Fishing reports
19273 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
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.
Keys Snappers on Fire as Mahi Season Hits Full Stride
ALL IN Key West reports mutton snappers 'chewing like crazy' following the recent full moon, with yellowtail snapper so active they're 'practically jumping in the boat' on reef and wreck drifts. Gulf-side trips are stacking up groupers, cobia, barracuda, and kingfish alongside the snapper action. Offshore in Marathon, anglers are connecting with mahi-mahi on trolling runs, per Coastal Angler Magazine — a recent trip put even a 4-year-old on his first dolphin while trolling offshore. Mangrove snapper are also biting well around nearshore structure in the Marathon area. ALL IN Key West flags May through July as peak season for this full-menu bite, with live bait the clear edge for kings, tuna, and sailfish working the reef line. Today's new moon on June 15 brings strong tidal movement — prime conditions for daytime snapper and reef fishing before lunar pressure builds again toward the next full moon.
Stripers push Maine rivers as new moon brings peak tidal flows
On The Water's June 12 striper migration map confirms striped bass are spread from New Jersey to Maine, with the new moon and strengthening tidal cycles expected to push fish and baitfish toward summer holding areas. For Kennebec and Penobscot anglers, this timing aligns with the annual upriver striper push into both systems' tidal reaches, a productive window that typically peaks when new-moon tides accelerate current and concentrate bait. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data is available for this reporting window, so precise water temperatures and flow readings are not in hand; check local conditions before heading out. Smallmouth bass in the non-tidal stretches of both drainages are entering peak early-summer patterns as mid-June arrives. On The Water's concurrent technique coverage highlights big soft-plastic eels as a go-to striper presentation from boats, a method that translates well to Maine's deeper tidal river pools.
Tarpon Schools Building as June Push Peaks Across Tampa Bay
Capt. Rick Grassett's June 2026 monthly forecast at CB's Saltwater Outfitters confirms peak tarpon time around Tampa Bay and Sarasota: schools are growing in size and numbers, with fish pushing offshore to spawn near new and full moons, timing that aligns squarely with today's New Moon. Grassett recommends beach travel lanes at first light, presenting live crabs, live baitfish, or DOA Baitbusters on tackle heavy enough to land fish quickly, and giving neighboring anglers several hundred yards of space as fish may move both north and south. Inshore, Capt. Chuck Cress (CB's Saltwater Outfitters) worked Sarasota Bay oyster bars this past week and landed upper-slot Redfish and Trout, with solid bait throughout. Capt. Brandon Naeve's Sarasota reports add Bull Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, and Lemon Sharks to the mix, active in the bay and nearshore Gulf waters from late spring through fall. Salt Strong's Florida Gulf Coast game plan also notes Snook stacking in surf troughs at dawn, making the beach a productive secondary session alongside the tarpon run.
Great Lakes Smallmouth Firing on Swimbaits, Wabash Summer Bass in Stride
Mid-June arrives with classic early-summer conditions across Indiana's two marquee fisheries. On Lake Michigan, Tactical Bassin's Great Lakes crew recently logged trophy smallmouth despite blustery wind, crediting the Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad swimbait combo for powering through chop and triggering quality bites in open water — a playbook directly applicable to Indiana's Lake Michigan shoreline. The New Moon this weekend dampens ambient light, which typically sharpens early-morning feeding windows on both lake and river systems. On the Wabash, Fishing the Midwest notes that rivers are routinely underrated in summer, with current seams, deeper holes, and wing-dam edges holding catfish and sauger well into July. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge readings are available in today's data pull; check local flow conditions before launching on the Wabash. Wired 2 Fish highlights crankbaits and swing-head jigs as go-to early-summer bass presentations as fish slide off spawning flats and regroup on deeper structure.
Shenandoah smallmouth and Potomac bass move into early summer mode
Researchers from William & Mary's Batten School and VIMS were electrofishing Chesapeake Bay tributaries this spring to track striped bass populations, per On The Water, underscoring that the Potomac's freshwater stripers connect to the same regional stock drawing scientific attention. On The Water's June 12 striper migration update notes that the new moon should continue moving bass toward summer haunts, a pattern that holds on the freshwater Potomac as well. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data was available for this report cycle, so precise water temperatures and flow readings are absent; check your local gauge before launching. Mid-June typically puts Shenandoah smallmouth into active summer mode, with post-spawn fish feeding on crayfish and surface prey along rocky shoals. Potomac catfish run productively through summer heat, while largemouth bass transition toward deeper structure and shade as surface temperatures climb.
