Fishing reports
19273 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Post-spawn bass and catfish prime on the Ohio and Cumberland
USGS gauge 03301500 logged 2,270 cfs on the evening of June 9, placing Kentucky river systems at a moderate early-summer flow with no water temperature reading available from the gauge. Post-spawn bass are the dominant story across regional angler intel this week. Wired 2 Fish details how smallmouth in this phase "tend to roam more, feed inconsistently, and transition quickly between spawn sites, rock structures, and offshore feeding zones" — a reliable description of June river bass behavior on the Ohio and Cumberland. Tactical Bassin reports that a wobble-head jig paired with a shaky head worm is a proven early-summer combination for offshore bass, with crankbaits working shallow to deep as fish settle into their summer stations. Catfish on both rivers typically enter a strong June run as water warms toward peak summer temperatures, though no region-specific shop or guide reports were available this cycle. Check local sources before heading out.
Mississippi Sound Summer Bite in Early Form as Free Fishing Weekend Wraps
MS DMR's Free Fishing Weekend (June 6 and 7) just closed out, marking a prime moment in Mississippi Sound's summer transition. No buoy or gauge sensor readings were available this cycle, so water temperature is estimated at seasonal norms, typically the low-to-mid 80s°F in the Sound by early June. No direct charter or tackle-shop intel from Mississippi Sound waters landed in this report's feeds. Sport Fishing Mag notes the northern Gulf's rig network from Mobile Bay westward remains a productive summer destination, with amberjack, vermilion snapper, and bottom species active around structure. Inshore, Salt Strong highlights that as summer heat climbs, redfish, speckled trout, and flounder concentrate predictably around structure, consistent with Mississippi Sound's classic early-summer setup. Note that July 4 is also designated a statewide Free Fishing Day per MS DMR.
Stripers Building From Boston to Maine as Bait Schools Stack Up
OTW Saltwater's June 9 striper migration report puts the news plainly for NH coast anglers: bunker, mackerel, sea herring, and sand eels are fueling improving striper action from Boston Harbor north into Maine, and the fish are responding. Shortfin squid arrived in southern New England at the same time, adding another forage layer to the mix. A separate June 5 update from OTW Saltwater notes water temperatures are running a few degrees cooler than normal for early June, which may be moderating the push slightly, but with bait schools stacking up and the new moon window approaching fast, conditions are primed to build. The waning crescent moon on June 10 sets up for a strengthening bite over the next few days. No NOAA buoy data was available for this update, so anglers should verify water temps locally before heading out.
Gulf Rig Amberjack Going Topwater as Mobile Bay Summer Pattern Sets In
Sport Fishing Mag's current amberjack coverage documents fish hammering fast-moving topwater stickbaits over deep-water rigs and wrecks along the northern Gulf coast, a pattern that spans from Mobile Bay to the Texas coast. Dark shadows hovering near structure charge surface presentations when the retrieve stays aggressive, and the resulting fights are described as brutal. Sport Fishing Mag's companion piece on northern Gulf rig fishing reinforces how central these offshore platforms are to the regional fishery this time of year. Inshore, Salt Strong's summer structure coverage notes that rising June water temps push redfish and speckled trout tight to hard structure and grass edges, making them more predictable targets than spring's open-flat patterns. No buoy data was available at press time, so surface temps couldn't be confirmed. Forum chatter from Pensacola-area waters describes rougher offshore conditions than expected lately, with almaco jacks and vermilion snapper appearing in recent catch mixes. Verify sea state before running offshore.
Chesapeake Rockfish in Summer Transition as Cooler Temps Extend Shallow Bite
On The Water's June 5 striper migration map notes that fish along the East Coast are 'beginning to settle into their summering grounds' while water temps remain 'a few degrees cooler than normal' — a regional backdrop suggesting Chesapeake Bay rockfish may hold in shallower structure longer into June than a warm-water season would allow. No buoy or gauge data were captured for this report cycle, so local Bay water temps are unconfirmed. With the moon in its waning crescent phase and a new moon building, tidal current transitions are the windows to watch. FishTalk Magazine carries Bay-specific subscriber reports for local chart detail not available in open feeds this cycle. Bluefish, cobia, and summer flounder round out the mid-June Bay lineup, though no local angler intel for those species landed in this cycle's feeds — seasonal history puts cobia at peak timing right now, but verify locally before making the run.
