Fishing reports
19206 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Catawba and Roanoke bass fire on topwater at dawn as July heat peaks
USGS gauge 02142900 recorded an exceptionally low 0.47 cfs on July 1, a trickle pointing to the low, clear water typical of these Piedmont tributaries in midsummer. No water temperature was captured at the gauge, though surface temps on the Catawba and Roanoke chains commonly reach the upper 70s to low 80s by early July, pushing bass off the shallows by mid-morning. B.A.S.S. News reports 'a fantastic topwater bite throughout much of the country right now,' and that window applies here: largemouth are likely working shallow flats and points at first light before retreating to deeper, cooler structure. Tactical Bassin confirms July as a peak month for bass activity, noting fish metabolisms 'are at an all time high,' with early-morning and night sessions producing the most consistent action. Channel catfish remain an afternoon standby on cut bait. The Roanoke's celebrated landlocked striper run is over for the season; those fish have pushed to thermoclines well below the surface.
Susquehanna summer peak: smallmouth bass and catfish lead July action
Water temps at USGS gauge 01540500 (Susquehanna at Danville) reached 84°F on July 1, well above trout thermal stress thresholds and firmly in warmwater territory. Responsible anglers should avoid targeting trout in main-stem waters until fall temperatures return. The picture brightens considerably for warmwater species: Tactical Bassin notes that July brings peak bass metabolism, with fish aggressively feeding during early morning topwater windows before retreating to deep structure as midday heat builds. Channel and flathead catfish thrive when water climbs this high, and Field & Stream's summer catfish guide describes the season as prime time for fish concentrated in deep holes and undercut banks. PA Sea Grant flagged harmful algal bloom risk across Pennsylvania waterways heading into peak summer; check DEP advisories before wading or consuming fish from slack-water pools. Flow at Danville stands at 4,320 cfs, offering reasonable access on many wading stretches.
Puget Sound enters peak summer salmon window under July full moon
WA WDFW is actively monitoring creel catches statewide as Washington's summer saltwater season reaches full stride in early July. Specific catch figures were not available in this report cycle, but typical early-July patterns for Puget Sound and the Pacific Coast put summer Chinook salmon at the forefront: these fish headline recreational seasons across multiple Puget Sound marine areas right now. Pacific halibut opportunities continue through summer quota-managed seasons on both the sound and the Pacific Coast. On the ecological front, WA Sea Grant flagged the first-ever detection of invasive European green crab on Orcas Island in May, underscoring shifting conditions in the Salish Sea. The full moon on July 1 brings maximum tidal exchanges and strong ebb and flood currents through the sound, patterns that typically concentrate baitfish and open feeding windows. No NOAA buoy temperature data was available for this report cycle; check current WDFW area regulations before heading out.
Gulf of Alaska enters prime July window for salmon and halibut
AK Sea Grant's coverage of the 34th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium in Kodiak highlighted marine heatwave dynamics in Alaska's high-latitude oceans, an important backdrop as Gulf of Alaska anglers move into July. No current buoy readings or on-the-water charter reports are available in this data cycle, so the conditions below reflect the region's established seasonal patterns rather than live on-the-water intel. Early July is historically one of the strongest months of the year for king and sockeye salmon across Gulf of Alaska tidewater, with productive fishing typical around Cook Inlet, the Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak Island waters. Pacific halibut trips also run at full capacity through the month. The full moon on July 1 will drive pronounced tidal swings that typically concentrate baitfish at current seams and river mouths. Verify current regulation dates and run timing with local contacts before launching, as conditions and openings can shift quickly across this broad coastline.
Charleston Harbor Reds Push Structure as July's Full Moon Tides Run Hard
Fisherman's Post reports from the Carolinas coast this week show early-July surf and inshore anglers tangling with sharks, croakers, pompano, whiting, and bluefish, with dirty water and seaweed hampering some sessions at Southport and Oak Island. Those same regional conditions can reach the Lowcountry. No NOAA buoy readings are available for Charleston Harbor in this report, so water temperature is unlisted. What we can say: it's July 1, the Full Moon is here, and Charleston Harbor's tidal exchanges, already among the most dramatic on the East Coast, are running at their seasonal peak. Salt Strong's current guide on summer redfish behavior reinforces what local inshore anglers know well: when tides run high, reds vacate open flats and tuck into shoreline cover. That same principle applies across harbor creeks, grass banks, and dock pilings throughout the Lowcountry right now.