Striped Bass on the Move as New Moon Tides Hit the Eastern Shore
On The Water's June 12 striper migration map reports bass still widespread from New Jersey to Maine, with the new moon and strong tidal flow now pushing fish and bait toward summer haunts — timing that sets up Chincoteague's surf and inlet structure well this week. No buoy readings are available for this cycle, leaving local water temperature unconfirmed. Summer flounder should be working the back-bay sloughs and nearshore structure as the season builds toward its peak. Sport Fishing Mag notes that trolling live eels on planer boards — a technique with deep Chesapeake Bay roots — remains a proven approach for larger migratory stripers along this stretch of coast. Bluefish and bottom species like spot and croaker round out the mid-June picture, though no local tackle shop or charter reports surfaced this cycle to confirm specific current bite windows. The new moon's strong current surges are the defining factor this week; plan your tides before you head out.
Salish Sea Dungeness in Molt Season as Summer Chinook Window Opens
Washington Sea Grant's call for volunteers in the third annual Salish Sea-wide Molt Blitz on June 26 confirms that Dungeness crab across Puget Sound are in active molting season. Soft-shell crabs are common right now, and harvest quality typically recovers as shells reharden approaching July. No NOAA buoy readings or USGS gauge data were available for this reporting cycle, leaving water temperature and current speed unrecorded. WA WDFW Fishing Reports maintains statewide creel and stocking summaries, and anglers should check the department's current bulletins for fresh catch counts and any emergency closures before launching. Mid-June typically marks the opening of the summer Chinook build in Puget Sound, Pacific halibut seasons are generally in full swing off the coast, and nearshore lingcod and rockfish action tends to pick up on structure as surface temperatures rise. Confirm all current regulations and slot limits before heading out; salmon closures can shift on short notice.
Great Lakes Smallmouth Running Strong as Lake Erie Enters Peak Summer Pattern
Tactical Bassin reports Great Lakes smallmouth bass responding well to swimbait presentations in mid-June windy conditions, with the Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad combination producing trophy fish on big-water structure. For Lake Erie and Presque Isle anglers, that aligns with the classic post-spawn smallmouth push onto rocky ledges and gravel transitions in 10 to 20 feet. No NOAA buoy readings were returned for this cycle, so water temperatures cannot be confirmed from real-time data. The new moon on June 15 keeps nights dark, which typically compresses feeding into dawn and dusk windows along Presque Isle Bay's sheltered inside flats and the exposed lake shoreline to the east. Walleye — the other signature species of this stretch of Lake Erie — are likely settling into summer trolling depths, but no charter or shop reports are available this cycle to pin down current bite windows. PA Sea Grant is hosting a harmful algal bloom awareness webinar on June 25; anglers should monitor local advisories before heading to Presque Isle Bay.
Allegheny tailwaters prime for summer smallmouth as new moon arrives
Tactical Bassin this week highlights swing-head jigs and crankbaits as the go-to summer bass setups for river systems, a pattern that fits the Allegheny and Pittsburgh tailwaters directly. No live gauge readings were captured for this area in today's data cycle, and no local charter or shop reports surfaced in the intel feeds, so this update draws on seasonal baselines and national angler coverage. Mid-June on these tailwaters typically finds smallmouth bass transitioning out of spawn and settling into summer structure patterns: deep channel edges by midday and rocky shallows during the low-light windows around dawn and dusk. Today's new moon concentrates active feeding into those same low-light periods. Channel catfish and flathead catfish ramp up on the Allegheny and Monongahela through summer, with warm nights the most productive window. For the latest survey and stocking data, check PA Fish & Boat Commission's Biologist Reports directly.
