Fishing reports
19272 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
UP Trout Streams Hit Prime Window as Lake Superior Smallmouth Rises
Tactical Bassin recently put Great Lakes smallmouth bass in the spotlight, showing how power and finesse swimbaits, including the Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad, can be lethal in windy big-water conditions. That pattern translates directly to Lake Superior's exposed rocky shoreline this time of year. No real-time NOAA buoy readings or USGS stream gauge data were available for this report cycle, but mid-June historically puts Upper Peninsula trout streams in their prime early-summer window: flows receding from spring runoff, water clarity improving, and evening hatch activity building toward the iconic Hexagenia bloom. On the Lake Superior side, WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing continues to highlight an expanding lake whitefish fishery in Chequamegon Bay, a sign of broader Lake Superior ecosystem health. Field & Stream's current temperature guide for trout anglers is a timely reminder to track stream temps, as any sustained push above 68 degrees Fahrenheit warrants voluntary reduced-pressure fishing to protect cold-water species.
Lake Murray bass tracking herring on points as post-spawn summer shift arrives
MLF News reports Jack Story won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American on Lake Murray by targeting herring-eating bass on points with a Zoom Fluke, supplementing his bag with fry guarders and late bed fish, a clear signal that the post-spawn-to-summer transition is underway on the reservoir. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge readings are available for this report window, so water temperature and flow figures cannot be confirmed; check local sources before heading out. The new moon on June 15 puts anglers in a low-light feeding window at dawn and dusk that typically sharpens topwater and reaction bites. Wired 2 Fish highlighted a 113.7-pound flathead catfish caught by Joe Driggers on the nearby Great Pee Dee River in Florence County, a strong indicator that big catfish are active across South Carolina's freshwater systems as summer water temperatures arrive. The Santee Cooper lakes and Lake Murray both carry landlocked striped bass and catfish alongside the bass action.
Summer Bass Prime Time Arrives on PA's Susquehanna and Allegheny Rivers
PA Sea Grant has flagged harmful algal blooms as a growing summer concern, partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on a public awareness webinar set for June 25 — worth bookmarking before heading to any slow or impounded water. Direct on-water reporting from the Susquehanna and Allegheny drainages is sparse this cycle, with no NOAA buoy or USGS gauge feeds available to confirm current temperatures or flow stages. Mid-June is traditionally the heart of the smallmouth bass season across both rivers, with post-spawn fish fully recovered and repositioning onto main-channel rock ledges, current breaks, and bridge abutments. Tactical Bassin's latest reports on Great Lakes smallmouth highlight swimbaits and swing-head jigs as strong summer presentations — techniques that translate well to PA river structure. Trout anglers should consult Field & Stream's seasonal temperature guide: as water climbs toward the upper 60s°F, fish stress rises and hoot-owl restrictions can apply on sensitive limestone tributaries. Check regs before fishing.
New Moon Tides Prime the Chesapeake Mouth for Stripers and Cobia
On The Water's June 12 striper migration map puts bass widespread from New Jersey to Maine, with the new moon specifically flagged as expected to 'move bass and bait toward summer haunts' — a transition that lands squarely on the Chesapeake mouth this week. No NOAA buoy data was available for this report, so exact water temperatures are unconfirmed; anglers should verify conditions locally before launching. On The Water also notes that William & Mary's Batten School and VIMS scientists are actively electrofishing Chesapeake Bay tributaries to track striped bass distributions, highlighting how closely this fishery is being studied in real time. Mid-June is historically prime for cobia at the Bay mouth, though no charter or shop report from this cycle filed specific cobia sightings. VA Sea Grant's 2026 summer intern cohort includes blue crab ecology research in the Chesapeake system, a reminder that summer peeler crabs are a productive natural bait option. Check current Virginia DWR size and slot limits before keeping striped bass.
Record bluegill on the Savannah anchors a solid early-summer Georgia run
A new bluegill record on the Savannah River underscores a strong early-summer run across Georgia's freshwater corridor. Seth Seckinger of Springfield pulled a 1-lb., 10.1-oz. bluegill from the Savannah on June 6 using a white Beetle Spin tipped with a cricket — enough to set a river record, per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News. On the tournament circuit, bass anglers are posting quality bags: William Bates of Alpharetta won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League event at Clarks Hill Lake with 18 lbs, 5 oz (MLF News), while a 23-lb., 8-oz. five-fish limit topped the Skeeter Team Trail at Lake Hartwell among 93 teams after a recent break in the rain (GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News). The June 13 Southern Waters Report notes that inland lakes and ponds are leading the week's best returns, with Captain Travis Harper putting clients on trout in the river system. The Savannah at Clyo was steady at 3.9 feet as of June 11, with other south Georgia gauges trending lower.
