Fishing reports
19273 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Columbia Basin bass rolling; summer steelhead beginning to build
USGS gauge 14113000 recorded 63°F and 975 cfs on June 14, placing the monitored Columbia system reach at moderate late-spring flow as water temperatures reach the upper edge of comfortable trout range. The clearest fishing signal this week comes from Outdoor Hub's Washington bass tournament calendar, which documents the Columbia Basin in full swing through August, with events at Moses Lake, Potholes Reservoir, and Banks Lake confirming warmwater species are producing well. Summer steelhead, the region's marquee mid-season run, typically begin filtering into Columbia tributaries in June and should be finding workable holding water at current flows. Trout anglers face a narrowing productive window: Field & Stream's temperature guide notes that 63°F is where trout begin to show heat stress, making early-morning sessions in shaded, well-oxygenated canyon reaches the strongest play right now. Verify current state regulations on salmon retention before heading out, as spring Chinook windows vary by reach.
Columbia Smallmouth Peak as Summer Chinook and Steelhead Begin to Show
USGS gauge 14211720 logged 66°F and 15,400 cfs on the lower Columbia on June 13 — water temperatures that push smallmouth bass squarely into their prime summer feeding window while raising caution flags for cold-water species. Field & Stream's recent trout temperature guide notes that fish approaching and above 65°F face mounting physiological stress, making early-morning outings essential for any Rogue trout angler who wants fish to survive release. Summer Chinook are in their June push through the Columbia mainstem, and early summer steelhead have begun entering the Rogue system. Hatch Magazine's current feature on fishing through drought and warming water across western rivers underscores a theme relevant here: know your temperatures, fish before the heat builds, and give cold-water species quick, clean releases. With the new moon arriving June 14, low-light windows around dawn and dusk are the best shots across all species. Check state regs before retaining any salmon or steelhead, as selective fishery rules typically apply on summer runs.
Stripers and Sea Bass Sizzle as Bluefin Tuna Join the Jersey Shore Party
The June 11 OTW Northern New Jersey report sets the scene: stripers are taking clams in the surf, sea bass is steady on the reefs, and the fluke bite is slowly building as warmer water and bait arrive. Blue Chip Sportfishing is calling sea bass 'red hot,' limiting out on nearly every charter run. Grumpys Tackle (NJ) confirms a larger class of striped bass has pushed into the surf, with clams and bunker chunks the dominant producers. The most significant development heading into this new moon weekend: Fishermans HQ LBI reports bluefin tuna have followed a massive squid invasion off the Jersey coast and are now reachable on 20 to 30 mile runs offshore. Bluefish and black drum are also showing in the surf per OTW Northern New Jersey and Grumpys Tackle, giving anglers plenty of options up and down the Shore. On The Water's June 12 migration map notes the new moon and strong tides should keep bass and bait actively moving through the coming days.
Smokies Streams Running Warm — Fish Early and Go High This Week
The Smokies drainage checked in at 71°F on the June 14 morning read from USGS gauge 03512000 — a water temperature that puts rainbow and brown trout squarely in thermal-stress territory. Field & Stream's temperature guide for trout fishing explains that water temperatures in this range are exactly when state agencies issue 'hoot owl' restrictions, limiting angling to early-morning hours to protect stressed fish. Flows are holding at 208 cfs, a manageable wading level, but warm water compresses the productive window to the first two to three hours after first light. Higher-elevation tributary streams in the Smokies typically run several degrees cooler than mainstem gauge readings — that elevation gradient is where active fish will concentrate. The new moon falling today removes overnight light pressure, pushing feeding activity into the pre-dawn and early-morning window. Check current state regulations for any active hoot-owl-hour requirements before planning a midday trip.
Sea Bass Running Hot as Stripers and Fluke Build at Raritan Bay
Blue Chip Sportfishing is calling sea bass fishing 'red hot' right now, reporting near-limit hauls on their reef trips out of NJ. Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands backs it up with consistent sea bass and ling on recent runs, though the bite can be finicky: one recent Saturday saw fish reading on sonar but refusing to commit. In the surf, the striper picture is stronger. Grumpys Tackle reports 'a larger class of striped bass have moved in,' with clams and bunker holding up as the top baits. OTW Northern New Jersey's June 11 report confirms stripers are taking clams along the surf, and the fluke bite is gradually improving, with fish to 8 pounds already showing in nearby rivers. On The Water's June 12 striper migration map notes the run remains 'widespread from New Jersey to Maine.' Today's new moon sets up the month's strongest tidal swings, and those big rips at Sandy Hook and the Raritan Bay inlets are prime windows to fish the next few days.