Whiting Running Strong as Lower Laguna Madre Turns to Summer Patterns
Texas Fish & Game Magazine's recent Lower Laguna Madre bay profile frames the stretch from Port Mansfield to the Rio Grande as clear-water, grass-flat country that fishes unlike any other Texas bay. Right now, Lone Star Outdoor News reports whiting are "running extremely" well along the South Texas coast, calling this a prime time for easy limits and a fish fry. The 2026 CCA-Texas STAR Tournament is underway, per Texas Fish & Game Magazine, having kicked off May 23 and running through September 7 with entries already being posted. Salt Strong reports that as summer water temperatures rise, redfish, seatrout, and flounder cluster around predictable structure, and that a simple rigging adjustment can significantly lift catch rates. No real-time buoy or gauge data is currently available for the lower lagoon. Check local tide charts and weather before launching, and plan around the early-morning window to beat the day's building heat.
Stripers, halibut, and rockfish active along SF Bay and Bodega coast
Western Outdoor News — Saltwater has flagged a growing concern for NorCal anglers: the Coastal Conservation Association of California launched a 'Help the Kelp' campaign targeting invasive sargassum horneri, a fast-spreading seaweed threatening the native kelp beds that rockfish, halibut, and nearshore species depend on. No buoy or gauge data was available for this report cycle. For SF Bay and the Bodega coast, early June typically marks an active stretch: striped bass work tidal rips and structure inside the Bay, California halibut are commonly found on sandy shallows, and rockfish hold along Bodega's offshore reefs. With a waning crescent moon, low-light periods at dawn and dusk give slight feeding-window advantages. No charter or tackle-shop reports were captured in this data pull — check NorCal Fish Reports for the most current on-the-water intel before you launch.
Sandy Hook Reefs Pumping Sea Bass as Stripers Fill the Surf
Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands, running daily out of Atlantic Highlands right on Raritan Bay, has been logging steady sea bass and ling action on area reefs, with winter flounder making occasional appearances in the mix. Blue Chip Sportfishing echoes that enthusiasm, calling sea bass "red hot" and reporting limits on nearly every trip. Striped bass are equally productive: Blue Chip describes striper action as "the best Striper Fishing possible," and OTW Northern New Jersey's June 4 report puts the full multi-species picture together — quality sea bass on the reefs, fluke to 8 pounds in the rivers, and bluefish, black drum, and stripers all chewing in the surf. Grumpy's Tackle confirms that a larger class of striped bass has moved in from the beach, with clams and bunker chunks doing most of the damage. No NOAA buoy temperature readings were available for this cycle.
Squid Arrive in Southern New England, Narragansett Bay Stripers on the Feed
Shortfin squid have hit southern New England, and the timing couldn't be better for Narragansett Bay anglers. Per OTW Saltwater's June 9 migration report, bunker, mackerel, sea herring, and sand eels are now complementing the squid arrival to fuel improving striper action from Boston Harbor to Maine, with southern New England waters squarely in the middle of that push. OTW also noted on June 5 that fish are beginning to settle into summering grounds while water temperatures are running a few degrees cooler than normal — a condition that typically keeps bass feeding actively rather than retreating to deep thermal refuge. Saltwater Edge Blog, reporting from Rhode Island in late May, observed big bass crushing big baits all over the state, with tautog coming to life and weakfish beginning to show in decent numbers. No NOAA buoy data was available at press time for precise water temperatures or swell conditions. With the moon in its waning crescent phase and a new moon approaching, low-light feeding windows should sharpen over the next several days.
Spring Creek and Penns Creek at prime mid-June hatch peak
USGS gauge 01546500 recorded 78 cfs on June 9, signaling moderate, wadeable conditions on the Spring Creek watershed, a solid baseline for Centre County's limestone trout fisheries. No water temperature was available from the gauge; limestone spring creeks typically hold in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit through June, buffering fish from summer heat. Direct on-water reports from Spring Creek or Penns Creek were absent from this cycle's intel feeds, and PA Fish & Boat — Biologist Reports returned no field data this update. Contextually, Flylords Mag covers PMD hatch fishing this cycle, noting the precise match-the-hatch demands these hatches place on pressured spring-creek trout. MidCurrent's current tying content highlights surface-to-film patterns timed for when hatches begin firing and fish push shallow, a setup that fits this region's June evening window. Hatch Magazine's spring creek skills piece reinforces that approach and presentation, not fly selection alone, drive results on slow limestone glides.
