Fishing reports
6969 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
High water shifts Kansas River bite toward catfish this week
USGS gauge 06892350 on the Kansas-Arkansas river system is reading 78°F with flow pushed up to roughly 14,700 cfs, a clear sign of recent runoff keeping the water high and off-color. Stained, elevated flow like this usually favors current-oriented feeders over sight-hunters, so channel and flathead catfish should be actively working seams, eddies, and washed-in forage rather than holding tight to structure. Bass anglers aren't shut out either - Tactical Bassin's July bait roundup this week points nationally toward moving baits and low-light topwater as water climbs through the upper 70s, a pattern that should carry over to Kansas water. Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen is also reminding open-water anglers to work weedlines and stay versatile as the summer pattern locks in. White bass and drum should still be catchable in the margins and slack current if anglers slow down. No direct Kansas or Arkansas River report came in this cycle, so treat the bite calls here as seasonal expectation, not a confirmed local report.
Oklahoma bass settle into summer patterns as river flows dip
USGS gauge 07247500 is reading a lean 6.75 cfs this morning, signaling low, stable flow heading into peak summer heat across the region. Water temperature wasn't captured at this gauge, but for Lake Eufaula and the Red River in early July, water typically runs well into the 80s, pushing largemouth bass and striped bass toward deeper structure and current breaks during daylight hours. No angler reports came in directly from Eufaula or the Red River corridor this cycle, so we're leaning on Tactical Bassin's July playbook: slow-fished soft jerkbaits and Texas-rigged worms worked around deep cover tend to outproduce moving baits once surface temps spike. Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen also flags working the weedline as a reliable way to locate active fish along oxygenated grass edges in summer. Low, steady flow like this usually means clearer water and more predictable current breaks for both bass and catfish. Expect early and late light to stay the most productive windows as midday heat pushes fish deep.
Low water tests patience for Champlain bass and CT River trout
USGS gauge 01135300 logged flow at just 18 cfs this morning, a sign of the thin water many Vermont rivers are running under as summer heat sets in. No shop or captain reports crossed our feed specifically for the Connecticut River or Lake Champlain this cycle, so we're leaning on regional technique intel and seasonal norms rather than fresh bite reports. Tactical Bassin's July roundup of go-to bass baits highlights aggressive, high-metabolism feeding this time of year, a pattern that should hold for Champlain's smallmouth and largemouth. Fishing the Midwest's reminder to work summer weedlines applies directly to walleye and pike holding in emerging vegetation. On the fly side, MidCurrent notes hatches are firing and predatory fish are pushing into shallows across the region, useful context for Connecticut River trout as low, clear flows push feeding to first and last light.
Ohio reservoir bass settle onto summer weedlines as flows stay low
The regional USGS gauge (03110000) is holding at a modest 31.1 cfs as of early Thursday morning, a typical low-water signature for early July feeding into the Mosquito and Pymatuning system. No Ohio-specific captain or shop reports crossed our feeds this cycle, so this update leans on general seasonal technique rather than lake-specific bite calls. The seasonal playbook still applies: Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen is pointing anglers toward weedlines as the open-water season hits full swing, a pattern that should line up well with largemouth activity around Pymatuning's vegetation edges. Tactical Bassin's July baits roundup notes bass metabolisms are running hot as water warms, pushing fish into aggressive feeding windows at dawn and dusk. Walleye and catfish are likely following their typical summer depth and current patterns on these reservoirs, though we don't have a direct report confirming it this week.
High water pushes Clinton-Dubuque pool fish to current breaks
USGS gauge 05420500 clocked Mississippi River flow at roughly 79,300 cfs and water temperature at 82°F early this morning, putting the Clinton-Dubuque pools well above typical summer pool stage. That kind of push shoves current-loving fish like walleye and sauger off the main channel and into wing-dam eddies, tailwater seams, and backwater cuts where forage collects out of the heaviest flow. Warm water combined with high flow is a classic trigger for channel and flathead catfish, which tend to feed hardest after dark and through low-light stretches when current runs elevated. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are more likely tucked into flooded shoreline cover and slack pockets than holding in open current right now. We don't have region-specific angler reports in today's feed to confirm exact bite windows, so treat species status below as seasonally typical rather than confirmed hot action. Fishing the Midwest's early-July coverage of the 2026 open-water season points to anglers leaning on versatile presentations and working weedlines and current breaks as summer progresses, a pattern that carries over directly to high-water pool fishing here.
