Fishing Reports

USGS gauge 11447650 logged the Sacramento River at 11,800 cfs and 71°F on May 23 — conditions that put the Delta squarely in its late-spring warmth window. NorCal Fish Reports covers the Delta beat regularly, but no specific on-water bite reports from guides or tackle shops surfaced in this cycle's feeds. Drawing on seasonal patterns: at 71°F, largemouth bass are typically deep into their post-spawn recovery and feeding aggressively along tule lines and transition structure — a setup that aligns with Wired 2 Fish's coverage of Justin Lucas's approach to shallow topwater near grass, reeds, and docks during low-light windows. Striped bass are generally in summer-scatter mode by late May, spread across main-channel sloughs and responding best to tidal current shifts. Channel catfish are reliably active once water climbs into the low 70s. White sturgeon have largely retreated toward cooler downstream reaches. Check current state regulations before targeting any species.

4d ago

Tactical Bassin's recent post-spawn analysis mirrors what late-May anglers can expect on the Arkansas and White Rivers: bass are off their beds and staging near channel transitions, responding to finesse presentations and slower retrieves as water temperatures climb through the lower 70s. USGS gauge 07263620 returned no readings this cycle, so precise flow data isn't available — check local conditions before launching. On the White River tailwater below Bull Shoals Dam, trout remain a year-round draw, with dam generation schedules dictating wading versus boat access more than weather does. Fishing the Midwest reinforces that river banks and shallow riprap edges stay productive through early summer for bass and catfish alike. First Quarter moon this weekend should sustain steady, moderate feeding activity. No Arkansas-specific charter or tackle-shop reports came through this cycle; verify local conditions before heading out.

4d ago

USGS gauge 09380000 logged the Colorado River at 8,070 cfs and 59°F on the evening of May 23, confirming stable tailwater conditions below Glen Canyon Dam that keep Lees Ferry trout fishing productive through early summer. No regional angler-intel feeds specifically covered the Colorado or Salt Rivers this cycle, so this report pairs gauge data with seasonal patterns. Broad freshwater guidance from Wired 2 Fish is worth noting: bass are locking onto shallow cover during low-light windows right now, a technique that applies directly to the Salt River corridor where largemouth and smallmouth are in post-spawn recovery. Fishing the Midwest adds that rivers deliver some of their best summer action as fish stage in current seams and structural edges. Water temperatures on the Salt River will run considerably warmer than the tailwater gauge reflects, so adjust your gear selection accordingly.

4d ago

NOAA buoy 46080 logged 45°F surface water in the Gulf of Alaska on May 24, with buoy 46001 reading 44°F and buoy 46066 coming in at 42°F, right in the typical range for this late-May transition. No charter or tackle-shop intel was available in this reporting cycle to ground-truth specific catches, but late May marks the calendar peak for spring Chinook salmon throughout the Gulf, with kings staging near tidal rips and river mouths ahead of inland migrations. Pacific halibut charters are typically running full schedules by this point, targeting structure in 100-300 feet of water. Wind readings varied considerably this period, from near-calm at buoy 46080 to a stiff 13 m/s at buoy 46066, flagging meaningful chop on exposed offshore grounds. The First Quarter moon brings moderate tidal exchange, a favorable setup for both halibut bottom fishing and Chinook feeding activity during dawn and dusk windows. Confirm sea state locally before committing to longer offshore runs.

4d ago

USGS gauge 15266300 on the Kenai recorded 45°F water and 2,870 cfs on May 23 — hallmark late-snowmelt conditions that frame the opening window for Alaska's early-run Chinook season. No charter or tackle-shop dispatches are in the current feed, so gauge data and published research carry the weight. Wired 2 Fish this week covered a University of Alaska Fairbanks study in Biological Invasions showing that warming Alaska freshwaters are causing invasive northern pike to increase their prey consumption — a finding relevant to interior river anglers and salmon advocates alike. At 45°F, Kenai water temps are right on seasonal track; Chinook are typically staging near the lower river in late May with the early run building toward its peak. Interior river grayling windows are opening up as ice-out wraps across drainages. Confirm open seasons and bag limits with state regulations before heading out — Chinook openings on the Kenai shift week by week.

