Fishing Reports

The Bassmaster Elite just wrapped at Santee Cooper Lakes, and the scorecards tell the story: post-spawn largemouth are feeding aggressively. Per B.A.S.S. News, Chris Johnston won the 2026 Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper with a four-day total of 113 pounds, 12 ounces — a dominant performance anchored by urchin-style soft plastics, particularly the Coike bait that drew lines across the field. Fish are working heavy cover as they transition off spawning flats. Tactical Bassin confirms the bluegill spawn is now fully underway, a reliable trigger that pulls big bass shallow for ambush feeding on topwater frogs and reaction baits. Over on Lake Murray, the Saluda River (USGS gauge 02160390) is running at a modest 120 cfs, indicating stable, low-turbidity inflow conditions favorable for visibility-sensitive presentations like finesse rigs and drop shots on mid-lake structure. Gauge temperature was unavailable, but mid-May in the SC Piedmont typically puts reservoir surface temps in the low-to-mid 70s°F.

May 19

NOAA buoys 44085 and 44097 are reading 54–55°F as of May 19 — a meaningful jump from the 48°F the Frances Fleet clocked earlier in the week — and anglers are feeling the difference. The Saltwater Edge Blog (RI) reports big striped bass "crushing big baits all over the state," with bunker pods in the upper bay drawing the most consistent action. Per The Fisherman — Rhode Island, large bluefish moved into the bay last week; they've been picky but visible, tailing on the surface. The Fisherman (Northeast) calls the regional striper run "supercharged," with fish averaging upper-teens to 20 pounds and 40-pound class bass now entering the region. Frances Fleet (via The Fisherman — Rhode Island) logged steady fluke keepers and a solid squid night trip this week. Tautog action is building; Booked Off Charters (via The Fisherman — Rhode Island) anticipated the bite to sharpen once water crossed 50°F. The Saltwater Edge Blog (RI) also flagged weakfish starting to show in decent numbers — an encouraging early sign for a species worth watching.

May 19

Readings from USGS gauge 01540500 on the West Branch Susquehanna placed water temperature at 64°F with flows running elevated at 16,100 cfs on the evening of May 18 — conditions that put smallmouth bass squarely in post-spawn recovery and scatter mode. No local shop or charter reports populated this cycle, so technique and species expectations here lean on regional fishing blogs and season-typical behavior rather than fresh Pennsylvania-specific testimony. Tactical Bassin reports that the bluegill spawn is now in full swing across comparable mid-latitude freshwater fisheries, concentrating big bass in shallow heavy cover and opening a reliable window for topwater frogs and walking baits. Wired 2 Fish notes that tight-lining — suspending live bait or soft plastics and reading suspended fish on traditional 2D sonar — remains productive for post-spawn bass holding off main-channel current. PA Sea Grant flagged active Round Goby invasion awareness in Northwestern PA drainages; anglers fishing the Allegheny system should clean, drain, and dry gear between outings.

May 19

NOAA buoys 46029 and 46002 placed water temperatures at 56–57°F along the Oregon Coast as of May 19 — a range that aligns with prime spring Chinook and Pacific halibut season windows. Winds measured 4–9 m/s across monitoring stations, indicating manageable offshore conditions, though no wave height data was reported this cycle. Specific Oregon Coast charter or tackle-shop intelligence was not captured in this reporting period, so bite conditions are assessed from buoy readings and seasonal context. For regional perspective, Western Outdoor News — Saltwater noted this spring that Pacific Coast salmon activity has been sharply sensitive to water temperature swings, with California operators observing significant behavior shifts tied to just a few degrees of change — a pattern Oregon Coast anglers should keep in mind when nearshore upwelling occurs. Spring Chinook, Pacific halibut, and black rockfish are all seasonally on schedule at these temperatures. Verify current ODFW regulations before heading out, as season dates and bag limits vary by area.