Black Drum, Blues, and Stripers Active as Delaware Bay Enters Summer Mode
OTW Northern New Jersey's June 4 report put it plainly: bluefish, black drum, stripers, and fluke are all chewing in the surf, with quality sea bass on nearby reefs and fluke up to 8 pounds coming from the rivers. Grumpys Tackle echoes that picture, citing a strong mix of drum, bass, and blues as the week's headliners, with clams and bunker continuing to produce striped bass from the surf. Fishermans HQ LBI confirms a similar pattern along the bay and inlet corridor, reporting steady blues and fluke alongside stripers in the mix. The waning crescent moon on June 10 tends to ease tidal-rip intensity compared to the post-full-moon surge, but bottom feeders and bay-targeted species typically remain active across the tidal cycle. No buoy or gauge readings were available for this report, so water temperature and current data are not confirmed for Delaware Bay. Anglers should check tide charts and local wind forecasts before heading out.
Shortfin Squid Arrive as Stripers Lock Into Buzzards Bay for Summer
OTW Saltwater's June 9 striper migration report delivers welcome news for Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound anglers: shortfin squid have arrived in southern New England, joining bunker, mackerel, sea herring, and sand eels on a bait menu fueling improving striped bass action across the region. OTW's June 5 migration map noted that water temperatures are still running a few degrees below seasonal norms, a factor that has kept the spring-to-summer transition somewhat gradual. OTW Surfcasting's 2026 Cape Cod Canal cheat sheet has just been published, pointing to the Canal's powerful tidal exchange between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay as one of the coast's premier current-fishing targets for June. On The Water's recent fluke coverage confirms summer flounder are working inshore back bays, with salinity and tidal flush the key variables. The waning crescent moon is tracking toward new, compressing the best feeding windows into low-light hours for bass on the rip edges.
Kennebec flows ease into summer as bass and striper season builds
USGS gauge 01046500 on the Kennebec River at The Forks recorded 1,970 cfs on June 9, signaling that spring runoff is winding down and conditions are trending toward the more stable flows that define summer fishing on these drainages. No water temperature reading was available from this gauge. On The Water's June 5 striper migration map notes that fish along the New England coast are beginning to settle into summering grounds, though water is running a few degrees cooler than normal: a delay that can push the peak lower-Kennebec striper push back slightly from the calendar average. Inland, smallmouth bass in both the Kennebec and Penobscot basins are transitioning out of spawn and into early-summer feeding patterns. Brook trout and landlocked salmon remain viable targets in cooler tributary systems and stratified reaches, though no local guide or shop reports were available in this update cycle to pin down specific conditions.
Yakima flows elevated as Eastern WA trout season shifts toward summer
USGS gauge 12484500 recorded the Yakima River running at 2,950 cfs on June 9, a solid spring-runoff pulse that signals the snowmelt season is still winding down across the basin. Wade access is limited at these levels, putting boat anglers at an advantage for targeting mid-river eddies and softer seams where trout stack up. No water temperature was captured on the gauge, though typical early June readings on the Yakima fall in the upper 50s to low 60s°F range, well within the comfort zone for rainbow and brown trout. WA WDFW Fishing Reports documents the state's ongoing lake and stream stocking program, which typically continues through early summer across the region. Spokane-area lakes should be producing for smallmouth bass and perch as surface temperatures climb. As flows ease over the coming weeks, the Yakima's legendary summer caddis and PMD hatches should begin to ramp up, setting the stage for some of Eastern WA's best dry-fly fishing.
Olympic Peninsula Rivers Dropping Into Prime Spring Chinook Shape
USGS gauge 12041200 logged 1,540 cfs on June 9, with a second monitored Olympic Peninsula drainage (USGS gauge 12035000) running 806 cfs the same afternoon. Water temperatures were unavailable from either gauge at publication time. These are moderate early-June flow levels suggesting the spring runoff pulse is easing and conditions are trending toward improved clarity on major Peninsula drainages. No on-the-ground angler intel from charter captains, local shops, or state creel surveys surfaced in available data for this specific region. The WA WDFW Fishing Reports page — our primary state source — did not return specific catch data this cycle. Based on calendar position and flow trajectory alone, spring Chinook remain the principal target through mid-June, with early summer steelhead beginning to push into the lower river reaches. Anglers should verify current regulations with WDFW before heading out, as Chinook retention rules typically vary by river and date.