RI Stripers and Squid Both Running Hot Around the June New Moon
Per Saltwater Edge's June new moon forecast, both striped bass and squid fishing out of Rhode Island have been "fantastic" and are "not showing signs of slowing down." Water temperatures in the Bay have been running cool for the season, which is keeping both species active and local rather than pushing them north ahead of schedule. On The Water's June 12 striper migration map confirms bass remain spread from New Jersey to Maine, with the new moon's big tidal swings expected to keep pushing fish and bait toward summer spots. The squid bite, in particular, has been a standout, though Saltwater Edge notes it may ease as water temperatures eventually climb. With conditions favoring multiple inshore species simultaneously, the week of the June new moon is shaping up as one of the better mid-summer fishing windows Rhode Island anglers will see.
Hartwell bass running strong as summer patterns lock in
The Skeeter Team Tournament Trail at Lake Hartwell delivered a competitive showing last weekend, with Jason Burroughs and Alan Bennett claiming top honors on a 23-lb., 8-oz. five-fish limit including a 5-lb., 12-oz. kicker — per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News, a field of 93 teams found bass willing after recent Georgia rains gave way to clearing skies. Downstream on the Savannah chain, the Phoenix Bass Fishing League at Clarks Hill produced an 18-lb., 5-oz. winning bag for William Bates of Alpharetta, per MLF News, confirming a healthy bass bite across the chain. Joshua Barber's Southern Waters Fishing Report (June 13, via GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News) noted that lakes and ponds are generating the best reports of the week, with the Savannah River at Clyo holding a steady 3.9 feet as of June 11. Rounding out an active week on the system, a new Savannah River record bluegill of 1 lb., 10.1 oz. was landed on June 6 on a white Beetle Spin tipped with a cricket, per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News.
Sea Bass at Full Boil on Jersey Shore as Bluefin Follow the Squid In
Sea bass fishing is on fire across Jersey Shore reef grounds, with Blue Chip Sportfishing reporting near-limit catches on nearly every trip. Water temperatures along Long Beach Island have climbed into the low-to-mid 60s, per Fishermans HQ LBI, signaling the full handoff from spring to summer. Striped bass remain highly active: Grumpys Tackle confirms a larger class of fish has settled into the surf zone, with clams and bunker chunks producing consistently, while OTW Northern New Jersey notes stripers are taking clams up and down the beaches. The standout offshore story is a massive squid invasion off the Jersey coast that has drawn bluefin tuna to within 20 to 30 miles of LBI, according to Fishermans HQ LBI. Mako sharks have also arrived: Blue Chip Sportfishing logged multiple releases on recent trips, including three makos in a single outing. Fluke action is building steadily, and bluefish are rounding out the surf mix as well.
Stripers and Sea Bass Running Hot at Sandy Hook Under the New Moon
Blue Chip Sportfishing is reporting near-limit sea bass action on recent offshore trips, with shark fishing also 'busted wide open' and Mako sharks being caught and released. Closer inshore at Atlantic Highlands, Capt Ron finds a more mixed picture — sea bass and ling are present on the structure, but on some days the fish simply won't commit despite strong sonar marks. OTW Northern New Jersey's June 11 report captures the broader story: stripers are actively hitting clams in the surf, sea bass are steady on nearshore reefs, and fluke are slowly building as warmer water and bait push north. Grumpy's Tackle confirms that a larger class of striped bass has moved into the Jersey surf zone, with clams and bunker chunks both drawing strikes. Per On The Water's June 12 striper migration map, bass remain distributed from New Jersey to Maine, and the new moon this week is expected to push fish and bait toward their summer grounds.