Trophy Snook Peak Pre-Spawn as Red Snapper Season Faces Injunction
Trophy snook are stacking up at inlet passes and river mouths along the Treasure Coast, with Snook Nook's June 2026 report out of Stuart calling this the best window of the year to target 40-plus-inch fish as they prepare for their annual spawn. The Atlantic coast snook harvest season closed June 1, making this strictly catch-and-release fishing, but the bite itself is as strong as it gets. Per Snook Nook, quality fish are holding throughout the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers. Offshore, the regulatory picture is unsettled: CCA Florida reports that a federal district court issued a preliminary injunction blocking Florida's South Atlantic red snapper Exempted Fishing Permit season just hours before it was set to open. Verify current status with FWC before targeting snapper offshore. Coastal Angler Magazine reports mahi-mahi action off the Florida coast and a flounder landed at Port Canaveral, rounding out a solid early-summer variety bite.
Catawba bass enter summer mode as Roanoke stripers hold through new moon
Jason Christie's 92-pound, 7-ounce four-day winning total at the Bassmaster Elite on North Carolina's Pasquotank River — reported by B.A.S.S. News — signals that NC bass have been feeding actively heading into summer. No direct gauge readings or local shop intel were available for the Catawba and Roanoke systems this week, so this report draws on seasonal patterns and adjacent state data. On the Catawba, post-spawn largemouth are typically dispersing from shallow flats to deeper offshore structure and channel edges by mid-June. On the Roanoke, striped bass remain catchable before summer thermoclines tighten the bite to early-morning windows. Tonight's new moon tends to sharpen low-light feeding activity, making the first and last hour of daylight particularly worthwhile on both systems. Blue and channel catfish should be growing increasingly active as June water temperatures push into the summer range.
Georgia Coast Trout Bite Picks Up as New Moon Tides Kick In
Captain Travis Harper has been putting clients on nice trout along the Georgia coast this week, according to the June 13 Southern Waters Fishing Report from GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News, the most current on-water dispatch for this stretch of Atlantic coastline. No NOAA buoy readings were available for Georgia coastal waters at press time, so sea surface temperatures remain unconfirmed; anglers should check local sources before heading out. Today's New Moon (June 15) sets up strong tidal swings through the marsh creeks and sounds that define Georgia's inshore zone, compressing feeding windows into predictable moving-tide events. Sport Fishing Mag's salt marsh guide notes oyster bars and grass edges as the most consistent inshore producers from the Gulf to the Carolinas during warm-weather months. River levels on the Altamaha (7.2 feet, falling) and Savannah (3.9 feet, steady) as of June 11 suggest moderate freshwater influence entering coastal sounds this week.
Stripers Running Coastwide to Maine as June New Moon Tides Build
On The Water's June 12 striper migration map confirms striped bass have spread coastwide from New Jersey all the way into Maine, with new moon and building tidal currents actively pushing fish and bait toward summer haunts. Further south, Saltwater Edge Blog reports cool water temperatures have kept both striped bass and squid fishing "fantastic" with no sign of slowing — a pattern that tracks north and bodes well for Gulf of Maine anglers this week. OTW Saltwater separately flagged large squid schools chasing baitfish aggressively near Cape Cod, a dynamic that can follow the bass north. Mid-June in the Gulf of Maine marks the window when inshore ledges, rips, and rocky points begin holding bass consistently as bait schools consolidate. The current new moon window is the prime moment to focus effort on moving water, particularly at first light and the two hours flanking high tide when stripers feed most aggressively.
Moosehead togue moving deep as June stratification sets in
Field & Stream's current temperature guide for trout flags mid-June as the window when warming surface temps push lake trout — locally called togue — below the thermocline into cooler depths. No NOAA gauge readings or local charter intel arrived in this reporting cycle for the Moosehead and upper Penobscot system, so conditions described here reflect seasonal norms rather than direct on-the-water testimony; verify locally before planning a long drive. That said, the pattern is well established: togue fishing transitions from nearshore presentations to deep-water trolling with lead-core line or downriggers. Landlocked salmon, wrapping post-spawn recovery, are settling into cold mid-column zones on Moosehead and into well-oxygenated runs in the upper Penobscot tributaries. Smallmouth bass enter one of their strongest feeding windows of the year in mid-June, keying on rocky points and shoals. Tonight's new moon sets up active low-light feeding opportunities at dawn and dusk across all species.