Elevated Platte-Missouri flows put catfish and carp on the summer menu
The Platte and Missouri corridor is running strong this morning, with USGS gauge 06796000 showing flow at 3,390 cfs and no water-temperature reading logged for this cycle. No Nebraska-specific angler reports came through in today's sweep, so we're leaning on typical July behavior for this system: catfish tend to stay active through higher, off-color water while walleye and white bass activity often tapers until flows settle and clarity improves. Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen has been pushing a versatility message this season, working weed edges and adjusting technique rather than sticking with what worked last week, and that principle applies directly to a river running this much water right now. Carp remain a dependable, underrated target on slack-current edges through the heat. Expect a slower bite for anything sight-dependent until the flow eases and the water cleans up some. Check Nebraska regs before harvesting, and plan trips around the low-light dawn and dusk windows while surface temps stay warm.
High Flows Push Catfish to the Edges on the Iowa & Des Moines Rivers
The Iowa River gauge near Iowa City (USGS 05465500) logged 14,800 cfs early this morning, a clear signal of high, likely stained water moving through the Iowa and Des Moines River systems after recent rain. That kind of push typically scatters gamefish out of the main current and into eddies, wing-dam pockets, and creek-mouth slack water. This week's regional intel feed didn't carry any reports specific to Iowa rivers, so we're leaning on typical July patterns here rather than fresh on-the-water word. High, murky flows like this usually favor channel catfish, which key in on scent over sight and often feed aggressively on the rise and early fall of a spike. Walleye and smallmouth tend to go quieter until the water starts clearing, sliding tight to any current break they can find. Crappie should stay catchable around shallower, calmer backwater cover while the main river stays blown out.
Smallmouth bite holds steady as Finger Lakes settle into summer pattern
USGS gauge 04232050 logged 67°F water with a steady 19.8 cfs flow heading into July 5, numbers that put the Finger Lakes region squarely into its standard early-July summer pattern rather than anything unusual. With water in the mid-60s, smallmouth and largemouth bass are the most reliable shallow-water target right now, pushing onto weedlines and cover early and late in the day, the exact seasonal move Fishing the Midwest's weedline column flags as the go-to summer play for both bass and walleye. Tactical Bassin's July baits rundown backs the same window, pointing anglers toward topwater and moving baits before the sun climbs, then a slide deeper as fish beat the heat midday. Lake trout should still be catchable working the thermocline edges as surface temps push past their comfort range. No Finger Lakes-specific catch reports came through this week's feeds, so treat species notes below as seasonal expectation tied to the gauge reading, not a confirmed bite.
Catskills trout lean on terrestrials as summer flows run low
USGS gauges on the Catskills' East Branch Delaware system are reading low, typical-for-July summer base flow, with no water temperature reading available from either site today. Trout Unlimited's early-July advisory is a timely reminder that trout are cold-blooded and struggle as flows drop and afternoons heat up, urging anglers toward early starts, short fights, and stepping away entirely once water warms past safe handling limits. On the positive side, Trout Unlimited's current terrestrial tip lines up well with this stretch, noting that ants, beetles, and hoppers are increasingly finding their way into the current and giving trout a reliable, high-calorie target. No Catskills- or Adirondack-specific shop or charter reports came through this cycle, so treat brown and rainbow trout as the most likely active targets on terrestrial patterns during the cooler morning and evening windows, with native brookies best sought in spring-fed headwater stretches until flows recover.
Moosehead smallmouth heat up as togue slide deep for summer
The Piscataquis-area USGS gauge (01030500) was running 876 cfs as of early Wednesday, a solid mid-summer flow that keeps feeder streams into the Moosehead Lake and upper Penobscot system well-connected for fish moving between current breaks and calmer water. No fresh on-the-water reports crossed our feeds this week specifically for Moosehead or the upper Penobscot, so this update leans on typical early-July patterns for the region: smallmouth bass pushing shallow to feed aggressively on warming flats and rocky points, lake trout (togue) and landlocked salmon sliding toward deeper, cooler water as surface temps climb, and brook trout retreating to spring-fed pockets and tributary mouths where oxygen and temperature stay favorable. Anglers working topwater plugs and soft plastics along rocky structure during low light should find the most consistent smallmouth action right now, while downrigger and lead-core trollers targeting thermocline depths are the better bet for salmon and togue through the heat of the day.