4d ago

Flow at USGS gauge 02339500 is running at 817 cfs as of May 23, providing moderate current through the system. Bass are deep into the post-spawn transition, and Tactical Bassin's on-water coverage of Lake Chickamauga, a Tennessee River impoundment, shows fish responding to a mixed bag of swimbaits, chatterbaits, and finesse presentations depending on water clarity. Wired 2 Fish highlights shallow topwater as a reliable early-morning trigger: pro Justin Lucas advises covering water quickly around grass, reeds, and dock edges during low-light windows when post-spawn fish move shallow to feed. The first-quarter moon on May 24 sets up solid dawn and dusk feeding windows through the weekend. No direct water temperature reading was available at the gauge this cycle. Spotted bass, a Coosa River hallmark, are typical post-spawn recoverers at this point in May; no region-specific bite reports surfaced this week. Verify current state regulations before harvesting.

4d ago

NOAA buoy 42012 is reading 76°F in the Gulf off the Panhandle, with 2–3 foot seas and light winds — near-ideal conditions for inshore and nearshore runs. Coastal Angler Magazine makes the case that May is 'one of the most underrated windows of the year' for trophy speckled trout, with big fish remaining active before summer heat sets in. The same source spotlights gag grouper and scamp as the month's offshore headliners: find cigar minnows or sardines stacked on ledges, wrecks, or rock outcrops, and a live sardine or cigar minnow will last 'under ten seconds around any kind of fish.' Salt Strong includes the Florida Panhandle among its active mid-May inshore game plan regions, signaling that the flats bite is on. The waxing crescent moon is building tidal exchange, and the current sea state makes structure-fishing runs feasible for most boats heading offshore this week.

May 20

Capt. Brandon Naeve's crew out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters set a new boat record on May 9th — a 34-pound, 4-ounce snook boated on a Boca Grande charter — and that fish captures exactly where the calendar stands. Water temperatures are reading 80°F across both NOAA buoys 42036 and 42013, with light-to-moderate Gulf swells keeping conditions fishable across the region. Capt. Chuck Cress (CB's Saltwater Outfitters) is reporting upper-slot redfish and solid speckled trout action on the Sarasota flats. Jack crevalle are schooling aggressively in Sarasota Bay through early morning, per CB's latest report, hitting fast-retrieved topwater lures and poppers near oyster bars, seawalls, and inlets. Coastal Angler Magazine calls May an often-overlooked window for trophy speckled trout — fish that haven't fully shifted to summer patterns yet — and local captain reports support that read. Multiple target species are active and cooperative right now, with the snook pre-spawn push setting the headline bite.

May 20

ALL IN Key West charters reports mutton snappers 'chewing like crazy' during May's full moon spawn window, with yellowtail snapper running nearly as hot — described as 'practically jumping in the boat.' May is delivering across the board: a recent Gulf-side run logged grouper, cobia, barracuda, and kingfish in a single session per ALL IN Key West. Sport Fishing Mag notes that May through July is prime blackfin tuna season, with fish flooding offshore from the Keys north to Palm Beach — making this a genuine multi-species window. Wind readings at NOAA buoys SMKF1 and SANF1 show 13–16 knots easterly with air temperatures near 81°F. The waxing crescent moon is building toward the next lunar peak, which should keep snapper stacked on traditional reef structure. Coastal Angler Magazine adds that gag and scamp grouper are also prime this month when cigar minnows and sardines are schooling on ledges and wrecks. Plan offshore runs early to beat afternoon sea breezes.

May 20

The USGS gauge 08158000 recorded a Colorado River flow of 775 cfs on the evening of May 19, reflecting moderate flows through the Highland Lakes system. Direct on-the-water reports for Travis, LBJ, and Buchanan were absent from this cycle's intel feed, but the seasonal picture is clear: late May puts largemouth bass squarely in the post-spawn transition. Tactical Bassin (blog) reports the bluegill spawn is currently in full swing, drawing big largemouth into shallow heavy cover on topwater and frog presentations — a trigger that typically carries through Texas highland reservoirs at this time of year. Catfish, a mainstay of the Hill Country lake system, should be active along channel edges as late-spring water temperatures rise. Lone Star Outdoor News — Fishing reports that Texas waters yielded numerous new fishing records, reflecting healthy fish populations across the state. A waxing crescent moon on May 20 favors feeding activity at dawn and dusk transitions.