Jersey Shore Summer Opener: Sea Bass Red Hot, Bluefin Within Range
Sea bass fishing at the Jersey Shore is absolutely on fire to kick off July. Blue Chip Sportfishing reports limiting out on sea bass on nearly every charter, while shark action has busted wide open with multiple mako sharks caught and released, including three mako sharks on a recent Friday trip. Fluke are bouncing back from last week's upwelling: OTW Northern New Jersey (June 25) notes ocean fluking is on the upswing, with Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands logging water temps around 65-66°F and a 5lb 2oz summer flounder topping the pool. Gulp sand eels have been the top fluke producer. Striped bass are holding in the surf and taking clams per Grumpys Tackle, while Fishermans HQ LBI confirms bluefin tuna have moved within 20-30 miles offshore, riding a massive squid concentration along the coast. With the full moon peaking tonight, expect amplified tidal movement and extended feeding windows across the surf, inlets, and offshore grounds through the holiday weekend.
Full Moon Kicks Off July Bass Season on Delaware and Pine Barrens Waters
USGS gauge 01408000 on the Toms River recorded a flow of 20.5 cfs as of July 1 afternoon, signaling lean, clear conditions across the Pine Barrens drainage heading into the holiday weekend. No water temperature reading is available from the gauge, but early July typically pushes river temperatures well above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in this region, concentrating fish in deeper, shaded pools and undercut banks. NJ Fish & Wildlife News notes that seasonal closures are in effect at five Wildlife Management Areas through September 7, 2026, so anglers should confirm access before heading to a WMA put-in. No direct charter or tackle-shop intel was available this reporting cycle from the Delaware River or Pine Barrens freshwater corridor; bite conditions below draw on established July patterns for this drainage. Largemouth bass and chain pickerel are the signature warm-season targets in the Pinelands, while smallmouth and catfish anchor the Delaware River main stem through the summer.
Weakfish, Fluke, and Bass Converge as Delaware Bay Enters Full-Moon July
Weakfish have started trickling into New Jersey's back bays, with Grumpy's Tackle (NJ) reporting 'a couple of weakfish' caught this period alongside resurgent fluke and bass action. No buoy or gauge data was available for Delaware Bay this cycle, so conditions are drawn from broader NJ saltwater reports. OTW Northern New Jersey's June 25 update put ocean fluking back on the upswing following a cold-water upwelling, with striper fishing described as 'decent on the beaches.' Blue Chip Sportfishing (NJ) continues to report sea bass red hot on nearly every charter, and striped bass action they describe as 'crushing.' Grumpy's also notes bass taking clams in the surf and fluke responding to bucktails and flavored soft baits, while bay-side crab hauls have been solid off local docks. Today's full moon delivers the month's strongest tidal exchanges — a classic trigger for the Delaware Bay nocturnal weakfish bite as baitfish concentrate along channel edges and back-bay shallows.
Sea bass limits and quality fluke mark the July opener at Sandy Hook
Quality fluke are showing up at Atlantic Highlands, with Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands NJ reporting fish to 5 pounds and multiple keepers per angler, a meaningful uptick after a tough early stretch where shorts dominated. Gulp sand eels have been the standout bait. Sea bass are the hottest ticket: Blue Chip Sportfishing describes the bite as 'red hot,' with near-limit trips on back-to-back charters. Mako sharks have also arrived, with Blue Chip releasing multiple fish including three nice makos in a single Friday outing. In the surf, Grumpy's Tackle reports bass taking clams again after a quiet spell, with a couple of weakfish mixed in as a seasonal bonus worth targeting during full-moon tide swings. OTW Northern New Jersey's June 25 update confirms ocean fluking is back on the upswing following an upwelling event, and striper fishing remains decent along the beaches heading into the July 4th holiday weekend.
Gulf Coast Tarpon Migration Peaks as Summer Bite Heats Up
Naples Offshore Fishing Charters reports the tarpon migration is 'fully underway' along the southwest Florida coast, with captains intercepting fish consistently and logging steady jumps and grabs into early summer. The Naples fleet has been splitting mornings on migrating tarpon and afternoons sight fishing large permit, with kingfish on plugs and flies, cobia, and amberjacks rounding out an active offshore-nearshore mix. In the Tampa Bay area, Capt. Frank Hutchko via Coastal Angler Magazine notes hogfish nearshore 'are still around and plentiful,' with keeper-sized fish at 14 inches to the fork showing in strong numbers. Capt. Joshua Taylor, also via Coastal Angler Magazine, calls the current Tampa Bay window 'the perfect time to get on the water.' Salt Strong notes that summer high tides move redfish off open flats and into shoreline cover, requiring anglers to fish tight to mangrove edges and structure. No NOAA buoy readings are available for this cycle; verify conditions locally before heading out.