May 19

Water temperature at USGS gauge 14211720 hit 64°F on May 18, a reading squarely in the band that activates spring Chinook movement and puts Columbia smallmouth bass on the prowl. Flow registered 15,000 cfs — a meaningful spring push that keeps fish traveling but retains enough fishable structure along seams and eddies. Angler-intel feeds specific to the Columbia and Rogue drainages were sparse this week; IFish.net Fishing Reports traffic centered on lost gear along the Columbia corridor with no bite accounts surfacing from mainstem or tributary runs. In the absence of direct on-water testimony, conditions are assessed against mid-May seasonal norms: spring Chinook are the headline target on both systems, the American shad wave is building toward its typical late-May–June Columbia peak, and 64°F water makes rocky structure along the lower Columbia prime real estate for aggressive smallmouth. Verify current run counts and regulations before heading out.

May 19

Red drum have arrived in force along the Hatteras shoreline. Ryan of Hatteras Jack — via Fisherman's Post (NC) — reports the surf action has "come alive," with drum making a strong push onto the beaches and anglers catching good numbers along the stretch. NOAA buoy 41025, positioned off Diamond Shoals at Cape Hatteras, logged 80°F water temps, helping concentrate baitfish schools tight to the beach and putting feeding drum within casting range. Bluefish are also in the mix, with adjacent Fisherman's Post (NC) coastal reports noting plenty of good-sized fish working the area. Offshore, South Atlantic red snapper access has been significantly expanded for 2026 under newly approved exempted fishing permits covering North Carolina waters, per Sport Fishing Mag. Seas are running 3 feet at the Diamond Shoals buoy with moderate breezes — workable surf conditions for anglers targeting the productive Hatteras beach face.

May 19

MLF News reports Mount Airy's Troy Watson winning the Phoenix Bass Fishing League event on High Rock Lake with a shad spawn pattern — a 20-pound, 6-ounce limit built on an early-morning bite that's representative of what NC Piedmont impoundments are producing right now. The shad spawn trigger is a reliable mid-May signal on the Catawba chain as well, pushing largemouth onto shallow creek arms and main-lake points. USGS gauge 02142900 shows the watershed running at just 2.06 cfs — extremely low tributary flow that signals clear, low conditions. Expect spookier fish in the shallows and a premium on finesse rigs and lighter line. On the Roanoke, the celebrated spring striped bass run is entering its final stretch: the peak push of spawning fish typically clears the upper river by mid-May, with fish beginning to drop back toward deeper structure in Kerr Reservoir. Check NCWRC slot and size regs before keeping any stripers.

May 19

Water temps of 56–57°F per NOAA buoys 44025 and 44065, and the Long Island striper bite is firing on all cylinders from the surf to the back bays. Chasing Tails Bait & Tackle (per The Fisherman — Long Island South Shore) called the past week "one for the books," with solid schools working the bays and beaches responding to swim shads, SPs, and bucktails. Out east, The Fisherman — Long Island East End correspondent Matt Broderick reports steady Montauk action with slot fish and occasional larger bass on diamond jigs, bucktails, and surface plugs from both boat and surf. River Bay Outfitters (West End) notes big fish keying on bunker, sand eels, and spearing — early mornings and moving tides delivering the most consistent shots at trophy class fish. Fluke season is officially open, and Sea Rogue Charters (West End) put four anglers on nine bay keepers Saturday. Porgies are running strongly at Shinnecock, and black sea bass season opened May 16 with South Shore wrecks already producing.

May 19

Water readings of 56°F from NOAA buoys 44065 and 44091 capture the mid-May state of the Jersey Shore: cold enough to hold striped bass locked in tight, but not yet warm enough to ignite sea bass or fluke. Blue Chip Sportfishing (NJ) calls the striper action 'the best Striper Fishing possible,' and Fishermans HQ LBI confirms fish are 'cruising the surf and feeding' from the island's north end to south end, with fresh clam leading the charge. The Fisherman — Southern NJ reports fishing is 'firing on all cylinders' along the Delaware Bayfront, with oversize stripers to 46 inches and black drum now mixing in on clam and bloodworm baits. NJ Fish & Wildlife News confirms black sea bass season opened May 15, but Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands NJ and multiple Northern NJ party boats report the bite is essentially a no-show so far, waiting on warmer water. A Memorial Day warm-up is the swing variable poised to change that.