May 20

NOAA buoy 46026 is logging 50°F water along the SF Bay approach — squarely in the Chinook salmon comfort zone. Western Outdoor News — Saltwater reports a meaningful turnaround for the Central Coast salmon fishery: Captain Jared Davis of the Salty Lady, working out of Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, notes that water temps dropped from 58°F to 54°F below Pigeon Point since the season opened April 11 — driven by sustained northwest winds triggering upwelling that has reshaped the water column. Allen Bushnell, reporting from Monterey for Western Outdoor News — Saltwater, puts it plainly: "Many of us almost forgot what is like to have a real salmon season along the Central Coast of California." Conditions are aligning. Striped bass continue their seasonal push through San Francisco Bay, and California halibut remain a realistic target on inshore flats as water temperatures hold in this productive range. Bottom-fishing for rockfish is viable at offshore structure while the upwelling column persists.

May 20

Water temps at 63–64°F across the LA Bight — logged at NOAA buoys 46025 and 46221 — are signaling the seasonal transition surf anglers have been waiting for. According to Surf Fishing in So Cal, May 2026 "has delivered" after a mixed April, with conditions now "starting to come together in a big way" and potentially the best fishing of the season still ahead. Corbina and leopard sharks are the primary targets pulling surf casters to Southern California beaches this month, with sand crabs the go-to bait for corbina in the wash. Light winds around 3 m/s and a manageable 3-foot swell are keeping beach access comfortable. The waxing crescent moon is building tidal range through the coming week, which should sharpen morning and evening bite windows on the flats. Offshore on the Channel Islands, yellowtail and calico bass are seasonally on the table, though no specific fleet reports have come through this cycle — confirm with local landings before making the run.

May 20

USGS gauge 04059500 recorded flows of 454 cfs as of May 19 — moderate-to-elevated spring levels consistent with a UP river still shedding seasonal snowmelt. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge this period. The MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report did not yield specific bite conditions this cycle, leaving stream-level detail limited. On the Lake Superior front, the WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing program has been tracking a growing whitefish angling fishery in Chequamegon Bay — a signal that whitefish are finding accessible nearshore structure across the lake's basin as spring conditions mature. For UP trout streams, late May is a seasonally productive window for brook trout and brown trout: flows are typically declining from peak, hatches are diversifying, and fish transition from tight holding lies into active feeding positions. Elevated flows may still favor streamer presentations and drifting nymphs through deep current seams over dry-fly work this week.

May 20

With the bluegill spawn in full swing across Great Lakes-region fisheries — Tactical Bassin's recent on-water report documents bass moving aggressively into shallow heavy cover on topwater frogs — Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay are entering one of their most productive multi-species stretches of the year. Real-time sensor data returned no readings this cycle; USGS gauge 04157000 logged no flow or temperature, and the MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report did not render readable content. Angler activity on Saginaw Bay was confirmed this week via Outdoor Hub, which reported a party launching from Gambill's Landing — a sobering reminder of the bay's weather volatility and the importance of checking forecasts before heading out. Fishing the Midwest points to slip-sinker live-bait rigs and jigs as the go-to for walleye exiting spawning reefs into early-summer feed lanes. With a waxing crescent moon and late May underway, post-spawn walleye on mid-bay flats and pre-spawn smallmouth along Lake Huron's rocky shoreline are the prime targets.

May 20

The Grand River is running 3,860 cfs as of May 19, per USGS gauge 04119000 — elevated for late May and pushing a turbidity plume into the Lake Michigan nearshore at Grand Haven. No water temperature was logged at the gauge this cycle. Angler reports for this stretch are thin; the MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report was unavailable. WI DNR Lake Michigan Fishing Report notes that 2024 delivered record Lake Michigan coho catches (210,000+) and the best Chinook haul since 2012 (160,000+), suggesting a healthy forage base and strong cohort of fish now roaming the main lake. At the river mouth, elevated flow typically pushes late-run steelhead into the nearshore zone and concentrates walleye along the plume edge where baitfish stack against the current differential. Smallmouth bass — a growing management focus on northern Lake Michigan per WI DNR — are likely staging pre-spawn along rocky structure, a window Tactical Bassin (blog) flags as prime time for swimbaits and finesse presentations in clear Great Lakes shallows.