Cold Flaming Gorge releases keep Green River trout biting through the heat
The Green River tailwater below Flaming Gorge Dam is running a steady 1,720 cfs with water temps holding at 57°F as of this morning's USGS gauge 09234500 reading — classic mid-summer tailwater numbers that keep this Blue Ribbon fishery fishable even as much of the West bakes in July heat. No region-specific reports came through this week's angler-intel sweep, so we're leaning on the gauge data and general seasonal patterns rather than fresh word from the river. That's actually good news: dam-controlled releases like this one hold trout in a comfortable thermal window long after freestone rivers get too warm to fish responsibly, a dynamic Trout Unlimited has flagged as a growing concern on unregulated Western streams this summer. Expect rainbows, browns, and mountain whitefish to stay active on subsurface presentations through the stable, cold flow. Big Western tailwater browns are having a moment — Field & Stream reported a new Idaho tailwater brown trout record on the South Fork Snake River this week.
Terrestrial patterns take over as Ozark trout parks settle into summer flow
The Current River is running a steady 1,130 cfs at the USGS Van Buren gauge (07067000) as of early Saturday morning, a moderate summer flow that keeps wading and drift presentations manageable across the Current and Niangua trout-park water. No water-temperature reading came through with this update, so anglers should check a stream thermometer before committing to a long session out there. Trout Unlimited's summer advisories are a useful reminder that trout are cold-blooded and start to struggle once water warms and dissolved oxygen drops, a real consideration on bright July afternoons. On the technique side, Trout Unlimited's seasonal tip sheet points to pink terrestrials working well right now, since grasshoppers and other bank bugs are getting blown or hopping into the current and trout are keying on those easy meals. Expect the bite to lean toward mornings and evenings until temperatures ease off their midday peak.
Elevated summer flows shape Columbia-Rogue salmon and bass outlook
A single regional gauge logged 68°F water and flow running near 18,900 cfs early this morning, a clear sign the system is still carrying above-normal volume for early July. That kind of push typically keeps fish spread through the main channel rather than stacked in the usual holding water, a pattern anglers commonly see when runoff lingers into the season. No fresh, region-specific angler report landed in today's feed, so this outlook leans on typical seasonal behavior rather than a confirmed bite: Chinook salmon should be working through on their summer push, smallmouth bass tend to turn more active once water holds in the high-60s, and sturgeon fishing usually stays productive when flows run elevated. Summer steelhead are the bigger question mark, since stronger flow can hold early arrivals lower in the system before they settle. Treat today's picture as conditions-driven rather than bite-confirmed, and check locally before committing to a long drive.
July bass bite heats up across Central MA as summer flows run lean
USGS gauges across Central MA are registering seasonal summer lows — 4.93 cfs at gauge 01105500 and 16.3 cfs at gauge 01111500 as of early July 5 — signaling warm, low-water conditions typical of midsummer. Largemouth bass are the headline target right now: Tactical Bassin reports this week that July is when fish are "aggressively feeding on a variety of prey species," with shallow-water approaches over emerging weed cover producing the most consistent action. Top presentations include topwater at first light, soft jerkbaits, and Neko rigs for wary fish in clearer water. Bluegill and other panfish are in their summer prime across Central MA ponds and reservoirs. One statewide advisory worth noting: On The Water has flagged a significant sewage discharge from a main break in Haverhill dumping roughly 8 million gallons per day into the Merrimack River — anglers fishing any MA river system this holiday weekend should verify local water-quality advisories before launching.
Wabash catfish hit peak summer stride as July flows hold steady
The Wabash River at Lafayette is recording 2,870 cfs as of early July 5 (USGS gauge 03335500), a moderate, fishable summer level that keeps the main channel accessible and structural cover exposed. Water temperature data was unavailable from the gauge, but mid-July on the Wabash typically finds river temps warm enough to drive catfish into their most aggressive feeding window of the year. Wired 2 Fish documented a 48.1-pound flathead pulled from Michigan's St. Joseph River below the Berrien Springs Dam on May 22, establishing that trophy-class flatheads are running strong across the region's river systems heading into the heart of summer. The waning gibbous moon this weekend extends low-light feeding well into early morning, a natural edge for catfish and walleye alike. Tactical Bassin notes that July bass metabolisms are 'at an all-time high,' with largemouth and smallmouth hitting aggressively in shallow cover, a pattern that applies directly to Wabash backwaters and weed flats.