Catfish sizzle and bass hit topwater as Georgia's July heat peaks
A five-cat limit weighing 102.57 pounds took top honors at the 11th annual Brandon Key Catfishing Tournament on Lake Sinclair, per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News — a result that points to an excellent summer catfish bite now extending across Georgia's freshwater systems including the Chattahoochee and Savannah watersheds. The Georgia Wildlife Blog confirms fishing is in full summer swing as of late June, with trout stocking reports and bass action drawing attention statewide. The Savannah watershed is running at 4,150 cfs (USGS gauge 02197000) as of July 1 — moderate flows that keep most access points fishable. Tonight's Full Moon is prime timing for catfish after dark. B.A.S.S. News calls the topwater bass bite "fantastic throughout much of the country" right now, a signal well-matched to Georgia's early-July largemouth patterns. Tactical Bassin flags dawn and dusk as the top surface-lure windows in July heat. Anglers fishing Lake Hartwell should note a minor oil and diesel spill from a bridge accident on July 1 (per GON); officials report spillage largely contained to the roadway.
Lake Ontario salmon running strong as charters report hot early-July action
Strike Zone Charters (Lake Ontario) reported this week that 'salmon are here!!' with fishing described as very good over the past several days, brown trout and lake trout rounding out every spread. The fleet is finding fish in 100 to 160 feet of water, though productive depth shifts daily as wind repositions the thermocline. Mag Dipsey Divers are the lead presentation when temperature has pushed deep, with green, white, and chartreuse e-chip combinations drawing consistent strikes, per Strike Zone Charters. On the tributary side, USGS gauge 04250750 logs the Salmon River at 820 cfs as of July 1 — a serviceable summer flow, though the main action right now is on Lake Ontario's open water rather than the rivers. A full moon this week can tighten the best feeding windows to dawn and dusk, making early-morning departures worth prioritizing.
NC Red Drum in Full Stride as July Surf Mix Opens Strong
Red drum are the leading story across North Carolina's inshore waters to open July. Fisherman's Post (NC) reports anglers on the Pamlico/Neuse River flats finding fish of all sizes by working structure and main river shorelines, with some big drum in the mix. Up at Topsail and Sneads Ferry, Fisherman's Post (NC) notes the early morning topwater bite has been the highlight inshore, while bottom fishing picks up through midday. Sound-side drum near Swansboro and Emerald Isle have been steady on live bait in the backs of the sounds. The surf is delivering a classic July mixed bag: pompano, whiting, sea mullet, bluefish, and croakers are all showing along the Carolina coast, though dirty water and floating seaweed — noted near Southport and Oak Island by Fisherman's Post — have frustrated casters on certain stretches. Offshore anglers take note: Fisherman's Post (Carolinas saltwater) reports that the NC Division of Marine Fisheries has asked to withdraw the red snapper EFP application that would have opened a 62-day season starting July 1.
July Bass Bite Heats Up at Smith Mountain Lake and Buggs Island
USGS gauge 02075045 on the Roanoke River logged 512 cfs as of July 1 — a moderate summer level reflecting typical early-July flows in the region. No gauge water temperature was available, though surface temps on both Smith Mountain Lake and Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir) characteristically climb into the upper 70s to low 80s°F by the Fourth of July period. Tactical Bassin reports that July is when bass metabolisms hit their annual peak, identifying two distinct population groups worth targeting: shallow, aggressive feeders accessible during early-morning topwater windows, and deeper structure-holding fish that require finesse presentations through the heat of the day. Neko rigs and soft jerkbaits have drawn favorable reviews from Tactical Bassin for summer bass in clear-water, pressured conditions. No regional charter, shop, or state-agency fishing reports for these specific waters were available in this week's intel feeds.