May 20

NOAA buoy 45005 logged 59°F water temperatures in the western basin on May 20 — squarely in walleye's preferred 55–70°F feeding range. No charter or tackle-shop dispatches from the Western Basin appeared in this week's intel feeds, so conditions here are built from buoy readings, tributary flow, and seasonal context. At 59°F, post-spawn walleye typically push off shallow reef structure and suspend over mid-depth flats in 18–25 feet; Fishing the Midwest notes that slow-trolling crankbaits and spinner rigs become the high-percentage move once fish scatter post-spawn. The Sandusky River (USGS gauge 04193500) is running at 2,080 cfs — elevated spring discharge that may stain near-shore water and nudge fish toward cleaner offshore zones. Winds near 16 mph and 2-foot swells are manageable for experienced western basin boaters, though early-morning lulls typically offer the best trolling precision and the most productive bite windows.

May 20

Spring Creek is flowing at 79.6 cfs (USGS gauge 01546500, May 19) — moderate and wading-friendly for the limestone trout fisheries of central Pennsylvania. No water temperature was logged at the gauge, but late May places both Spring Creek and Penns Creek squarely inside one of the most storied hatching windows on the East Coast. Flylords Mag's recent feature on green drake fishing puts the Ephemerella emergence from early May through late June on East Coast limestone streams — meaning both rivers are at or near the heart of that hatch right now. Gink and Gasoline's spring creek piece confirms sulphurs and Light Cahills typically arrive in late April through May, setting up the sulphur-and-drake overlap that keeps large brown trout active through long evening feeding windows. Flows are stable, clarity should be strong on these groundwater-fed streams, and Flylab's essay on trout midge preference is a useful reminder to keep midge pupae in the box for quiet midday hours between hatch peaks.

May 20

USGS gauge 03036500 clocked the Allegheny River at 15,000 cfs on the evening of May 19 — a notably elevated reading for late May that signals compressed fishing windows for the Pittsburgh tailwater stretch. No water temperature was logged at the gauge this cycle. With main-channel structure submerged and currents running heavy, smallmouth bass and walleye have likely retreated to eddies, wing dams, and tailrace pockets below the Allegheny's lock-and-dam staircase. No direct tackle-shop or guide reports for this specific reach were available this update. PA Fish & Boat Commission biologist reports, a primary benchmark for post-spawn activity in this district, offered no field notes this week. PA Sea Grant's December angler engagement workshop flagged Round Goby as a spreading invasive concern in Northwestern PA; anglers should confirm they're using compliant bait sources before heading out. With no corroborating local testimony, species outlooks below are inferred from gauge data and seasonal context — treat them as estimates, not confirmed reports.

May 20

NOAA buoy 45005 recorded Lake Erie's central-basin water at 59°F early on May 20 — right at the threshold where walleye and smallmouth bass traditionally click into gear along the Pennsylvania shoreline and Presque Isle Bay. No charter-level or tackle-shop reports came through for the Erie PA stretch in this cycle, so conditions context leans on environmental data and seasonal patterns. Tactical Bassin's current Great Lakes smallmouth coverage highlights this exact window — clear, cool water during the prespawn-to-spawn transition — as one of the most productive of the year for the region, pointing to swimbaits and finesse presentations as top producers. Conneaut Creek (USGS gauge 04213000) held at a fishable 139 cfs, keeping tributary access open for any late-run steelhead stragglers. PA Sea Grant has flagged Round Goby as an active ongoing concern for Northwestern Pennsylvania Lake Erie waters; anglers moving bait between systems should be mindful of inadvertent spread.

