Fishing reports
19276 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Big bluefish and Spanish mackerel running the Outer Banks surf
Tom of Hatteras Jack reports bigger bluefish to 30-plus inches working the Outer Banks surf this week, hitting casting metals and cut baits. Sea mullet fishing has been steady in the same stretch. Spanish mackerel have moved into nearshore areas and along the beachfront in good numbers, with Morgan of The Reel Outdoors noting strong showings from Swansboro through Emerald Isle, per Fisherman's Post (NC). Surf and pier anglers at Morehead and Atlantic Beach have also done well with bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and bonito, according to Rich of Chasin' Tails. Inshore, red drum are scattered but present, with deeper holes holding fish. Offshore, gaffer mahi were being reported as a developing option out of Beaufort Inlet in late May, per Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater. The Last Quarter moon this week produces moderate tidal movement, a workable setup for both surf and nearshore anglers. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data was available for this reporting period.
Big Stripers on the Move as June Push Reaches Gulf of Maine
OTW Saltwater's June 2 striper migration report puts 40-pound bass on bunker just outside Boston, a strong signal that quality fish have reached the southern approaches to NH coastal waters. On The Water's June 5 migration map confirms the push is progressing, with fish beginning to settle into their summer grounds while water temperatures remain a few degrees cooler than normal for this date. Stripers are tracking bait schools of bunker, squid, and river herring, per multiple OTW reports from late May and early June. No NOAA buoy data was available for this report, so precise inshore water temps for the NH coast cannot be confirmed. The Last Quarter moon creates favorable feeding windows at dawn and dusk, particularly on moving tides. Anglers working the rocky points, rip lines, and offshore ledges typical of the NH coast should find active fish through the coming week if bait schools hold position.
Missouri River warm and high: catfish primed, bass settling into summer haunts
The USGS gauge at Hermann (site 06934500) clocked Missouri River flow at 152,000 cfs with water temperature at 78°F on the morning of June 8, elevated and warm conditions that push fish out of the main current and into slack-water eddies, tributary mouths, and inside bends. No Missouri-specific shop or charter intel surfaced this cycle, but the setup matches what Fishing the Midwest describes for Midwest rivers in summer: work the edges, not the gut. Catfish stand out as the top target right now: warm water energizes aggressive feeding, and the cut-gizzard-shad-on-bottom approach that produced a record 36.2-pound flathead on the Delaware River (per Wired 2 Fish) translates directly to Missouri River ledge structure. For bass, Tactical Bassin reports post-spawn fish are dialing into offshore structure on a wobble-head jig and shaky head worm combo, a pairing equally applicable to Missouri and Ozark River systems right now.
Delacroix trout run peaks as June delta marshes come alive
Speckled trout are the prime draw along the Louisiana delta marshes this week, with Louisiana Sportsman flagging Delacroix as the go-to June destination — Capt. Chris Danos, running charters out of Beshel's Marina in Pointe a la Hache, is making regular runs toward Delacroix for trout on productive days. Offshore, Sport Fishing Mag's recent deep-dive on northern Gulf rig fishing underscores what Louisiana anglers know: the state's oil and gas platforms rank among the most species-rich bottomfishing grounds on the continent. No NOAA buoy data is available this cycle, so current inshore water temperatures are unconfirmed — check local sources before launching. Warming summer conditions are keeping speckled trout oriented toward structure, shell banks, and current breaks during midday heat. The Last Quarter moon this week means softer tidal swings, generally a productive window for finesse presentations fished slowly through the back marsh on an incoming tide.
Hawaii Blue Marlin Season Building Toward Summer Peak
Hawaii Fishing News, the state's official saltwater record-keeper and moon-tide calendar resource, tracks the offshore rhythms Hawaiian anglers rely on, and the Last Quarter moon this week generally marks a quieter bite window before the new moon phase resets activity. No buoy readings or direct captain reports are available for this update cycle. That said, early June sits at the hinge point of Hawaii's pelagic calendar: mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) remain a consistent blue-water producer, yellowfin tuna (ahi) are present year-round along temperature breaks, and blue marlin, the crown jewel of Hawaiian offshore sport fishing, begin building in numbers through the summer months. Wahoo rounds out the main offshore spread. Without current on-the-water intel, anglers should verify conditions locally and consult Hawaii Fishing News for the latest moon-tide windows before committing to an offshore run.