Summer bass patterns lock in on the Tennessee and Coosa systems
The 2026 ACA Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship brought over 200 teams to Pickwick Lake on the Tennessee River (per Outdoor Hub), confirming that bass are actively feeding across the Alabama-Tennessee system this week. Flow on the Coosa drainage is clocking in at 845 cfs per USGS gauge 02339500, a moderate June reading that keeps current moving through ledges and structure without washing out presentations. With no gauge temperature reading available, anglers should expect mid-70s to low-80s water typical for mid-June, conditions that push bass toward classic summer behavior: aggressive surface feeding at first light, then a quick retreat to deeper ledges, offshore humps, and bridge pilings as the sun climbs. Tactical Bassin points to swing jigs and wobble heads as the go-to combination for June offshore bass, while Wired 2 Fish notes that early mornings on the surface and midday deep-structure cranking define the seasonal rotation.
Stripers, Black Drum, and Bluefish Active as New Moon Tides Surge Through Delaware Bay
With the new moon arriving June 14, tidal exchanges through Delaware Bay are running strong: exactly the kind of push that concentrates striped bass, bluefish, and black drum into prime feeding windows. OTW Northern New Jersey's June 11 report confirms stripers are actively taking clams in the surf and bottom fishing remains productive across NJ, while Grumpys Tackle (NJ) flagged drum, bass, and bluefish all mixing in this week under the headline 'Drum, Bass, Blues and a New Player.' On The Water's June 12 striper migration map notes the run remains widespread from New Jersey to Maine, with new moon tides expected to keep bass and bait moving toward summer haunts. No buoy or gauge sensor data was available for the NJ side of Delaware Bay at this update. Check local tide charts closely, as new moon tidal swings should create the best bite windows on both sides of the tide change.
Finger Lakes Smallmouth Peak as Mid-June Bass Season Hits Full Stride
Water temperatures have climbed to 65°F (USGS gauge 04232050), putting the Finger Lakes squarely in prime early-summer bass territory across Cayuga, Seneca, and Skaneateles. Smallmouth are the story right now, with Tactical Bassin reporting aggressive Great Lakes smallmouth action on swimbaits: the Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad pairing has been producing well on windy, big-water days that closely mirror Finger Lakes conditions. The outlet system is running at just 7.45 cfs (USGS gauge 04232050), indicating stable, low-flow conditions that typically push fish tighter to offshore structure and weedline edges. Lake trout, which define these lakes year-round, are beginning their summer retreat toward the thermocline as surface temps tick upward. Field & Stream's trout temperature guide notes fish start avoiding shallower layers once consistent warmth arrives. A new moon this weekend eliminates ambient light overnight, opening a short but productive topwater window at dawn and dusk for both bass and walleye.
Prime post-runoff window opens on the Colorado as green drakes loom
Water temps have climbed to 67°F on the Colorado River (USGS gauge 09095500), signaling an urgent fishing window before summer heat tightens the thermal squeeze on trout. Crystal Fly Shop reports 'currently great water conditions and happy fish' on the Colorado River corridor, urging anglers not to wait: the time to float and fish is now. Green drakes are expected within two weeks below Carbondale, with golden stones, PMDs, and caddis already in rotation. Large attractor dries are producing in the slightly elevated flows, while nymphing with Rubberleg Stones and green drake imitations has been solid. Cutthroat Anglers notes that this year's historically poor Colorado snowpack has concentrated fish, making them 'active, grouped up, and ready to bite for the angler willing to hike a little further or cast a little lighter.' With 67°F readings and climbing daytime air temps, plan early-morning and evening sessions to keep fish healthy on the release.
Columbia River transitions to summer Chinook as high flows persist
USGS gauge 14105700 recorded the Columbia River running at 208,000 cfs and 62°F on June 13, elevated flow consistent with late-season snowmelt that shapes angler strategy heading into the summer Chinook window. Spring Chinook (springer) season is winding down across most Columbia mainstem reaches, and early summer-run Chinook are beginning their push upriver. At 62°F, water temps remain within a comfortable range for salmon, though continued warming through late June will factor heavily into fish holding and biting behavior. The new moon arriving June 14 historically correlates with stronger tidal pull in the lower Columbia, which can consolidate bait and nudge both salmon and sturgeon into more active feeding postures near bottom structure. Specific on-the-water reports from Columbia River guides or tackle shops were limited in this reporting cycle; the conditions picture below is grounded in gauge data and established seasonal patterns for this fishery.