Mutton Snapper Spawn Drives Hot Bite Across the Keys
ALL IN Key West reports mutton snappers "chewing like crazy" during the full-moon spawn window, with yellowtail snappers nearly jumping in the boat alongside them. Now in waning crescent phase, the post-spawn bite on both species typically holds strong through mid-June. A recent Gulf-side trip from the same charter loaded up on groupers, snappers, cobia, barracudas, and kingfish, suggesting broad offshore action across the water column. The summer season is fully underway: ALL IN Key West notes May through July as "absolutely lights out" for everything from snappers and groupers to mahi-mahi and sharks. Deep wrecks in 220 feet have been productive for large mutton snappers and oversized white margate on cut bait. With no buoy or gauge data available at press time, exact water temperatures are unavailable; anglers should check with local marinas before heading out. Conditions across the reef and offshore should remain favorable heading into the weekend.
Stripers Settle In as Squid and Bunker Load the Sound
OTW Saltwater's June 9 migration report documents shortfin squid pushing into southern New England, with bunker, mackerel, sea herring, and sand eels all contributing to an improving striper bite ahead of this week's new moon. The June 5 striper migration map from OTW Saltwater notes fish are beginning to settle into their summer residences, though water temperatures are running a few degrees below normal for early June. Saltwater Edge Blog out of Rhode Island reported in late May that big bass were crushing big baits across the region, and weakfish were showing in decent numbers, a welcome signal for a species that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Fluke are a prime target for Long Island Sound this time of year as the season hits its stride heading into mid-June. No NOAA buoy readings were available for this update, so water temperature is unconfirmed. Check local forecasts before heading out and verify current tide windows at your launch.
Tarpon schools building and sharks running as Sarasota enters peak summer
Capt. Rick Grassett's June 2026 forecast, via CB's Saltwater Outfitters (Sarasota), leads with one clear message: tarpon fishing should be "strong this month" as schools increase in size and numbers and fish prepare to spawn offshore near new and full moons. With the current waning crescent phase, beach travel lanes at first light remain productive, and the incoming new moon will push another wave of spawning activity. Inshore, Capt. Chuck Cress reports solid upper-slot redfish at oyster bars in upper Sarasota Bay, with 20- to 25-inch fish alongside trout and the occasional bluefish. Capt. Brandon Naeve is putting clients on sharks out of Siesta Key — bull sharks, blacktips, and lemon sharks are all showing in Sarasota Bay and nearshore Gulf waters, with late spring through fall being the prime window for these species. Trophy snook are in pre-spawn mode; check current Gulf-side regulations before keeping any fish.
Eagle Mountain catfish firing as Texas lakes hit peak summer
Water temperatures have hit 91°F at USGS gauge 08211200, confirming that Texas freshwater fishing has entered full summer mode. North Texas Catfish Guide reports Eagle Mountain Lake is nearly full with fresh water pushing into the system, a combination that consistently triggers active feeding. Their latest dispatch puts it plainly: 'fish are moving, fish are feeding, and when you get on them it happens fast.' A June 2024 report from the same guide service noted channel catfish limits alongside white bass moving freely through the main lake. Lone Star Outdoor News notes that Rio Grande cichlids are drawing attention from Texas anglers now that rainbow trout season winds down, offering a solid warm-water alternative in the lower river systems. With low flows at 27.6 cfs and midsummer heat pressing fish deeper, the most reliable action will concentrate around fresh inflows, cooler deep structure, and the pre-dawn and post-dusk windows.