Georgia coast enters summer season as river outflows cloud inshore waters
As of June 4, the Altamaha River at Doctortown was gauging 8.8 feet and rising while the Savannah at Clyo sat at 6.3 feet and falling, per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News — a split that pushes turbid water into coastal estuaries near Brunswick while Savannah-area clarity slowly improves. Georgia's barrier-island coast is transitioning into its early-summer pattern, with Georgia Wildlife Blog noting National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6–14) now underway and Free Fishing Day on June 6 drawing new faces to coastal docks. No saltwater charter or tackle-shop reports reached this cycle, so species intel below reflects seasonal norms for Georgia's Atlantic coast in early June. Redfish and spotted seatrout are the classic inshore targets in marsh creeks and tidal cuts; Spanish mackerel are making their nearshore push along the barrier island chain; and flounder hold on structure near channel edges. The Last Quarter moon provides moderate tidal pull — current timing will be the deciding factor.
Kingfish Run Hot as Snook Stack Up for Spawn on FL's Atlantic Coast
Snook Nook's June 2026 report out of Stuart marks the start of prime trophy snook season on the Treasure Coast, even as the fishery officially closes to harvest on June 1. With fish staging for their annual spawn, Snook Nook notes anglers have a genuine shot at 40-inch-plus breeder fish through the summer on a strict catch-and-release basis. Offshore, Captain Rick Murphy is calling king mackerel action hot, with smoker kings actively biting along Florida's Atlantic-facing waters. The biggest regulatory news belongs to red snapper: CCA Florida reports that a U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state-led Exempted Fishing Permit programs just hours before Florida's planned Atlantic red snapper season was set to open, shelving harvest opportunities for the near term. The last quarter moon this week sets up moderate neap tides, with the tightest feeding windows concentrated around tide changes at inlets and passes.
Tarpon Migration Peaks and Kingfish Run Hot on Florida's Gulf Coast
Tarpon season is in full swing along Florida's Gulf Coast, with Naples Offshore Fishing Charters reporting the migration 'fully underway' and captains intercepting quality fish as they push through the area. Morning sessions are dedicated to tarpon, with steady jumping and hookups on quality fish, before pivoting to afternoon permit sessions targeting large fish on sight. King mackerel are also running strong, with Captain Rick Murphy's Florida Insider flagging smokers as hot along the Gulf this week. Cobia and amberjacks are mixing in offshore as a bonus, per Naples Offshore Fishing Charters, rounding out a dynamic early-summer spread. No live buoy data is available for precise water temperatures, but early June on the southwest Gulf Coast typically sees warm, clear water that fuels the classic tarpon and permit push. The Last Quarter moon this week can favor low-light windows at dawn and dusk for the best shots at migrating silver kings.
Black Drum Heating Up Delaware Bay's Coral Beds as June Arrives
Smith's Bait Shop in Leipsic reports the black drum bite at the Coral Beds off Slaughter Beach is sustained, with peeler crab the top producer and clams a solid backup. Similar action is reaching Broadkill Beach as well, per The Fisherman (DE/MD/Chesapeake). Water temperatures remain on the cool side for late spring, but Eric Burnley notes that good-weather windows last week opened up solid fishing from the beach all the way out to the canyons. A stretch of unsettled, windy weather had kept boats at the dock mid-week, but conditions are improving. Inshore, The Fisherman's NJ/DE Bay region forecast for early June calls out striped bass, bluefish, and the first fluke showing in the wash near inlet rocks. White perch are cooperating in the tidal creeks and rivers on bloodworms, per Smith's Bait Shop. The full species menu is filling out, though warming water remains the key to unlocking the flounder bite.
Bluefin tuna firing off Half Moon Bay as El Niño sets the stage
Bluefin tuna showed up off Half Moon Bay within the past week, with the Codfather (running out of Alameda) reporting trolling success just south of the Half Moon Bay Weather Buoy, per Western Outdoor News. Deckhand Joseph Green noted the crew found life after a few hours on the troll and connected on bluefin, an encouraging early signal for pelagic fishing along the Central Coast. Western Outdoor News is also anticipating strong El Niño conditions through late June, with offshore charters already targeting tuna, yellowtail, and dorado. On the ecosystem front, CCA California has launched a campaign against invasive Sargassum horneri, nicknamed Devil Weed, which is spreading through the nearshore kelp beds that support rockfish and lingcod habitat across the region. No real-time buoy readings were available for this report cycle; confirm water temps and tide conditions locally before departing.