May 19

The tidal Delaware River is serving up solid striper action from the Trenton area south through Lambertville and into the tidewater reach, per Old School Outdoors in Ewing as reported by The Fisherman — NJ/DE Freshwater. Shad remain in the mix but are expected to start winding down at the turn of June — making the next 10 days the prime window for targeting both species in the same corridor. USGS gauge 01408000 places the Toms River at a lean 25.8 cfs, consistent with the dry stretch Tackle World flagged: falling water levels are expected into June unless the region sees meaningful rain. Crappie fishing has been good across NJ lakes and ponds through the first half of May, with fish beginning to school up toward summer haunts around bridges and pilings. Largemouth are on the spawning beds. In the Pine Barrens cedar waters, pickerel remain active per The Fisherman — NJ/DE Freshwater. A warming trend rolling into Memorial Day weekend should nudge the overall bite upward.

May 19

The Platte River is running at 2,100 cfs as of May 18, per USGS gauge 06796000 — moderate spring flow that keeps structure accessible and current fishable for post-spawn bass and staging catfish. Nebraska Game & Parks signals the season is fully underway, with their weekly coverage calling out active time on the water across the state. One practical note for NE anglers: Nebraska Game & Parks reports road construction is underway on the route to Kramper Lake and Danish Alps SRA, with a detour in place for the next several weeks — check it before making the drive. Post-spawn bass are transitioning to summer feeding patterns; Fishing the Midwest recommends shallow flats and structure edges with a casting approach this time of year, noting that fish tend to be cooperative and school together during the early-summer transition. Channel catfish are likely moving to pre-spawn staging holds in deeper channel bends as water temperatures climb toward typical late-May ranges.

May 19

USGS gauge 04119000 recorded the Grand River running at 4,060 cfs on May 18—a robust spring pulse that typically pushes baitfish toward the river-mouth zone on Lake Michigan. On Lake Erie, a Michigan Sportsman Forum report from the afternoon of May 17 described a three-man walleye limit near the Fermi area: harnesses and stick baits in 15 feet of water, with cotton candy and fruit dots running 35 to 45 leads back. Forum accounts are chatter rather than confirmed testimony, but the timing fits post-spawn walleye staging on western Lake Erie. The MI DNR's May 13 weekly report flagged active commercial netting gear near several popular Great Lakes ports—watch for orange-flagged buoys that may be widely spaced. Michigan Sea Grant recently launched smallmouth bass tracking research in Saginaw Bay, a signal that the Great Lakes bass bite is building toward its early-summer peak. The waxing crescent moon favors low-light morning bites through the weekend.

May 19

Water temperatures in the 53–56°F range, confirmed by NOAA buoys 44013 and 44020, have ignited one of the stronger spring striper pushes in recent memory across Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay. Per The Fisherman — Cape Cod & Islands, stripers have made "impressive appearances" along the Cape Cod Bay shoreline, with the Canal firing at both ends and mackerel beginning to show in its east end. Red Top Sporting Goods reports bass schools working bait "almost all over Buzzards Bay," with fish reaching the high 30-inch class, and bluefish making their first credible local appearances off Mattapoisett and Wareham. Tautog remain active on structure, though green crab supply is a reported concern. The Fisherman (Northeast) calls this a "supercharged spring striper run," with 40-pound class fish beginning to enter the region. On The Water's May 15 migration map confirms the run has extended all the way to Maine, underscoring the breadth of this push.

May 19

Trout are still in play across Central MA ponds, with Rod Teehan landing three brook trout and three rainbows on May 13 while trolling the deep north side of Hampton (Pequot) Pond in Westfield — a Bobby Garland Baby Shad on the surface accounted for fish despite cold, rainy conditions (The Fisherman — New England Freshwater). Largemouth bass have since shifted into spawning mode across local ponds, turning "trickier" to entice than they were during the pre-spawn surge just weeks ago, per the same source. USGS gauge 01105500 shows the Assabet River running at a low 15.2 cfs as of May 18 — conditions that concentrate bass on shallow structure and keep visibility high. The Blackstone River (gauge 01111500) reads a moderate 90.4 cfs. With a waxing crescent moon and late-May warming underway, both the trout and bass windows remain open for anglers willing to slow down and adjust their presentations.