Blue Marlin Season Peaks as Full Moon Opens July in Hawaiian Waters
Hawaii Fishing News, the state's official record-keeper for catches across the Islands, is tracking moon and tide calendars for the opening of July — a window Hawaii's offshore fleet watches carefully as blue marlin season enters its summer stride. No NOAA buoy data was available in this reporting cycle, leaving surface temps and sea state unconfirmed; check local forecasts before heading out. Based on typical early-July patterns, blue marlin are in peak summer season in Hawaiian offshore waters, while mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna (ahi) hold reliably in the mid-water column. Wahoo (ono) add a consistent bonus target this time of year. No charter, shop, or agency intel specific to current on-water conditions was captured in this cycle's feeds; the species assessments below reflect seasonal baselines rather than firsthand reports — ground-truth conditions with local captains before you head offshore.
St. Lucie Inlet Snook Stacking Up as Dredge Work Pauses
Snook fishing at Stuart's St. Lucie Inlet has rebounded sharply after dredging operations temporarily halted, according to Snook Nook (FL)'s July 2026 report. Anglers running side-scan sonar are marking large schools holding around the detached jetty and Hole in the Wall, with live Croakers and Pilchards producing the most consistent action. Note that snook are typically under Florida's Atlantic coast summer closed period through August — check current state regulations before harvesting; this is largely catch-and-release fishing right now. Offshore, South Atlantic red snapper access is in legal limbo: a federal court issued a preliminary injunction blocking Florida's Exempted Fishing Permit pilot program just before its scheduled opener, per CCA Florida and Anglers Journal, leaving offshore anglers without red snapper access this year. A Full Moon on July 1 will drive amplified tidal swings through every inlet and nearshore pass along the coast — time your session around moving water.
Sarasota Bay seatrout and tarpon peak as full-moon July opens
Spotted seatrout are biting aggressively throughout Sarasota Bay right now, with Capt. Brandon Naeve at CB's Saltwater Outfitters reporting the peak summer bite is fully underway on inshore grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and local passes. Tarpon remain an equally strong draw: Capt. Rick Grassett's July 2026 forecast from CB's Saltwater Outfitters notes that July fish tend to run more aggressive than those encountered earlier in the season, with spin anglers finding success drifting live baits under floats in travel lanes and fly fishers staking out bar edges at first light. Upper Sarasota Bay oyster bars are holding redfish, with Capt. Chuck Cress of CB's Saltwater Outfitters recently releasing one amid mullet-thick water. Shark action — Bull, Blacktip, and Lemon Sharks — is in its summer peak in Sarasota Bay and nearshore Gulf waters per CB's. Coastal Angler Magazine's Capt. Joshua Taylor calls this an ideal time to be on Tampa Bay's water.
Lake Erie's July bite opens for walleye, bass, and perch at Presque Isle
USGS gauge 04213000 is recording tributary inflow at just 21.4 cfs as of July 1 — a summer low-flow norm for the region — though no water temperature accompanied the pull. With a full moon overhead and the calendar firmly in early July, Lake Erie's Pennsylvania shoreline and Presque Isle Bay enter one of the most versatile multi-species windows of the year. PA Sea Grant flagged harmful algal blooms as a growing threat across Pennsylvania and the Great Lakes region this summer, so anglers should check bloom advisories before launching, particularly after extended calm and sunny stretches. No direct charter or tackle-shop intel arrived for the Erie shoreline this cycle, so species outlooks here reflect established early-July patterns for the lake's eastern basin. Walleye typically retreat to 20–40 feet by midsummer, where trolling crankbaits or flasher-harness rigs over depth breaks is the go-to approach. Smallmouth bass around Presque Isle's rocky structure are historically at peak form in July. Yellow perch remain a reliable bay target all season long.
Eastern WA Trout and Bass Enter July's Best Fishing Window
USGS gauge 12484500 on the Yakima River recorded 3,260 cfs on July 1, placing flows in a moderate post-runoff range as the summer season opens across Eastern WA. No water temperature reading was available from this gauge this week. At current flows, the Yakima's catch-and-release trout corridor remains accessible, and the mid-summer window typically brings strong caddis and PMD dry-fly activity during evening hours as surface temperatures cool. WA WDFW Fishing Reports confirms the department actively stocks fish in lakes and streams statewide, keeping Eastern WA trout and warmwater destinations well supplied heading into the holiday weekend. On the bass front, Tactical Bassin notes July is one of the calendar's strongest bass months, with fish metabolisms running high and bass aggressively targeting prey across structure, weeds, and current breaks. Verify current state regulations before harvesting any fish, as season-specific rules may apply.