Gulf of Alaska Enters Peak Season as King Salmon and Halibut Windows Open
Saltwater Sportsman highlights the annual Combat Fishing Tournament out of Seward, Alaska, held the Wednesday before Memorial Day, as one of the state's most distinctive saltwater traditions, with more than 160 junior enlisted service members boarding volunteer charter boats to fish the Gulf. That event marks the informal kickoff of Alaska's peak offshore season, and early June finds the Gulf of Alaska squarely in its prime window. King salmon are the flagship pursuit right now, with their typical late-May through July run providing consistent action along the northern Gulf coast. Pacific halibut are building steadily on nearshore structure as June progresses. No real-time buoy data was available for this report, so anglers should pull current sea-state and wind forecasts from NOAA marine services before heading offshore. AK Sea Grant remains active in supporting the fisheries science and mariculture research that underpins Alaska's marine ecosystem.
Gulf Rig Bite Heats Up as Mobile Bay Enters Early-June Window
Sport Fishing Mag is spotlighting northern Gulf rig fishing this week, noting that oil and gas platforms stretching from Mobile Bay to the Texas Coast 'represent the continent's most diverse and abundant fishing opportunity', and early June sits squarely in the heart of that run. No NOAA buoy readings are in hand for this cycle, so confirmed water temperatures and sea-state figures are unavailable; verify conditions locally before running offshore. Inshore, Salt Strong's current coverage highlights a summer-specific adjustment: as water climbs, speckled trout and redfish push deeper and tighter to structure, making weighted weedless presentations a better bet than shallow-running rigs. Their latest paddletail technique breakdown reinforces that approach matters more than color. The Last Quarter moon this week moderates tidal exchange, concentrating baitfish along channel edges and grass-flat drop-offs during the slower-moving tide windows.
Stripers Running Hot in Narragansett Bay as Squid Season Peaks
Booked Off Charters captain Tony Guarino turned a slow fluke morning into an exceptional striper session this week, landing bass from around 30 inches up to 30-plus pounds on soft plastics — fish were charging baits right to the surface, per The Fisherman — Rhode Island. The same outlet's Saltwater Edge dispatch confirms stripers spread throughout Narragansett Bay and around the island, with nice-sized bluefish also in the mix. Squid fishing has been a consistent bright spot: Frances Fleet reports customers filling buckets of large-tube squid on recent trips. The fluke bite lags behind, hampered by water Frances Fleet describes as still very cold for early June; improvement is emerging along the south shore and south of Block Island per the Saltwater Edge. Weather cancelled Frances Fleet's Saturday departures — check conditions before launching this week.
Black Drum Firing at the Coral Beds as Chesapeake Waters Begin to Climb
Water is 'still on the cold side for late spring' across the Delaware-Maryland shore, per The Fisherman DE/MD/Chesapeake correspondent Eric Burnley, but good-weather windows are opening and the fishing is responding. The most consistent bite right now is black drum at the Coral Beds off Slaughter Beach. Steve at Smith's Bait Shop, reporting through The Fisherman DE/MD/Chesapeake, says peeler crab is the top producer with clams a solid backup. White perch are also cooperating, showing well in tidal creeks and rivers on bloodworms. Offshore, Hook 'em and Cook 'em logged the first ocean report of the season: a private boat brought in a 34-pound golden tilefish, with good sea bass action on ocean structure when boats could make the run. Burnley notes more sunshine is expected to help water temps climb this week, which should push the broader Bay bite from steady to strong across multiple species.
Lake of the Woods walleye move to weedlines as summer window opens
The Rainy River logged 66°F and 22,700 cfs as of June 7 (USGS gauge 05133500), placing Lake of the Woods squarely in the post-spawn walleye transition. Fishing the Midwest contributor Bob Jensen is calling weedline work the primary tactic now that the 2026 open water season is in full swing — fish that scattered during spawn recovery are regrouping along emergent vegetation edges and mid-lake reefs. Jason Mitchell Outdoors has been featuring bottom-bouncer and spinner rigs as a consistent walleye producer this spring, a natural fit for the soft-bottom mud flats and rocky humps the LOW is known for. At 22,700 cfs, the Rainy River is running moderately elevated, which tends to push fish off main current seams and onto slower inside edges and calmer bays. Sauger remain a reliable secondary target in the river channel, and northern pike should be actively patrolling newly greened-up weed edges across the lake.