Post-spawn bass and Hudson River stripers in early-summer form
Water temperatures on the Hudson logged at 73°F at USGS gauge 01357500 on June 9 confirm the region has crossed firmly into early-summer conditions. NY DEC's The Fishing Line opened striped bass season on the Hudson on April 1, and On The Water's June 5 striper migration map reports that fish along the Northeast coast are beginning to settle into summering grounds, with water running a few degrees cooler than seasonal norms in some corridors. Post-spawn smallmouth bass are the other headline: Wired 2 Fish notes bronzebacks in this window are roaming and inconsistent, responding best to moving baits on shallow flats before retreating to offshore structure. On the Finger Lakes side, NY DEC flagged musky season as "around the corner" in its May 22 issue; that opener has now arrived, giving trophy hunters their first shots of the season. Trout face increasing thermal pressure as river temps climb into the mid-70s.
Central MA bass in full post-spawn mode as rivers run lean
River flows across Central MA are running low heading into the second week of June, with USGS gauge 01111500 logging 30.6 cfs and gauge 01105500 measuring just 13.5 cfs as of Tuesday evening — conditions pointing to clear, low water that rewards finesse over power fishing. No water temperatures were recorded at either station, but On The Water's June 5 striper migration update notes that regional waters are still running "a few degrees cooler than normal," a signal that may be moderating the warmwater transition here as well. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the headline freshwater story: Wired 2 Fish reports post-spawn smallmouth are "moody, stressed, and constantly on the move," roaming between spawning areas, rock structure, and offshore feeding zones. Tactical Bassin backs this up, logging post-spawn largemouth success on chatterbaits, neko rigs, and drop shots fished around isolated offshore structure with wind-aided drifts. The waning crescent moon this week suggests feeding windows will concentrate around dawn and dusk rather than running all day.
Wabash running high as Indiana bass push to offshore summer structure
USGS gauge 03335500 logged the Wabash River at 9,460 cfs on the evening of June 9, signaling elevated, off-color conditions that are pushing fish toward slack water and slower margins. No water temperature data was available at the gauge. Wired 2 Fish this week zeroes in on post-spawn smallmouth, describing bronzebacks as scattered, roaming deeper structure, and feeding inconsistently, a pattern well-suited to early June in Indiana river systems. Tactical Bassin backs the offshore structure approach, pointing to chatterbaits, swimbaits, dropshot rigs, and neko rigs as the producers on isolated humps and points. Bob Jensen at Fishing the Midwest makes a case for summer river fishing across larger Midwest waterways, noting that current seams and structure hold fish year-round. On Lake Michigan, IL/IN Sea Grant's nearshore buoy network remains active along the Indiana shoreline as the region heads into its summer salmon transition. The waning crescent moon keeps overnight light low, favoring low-light predator feeding after dark.
Guntersville and Wheeler Bass Push to Offshore Ledges as Summer Pattern Arrives
The USGS gauge at site 03575100 recorded 1,860 cfs on June 9, signaling steady, moderate flow through the Tennessee River system. Post-spawn largemouth bass on both Guntersville and Wheeler are completing their transition off the banks and onto main-lake structure, the defining early-summer shift on these TVA impoundments. Tactical Bassin's June bass coverage points to wobble-head jigs paired with shaky-head worms as the go-to offshore combination right now, with crankbaits working the transition flats between 8 and 20 feet. Chatterbaits, neko rigs, and drop-shots are also producing for anglers targeting isolated offshore structure, per the same source. Crappie are moving toward deeper brush piles and dock pilings as afternoon water temps push up. No specific charter or local tackle-shop reports were available in this cycle; conditions are grounded in gauge data and national bass fishing coverage. Verify current bite with lake-side marinas before heading out.
Post-spawn smallmouth in transition on Potomac and Shenandoah
USGS gauge 01646500 shows the Potomac running at 4,110 cfs as of the evening of June 9, a moderate early-summer flow that keeps wading access tight but puts boat fishing firmly in range across the mainstem and the lower Shenandoah confluence. No water temperature is currently available from the gauge network, though surface readings in this watershed typically climb into the low-to-mid 70s by mid-June. Smallmouth bass are the headline species right now: Wired 2 Fish describes post-spawn bronzebacks as a roaming, inconsistent target, one day crushing moving baits on shallow flats, the next retreating to offshore structure and refusing reaction lures. Tactical Bassin's post-spawn breakdown reinforces that pattern, noting that offshore structure fished with a chatterbait one-two punched with a dropshot or neko rig is producing quality fish. No current local charter or tackle-shop reports are available in this data pull; check area shop boards for the freshest bite intel before you launch.