May 19

Water temperatures in the Delaware/Maryland coastal corridor are reading 58°F per NOAA buoy 44009, and conditions have been a mixed bag. The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake correspondent Eric Burnley reported as of May 17 that rough water and small craft advisories limited quality fishing, though fish were caught when windows opened. The standout bite right now is black drum: reports via The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake place fish stacked at the Coral Beds off Slaughter Beach and along Broadkill Beach, where clams and sand fleas fished at dusk are producing reliably. On the striper front, OTW Saltwater's May 15 migration map confirms the spring run has extended all the way to Maine, and their May 12 report notes large Chesapeake-origin bass — 50-pound-class fish — already staged along the coast ahead of the new moon. Flounder remain slow in the cool water but catchable. The waxing crescent moon and slowly climbing temps should open better windows in the days ahead.

May 19

Inshore water temps in the western Gulf of Maine hit 51°F at NOAA buoy 44007 this week, and the spring striped bass migration has officially arrived on schedule. On The Water's May 15 striper migration map declared the run 'fully extended through the Northeast,' with migratory fish now reaching Maine. The Fisherman's South Shore MA to ME desk confirms stripers to the 40-inch class at the Merrimack River and fish in the 30-inch class as far north as the Saco River, with Surfland Bait & Tackle noting the herring run is still 'on' — river mouths on herring-imitating presentations are producing the most consistent results on bigger bass. Offshore, the haddock bite has lit up hard: Beauport Fishing Adventures describes it as 'some of the best they've seen in years,' with limit catches now common. Mackerel are also working inshore and pushing north, setting up what should be an active late-May finish across the Gulf of Maine.

May 19

On The Water's May 15 striper migration map confirmed migratory fish are now arriving in Maine, and The Fisherman — South Shore MA to ME placed 30-inch-class bass as far north as the Saco River — putting the vanguard of the spring push squarely on the doorstep of the Kennebec system. Surfland Bait & Tackle, reporting through The Fisherman — South Shore MA to ME, notes the herring run is "still very much on," making herring imitations the clear top choice for bass working upriver. The Kennebec is running at 6,740 cfs (USGS gauge 01046500), a robust but fishable spring flow consistent with active herring migration into both river systems. Landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass fill out the freshwater calendar at this stage of the season, though no regional sources this week reported specific Kennebec or Penobscot condition updates for those species. With a waxing crescent moon, low-light windows at dawn and dusk favor topwater plugs and subsurface presentations in tidal reaches.

May 19

Gulf water hitting 81°F at NOAA buoy 42001 signals peak late-spring conditions along Louisiana's coast. Louisiana Sportsman's May 17 column by Chris Holmes spotlights strong topwater action for speckled trout, particularly for kayak anglers working shallow marsh flats — Holmes notes that skipping surface lures entirely means missing some of the most exciting fishing of the season. Offshore, Coastal Angler Magazine flags May as prime time for gag and scamp grouper on structure: ledges, wrecks, and rock outcrops holding schools of cigar minnows and sardines, with a live offering near that bait concentration lasting "under ten seconds" before a strike. Both buoy stations report winds of 5–7 m/s; buoy 42067 shows 3-foot seas — manageable for bay and nearshore runs, but monitor forecasts before pushing offshore. Redfish remain a reliable target on shell reefs and marsh edges. A waxing crescent moon builds toward first quarter through the week, sharpening dawn and dusk feeding windows.

May 19

The Mississippi River at Baton Rouge is pushing 484,000 cfs at 72°F (USGS gauge 07374000, Monday evening), flooding the Atchafalaya Basin's cypress flats and willowbrush into prime late-spring territory. Seventy-two degrees is the sweet spot for the bluegill spawn — Tactical Bassin reports the panfish spawn is in full swing, and where bream are bedding in Louisiana's warm shallows, trophy largemouth are rarely far behind. Topwater presentations over flooded heavy cover are the play, with frogs and walking baits drawing blow-ups from bass stacked along the timber edge. Louisiana Sportsman's May 17 kayak column reinforces the topwater momentum, noting that anglers who skip surface lures are leaving the most exciting spring fishing on the table. Blue catfish and channel cats also tend to stack near wing dams and hard structure when the river runs this high, ambushing baitfish pushed by the current. The waxing crescent moon should extend productive surface windows into last light on calm evenings.

