast report from June 24 puts canyon fishing at a red-hot start for the season, with yellowfin and bigeye tuna active. With the full moon peaking June 28, strong tidal movement should amplify the bite across all these fisheries this weekend.
Croaker, Spot, and Sheepshead Hit Their Stride in the Chesapeake
The Chesapeake region is rolling into its best fishing of the season. The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake correspondent Eric Burnley reported that June closed with more croaker, spot, sheepshead, and flounder than any point all year, noting "there is no reason why this good fishing should not continue into July." In the DE/MD/Chesapeake region, Smith's Bait Shop at Bowers Beach confirmed striped bass taking bloodworms and cut mullet alongside flounder on live minnows. Breakwater Tackle at Cape Henlopen noted spot and croaker as the primary catch, with sheepshead responding to sand fleas and green crab near pier structure. The full moon this weekend is driving strong tidal surges through Bay channel edges and jetties — prime conditions for bottom-feeders to feed aggressively. Keeper flounder counts are building steadily toward their midsummer peak. June ended well, and July looks better.
Muskies hot in the weeds as Northwoods walleye lakes enter summer transition
Water temps holding in the low 70s across Vilas and Oneida County lakes, per Rollie & Helen's Musky Shop's Late June 2026 report, and fishing has remained productive despite wild weather swings and persistent wind. Muskies are fully post-spawn and scattered, with jerkbaits in the weeds the standout pattern; Rollie & Helen's notes guide Jake Smith has been finding fish on that approach. The shop also flags the Northwoods is now in its Early-to-Mid-Summer Transition: shallow bays are warming fast, pushing forage and apex predators into new holding areas and demanding tactical flexibility from anglers. For walleye chasers, Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen highlights the weedline as the key summer contact zone, a prescription that pairs well with the slip-bobber and suspended-fish plastics presentations AnglingBuzz is covering in its current walleye content. Anglers looking to escape weekend pressure should consider overlooked waters like Boot Lake in Vilas County, spotlighted by Rollie & Helen's as a true Northwoods sleeper.
Summer Patterns Take Hold on Flathead Lake and the Bitterroot
Hatch Magazine's current feature on bull trout in the Northwest lands as a timely reminder for anglers headed to Flathead Lake and the Bitterroot: these native char are present throughout the drainage, but catch-and-release rules and protected status vary by reach — verify Montana regulations before targeting anything that isn't a lake trout or cutthroat. No live NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data returned for this region this cycle, and no direct Flathead Lake or Bitterroot on-the-water reports surfaced in current feeds, so conditions here are grounded in seasonal patterns rather than live readings. Late June typically finds the Bitterroot's snowmelt pulse easing, with westslope cutthroat moving back toward riffle edges and current seams as flows moderate. On Flathead Lake, tonight's full moon often concentrates forage near the surface after dark, nudging lake trout shallower than their usual summer holding depths. Early mornings and the final hour of daylight are the windows to prioritize this weekend.
Post-spawn giants prowling Kentucky Lake as early summer sets in
No gauge or buoy readings came through for this run, so conditions are drawn from seasonal norms and the broader angler-intel feeds. Late June puts Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley squarely in the post-spawn transition, a window B.A.S.S. News called out this week as underappreciated for trophy-class action, with postspawn giants holding near cover before heat drives them to deeper ledges. Tactical Bassin (blog) notes that summer bass become highly predictable as temperatures rise and settle into consistent daily patterns. Tonight's full moon (June 28) pushes feeding windows toward low-light hours at dawn and dusk, prime timing on both lakes. Crappie have typically completed their move to mid-depth suspended structure by this date based on seasonal norms. Blue and channel catfish build toward their July peak. Check TVA lake-level updates and local ramp conditions before launching; no real-time water data was available for this report.
Summer Redfish on the Move in Mobile Bay as Full Moon Tides Build
Salt Strong's June 26–28 regional weekend game plan — the closest published intel covering the adjacent Gulf Coast corridor — points to summer redfish pushed into shoreline cover as the dominant inshore story this weekend. Their concurrent piece on high-tide summer patterns notes that when tidal water rises, redfish vacate open flats and stack against marsh edges and back-bay shorelines where they have access to food and protection. That behavior applies directly to Mobile Bay's expansive grass-flat and back-bay system. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge readings were available for this reporting cycle, so water temperature and sea state cannot be confirmed from instrument data. Tonight's full moon (June 28) is driving amplified tidal swings that should push redfish further into the backs of coves and creek mouths. Offshore, red snapper remain a summer Gulf staple — Sport Fishing Mag's recent lifecycle coverage underscores the species' affinity for deep structure during summer. Check the local forecast closely before heading out.
