Fishing reports
8043 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
San Juan tailwater holds steady as Rio Grande hits summer low
USGS gauge 08330000 recorded zero flow on the Rio Grande on June 22, a stark signal that summer irrigation diversions have pulled the middle river down to its seasonal nadir. No water temperature was available from the gauge, and our current intel feeds carry no New Mexico-specific angler reports this cycle. On the main-stem Rio Grande, wading access through the Albuquerque corridor may be severely limited, with fish concentrated in scattered pools and thermal stress a real concern as air temperatures climb into summer. The San Juan River below Navajo Dam stands apart: its tailwater character buffers it from surface heat and diversion pressure, making it the state's most dependable mid-summer destination for trout. Hatch Magazine's recent guide to fishing through Southwest drought conditions is broadly applicable here — fish early, read the water carefully, and prioritize cold seams. First Quarter moon provides moderate overnight feeding windows. Verify current flows and any emergency closures with state fish and game before heading out.
Driftless brown trout turn to terrestrials and streamers in late June
Root River Rod Co's pine squirrel jig Driftless streamer, featured by MidCurrent this week as a go-to for the region's "tight, technical" spring creek conditions, offers the clearest current read on what's working across the Driftless. USGS gauge 05407000 shows the broader Wisconsin watershed running at 8,290 cfs — elevated above typical mid-June baselines, likely reflecting recent rainfall — though groundwater-fed spring creeks tend to buffer surface runoff better than the main stem. Water temperature wasn't captured at the gauge, making on-stream scouting essential before wading. MidCurrent's concurrent hatch tying coverage points to a surface-to-subsurface approach — buoyant attractors paired with soft hackle or midge droppers — as hatches fire and fish push into shallower feeding lanes. Late June marks the beginning of terrestrial season here; expect brown trout most active during the cooler early-morning and evening windows as midday air temperatures climb.
Mille Lacs walleye moving deep as summer structure bite takes hold
Wired 2 Fish reports that Minnesota anglers have certified nine new state fish records in 2026, a pace that signals exceptional fish health statewide. On Mille Lacs specifically, the USGS gauge at the lake's outlet logged zero outflow on June 22, indicating stable water levels as summer patterns take hold. No water temperature is available from instrumented sources this cycle, and charter or tackle-shop intel for Mille Lacs is not represented in this data pull. What aligns with late-June norms: walleye have largely cleared the shallow rocky reefs where they gathered in May and are now transitioning to mid-lake structure, including mud-to-sand breaks, isolated humps, and deep weedlines in the 18-to-28-foot range. Fishing the Midwest highlights weedline fishing as a productive summer approach, with versatile anglers adapting their presentations as fish settle into warm-weather holding zones.
Kentucky Lake & Barkley bass push offshore as summer ledge season opens
No live readings are available from USGS gauge 03611500 for this report period, and this week's regional feeds carry no direct angler intel for Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. Working from established seasonal patterns: late June puts both TVA reservoirs squarely in a post-spawn transition. Tactical Bassin notes that summer bass become highly predictable as heat peaks, splitting between shallow shad-chasing fish and main-lake ledge dwellers staging on deeper structure. Blue and channel catfish are entering their most active window of the year — Wired 2 Fish this week highlighted a 75-pound blue cat landed on cut gizzard shad at a southern reservoir, a timely reminder of what's possible targeting channel edges and deep flats right now. Crappie should be settling into deeper brush piles and dock structure. Check TVA pool levels and a local forecast before you launch.
Eastern Sierra trout dialing in on dry flies during dawn and dusk windows
Per Reno Fly Shop's mid-June 2026 Truckee River report, good fishing is on tap along the Eastern Sierra's signature watershed, though timing is everything right now. Climbing summer air temperatures and afternoon recreational pressure are pushing the best action to early morning and late in the day, when caddis, stonefly, and evening hatches draw trout to the surface. Reno Fly Shop notes that crayfish are becoming increasingly mobile as sun angle and water temperatures increase into summer, making crayfish imitations a strong subsurface option for anglers who miss the hatch windows. Insects catalogued in recent reports include PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and Golden Stones alongside steady caddis activity: a robust mid-season menu. Both California and Nevada sides of the Truckee are reportedly fishing well, and wet-wading season is fully underway. USGS gauge 10265200 returned no readings at publish time.