Lake Michigan Chinook season peaks as Chicago fleet moves to open water
The WI DNR Lake Michigan Fishing Report documented a record 2024 coho harvest of more than 210,000 fish across the lake — alongside over 160,000 Chinook, the strongest Chinook showing since 2012 — crediting a resurgent alewife forage base as the primary driver. No current-week buoy readings or Chicago-area charter reports are available for this cycle, limiting real-time specifics. That said, mid-June is historically when the city's offshore charter fleet shifts into high gear targeting Chinook and coho in 50–150 feet of water as the thermocline builds and baitfish stratify. Nearshore, smallmouth bass are typically at or near their summer peak around Chicago's breakwalls and harbor mouths; Tactical Bassin reported Great Lakes smallmouth responding well to swimbaits — the Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad — in choppy, wind-driven conditions, a pattern well-suited to the exposed Chicago lakefront. Today's New Moon (June 15) compresses solunar feeding windows into tight low-light periods near dawn and dusk, so timing your launch matters more than usual.
Smokies Trout Shift to Dawn Windows as Summer Heat Builds
Field & Stream's water-temperature guide for trout — running in feeds this week — puts the seasonal stakes in focus: trout begin to labor above 67°F and face real stress beyond 70°F. That threshold is the defining variable on Western NC freestones right now, with summer solstice a week out and lower-elevation Smokies streams capable of touching those margins by midday on sunny days. No gauge readings came through for this pull, and no Smokies-specific angler reports landed in our active source feeds this cycle; local intel for this region is limited. The New Moon phase eliminates competing lunar light, historically a useful edge for after-dark dry-fly action on regulated park waters where overnight access is permitted. Caddis, yellow sallies, and sulphurs are the expected mid-June hatch drivers across Southern Appalachian freestones. Fish early, target high-elevation headwaters through midday, and check NC Wildlife Resources Commission postings for any active hoot-owl restrictions before heading out.
Delaware River & Pine Barrens Bass Bite Heats Up for Early Summer
NJ Fish & Wildlife News highlights Hamburg Mountain WMA this cycle, noting Silver Lake carries a car-top boat ramp and is well stocked with trout and warm-water species, while Franklin Pond Creek provides year-round trout habitat in the region. Beyond that WMA signal, no gauge or buoy data was available for this period, leaving Delaware River flow and temperature unconfirmed. On the mainstem, mid-June typically marks the close of the spring run and the opening of peak smallmouth season as flows stabilize and water pushes toward the upper 60s. Pine Barrens cedar waters are entering early-summer pattern, with largemouth bass transitioning off beds and chain pickerel retreating to shaded, deeper structure as afternoon heat builds. Today's new moon sharpens the dawn and dusk bite windows across both zones. No dedicated Delaware River or Pine Barrens charter or tackle-shop reports appeared in this cycle's data feed.
Great Lakes smallmouth in focus as Michigan hits peak early-summer stride
Trophy-class Great Lakes smallmouth are showing for anglers willing to work through the chop, per Tactical Bassin, which documented a productive recent outing with the Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad swimbait combo landing multiple fish including two trophy smallmouth despite tough wind conditions. The new moon arrives June 15, aligning with what Fishing the Midwest describes as the open-water season running 'in full swing' across the region. Fishing the Midwest also highlights weedlines as a prime early-summer structure and endorses river fishing as an underrated warm-weather option, relevant guidance for Grand River walleye and smallmouth anglers. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data were available for this cycle, leaving specific water temperature and Grand River flow figures unconfirmed. Under typical mid-June patterns, Great Lakes surface temps run in the low-to-mid 60s°F with smallmouth in active post-spawn feeding mode. Walleye and perch action remains seasonally typical but lacked direct intelligence this week. Confirm Grand River flows via USGS before making the trip.