Black Drum, Stripers, and Blues Running as New Moon Tides Hit Delaware Bay
Grumpy's Tackle (NJ) reported black drum, striped bass, bluefish, and fluke all actively biting along the Jersey coast this week, with clams and bunker producing the best action on bass and drum. The OTW Northern New Jersey June 4 report specifically confirmed black drum chewing in the surf alongside stripers and bluefish — patterns that mirror what Delaware Bay's NJ shoreline typically sees at this time of year. No Delaware Bay-specific buoy readings are available, but Fishermans HQ LBI places nearby coastal NJ water temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s, and those conditions generally prevail in the bay as well. With the new moon landing June 16, tidal movement is at its strongest, setting up aggressive feeding windows along channel edges and rip lines. On The Water's striper migration map (June 12) notes bass running widespread from New Jersey to Maine, with new-moon tides expected to push fish and bait toward summer grounds over the coming days.
Spanish mackerel lead June inshore action in Charleston Harbor
Spanish mackerel are moving into nearshore Carolinas waters in strong numbers this June, with bluefish providing solid action along the beachfront, per Fisherman's Post Carolinas saltwater June reporting from the North Carolina coast. While those dispatches originate from Morehead City north to Swansboro, the same northward-tracking migratory push is typically moving through South Carolina waters by mid-June, making Charleston Harbor's nearshore zone worth targeting now. Inshore, Fisherman's Post also notes red drum scattered in deeper holes around structure, consistent with the summer-spread pattern typical of Charleston Harbor at this time of year. A first push of smaller sheepshead onto hard bottom has been reported in the Cape Fear River area, mirroring the staging behavior expected around Charleston's jetty rocks and bridge pilings this month. No direct buoy or gauge data was available for the harbor this cycle. With a New Moon today, tidal exchanges will strengthen over the coming days, setting up productive feeding windows at dawn and dusk.
Stripers and Squid Running Strong Around Buzzards Bay This New Moon
On The Water's June 12 striper migration map confirms bass are spread coast-wide from New Jersey to Maine, with the new moon and strong tidal exchange expected to keep pushing fish and bait toward summer feeding grounds — welcome news for Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound anglers. Out of Rhode Island, Saltwater Edge Blog is reporting that striped bass and squid fishing 'have been fantastic' through mid-June, with cool water temperatures extending the bite window. The squid angle is backed by OTW Saltwater's report on thousands of squid beaching themselves near Provincetown last week while chasing baitfish — a sign of dense bait concentrations extending across the Outer Cape and into Vineyard Sound. On The Water's 'Striper Towns: Falmouth' feature highlights this corner of southeastern Massachusetts as prime multi-species water, where Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and Nantucket Sound converge. Shore-based shark regulations are in effect statewide, per OTW Surfcasting, following a white shark catch-and-release off Nantucket this week.
Brook trout and togue go deep as Rangeley Lakes enter summer mode
Mainely Fly Fishing (ME) recorded ice-out on Dundee Pond as early as April 4 this season, one of the more forward-leaning spring starts in recent Maine memory. Now at mid-June, no NOAA gauge readings are available for the Androscoggin headwaters this cycle, so conditions here lean on established seasonal patterns. Brook trout in the Rangeley chain typically push off shallow post-spawn lies by mid-June and begin holding near cold inlet streams, spring seeps, and deeper weed edges. Landlocked Atlantic salmon often follow suit, with surface action quieting as the shallows warm. Lake trout (togue) have likely settled near thermocline depth, reachable by jigging or trolling deep. Field & Stream's trout water-temperature guide reinforces why first-light and dusk sessions are now the most productive windows, as midday warmth in the shallows can push fish off the bite entirely.
Toledo Bend trophy largemouth resurfaces as summer bass season heats up
An 11.90-pound largemouth caught by Tyler Medica of Boyce on June 5 at Toledo Bend confirms quality fish are actively feeding on this massive Texas-Louisiana impoundment. Per Louisiana Sportsman, the bass is a documented repeat catch: previously landed at 13.1 pounds in early February, it has shed expected post-spawn weight but remains a benchmark trophy. Toledo Bend's mid-June pattern typically sees largemouth shifting from shallow post-spawn recovery zones toward mid-depth ledges and creek channel structure as water temperatures climb. Crappie (sac-au-lait) remain seasonably active around submerged timber, while catfish fishing holds steady in the deeper holes. With today's new moon, low-light windows at dawn and dusk are the prime windows for topwater and reaction bites before midday heat pushes fish deeper. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data was available for this cycle. Verify current conditions locally before heading out.