Bass in Full Summer Mode as NH Waters Run Low and Clear
USGS gauge 01073500 logged 40.6 cfs on June 22 — lean, low-water conditions that are shaping the Merrimack corridor right now. No NH-specific shop or charter intel came through this cycle, but Tactical Bassin's summer bass breakdown captures what typically unfolds here after the spawn: bass split into a deep population holding tight to bottom structure and a shallow group working weedline edges at first and last light. Fishing the Midwest's weedline guide echoes that read, marking the edge as the most reliable contact zone through midsummer. On Lake Winnipesaukee, landlocked salmon and lake trout will have retreated to summer depth as surface temperatures climb through late June. First Quarter moon tightens the bite window toward dawn and dusk feeding pushes. With no state-specific angler counts available this cycle, treat species assessments here as seasonal baselines — conditions shift quickly with any significant rain or sustained heat.
Summer catfish and walleye come on strong on the Platte and Missouri
USGS gauge 06796000 recorded 11,100 cfs this morning, putting the river system at a navigable mid-summer flow that stacks fish along current breaks, wing dams, and deep channel edges. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge this cycle; late-June conditions here typically push into the upper 70s, placing channel and flathead catfish in their prime feeding stretch. Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen makes the case this week that rivers are an underused summer asset, writing that larger rivers "can be good year 'round" and reliably produce when lakes slow in the heat. The weedline and structure focus from Fishing the Midwest points walleye chasers toward drop-offs and current seams — tactics that translate directly to Missouri River wing dams and Platte braided channels. For bass, Tactical Bassin's early-summer breakdown details how fish stratify by depth once water warms, pushing the best windows to dawn and last light.
High summer flows push MS River fish into backwater haunts
The USGS gauge at site 07289000 recorded 760,000 cfs on the Mississippi River as of June 22, well above midsummer averages and a clear signal that main-channel fish have retreated into backwater sloughs, flooded timber, and tributary mouths. No direct local angler reports were available for the Mississippi or Pearl Rivers this cycle, but national coverage offers useful context: Wired 2 Fish highlighted a record-class 75-pound blue catfish landed on cut gizzard shad at a Texas reservoir this month, a reminder that big blues are catchable on this proven summer pattern across southern river systems. Tactical Bassin's summer bass analysis notes that post-spawn largemouth have split into two zones: deep fish suspending over structure and shallow fish tucked into shade and woody cover. That two-zone framework maps directly onto Mississippi River backwaters and Pearl River access points. Anglers willing to hunt slack water inside the high-water complex should find both species within reach.
Iowa River running big this June — catfish and bass staging in slack water
The Iowa River is pushing 30,900 cfs at USGS gauge 05465500 as of June 22 — well above typical summer base flows — concentrating fish in eddies, wing dams, and protected inside bends away from the main-channel current. Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen writes this week that rivers across the region "can provide some outstanding fishing action throughout the summer" and advises targeting current seams and slower-moving water when flows are elevated. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge this cycle, though late-June Midwest river conditions typically place water temps in prime catfish territory. Channel catfish and flathead catfish are the top targets under these conditions; cut bait fished in slack pockets off the main push is the proven setup. For bass, Tactical Bassin notes that summer fish have now settled into predictable patterns tied to temperature, forage, and cover — weedline edges and connected backwater sloughs offer the clearest water and best action when the main river is running heavy.
Low-water summer patterns concentrate bass on Delaware's Christina & Nanticoke
USGS gauge 01493500 is clocking just 1.94 cfs as of midday June 22, confirming deep low-water summer conditions across the Christina and Nanticoke drainages. At flows this slim, fish compress into the deepest available pools and undercut shaded banks — a classic late-June pattern typical of Delaware's coastal-plain rivers when rainfall is scarce. Tactical Bassin notes that summer bass become highly predictable once you identify the three variables driving them: temperature, oxygen, and cover. No Delaware-specific local shop or charter intel surfaced in this reporting cycle, so conditions below draw on gauge data and regional seasonality. The First Quarter moon offers modest tidal pull on the lower Nanticoke's tidal reaches, potentially triggering brief feeding windows for white perch and any resident stripers still present post-spring run. Early morning and the hour after sunset are your best windows before midday heat locks fish tight to structure. Check current Delaware state regulations before heading out.