Spanish Mackerel and Big Bluefish Running Strong from Cape Lookout to Hatteras
Spanish mackerel have pushed into nearshore waters in solid numbers from Swansboro to Cape Lookout, per Fisherman's Post (NC). Morgan of The Reel Outdoors reports the mackerel bite moving in along the beachfront near Emerald Isle, with bluefish action also described as really good. At Morehead City and Atlantic Beach, Rich of Chasin' Tails confirms surf and pier anglers have been connecting with bluefish, spanish mackerel, and bonito, while inshore red drum are scattered but holding in deeper holes. Out on the Outer Banks, Tom of Hatteras Jack notes surf anglers are encountering bigger bluefish, some stretching past 30 inches, on casting metals and cut baits, and sea mullet fishing has been steady. The new moon on June 15 drives the strongest tidal exchange of the month through Pamlico Sound inlets, a window that typically concentrates baitfish and the predators that follow them. No buoy or gauge data was available for this report cycle.
New Moon Striper Push Runs Broad Through Long Island Sound
The June new moon is lining up conditions for some of the strongest striper fishing of the early summer along the Connecticut shoreline. On The Water's June 12 migration map confirmed the striped bass push remains widespread from New Jersey to Maine, with new moon tidal surges expected to drive bass and bait toward summer haunts — conditions that translate directly to Long Island Sound. Saltwater Edge, reporting from adjacent Rhode Island waters, called both striper and squid fishing "fantastic" heading into this new moon window, noting that cooler-than-average water temperatures continue to hold fish in feeding mode and show no signs of tapering off. That same favorable thermal pattern extends through LIS. The new moon typically produces some of the month's strongest tidal exchanges, concentrating bass on rip lines and structure at dawn and dusk. No NOAA buoy data was available for this report; check local conditions before launching.
Stripers Seek Depth and Catfish Fire Up at Smith Mountain and Buggs Island
Tactical Bassin's June bass-fishing breakdown pinpoints the wobble-head jig and shaky-head worm combo as the go-to one-two punch for offshore early-summer largemouth — a setup that maps directly to the deeper secondary points and ledges at Smith Mountain Lake and Buggs Island. Today's new moon (June 15) sharpens low-light feeding windows and often pushes bigger fish to bite aggressively around dawn and dusk. No NOAA buoy data, USGS gauge readings, or region-specific charter and tackle-shop reports arrived this cycle, so current water temps remain unconfirmed; mid-June readings on both reservoirs typically run in the mid-70s to low-80s°F by historical norms. Landlocked striped bass tend to abandon shallow structure by this point in the season, seeking cooler water at depth via trolling or vertical jigging. Blue catfish enter peak summer feeding across Virginia impoundments in June. Confirm current Virginia DWR regulations before harvesting.
Tarpon Migration Peaks and Permit Bite Heats Up on the Florida Gulf Coast
Naples Offshore Fishing Charters reports the tarpon migration is fully underway along Florida's Gulf Coast, with boats intercepting quality fish as they push through the region. Morning sessions have been dedicated to jumping and grabbing tarpon, while afternoons shift to sight fishing large permit on the flats — a combination producing exceptional days on the water. Offshore, king mackerel have been steady with plugs and flies, and cobia along with amberjacks are rounding out the mix, per the same charter operation. Gulf amberjack in particular are hammering topwater lures worked aggressively over deep-water wrecks, according to Sport Fishing Mag. Inshore, Salt Strong highlights redfish, snook, and trout as active targets on surface lures like the Wake Mullet near structure and in the surf. No buoy water temperature data was available for this update; conditions appear typical for mid-June with warm, active Gulf waters and peak migratory species fully in play.
Saginaw Bay walleye and Great Lakes smallmouth shift into summer patterns
Direct on-water intel for Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay is limited this week — no NOAA buoy readings or local charter reports came through the feed. What we do have: Tactical Bassin's crew ran Great Lakes smallmouth in windy, open-water conditions and put together a strong bag, keying on a Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad swimbait combo that earned bites even in rough chop. Separately, Fishing the Midwest notes that the 2026 open water season is in full swing across the Great Lakes states, with weedline patterns emerging as a key summer transition theme for walleye and panfish. On Saginaw Bay — one of Michigan's premier walleye destinations — mid-June typically finds post-spawn fish consolidating on shallow mud-sand flats and transitioning toward deeper summer structure. Check the MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report directly for the latest localized conditions before heading out.