Hawaiian Islands Prime Offshore Window Opens Under June New Moon
Hawaii Fishing News, the state's official record-keeper for all species and capture methods, marks moon and tide timing as essential context for Hawaiian anglers, and the New Moon on June 14 aligns with a textbook mid-summer offshore setup. No NOAA buoy data is available in this reporting cycle to confirm current sea surface temperatures, so on-the-water conditions should be verified locally before departure. Based on typical mid-June patterns in these waters, blue marlin (a'u) are entering their prime offshore season as the Pacific warms, yellowfin tuna (ahi) remain a consistent deep-water target, and mahi-mahi (dorado) will be riding surface current lines offshore. Nearshore, ulua (giant trevally) action holds steady through the summer months. Without current charter or tackle-shop reports in this data cycle, species statuses below reflect seasonal expectations rather than confirmed recent bites. Consult Hawaii Fishing News for current state records and moon-tide calendars.
Trophy Snook Staging for Spawn as Red Snapper Season Hits Legal Snag
Snook Nook's June 2026 report out of Stuart places the Treasure Coast in its best snook window of the year. Trophy-class fish are staging ahead of the annual spawn, and the shop says a legitimate shot at a 40-inch fish is on the table right now. The season is closed in the Stuart area through August 31, per Snook Nook, making this a catch-and-release fishery, but the concentration of pre-spawn fish in the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers is exceptional. On the regulatory front, CCA Florida reports that a U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction blocking the South Atlantic red snapper Exempted Fishing Permit pilot programs, halting a state-managed season that had barely gotten off the ground. The injunction landed just hours before Florida's Atlantic segment was scheduled to open. With the new moon driving stronger tidal swings this weekend, moving water will be the key trigger for inshore action across the coast.
Gulf of Alaska Peaks for Halibut as Summer Season Hits Full Stride
AK Sea Grant's latest dispatches, centered on research award announcements and mariculture fellowship work, signal an active summer season for Alaska's coastal fisheries overall, though no real-time buoy data or on-the-water charter reports reached this cycle for the Gulf of Alaska. Seasonal patterns are well established: mid-June historically marks peak access to halibut in nearshore and mid-depth structure along the Gulf coast. Chinook salmon are typically running through this window as well, keeping the region's charter fleet busy through late June. The new moon on June 14 sets up stronger tidal exchanges, which concentrate baitfish and tend to tighten bite windows around incoming and outgoing tide turns. No NOAA buoy water temperature readings were recorded this cycle; typical surface temps for the Gulf of Alaska in June sit in the low-to-mid 50s°F range. Confirm current conditions with local guides before heading offshore.
Spanish Mackerel Running Nearshore as Charleston Harbor Hits June Stride
Fisherman's Post Carolinas saltwater reports from nearby North Carolina waters show spanish mackerel arriving in good numbers along nearshore beachfronts and inlet structure, a push that typically extends to Charleston Harbor's jetties and nearshore ledges by mid-June. Bluefish are running alongside the mackerel at those same report sites, keeping nearshore action fast-paced. On structure, a Carolina Beach report from Fisherman's Post notes the first push of smaller sheepshead moving onto hard-bottom features in river systems; expect the same pattern on Charleston's jetties and bridge pilings as fish work up from deeper water. Red drum are described as scattered but present in deeper holes. No NOAA buoy readings were available for this report cycle, so water temperatures are unconfirmed; check local conditions before launching. With today's new moon, stronger tidal exchanges over the next several days should concentrate feeding fish on creek edges and channel bends during peak incoming and outgoing flows.
Blue catfish limits and white bass action heating up on North Texas lakes
Water at USGS gauge 08211200 on the Nueces River has climbed to 87°F, signaling full summer conditions across Texas freshwater. On Eagle Mountain Lake near Fort Worth, North Texas Catfish Guide is flagging May and June as one of the best windows of the year. The lake is nearly at full pool, fresh inflows are pushing fish into active feeding mode, and the guide reports fish are moving and biting fast when you get on them. The June 2024 pattern from the same guide saw limits of blue catfish, channel catfish, and white bass on most trips, and current conditions closely mirror that setup. The new moon this weekend removes surface light, which typically favors catfish during dawn, dusk, and overnight windows. Bass anglers should plan early starts. At 87°F, largemouth will typically hold shallow at first light before pulling to deep structure as the sun climbs.