Clarks Hill bream beds delivering as summer heat drives Georgia river bass deep
Strong bass action on Clarks Hill Lake's bream beds highlights the Savannah River chain this week, with GA Sportsman reporting an emphatic win by Alpharetta angler William Bates at the Phoenix Bass Fishing League event despite below-normal water levels. Elsewhere across Georgia's river corridors, the June 20 Southern Waters Fishing Report from GA Sportsman describes a 'fairly slow' bite attributed to hot weather and recent rains, with most fish congregated in deeper water. The Savannah River at Clyo registered 3.2 feet and falling as of June 18 per GA Sportsman gauge data, consistent with the USGS gauge 02197000 reading of 4,740 cfs. No water temperature data is available from the gauge. With summer heat dominating and river levels receding, targeting bass on bream bed structure at dawn and shifting to deeper channel edges by mid-morning is the playbook across both the Savannah and Chattahoochee drainages. The Georgia Wildlife Blog highlights the Georgia Bass Slam as a timely summer challenge for multi-species anglers.
Western Basin walleye going deep as summer heat settles in
The USGS gauge on the Maumee River (site 04193500) recorded 70°F and a flow of 3,360 cfs on June 22, signaling mid-summer conditions across the Western Basin. Walleye have typically cleared the shallow post-spawn reefs by late June and settled into deeper structure in the 20–30-foot range as surface layers warm. Angler intel feeds returned no specific Western Basin charter or tackle-shop reports this cycle, so first-hand bite quality cannot be confirmed. Fishing the Midwest notes the 2026 open-water season is "in full swing" and flags that walleye can be selective on tougher days, making technique flexibility valuable. The conventional late-June playbook centers on trolling crawler harnesses or deep-diving cranks along hard-bottom reef edges, with dawn and dusk windows typically outproducing midday as surface temperatures peak. Smallmouth bass and yellow perch round out the Western Basin action for anglers willing to move around structure. Check Ohio DNR regulations for current walleye slot and bag limits before keeping fish.
Elevated Yakima flows giving way to summer smallmouth season in Eastern WA
The Yakima River logged 3,300 cfs on the morning of June 22 (USGS gauge 12484500), with snowmelt still carrying significant water through the region heading into late June. No water temperature was available from the gauge. WA WDFW Fishing Reports covers statewide creel monitoring and stocking updates for the region, though no specific Eastern WA conditions report appeared in this data window. At current flows, the mainstem Yakima is likely running off-color — conditions that typically push trout into eddy seams, inside bends, and slower tributary mouths rather than fighting the main channel push. In late June, Eastern WA smallmouth bass typically reach peak form along gravel bars and rocky lower-river stretches as water warms into the productive range. Spokane-area reservoir and highland-lake anglers generally find walleye and perch moving into productive mid-depth structure at this stage of the season.
Pre-Spawn Trophy Snook Peaking on FL's Treasure Coast
Snook Nook out of Stuart reports June as one of the year's best months for trophy snook on the Treasure Coast, even with the season closed to harvest through August 31. Large breeder fish are stacking in the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers ahead of their annual spawn, and Snook Nook says anglers have a legitimate shot at 40-inch-plus fish right now on a catch-and-release basis. Offshore, red snapper anglers face a significant setback: CCA Florida reports a U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction blocking Florida's South Atlantic red snapper Exempted Fishing Permit season just hours before it was set to open, leaving the offshore fishery in regulatory limbo. Coastal Angler Magazine flags the Sebastian Inlet to Eau Gallie Causeway stretch as a productive June corridor for beach anglers. No real-time buoy data was available this cycle; check local marina reports before launching.
Smallmouth and walleye building as Michigan's summer weedline season kicks in
The Grand River is running at 3,160 cfs as of June 22, per USGS gauge 04119000, a moderate early-summer level that keeps most mid-river wade stretches accessible. Angler chatter on the Michigan Sportsman Forum includes a near-port session report of strong smallmouth bass action under northeast winds, with live bait described as the key presentation — though that is forum-only testimony without corroboration from a higher-trust source, and should be treated as a single unverified data point. The account does align with a typical late-June Great Lakes smallmouth pattern as post-spawn fish recover and turn aggressive. Fishing the Midwest notes that weedline structure is the priority setup across Midwest freshwater right now, with walleye among the primary targets working that edge. The MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report covers all five regions of the state with week-specific breakdowns; check the current edition before your trip. No water temperature data was available from the gauge on this date.