Columbia Smallmouth and Chinook Find Their Stride in Early July
Water at USGS gauge 14113000 is holding at 58°F with a flow of 839 cfs as of midday July 1 — conditions sitting in the sweet spot for early-summer Columbia system fishing. WA WDFW Fishing Reports confirms WDFW is actively tracking angler activity and managing fish stocking statewide, though specific bite reports for this region are limited in today's intel cycle. July is historically the prime window for Columbia River smallmouth bass, with feeding behavior peaking as water temperatures climb through the 55–65°F band. Summer Chinook are running on schedule for the Columbia mainstem, and anglers targeting them should work deeper slots and cooler seams during early morning hours. Hatch Magazine flags that bull trout remain present in certain Northwest river systems but are protected under federal ESA listing throughout most of Washington — verify current regulations before targeting any char. The Full Moon tonight will concentrate low-light feeding windows for opportunistic predators.
Toledo Bend Bass Locked Into July Pattern — Dawn Topwater and Deep Structure
Louisiana Sportsman contributor Matthew Loetscher wrote on June 29 that if this July mirrors past seasons at Toledo Bend, anglers are in for a solid month of bass fishing — and early conditions back that read. USGS gauge 08025500 on the Sabine clocked just 21.8 cfs at midday July 1, signaling minimal watershed inflow and stable, likely clear reservoir conditions heading into the holiday weekend. The full moon overhead compresses the productive feeding window toward low-light edges: pre-dawn topwater runs along submerged timber and pad lines, then a transition to deep ledges and structure points as the sun climbs. B.A.S.S. News reports a strong topwater bite on nearby Sam Rayburn Reservoir right now, and Tactical Bassin lists topwaters and deep-diving crankbaits as their top July picks nationally — advice that maps cleanly onto the Bend's summer playbook. Crappie and blue catfish remain a reliable secondary target; check current state regulations before harvesting.
Summer redfish push into Georgia marshes as full moon tides peak
Georgia's Atlantic coast enters July with full summer patterns in place. The Georgia Wildlife Blog's June 26 fishing report confirms anglers are actively on the water statewide, though the posting focuses on encouraging participation rather than detailing species-specific coastal conditions. No buoy or gauge readings are available this cycle, leaving water temperature unconfirmed. Salt Strong's summer inshore coverage this week makes clear that redfish have vacated open flats and pushed tight into shoreline cover on high summer tides — marsh grass edges, creek bends, and oyster bars — where presentations need to be close and precise. With today's full moon driving the largest tidal swings of the month, expect fish to be highly position-dependent: follow the moving water rather than anchoring on a spot. Spotted seatrout are typical summer presences on dawn grass-flat sessions. Afternoon thunderstorm activity is the norm for Georgia's coast through July — early starts are strongly advised.
Venice Bull Reds on Popping Corks as Full Moon Floods the Marsh
Sport Fishing Mag spotlights Louisiana as one of the few destinations where bull redfish are a legitimate year-round target, with Capt. Mike Frenette of The Redfish Lodge of Louisiana in Venice running popping-cork rigs to draw aggressive strikes from trophy-class reds. With a full moon falling on July 1, tidal swings across the delta are pushing well into the marsh grass — conditions that historically concentrate big reds along flooded shoreline edges. Salt Strong's summer redfish playbook reinforces that pattern: when water climbs high, fish abandon open flats and stack tight to grass edges and shoreline cover, where a well-placed presentation is far more productive than working the open flats. No NOAA buoy data was available for this report cycle, so specific water temperatures and sea-state readings are absent; anglers should verify local conditions before launching. Speckled trout and flounder remain part of the typical nearshore mix for this time of year.
Delta largemouth on fire as July topwater season peaks
Sacramento River flows are running at 111,000 cfs through the Delta as of July 1 (USGS gauge 11455420), keeping water moving through channels and pushing fish toward calmer backwater sloughs and weed edges. No temperature reading is available at the gauge, but midsummer conditions are firmly in play. Tactical Bassin notes that July is peak bass season nationwide, with fish metabolisms at their highest and bass aggressively feeding across a range of baits, topwater in early morning hours being the standout. B.A.S.S. News echoes this, calling it prime topwater time across much of the country. Western Outdoor News reports big striped bass showing in Northern California waters near the Golden Gate, a consistent seasonal signal that the striper population is active throughout the broader NorCal system. Largemouth bass in the Delta's tule-lined backwaters and catfish along the deeper channel edges round out the summer target list.