Bass moving deep as summer heat arrives at Quabbin & Wachusett
Belsan's Bait on the South Shore (via The Fisherman) flagged it this week: freshwater bass fishing has been tougher as summerlike temperatures warmed the shallows across the region, a pattern that tracks closely with what anglers can expect at Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs in mid-June. No gauge data was available for either reservoir, so verify conditions locally before launching. The new moon on June 15 brings the month's darkest nights, typically a productive window for bass and salmon to push shallower after sunset before retreating as light returns. Field & Stream's trout temperature guide reinforces the seasonal picture: as surface temps rise, lake trout and landlocked salmon, both resident species at Quabbin and Wachusett, retreat toward deeper, cooler structure. Bass are making the same adjustment. Vertical jigging and deep trolling will outperform the shallow presentations that worked through May.
CT Bass Flip to Summer Mode as Crappie and Catfish Heat Up Statewide
Colin at Fishin' Factory 3 in Middletown signals the seasonal turn is official: spring fishing is winding down and summer patterns are now driving action across Connecticut's inland waters. The shad and striper run on the Connecticut River has nearly played out, and anglers soaking sandworms along that corridor are now hooking white perch and channel catfish in place of the migratory species that drew crowds through May. Freshwater bass have flipped to summer mode — per Fishin' Factory 3, fake frogs and topwater plugs are producing well during low-light windows at dawn and dusk. Saugatuck Reservoir is also delivering: Fisherman's World in Norwalk, via The Fisherman — New England Freshwater, reports crappie anglers are "really happy right now," with shiners at the north end near the Saugatuck River inlet also turning up walleye, largemouth, smallmouth, and brown trout. Trout remain catchable for those still chasing stockies, though warming water is thinning the crowd. Tonight's new moon adds a favorable low-light push to open the week.
Cape Cod Bay Loaded with Stripers as Squid Invasion Fuels the Bite
Cape Cod Bay is holding striped bass of all sizes, driven by what The Fisherman (Northeast) is calling an unmatched squid invasion stretching from Fishers Island to the Cape. At its peak last week, the Canal drew stripers to 49 inches on those squid, per The Fisherman (Northeast)'s June 11 forecast. On The Water documented thousands of squid beaching themselves near Provincetown while chasing baitfish, a vivid sign of the bait load currently in Cape Cod Bay. Charley Soares, reporting for The Fisherman — Cape Cod & Islands, confirmed the Canal has cooled slightly off its frantic pace but stressed that "Cape Cod Bay is loaded with stripers of all sizes and five species of baitfish." Black sea bass action has run strong, with charter captains out of Westport reporting near-daily limits. Today's new moon sets the stage for powerful tidal swings that should keep bass and bait locked into feeding windows through the coming days.
June bass and catfish prime up in Louisiana's big river systems
Louisiana Sportsman reported this week that Boyce angler Tyler Medica landed an 11.90-pound largemouth at Toledo Bend on June 5, a fish previously documented at 13.1 pounds in February. That catch signals bass are feeding actively across Louisiana's major freshwater systems as mid-June arrives. On the Mississippi and Atchafalaya proper, today's new moon sets up favorable dawn and dusk topwater windows for largemouth and spotted bass along timber edges, submerged vegetation, and current seams. Catfish are a reliable mid-summer target on both big rivers, with blue and flathead cats staging near deep channel structure and wing dams after dark. Crappie (sac-a-lait) have largely pulled back post-spawn into cooler, deeper haunts and are fishing slow on typical summer schedules. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge readings were available for this report; check current river stage and water temperature through local resources before launching.
Quabbin Bass in Early-Summer Mode as New Moon Arrives
Veteran Quabbin angler Wayne Tenczar has been doing well with both largemouth and smallmouth bass at Graves Landing in Fishing Area 3, per a June 10 outing reported by Rod Teehan in The Fisherman — New England Freshwater. Tenczar's results confirm bass remain catchable in west-central Massachusetts even as summerlike heat reshapes the pattern. Belsan's Bait, via The Fisherman — South Shore MA to ME, adds a regional note: freshwater bass fishing has gotten tougher this week as warm air pushed shallow-water temps up, forcing fish off their spring lies. For consistent action, timing matters. Jeff Sullivan, also in The Fisherman — New England Freshwater, logged steady catches of yellow perch, crappie, and largemouth bass at a southeastern Massachusetts pond, with largies taking topwater early morning and bottom presentations later in the day. Today's new moon sets up active feeding windows through the week, making low-light sessions the priority.