South Fork cutthroat hunting the edges as Snake River peaks at June runoff
The Snake River near Heise registered 13,000 cfs on June 7 (USGS gauge 13037500), signaling the river is at or near peak spring runoff, a threshold that reshapes where and how fish hold throughout the South Fork system. No water temperature was recorded in this reading, though mid-June Snake River temps typically fall in the 48-56 degree range during high-water years, conditions generally favorable for trout metabolism but challenging for dry-fly presentations. With the South Fork carrying significant volume, Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat and brown trout will be stacked in bankside eddies, behind large boulders, and at the mouths of slower side channels where they can intercept food without battling the main current. Trout Unlimited continues to document habitat restoration work on tributaries feeding the Snake River cutthroat range, a sign the population remains a conservation priority. No local shop or charter reports were available this cycle; conditions here are interpreted from gauge data and established seasonal patterns for this drainage.
Lake trout and cutthroats take center stage as Bitterroot hits peak snowmelt
USGS gauge 12372000 recorded 33,900 cfs at 57°F on June 7, a classic peak-runoff reading for western Montana heading into mid-June. Those flows push river trout tight to protected structure: undercut banks, deep back-eddies, and slower side-channels where fish can hold without fighting the main current. The Bitterroot's wade-fishing windows narrow considerably at this stage, and wading should be treated with serious caution. Flathead Lake, by contrast, is largely insulated from the river's runoff pulse and remains the better near-term option for anglers targeting westslope cutthroat and lake trout (mackinaw) in clearer water. Flylords Mag highlights June green drake hatches as one of fly fishing's marquee events, but on turbid runoff rivers the surface bite will likely lag until flows recede. Gink and Gasoline's recent primer on weighting nymphs is well-timed: punching a heavy rig to the bottom is the most consistent river approach this week.
Cumberland tailwater runs glass-clear as post-spawn bass find summer structure
USGS gauge 03413200 recorded just 8.21 cfs on the Cumberland River tailwater as of June 8 — minimal generation from Wolf Creek Dam leaving the river exceptionally clear and wading-accessible. No water temperature was available from the gauge, but hypolimnetic releases from the deep reservoir typically keep the tailwater well below 60°F into early summer, supporting the brown and rainbow trout the Cumberland is celebrated for. None of this week's regional angler-intel feeds carried direct Lake Cumberland or Cumberland tailwater reports, so current conditions lean on the gauge data and typical June patterns for this fishery. On the lake itself, bass across similar reservoir systems are transitioning from spawn to offshore structure: Tactical Bassin reports that a wobble-head jig paired with a shaky-head worm is the go-to combination on offshore ledges right now. The Last Quarter moon this week creates lower-light windows at dawn and dusk worth planning around for both trout and bass.
Laguna Madre grass flats in summer stride for trout, reds, and whiting
Texas Fish & Game Magazine's recent Bay Profile frames the Lower Laguna Madre as clear-watered, grass-flat country that "doesn't fish like the rest of Texas," and early June conditions appear to be delivering. Capt. Kevin Navid ran back-to-back Baffin Bay and Laguna Madre trips on May 28 and June 4, reported via TexasFishingTips (YT), signaling consistent on-water pressure across the region. Nearshore, Lone Star Outdoor News — Fishing reports whiting are "running extremely well" along the Texas coast right now, making South Padre beachfronts a productive light-tackle bet. The 2026 CCA-Texas STAR Tournament is in full swing through September 7, per Texas Fish & Game Magazine, adding incentive for every red that hits the deck. No buoy or gauge readings are available for this cycle; check current tidal and wind conditions locally before launching. Last Quarter moon should moderate tidal swings through the early-week window.