Spanish mackerel surge and jumbo bluefish light up NC's Crystal Coast
Surf and pier anglers around Morehead City and Atlantic Beach are connecting on bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and bonito. Rich of Chasin' Tails reports solid multi-species action along that stretch, per Fisherman's Post. The Spanish mackerel push is the headline of the week: Morgan of The Reel Outdoors (Swansboro/Emerald Isle) reports fish moving in good numbers nearshore, while Tex of Tex's Tackle at Wrightsville Beach confirms mackerel are responding to spoons trolled off the beach. Up at Hatteras and Ocracoke, bluefish topping 30 inches are crashing casting metals and cut baits in the surf, per Tom of Hatteras Jack via Fisherman's Post. Sea mullet are providing steady bottom action near Hatteras. Inshore, red drum are scattered around deeper holes and structure near Morehead. First Quarter moon tides are building this week, concentrating bait along channel drops and creating reliable ambush windows for pelagics early and late in the day.
Post-spawn bass settle into summer structure on the Arkansas and White Rivers
No real-time flow or temperature data is available from USGS gauge 07263620 this cycle, leaving conditions assessments grounded in regional angler intel. MLF News reports that Banks Shaw took first at the Bass Pro Tour Stage 6 on Grand Lake, Oklahoma (a stone's throw from the Arkansas border), catching 82 lbs, 15 oz on 28 scorable bass, signaling mid-South largemouth are very much in play under summer conditions. B.A.S.S. News notes that bass across Midwest river systems are moving from their postspawn behavior, a transition that typically arrives on Arkansas and White River impoundments by mid-June. Tactical Bassin emphasizes that summer bass become predictable once you identify temperature, forage, and structure; expect fish pushed to deeper shaded edges or current seams. On the White River tailwater, below Bull Shoals and Norfork dams, cool releases typically keep trout in solid shape through the heat. Check state regs for current White River trout limits and slot rules before heading out.
Catawba bass going deep as late-June heat tightens the bite
USGS gauge 02142900 registered just 1.65 cfs on the morning of June 22, signaling lean tributary flows across the Catawba watershed heading into summer. No local tackle-shop or guide reports for Catawba or Roanoke waters appeared in this feed, so the bite picture relies on seasonal patterns rather than direct on-the-water testimony. Late June typically sees largemouth bass shift from post-spawn shallows to deeper structure: main-lake points, submerged timber, and creek channel bends where cooler water holds. Tactical Bassin notes that "as temperatures rise, bass become very predictable," drawn to depth and bait schools. Wired 2 Fish highlights the Senko worm as a standout for finicky bass in warm conditions, citing its subtle fall action as the key trigger. On the Roanoke corridor, landlocked striped bass typically retreat toward the thermocline by late June; dawn and dusk windows or deep midday jigging are the standard approach. Check state regulations before heading out.
Lake Michigan Salmon Momentum Builds as Summer Pattern Takes Hold
The WI DNR Lake Michigan Fishing Report documented a landmark 2024 harvest season: over 210,000 coho salmon landed, a record for the species on the lake, and more than 160,000 Chinook, the best Chinook mark since 2012. The agency credits strong recent alewife year classes for driving that stocked-fish survival, a forage dynamic that carries relevance into the summer 2026 season. On the access front, the Rowley's Bay boat launch in Liberty Grove, Door County, closed through May 31 for concrete improvements, is now back open near Newport State Park, giving anglers a northern Door County staging point for the offshore bite. No live buoy or gauge readings were available for this report, so current water temperatures should be confirmed locally before heading out. Late June on Lake Michigan typically puts Chinook and coho salmon in the primary slot for charter and recreational trollers, with yellow perch and smallmouth bass rounding out the inshore options along the Door County and Sheboygan shorelines.