Oklahoma bass running strong as summer structure bite takes hold
Local knowledge won the day in Muskogee this week: Rodney Copeland of Sallisaw, Oklahoma rallied from fifth place to claim his first MLF career win at the Toyota Series on the Arkansas River, weighing 40 pounds, 13 ounces over three days, per MLF News. The Arkansas River feeds directly into Lake Eufaula, and reading shifting river structure was the decisive factor in the tournament. Those same skills translate directly onto the reservoir. Meanwhile, the USGS gauge on the Red River (07331600) shows inflow to Lake Texoma running at 4,280 cfs as of June 14, a moderate current pulse pushing bait into the upper arms of the lake. The new moon coincides with peak summer heat, a combination that favors early-morning topwater sessions before the bite transitions offshore. Wired 2 Fish advises adapting presentations throughout the day as bass move from shallow morning positions to deep structure as the sun climbs.
St. Johns and Okeechobee bass entering classic mid-June new-moon pattern
The St. Johns River at Astor is logging 83.1 cfs per USGS gauge 02232000 this morning — a moderate, low-gradient flow that consolidates largemouth bass along deeper channel edges and submerged vegetation rather than dispersing them across open flats. No Florida-specific freshwater charter or tackle-shop intel came through in this cycle for either Lake Okeechobee or the St. Johns corridor. Wired 2 Fish's current summer bass guide highlights the seasonal truth now in play: fish move off shallow structure mid-morning as temperatures climb, regrouping on deeper ambush points through the heat of the day before returning to shallows in the final light. Today's new moon is a meaningful timing marker — new-moon feeding windows concentrate around sunrise and sunset, making those two periods priority targets. Tactical Bassin's June technique coverage favors a swing jig paired with a shaky-head worm for offshore structure, a combination that translates well to Okeechobee grass-flat ledges. No water temperature is available from the gauge; anglers should verify conditions before heading out.
Kansas & Arkansas Rivers Hit Peak Summer Catfish Range in Mid-June
Water temps registered 78°F at USGS gauge 06892350 on the Kansas River this morning, putting channel and flathead catfish squarely in their prime feeding range across both the Kansas and Arkansas rivers. At 24,200 cfs, the Kansas is running high — elevated flows are pushing baitfish out of the main channel and into eddy pockets and slack-water seams behind current breaks, concentrating foraging fish in predictable spots. Fishing the Midwest confirms that larger rivers like these produce reliably through summer heat, particularly for anglers targeting current edges and structure. Bass are shifting into a low-light feeding game as midday surface temps climb: Wired 2 Fish points to deeper structure and shade transitions as the key holding zones once the sun gets up. The New Moon this weekend removes ambient light from evening and pre-dawn hours, which should tighten the best feeding windows for both catfish and bass.
Kenai King Salmon Season in Full Swing as Snowmelt Flows Peak
The Kenai River at Cooper Landing registered 51°F and 6,640 cfs on June 13, per USGS gauge 15266300. Those are classic mid-June snowmelt conditions, with water temperatures sitting squarely in the productive range for migrating Chinook. The early king salmon run is the centerpiece of the Kenai's June calendar, and the current temp aligns with what Field & Stream's temperature guide for salmonids identifies as the active feeding and migration band for trout and salmon species. Direct charter and shop reports were not available in this reporting cycle, so this assessment combines gauge data with established seasonal patterns for the drainage. With flows elevated by snowmelt runoff, fish will likely stack in slower inside bends, back eddies, and behind mid-channel structure rather than fighting the main current push. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden remain present and feeding throughout the system. The new moon this weekend creates stronger solunar feeding windows, making early-morning and late-evening sessions worth prioritizing.