Quabbin & Wachusett Smallmouth Active as Midsummer Heat Sets In
The USGS Swift River gauge below Quabbin (site 01174500) recorded flows of 8.24 cfs on the morning of July 5 — a low-summer reading consistent with reduced reservoir releases during warm weather. No water temperature data was available at the gauge this cycle. With July heat setting in across central Massachusetts, both Quabbin and Wachusett are likely in full thermal stratification: cold-water species like lake trout and landlocked salmon retreat to thermocline depth, while smallmouth bass remain the most accessible target along rocky points and shallow structure. Tactical Bassin notes that July is one of the most productive months for bass — fish metabolisms are running high and early-morning shallow presentations can produce aggressively. Fishing the Midwest highlights working the weedline edge as a key summer technique across freshwater species. No direct on-water reports from Quabbin or Wachusett appeared in current intelligence feeds; conditions described here reflect seasonal norms for these central MA waters in early July.
Smallmouth and lake trout prime up as North Shore streams run clear
The USGS gauge on a North Shore tributary (site 04015330) logged 26.7 cfs on July 5, indicating low, clear conditions that put tributary wading firmly in the prime window. Water temperature data was not available from local sensors. Region-specific angler reports are thin in current feeds, but the broader picture is encouraging: Fishing the Midwest notes that weedline and structure-oriented techniques are carrying the summer open-water season across the Upper Midwest — a framework that applies directly to the rocky nearshore reef lines and harbor edges of this coastline. Jason Mitchell Outdoors (YT) recently captured a productive smallmouth session on rocky Midwestern structure, a strong seasonal indicator for the North Shore's cobble shoreline. The WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing program continues tracking the growing lake whitefish fishery in adjacent Chequamegon Bay, and comparable fish are accessible along Minnesota's deeper nearshore structure. Low flows favor finesse presentations.
Kenai sockeye reach mid-July peak as river temperatures stay salmon-friendly
USGS gauge 15266300 logged 53°F water temperature and 10,700 cfs on July 4, placing the Kenai River squarely in productive territory for its massive late sockeye run. Water temperatures at 53°F sit well below the stress threshold for Pacific salmon, and July is historically the peak month for the Kenai's second and larger sockeye run. Anglers should find fish holding in classic structure: inside current seams, behind gravel bars, and in the deeper channel pockets throughout the middle and lower river. King salmon opportunities typically taper as July progresses, while rainbow trout activity builds as fish stack behind the salmon migration and key on drifting eggs. Interior Alaska rivers offer a complementary fishery: Arctic grayling are responding well to dry-fly presentation in clearer tributary systems, a reliable mid-summer pattern for this region. No direct guide or tackle-shop reports were available for this report cycle; the seasonal picture above is grounded in USGS gauge data and typical early-July patterns for southcentral and interior Alaska.
Trico mornings and summer terrestrials set the table on PA limestone streams
Flows at USGS gauge 01546500 measured 128 cfs as of early July 5, signaling moderate-low summer conditions on the central Pennsylvania limestone drainage. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge. With July heat building, Trout Unlimited's seasonal advisory is worth taking seriously: trout are cold-blooded and warm water carries sharply reduced dissolved oxygen, so check temps before wading and call it a day if afternoon readings climb toward stress levels for cold-water fish. The good news is that limestone springs buffer summer heat better than freestone rivers, and this is exactly when terrestrial season hits its stride. Trout Unlimited's current tips flag pink and natural-tone terrestrial patterns as producers right now, with beetles and ants drawing takes from fish holding along grassy margins and undercut banks. Gink and Gasoline's recent coverage of the Trico hatch and spinner fall is directly on point for this region, with early-morning spinner falls a hallmark event on both Spring Creek and Penns Creek through mid-July.