Finger Lakes Smallmouth Prime as Post-Spawn Bass Shift to Summer Structure
Water temperature logged at 62°F by USGS gauge 04232050 on the morning of June 22 confirms the Finger Lakes are crossing into early-summer fishing patterns. Smallmouth bass are the primary near-term target: post-spawn fish are recovering and migrating toward rock points, submerged ledges, and weedline transitions in 8 to 20 feet of water. Wired 2 Fish highlights the Senko worm as a go-to finesse option when bass turn picky in shallow water, and Tactical Bassin notes that summer bass split predictably between shallow feeders active in low-light windows and deep-structure fish hugging bottom during midday heat. On Cayuga and Seneca, cold-water species including lake trout and landlocked salmon are likely pressing below the developing thermocline as surface layers warm. No local charter or tackle-shop intel specific to the Finger Lakes appeared in this week's feed; anglers should check with local shops before heading out to confirm the latest bite windows.
Bull Shoals and Norfork running thin as midsummer heat peaks
USGS gauge 07060710 recorded just 9.92 cfs and 74°F on the White River system at 7:00 a.m. this morning, a combination that frames the challenge for late-June tailwater anglers. Minimal flow means generators at Bull Shoals and Norfork dams are largely offline, and 74°F sits at or above the upper thermal tolerance for rainbow trout, compressing feeding activity into low-light windows at dawn and dusk. Hatch Magazine's recent feature on fishing through drought conditions describes exactly what White River veterans recognize: when temperatures climb into this range, trout retreat to the deepest, coldest slots near dam tailraces and become selective to the point of near-inactivity through midday. Short sessions are strongly advised: barbless hooks, minimal fight time, and fish kept in the water during release. The most valuable planning tool right now is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' daily generation forecast for both dams. A generation run will flush cold hypolimnetic water downriver and trigger feeding almost immediately.
Summer bass patterns dial in on the Tennessee and Coosa River systems
USGS gauge 02339500 recorded a flow of 898 cfs on the morning of June 22, pointing to moderate, fishable conditions across the Coosa River corridor. Water temperature wasn't available at the gauge this cycle, but midsummer Alabama river surfaces typically climb well into the upper 70s by midday, enough to push bass off the shallows and onto shade-holding structure by mid-morning. Tactical Bassin notes that summer bass become highly predictable once you understand what drives their movement: forage, oxygen, and shade. For finicky fish, Wired 2 Fish backs the Senko worm hard as the top confidence bait in shallow cover, noting the salt-impregnated original Yamamoto version outproduces most alternatives in tough conditions. Early morning topwater around laydowns and grass edges can produce before the sun climbs; once it does, drop down to current seams, deep bends, and bridge pilings. Fishing the Midwest reminds us that rivers can deliver outstanding summertime action, especially for anglers willing to work structure instead of open water.
Bull Reds Holding Deep off Saint Simons as Summer Heat Builds
Bull redfish were caught in the Saint Simons area in recent days, with David McMaster landing a solid bull red there fishing with Capt. Tim Cutting. GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News reported this week's bite as 'fairly slow due to the hot weather and the rains,' with most fish pushed into deeper water. Offshore anglers also absorbed a significant setback: Georgia's proposed 62-day pilot red snapper season, set to open July 1 in federal waters, has been halted by a federal court ruling that struck down a series of Exempted Fishing Permits for South Atlantic states, per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News. No water temperature data is available from coastal buoys at this time. River gauges as of June 18 show the Savannah River at Clyo measuring 3.2 feet and rising, while the Altamaha at Doctortown sits at 5.1 feet and falling. For late June, summer heat and freshwater input are the key variables shaping where fish will hold.
Moosehead togue and landlocked salmon go deep as summer heat settles in
USGS gauge 01030500 on the upper Penobscot recorded 2,680 cfs on the morning of June 22 — a moderate, declining flow signaling the river has moved past its spring runoff peak and into early-summer base conditions. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge. No citable on-the-ground reports from Maine charter captains or tackle shops came in this cycle, so conditions below draw on seasonal patterns typical for Moosehead Lake and the upper Penobscot drainage in late June. Togue (lake trout) and landlocked Atlantic salmon have almost certainly retreated to the thermocline — typically 30–50 feet on Moosehead by the third week of June — as surface water warms. Smallmouth bass are the brightest spot right now: post-spawn fish are recovered and actively feeding on rocky shoals, points, and weedline edges. Fishing the Midwest's mid-season advice to work weedline edges carefully and systematically is sound counsel for Moosehead's shallower bays this week.