SoCal surf on hold as south swell builds; offshore pelagics loom
Surf Fishing in So Cal's June report captures the current situation bluntly: Southern California beach anglers are waiting out the swell. Rough conditions have persisted since the final week of May, with a significant south-southwest swell building through the first full week of June, churning sand and suppressing visibility along the LA Bight. Shore species like corbina and surfperch are accessible only in narrow calm windows, if at all. The same blog's May 2026 report had noted strong early-season momentum, describing conditions as coming together in a big way, which makes the timing frustrating. Offshore, however, the picture brightens considerably for late June. Western Outdoor News reports San Diego-area charters are positioning for El Nino-driven yellowtail, tuna, and dorado runs, with trips scheduled for the final days of the month. The new moon today (June 14) brings stronger tidal movement that could improve bite windows once swell energy subsides.
Summer bite on the Savannah chain: bream firing, bass shifting offshore
The June 13 GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News roundup reports that 'lakes and ponds have produced some of the best reports' of the week across Georgia — a bullish signal for Hartwell and Russell as the Savannah chain moves into full summer mode. Downstream Savannah River readings confirm a falling system: USGS gauge 02192000 shows 627 cfs, and the Clyo gauge was at 3.9 feet and dropping as of June 11 per GA Sportsman — modest outflows that typically point to stable, clearing conditions in the reservoir arms above. Bream are dialed in right now: on June 6, angler Seth Seckinger landed a new Savannah River record bluegill — 1 lb., 10.1 oz. — on a white Beetle Spin tipped with a cricket, per GA Sportsman. Bass anglers should expect the classic summer split: topwater through the first two hours of daylight, then a shift to offshore humps and submerged creek channels as the sun climbs. Today's New Moon sets up prime dawn and dusk feeding windows.
Night catfish bite leads Louisiana river fishing as summer heat locks in
USGS gauge 07374000 clocked the Mississippi at 550,000 cfs and 81°F early this morning, confirming mid-summer conditions have settled across the Louisiana freshwater system. On-the-water reports from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya corridor were thin in this cycle. Louisiana Sportsman's latest fishing coverage focused on a gag grouper season announcement for saltwater rather than freshwater action, so the gauge data and seasonal patterns carry the read here. At 81°F, catfish are the standout target: blue and channel cats typically push heavy feeding into the overnight hours, and the new moon delivers extra darkness they favor. Bass anglers face warm midday temperatures that drive fish to deeper timber, current breaks, and the earliest morning windows. Crappie (sac-a-lait) tend to suspend over deep structure through June heat, presenting a tougher bite. The elevated main-stem flow can complicate bank access; tributary mouths and river-lake connections on the Atchafalaya typically concentrate the most fish this time of year.
Chinook and Smallmouth Heating Up Along Indiana's Lake Michigan Shore
The WI DNR Lake Michigan Fishing Report recorded a landmark 2024 season across the lake, logging over 210,000 coho salmon — a new record — and more than 160,000 Chinook, the strongest haul since 2012, both attributed to robust alewife forage classes. That momentum carries forward as Indiana's southern Lake Michigan shoreline hits its June charter-salmon peak. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data was available at report time, so exact surface temperatures are unknown; contact local charter services or the Indiana DNR for current figures before launching. For nearshore action, Tactical Bassin's crew documented productive Great Lakes smallmouth fishing on windy open-water days, with Dark Sleeper and Spark Shad swimbaits delivering quality bags including trophy-class fish. Today's new moon phase tends to concentrate the bite in low-light windows, so plan early-morning or evening runs. Check local forecasts before heading out, as summer southwest winds can stir turbidity along the southern shore quickly.
Gulf Panhandle Summer Peaks: Snapper Season Prime, AJ on Topwater
Salt Strong's June 12–14 weekend game plan flagged the Florida Panhandle & Big Bend as an active region, signaling that one of the Gulf Coast's strongest offshore months is in full swing. With no environmental sensor data this cycle, the clearest picture comes from what the fish are doing: mid-June traditionally puts Gulf red snapper in full season and amberjack aggressive around deep wrecks and rigs. Sport Fishing Mag's guide to northern Gulf rig fishing underscores that these platforms — spanning Mobile Bay west to the Texas coast — represent the most diverse offshore fishery in the Gulf. That same outlet documents Gulf amberjack hammering topwater lures when chummed to the surface, a technique that translates especially well to the reduced-light conditions of this week's new moon. King mackerel round out the nearshore picture; Coastal Angler Magazine notes that live bait on modest tackle is all it takes to get drag-screaming kings boat-side. Dawn and dusk are the prime windows with the dark moon overhead.