Post-spawn bass and walleye prime at Grand River mouth
USGS gauge 04119000 had the Grand River flowing at 3,760 cfs as of June 7 — a moderate, fishable level as spring runoff tapers toward summer low-water conditions. No water temperature was recorded at the gauge. Direct on-the-water reports specific to the Grand River mouth were sparse this cycle. On the broader Lake Michigan front, Wired 2 Fish flagged contentious legislation (House Bills 5801 and 5802) that would open commercial netting for walleye and lake trout in Michigan state waters — a development anglers are watching closely. Post-spawn bass are the marquee target right now: Tactical Bassin notes that June is the moment to work offshore structure with chatterbaits, dropshots, and neko rigs as bass shift from spawn recovery to summer feeding. Smallmouth and walleye remain the traditional draws at the Grand River mouth, and moderate flows make both boat and wade access viable this week.
Western Basin walleye push to deep reefs as early June warmth takes hold
USGS gauge 04193500 on the Maumee River system recorded 75°F on June 8, a benchmark that typically nudges walleye off shallow post-spawn flats and onto deeper reef structure across the Western Basin. At mid-70s temps, walleye in this part of Lake Erie tend to go nocturnal or compress into dawn and dusk windows, holding tight to hard bottom at 18 to 28 feet through the midday hours. No specific charter or shop reports for the Western Basin appeared in this week's feeds, so precise current bite intensity is uncertain. Fishing the Midwest describes summer walleye strategy as a mix of slow-trolling and targeting offshore structure, advice that fits present conditions well. Wired 2 Fish is also tracking Michigan House bills that would open walleye to commercial netting in state waters, a legislative development that signals how highly the species is valued across the Great Lakes. Last Quarter moon typically eases fish pressure and can extend the early-morning feeding window.
North Platte and Wind River trout approaching prime summer window
Trout Unlimited's recent Spread Creek video spotlights active habitat work building Snake River cutthroat populations in Wyoming's northwest corner, a fitting seasonal signal for the state's broader June trout picture. On the Wind River and North Platte, USGS gauge 06259000 returned no reading at press time, leaving real-time flow and temperature unavailable; anglers should confirm current conditions at the USGS Water Resources site before heading out. Early June in this region typically finds rivers at or just past peak snowmelt, running cold, elevated, and off-color. Gink and Gasoline's foundational high-water advice applies here: go heavy on the nymphing rig, target inside bends and slower seams, and stay patient while clarity improves. As flows ease through the month, PMD patterns (the jigged Split Case that Caddis Fly (OR) recommends as their go-to summer dropper on Rocky Mountain tailraces) should become increasingly effective on the lower North Platte.
Stripers Firing from the Eastern Sound to Montauk as June Bite Builds
The striper bite is the clear headline along Long Island right now. Per On The Water's June 4 report, bass are firing from the Eastern Sound all the way to Montauk, continuing a strong run that's been building since mid-May. OTW Saltwater's June 2 migration report detailed a baitfish buffet playing out in Long Island Sound, with bunker, squid, and river herring all drawing fish — and the June 5 On The Water striper migration map notes that water temps are running slightly cooler than normal, extending the productive window into early June. Fluke fishing is showing signs of improvement around NYC after weather disrupted the bite late May (On The Water, June 4), while bluefish action remains spotty across the island despite growing numbers noted the prior week. NY DEC's current bluefish regulation carries no size limit and a five-fish bag, so it's worth keeping a setup rigged if a school shows.
Jersey Shore Lights Up: Sea Bass Limits, Surf Stripers, and Offshore Bluefin
Blue Chip Sportfishing (NJ) says sea bass action is "red hot" right now, with the boat limiting out on nearly every trip — that single headline captures the current mood along the Jersey Shore. Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands backs it up with consistent keeper sea bass and ling on reef drops, describing recent conditions as a "perfect 10." The surf striper bite is equally compelling: Fishermans HQ LBI reports the Long Beach Island spring striper run remains strong entering June, flagging the first two weeks of the month as historically productive for quality fish. Grumpys Tackle (NJ) adds that a larger class of striped bass has pushed into the surf, with clams and bunker chunks the dominant baits. Per OTW Northern New Jersey's June 4 report, fluke to 8 pounds are showing in the rivers, and bluefish, black drum, and stripers are all active in the surf. Offshore, Fishermans HQ LBI is tracking bluefin tuna within 20–30 miles of the coast, riding a massive squid invasion.