Hudson Valley Bass in Full Summer Stride as July Heat Takes Hold
USGS gauge 01357500 logged 80°F water temperature in the early hours of July 5th — a reading that signals full summer bass mode across the Hudson Valley. NY DEC's Fishing Line confirms the bass bite is 'picking up with the warmer summer weather,' placing largemouth and smallmouth at the top of the target list right now. At 80°F, bass are metabolically primed but will push off shallow flats once the sun climbs; the waning gibbous pre-dawn window is your prime topwater opportunity before the heat takes hold. Walleye in the Finger Lakes are suspending deep in the thermocline — standard behavior for this phase of summer — and slow, deep presentations are the required approach. Trout anglers face a harder reality: 80°F is well above safe thermal thresholds for salmonids, and cold-water refuges like spring-fed tributaries and tailwaters below impoundments are the only viable options. USGS gauge 01358000 shows the broader Hudson running at 8,800 cfs — moderate summer flow with no flood or drought complications.
July Prime Window Opens for Deschutes Redsides and Klamath Browns
USGS gauge 14070500 returned no readings this cycle, leaving confirmed flow and water temperature unavailable for the Deschutes headwaters. Working from the seasonal calendar, July 5 lands squarely in one of Oregon's most anticipated freshwater stretches: summer steelhead are historically beginning to stage in the middle Deschutes, and the river's celebrated redside rainbows typically hold prime morning lies before canyon heat moves fish into deeper, faster water. IFish.net forums reflected active Oregon angler presence this week — lost-gear notices from Wilson River regulars signal high statewide participation heading into the post-July Fourth stretch. MidCurrent's tying coverage spotlighted midge and nymph patterns built for "clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces," a description that maps directly onto classic Deschutes summer scenarios. Upper Klamath browns are typically in active summer feeding form by this date. Verify current regulations and any section-specific closures through state resources before fishing either drainage.
White River tailwaters running warm — trout hug cold seams in midsummer heat
Water temperature hit 78°F on the North Fork tailwater this morning — per USGS gauge 07060710 — with flows at just 7.6 cfs, signaling no active generation at Norfork Dam. That combination puts White River rainbow and brown trout well above their 65°F comfort threshold and into physiological stress territory. Trout Unlimited's current warm-water advisory series notes that cold-blooded trout in heated tailwaters face sharply reduced dissolved oxygen and elevated mortality risk during handling — a direct caution for anyone fishing catch-and-release today. Expect fish to be stacked in the deepest holes and any cold spring seeps entering the river, largely inactive through the heat of the day. Your best shot is the first 90 minutes after dawn. Keep all fish in the water during hook removal and watch for rolling or lethargic fish as a sign to call it early. The fishing will turn around quickly when dam generation resumes and cold hypolimnetic water flushes through the tailrace.
Lake Champlain smallmouth in peak summer stride as July kicks off
Water temperature at USGS gauge 04294500 logged 70°F early on July 5th, placing Lake Champlain firmly in summer mode. For smallmouth bass, this is a sweet spot — Tactical Bassin's July bass coverage notes that fish metabolisms are running at their highest, triggering aggressive feeding on a variety of prey. Rocky shoals, submerged points, and emerging weed edges are classic Champlain summer habitat worth targeting at dawn and dusk. Weedline presentations rate highly too, as Fishing the Midwest highlights that anglers who work the vegetation edge consistently find fish through the heat of summer. Landlocked salmon are a different story — at 70°F surface temps, they've dropped below the thermocline, seeking cooler water and requiring downriggers or lead-core rigs to reach depth. The waning gibbous moon extends low-light feeding windows into early evening, adding a reliable secondary bite window for smallmouth. No charter or local shop reports from the lake were available this cycle, so landlocked salmon status reflects seasonal temperature norms rather than recent on-water testimony.
Midsummer bass and catfish in full swing across Michigan as July heat builds
The Grand River is running at 2,130 cfs as of July 5 (USGS gauge 04119000), a moderate summer stage that keeps most boat launches and wade-fishing stretches accessible heading into the holiday weekend. The MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report, last updated July 1, is the freshest state agency snapshot covering conditions across the state's regional districts. On the river front, Wired 2 Fish documented a 48.1-pound flathead catfish landed from Michigan's St. Joseph River below Berrien Springs Dam earlier this season — a strong signal that Michigan's southwest river corridors are holding trophy-class catfish through midsummer. Jason Mitchell Outdoors' recent "Pack of Smallmouth" content reflects the broader Great Lakes July pattern: smallmouth bass are schooling and active near rocky structure and open-water transitions. Tactical Bassin's July bass breakdown points to shallow topwater and Neko rigs as go-to presentations when summer sun climbs. The waning gibbous moon sets up quality pre-dawn feeding windows through the weekend. Check state regulations for current size and bag limits before heading out.