May 19

USGS gauge 06892350 clocked the Kansas River at 81°F and 2,080 cfs on May 18 — a warm reading for mid-May that signals the post-spawn window is well in motion. At these temperatures, channel catfish are typically feeding aggressively; structure fishing with cut bait near deeper channel edges is the standard play. Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is currently 'in full swing,' a condition that pushes big largemouth bass into shallow, heavy cover — topwater frogs and buzzbaits around flooded timber and grass edges should draw strikes. Fishing the Midwest notes that early summer transitions can be some of the most productive freshwater windows for bass and crappie, when a simple casting approach in the shallows outperforms more complex presentations. No region-specific charter or shop reports were available this week; the picture is built primarily from gauge readings and general Midwest angler intel. Check state regulations for any slot limits before keeping fish.

May 19

The Wabash River is running at 4,050 cfs per USGS gauge 03335500 as of May 18 — elevated spring flow that is tapering but still likely pushing off-color water through the main channel. No water temperature came through on the gauge this cycle; anglers should probe conditions at the ramp before committing to a stretch. What the calendar confirms: the bluegill spawn is underway across the Midwest, and Tactical Bassin's recent coverage identifies this as one of the year's best windows for big largemouth bass — frogs and topwater walking baits worked in heavy shallow cover are the focal presentation right now. Fishing the Midwest's Mike Frisch recommends a casting approach into shallow flats and pockets for crappie, bass, and walleye in spring's early weeks, noting fish stack once you locate them. On Lake Michigan, IL/IN Sea Grant confirmed its three nearshore buoys are freshly deployed for the season, supporting anglers targeting the Indiana shoreline where post-spawn smallmouth and yellow perch are typical mid-May quarry.

May 19

The Illinois River is running at 27,200 cfs per USGS gauge 05586100, an elevated spring pulse pushing bass into calmer backwaters and slack-water margins. The bluegill spawn is confirmed in full swing across Midwest freshwater systems per Tactical Bassin, a reliable trigger for aggressive largemouth activity in shallow heavy cover — frogging and topwater walking baits are the priority presentations right now. Wired 2 Fish's recent topwater breakdown reinforces the case for walking baits and poppers when fish are actively looking up. On Lake Michigan, smallmouth are transitioning post-spawn in the nearshore zone; Tactical Bassin's Great Lakes smallmouth guide favors swimbaits and finesse rigs as fish slide off spawning structure. Fishing the Midwest recommends spinning gear with jigs and slip-sinker rigs for walleye pursuing current-break targets this season. Channel catfish should be active in river eddies based on seasonal timing, though no specific source confirmation is available this week. No water temperature reading is available from the gauge.

May 19

Surface water temperatures of 75°F northwest of Oahu (NOAA buoy 51001) and 79°F east of the Big Island (NOAA buoy 51004) confirm that warm offshore conditions are well-established across the Hawaiian chain — precisely the foundation the region's summer pelagic season is built on. Seas are running 7–8 feet on northeast trades near 17 knots, so offshore access this week favors vessels built for open-ocean runs. Hawaii Fishing News — the state's official record-keeper and the primary source for current lunar and tidal data — is the go-to local reference; specific charter-captain or tackle-shop bite reports were not available in this cycle's intel feed. With water temps in the right zone, late May traditionally puts blue marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), mahi-mahi, and wahoo all in their productive season. Saltwater Sportsman highlights sub-surface trolling spreads with skirted lures and flat lines as a proven offshore setup in conditions like these.

May 19

An around-12-pound tripletail caught by Joe Thompson and his father headlines recent Georgia Atlantic Coast action, highlighted in GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News' May 10 Southern Waters Fishing Report by Joshua Barber. Barber flags that approaching hot weather will likely push fish into deeper water — a key transition signal for offshore and nearshore anglers heading into the weekend. The biggest regulatory development of the season: Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag confirm that Georgia is among the South Atlantic states that secured exempted fishing permits (EFPs) for greatly expanded 2026 red snapper seasons this summer, a significant change from recent compressed seasons. NOAA buoy 41008 recorded air temperatures near 77°F with light winds around 10 knots on May 18, suggesting manageable offshore conditions. River levels remain elevated, with the Altamaha at Doctortown running at 6.7 feet and rising as of May 14, which can temporarily cloud nearshore waters and push inshore species toward saltier ground.

May 19