South Texas flats hit full summer stride on the Lower Laguna Madre
TexasFishingTips (YT) ran back-to-back Baffin Bay and Laguna Madre area reports this week, including a June 25 outing with Capt. Kevin Navid, signaling consistent captain activity across the upper Laguna system heading into late June. Texas Fish & Game Magazine is running content this week on bull redfish release ethics — noting forty-inch bull reds working the surf alongside jack crevalle pushing through beachfront bait schools — a pattern consistent with late-June baitfish congregation along South Padre's Gulf-facing beach. Salt Strong (YT) is publishing a dedicated summer redfish lure breakdown, reinforcing that shallow-flat redfish are a primary focus for Texas coastal anglers right now. The Lower Laguna Madre's seagrass flats, cited by Texas Fish & Game Magazine as the ecological foundation of the fishery, typically concentrate spotted seatrout in the deeper grass during peak daytime heat, with the most reliable action compressed into the early-morning and late-evening windows. A full moon this weekend will drive amplified tidal movement through the passes and back-bay cuts — plan your tide accordingly.
SF Bay and Bodega Enter Peak Summer Window as Full Moon Tides Surge
California Fish and Game Commission's June 17 emergency action, reported by Western Outdoor News — Saltwater, is the sharpest regulatory signal out of the NorCal saltwater beat this week: a ban on wire leaders and hooks over 1.5 inches for ocean anglers fishing south of Pigeon Point. The rule does not extend north to SF Bay or Bodega territory, but underscores active state management of California's saltwater fisheries. On-the-water reports from regional sources were limited this cycle, so conditions are read through seasonal context: late June is historically prime for California halibut on the sandy Bay flats and striped bass pushing structure through the tidal rips at the Gate. Tonight's Full Moon is driving spring tides to their monthly peak, typically concentrating baitfish on drop-off edges and cueing feeding windows in both species. No NOAA buoy data was available this cycle. Verify sea state and local wind before heading out.
Spanish Mackerel and Big Blues Running Strong Along Cape Lookout
Per Fisherman's Post (NC), late June has delivered a robust push of Spanish mackerel into nearshore waters from Swansboro and Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach and Cape Lookout. Morgan of The Reel Outdoors reports mackerel moving in good numbers along the beachfront, while Rich of Chasin' Tails confirms the bite at Atlantic Beach with bonito in the mix for surf and pier anglers. Bluefish are the standout story right now: Tom of Hatteras Jack notes fish to 30-plus inches hammering casting metals and cut baits in the Hatteras surf, and the bluefish action continues south for anglers pulling spoons off the beach, per multiple Fisherman's Post reporters. Inshore, red drum are present but scattered, holding in deeper holes. Sea mullet fishing has been steady along the Hatteras surf. Tonight's full moon drives strong spring tides through Pamlico Sound inlets, a pattern that typically concentrates baitfish in the cuts and sharpens the bite on moving water.
Full Moon Opens Night-Bite Window on Catawba & Roanoke Freshwater
B.A.S.S. News flags late June as "one of the overlooked time frames for big-bass action," noting that post-spawn fish across the country are transitioning to summer patterns and pushing to deeper structural edges. No USGS gauge readings or local tackle-shop reports came through for the Catawba and Roanoke systems this cycle, leaving on-the-water conditions data limited. That said, the full moon falling on June 28 is a known trigger for the night catfish bite on both river systems, with cut bait worked tight to deeper holes producing well into the small hours. Tactical Bassin notes that summer bass are "driven by 3 main variables" — shade, bait, and current — placing bridge pilings and deeper creek-channel ledges as prime midday holding areas. Evening weedline presentations, per the same source, can draw topwater and soft-jerkbait strikes before dark. Landlocked striped bass in Roanoke system impoundments typically cluster near thermocline edges as surface temperatures climb through summer.