Summer Bass Patterns Take Hold on Okeechobee and St. Johns
With no NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data available for this window, conditions on Lake Okeechobee and the St. Johns River are best read through seasonal context. Mid-June marks Florida's full transition into summer patterns: post-spawn largemouth bass are settling into hydrilla edges, submerged timber, and deeper structure as daytime heat builds. The new moon this week can compress feeding into short, intense windows at dawn and dusk. Plan to be on the water before sunup. Tactical Bassin's early-summer bass coverage highlights crankbaits and swing-head jigs as a productive one-two punch for largemouth staging just off weedlines, setups that translate directly to Okeechobee's sprawling hydrilla flats and the St. Johns' tannin-stained backwaters. Black crappie (speck) fishing typically quiets heading into the hottest months, while bluegill remain reachable around shallow structure. Florida's rainy season is in full swing; afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily reality, so prioritize early-morning outings.
Inshore reds work Gulf marsh edges as offshore rigs heat up for summer
Mid-June finds the Mississippi Sound at its summer peak, with both inshore and offshore opportunities open. Sport Fishing Mag's salt marsh inshore guide puts redfish front and center in Gulf Coast marshes right now, pointing to oyster bars, muddy creek mouths, and blown-in wood as consistent holding structure; these conditions translate directly to the Sound's backwater edges. Offshore, Sport Fishing Mag notes that northern Gulf oil and gas platforms from Mobile Bay to the Texas coast represent 'the continent's most diverse and abundant fishing opportunity,' with amberjack among the species targeting topwater presentations over deep wrecks and structure. No NOAA buoy readings were available for the Sound at press time, so confirm sea state and surface temps locally before launching. The MS DMR's Advisory Commission on Marine Resources convenes June 16 in D'Iberville, worth following via the agency's YouTube live stream for any near-term regulation updates heading into the peak summer season.
Excellent Striper Action at Montauk as Fluke Builds and New Moon Tides Arrive
Per On The Water's June 11 report, striper fishing off the North Fork and Montauk has been excellent as migratory fish press east and north, the strongest signal from the region this week. The South Shore fluke bite is described as slowly but surely picking up steam, and the June 12 striper migration map from On The Water confirms bass remain widespread from New Jersey to Maine, with the new moon and big incoming tides expected to keep pushing fish and bait toward summer haunts. Earlier this month, On The Water noted bluefish action remained spotty across the island while improvements in fluke were starting to show around NYC and the South Shore. NY DEC has confirmed recreational seasons are open for striped bass, summer flounder, bluefish, black sea bass, and scup, giving Long Island anglers a full menu heading into the weekend. Bluefish limits are currently set at five fish per person with no size limit per NY DEC.
PA Limestone Creeks Enter Terrestrial Season as Green Drakes Wind Down
Field & Stream's temperature guide for trout sets the right frame for mid-June on Spring Creek and Penns Creek: the limestone corridor is entering its most thermally resilient stretch of the season, but the window to fish comfortably will narrow as July's heat arrives. No USGS gauge readings were available at report time, and no shop or charter reports specific to these central Pennsylvania waters came in during this cycle. The seasonal arc makes the picture clear: the Penns Creek Green Drake hatch, which typically peaks from mid-May into early June, is winding down by the 15th. Spring Creek enters its long summer phase defined by Trico spinner falls and selective fish on flat water. Limestone spring-fed systems buffer against the warming that punishes freestone streams in June — making these two storied waters durable summer destinations when others become thermally stressful. Check PA Fish & Boat Biologist Reports for the most current in-stream conditions before making the drive.
Eastern WA summer pattern kicks in: morning trout windows and bass going deep
Field & Stream's current trout-temperature guide puts June squarely on notice — as river temps climb toward stress thresholds, the morning bite window becomes the session. No specific gauge or flow readings are available for Eastern WA this week, but the seasonal signal from national sources is consistent: Wired 2 Fish reports that drought conditions and falling water levels are "wreaking havoc on fisheries across the West," a pattern that resonates in Eastern Washington's semi-arid drainages. For bass anglers in Spokane-area lakes, Tactical Bassin's current summer breakdown highlights crankbaits for mid-depth structure and swing-head jigs for offshore fish moving away from post-spawn flats. Field & Stream notes that early-morning sessions are the safest play for trout anglers before hoot-owl restrictions become a factor on warmer waters. The new moon (June 15) should trigger feeding pushes at first and last light. Check WA WDFW stocking updates for recent plant activity before heading out.