May 20

NOAA buoy 46041 recorded winds of 7 m/s with air temperatures near 52°F (11.5°C) before dawn on May 20, while inner-Sound buoy 46087 registered a calmer 3 m/s — a spread that points to manageable outer-coast swells and relatively calm conditions inside Puget Sound. Direct current-catch reports for WA saltwater are thin in today's data window; WA WDFW Fishing Reports confirms the agency actively tracks statewide creel activity, but no specific bite summaries were available at time of publication. Seasonally, mid-May is prime time for spring Chinook salmon in key Puget Sound waterways and along the outer coast, with the Pacific halibut fishery running concurrently. Nearshore anglers typically work lingcod and rockfish on structure throughout the spring. Conditions look favorable for small-boat outings, especially inside the Sound where winds are light. Confirm current retention rules with WDFW before targeting spring Chinook or halibut — season windows and slot limits shift frequently this time of year.

May 20

USGS gauge 14113000 recorded 1,160 cfs and 58°F on the evening of May 19 — a temperature that puts the late leg of the spring Chinook push and the building American shad run squarely in play on the Columbia system. WA WDFW Fishing Reports tracks statewide creel data and stocking updates, though specific bite conditions from this cycle were not available in our intel feeds. At 58°F, water sits firmly in the thermal zone where spring Chinook hold actively in transitional current edges and deeper tailouts before pushing further upriver. Smallmouth bass — a Columbia mainstay — typically go on the bite as temps clear the mid-50s, with rocky mid-river structure the natural starting point. Shad runs typically crest through late May and into June, making this a reliable light-tackle window in current breaks and eddies. Verify retention rules and access conditions with WA WDFW Fishing Reports before heading out, as spring Chinook regulations vary by reach and date.

May 20

Water temps hit 59°F at NOAA buoy 44009 early this morning, placing the Chesapeake mouth squarely in the productive late-spring window for striped bass. Virginia DWR's spring rockfish report has biologists watching fish school along channel edges, sandy flats, and grass beds, with coastal fish holding tight to rocky shorelines and hard structure — classic staging behavior as post-spawn fish filter through the lower Bay. Per OTW Saltwater's May 19 migration update, the striper front has reached New England, with Long Island Sound loaded with big bass on bunker. Weakfish are beginning to show in nearby Northeast waters per Saltwater Edge Blog (RI), and the species typically reaches the lower Bay in late May. Cobia — a seasonal late-May arrival at the Bay mouth that no source has specifically confirmed this cycle — are worth scanning for as temps inch toward 62°F. A waxing crescent moon keeps tidal exchange moderate; focus on first light for the strongest bite windows.

May 20

The Virginia DWR Wildlife Blog is spotlighting spring striped bass fishing across Virginia's tidal rivers, with rockfish schooling along channel edges, sandy flats, grass beds, and rocky shorelines — the same structural patterns that define the tidal Potomac below the fall line. USGS gauge 01646500 at Little Falls recorded 2,300 cfs on the evening of May 19, a moderate spring pulse that keeps the main channel accessible without the suspended sediment of peak runoff. On the non-tidal Potomac and throughout the Shenandoah drainage, the story is smallmouth bass: Tactical Bassin confirms the bluegill spawn is in full swing, a seasonal trigger that pushes big bass shallow into heavy cover and makes topwater the first call at first light. Wired 2 Fish notes post-spawn bass are beginning to school, meaning when you find fish, the action can be fast and sustained. The waxing crescent moon will amplify low-light bite windows at dawn and dusk across both systems over the coming days.

May 20

Water temperatures hitting 80°F at NOAA buoy 42035 signal peak late-spring conditions along the Galveston-Corpus corridor. The headline: red snapper season has opened offshore, and the Galveston Daily News — Reel Report notes Galveston Party Boats' New Buccaneer returned with an excellent catch from the deep rigs — though crews dealt with drifting seaweed and heavy vessel traffic around the platforms. Inshore, redfish are drawing serious attention: the second leg of the Galveston Redfish Series ran May 9 with live video weigh-ins, and South Texas captains confirm the bite has been strong as air temps climb, per the same outlet. Coastal Angler Magazine flags May as an overlooked window for trophy speckled trout — those chasing a personal best still have a shot. The 37th annual CCA STAR Tournament begins Saturday, per Lone Star Outdoor News — Fishing, putting added pressure on bay slot reds. Wind has eased to around 13 mph per buoy 42035, giving inshore anglers a workable window after earlier rough conditions.

May 20