Fishing reports
19276 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Post-Spawn Bass in Transition as June Opens on the Arkansas and White Rivers
Tactical Bassin is flagging post-spawn bass as a prime target on isolated offshore structure heading into June, a pattern that translates directly to the rock ledges, deep eddies, and main-channel bends of the Arkansas and White Rivers. Real-time flow data for USGS gauge 07263620 is unavailable this cycle, so current conditions should be confirmed locally before launching. With the spawn wrapping up across the mid-South, bass are scattering from shallow flats toward summer-holding structure — main-channel edges, bridge pilings, and submerged timber are the first stops. Fishing the Midwest notes that rivers offer outstanding summer action, particularly as smaller tributaries warm into seasonal range. On the White River tailwater below Bull Shoals, cool, consistent dam discharges typically sustain rainbow and brown trout through June even as air temps climb. Catfish on the Arkansas River typically enter their summer prime this month, with bigger fish moving onto deeper ledges and holes.
Post-spawn bass and Lees Ferry trout in reach as Colorado River holds steady
USGS gauge 09380000 on the Colorado River at Lees Ferry logged 9,960 cfs and a 61°F water temperature on the evening of June 6, conditions that keep the tailwater below Glen Canyon Dam in solid shape for trout anglers heading into the weekend. That flow sits firmly in wade-fishable territory, though always confirm Bureau of Reclamation release schedules before stepping in. On the bass side, Tactical Bassin reports that early June is a post-spawn transition moment, with fish beginning to push toward offshore structure; the site's June playbook highlights a wobble-head jig paired with a shaky head worm as a standout one-two punch for this window. Fishing the Midwest notes that rivers across the region can produce outstanding summer action and encourages anglers to try a river this summer as warm-weather patterns take hold. Catfish activity is also worth watching as water temperatures continue their early-summer climb in slower, deeper bends.
Gulf of Alaska enters peak halibut and King salmon season
Surface water temperatures of 44-46°F recorded this week across three NOAA Gulf buoys mark the opening of prime early-June fishing in the Gulf of Alaska. Saltwater Sportsman recently covered the annual Armed Services YMCA Combat Fishing Tournament out of Seward, confirming that Gulf charter fleets had boats rigged and crews aboard for saltwater action heading into Memorial Day weekend, a reliable seasonal kickoff. Halibut are the anchor species at this time of year, typically working structure and sandy bottom in 100-300 feet of water throughout the Gulf. King salmon (Chinook) are entering their early-run window near offshore feeding corridors and river approach lanes. No direct charter bite reports were available in this data cycle; offshore seas measured 4.6-5.6 feet across buoys with light to moderate winds, workable for experienced crews. Confirm current conditions with local operators before departure.
Kenai king salmon season opens as interior rivers prime up for summer
Water at 51°F and 4,490 cfs on the Kenai River at Soldotna (USGS gauge 15266300, recorded June 6) places the river in classic early-summer form — cool enough to hold kings comfortably, with enough volume to push fish off the banks and into mid-channel seams. The early-run king salmon season on the Kenai typically begins in May and runs through July, making this the heart of the first-run window. No charter or tackle-shop feeds specifically covering the Kenai or interior rivers reached our aggregator this cycle, so technique calls below are built on seasonal norms rather than fresh captain reports — check in with local outfitters before you launch. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are resident year-round and generally active at these water temperatures. The Last Quarter moon this weekend can favor the low-light bites that interior Alaska rivers consistently reward.
Northern Gulf rigs prime as early-summer bite arrives off Alabama
Surface temps in the northern Gulf are at 80°F per NOAA buoy 42012, a benchmark that signals early summer is well underway off Alabama. Sport Fishing Mag's recent breakdown of northern Gulf rig fishing makes clear this is prime season for the oil and gas platforms stretching from Mobile Bay westward: amberjack, red snapper, and grouper stack tight to structure as water heats. Closer to shore, anglers on the Pensacola Fishing Forum are reporting puppy drum cooperating on Z-man shrimp rigs, consistent with typical early-June redfish behavior in bay-grass shallows, though corroboration from local shops and charters remains thin. Winds are reading 6 to 7 m/s across both reporting buoys, serviceable for most offshore runs in a cooperative weather window. Last Quarter moon this weekend will produce moderate, predictable tidal movement; plan bite windows around tide transitions rather than peak flood or ebb.
Lake Jackson Bass Stack on Bream Beds as Georgia Rivers Begin to Clear
The Savannah River is running at 4,310 cfs per USGS gauge 02197000 as of June 6 evening, elevated after recent rains but trending downward. GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News confirms the broader pattern: most Georgia rivers are "high and muddy" this week, with the Savannah at Clyo reported at 6.3 feet and falling as of June 4. Anglers who shifted to lakes and ponds are finding the best action. GA Sportsman reports Lake Jackson bass are up shallow, feeding on bream beds and mayfly hatches, with fish responding around shallow cover on a variety of baits. On private ponds, a pumpkin senko has been producing solid bass this week. The Georgia Wildlife Blog notes June 6 was a Free Fishing Day for Georgia residents, with National Fishing and Boating Week running June 6-14, making this a prime stretch to target accessible stillwater close to home while the rivers continue to settle.
Tournament bass hot at Eufaula; Texoma stripers push into summer
The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit is live on Lake Eufaula this weekend, and the bass are showing up. Per MLF News, Alabama's Cal Lane leads through Day 2 (June 6) with a two-day bag of 37 pounds, 12 ounces, catching a quick limit plus a key 4-pound kicker despite downpour conditions that shuffled much of the field. Post-spawn fish are stacking on isolated offshore structure — Tactical Bassin's June breakdown highlights wobble-head jigs and shaky head worms as reliable producers on humps and ledges when the bite slows. USGS gauge 07331600 is reading 46.2 cfs as of June 6, signaling stable, low-inflow conditions with no significant runoff disruption. Over at Lake Texoma, no charter or shop reports landed this cycle, but early June typically marks the transition when landlocked stripers push deeper to follow shad into cooler thermal layers — a pattern worth monitoring heading into the weekend.
Moosehead Salmon and Penobscot Brook Trout Enter Prime Early-June Window
The USGS gauge at site 01030500 recorded a flow of 777 cfs on the upper Penobscot on the evening of June 6, a moderate reading suggesting the main snowmelt pulse has passed and river levels are settling toward a fishable summer baseline. No water temperature reading was available from this gauge. None of this cycle's angler intel feeds carried direct reports from Moosehead Lake or the upper Penobscot drainage, so specific bite intel is limited here. What we can say: MidCurrent's recent Tying Tuesday coverage notes that across the Northeast, "hatches begin to fire and predatory fish start pushing into the shallows" as June arrives — a pattern that typically holds for Maine's cold-water lakes and tributary streams as well. Early June is historically prime time for landlocked Atlantic salmon on Moosehead and for brook trout in tributary streams before midsummer heat pushes fish deeper. Plan for mayfly activity at dusk. Check state regs before harvesting.
Stripers Running Hot in Narragansett Bay as Squid and Fluke Build
Tony Guarino of Booked Off Charters ditched slow fluke grounds mid-week and found excellent striper action, landing fish from 30 inches up to 30-plus pounds that chased soft plastics right to the surface. The Saltwater Edge confirms the pattern: stripers are spread throughout the bay and around the island, with bluefish also turning up in the mix. On the party-boat side, Frances Fleet is reporting strong squid trips — customers filling buckets of sizable tubes — while noting that fluke fishing is showing signs of improvement even as water temperatures remain below average for early June. Buoy readings at the bay entrance sit between 58 and 61°F, corroborating On The Water's June 5 note that water is running a few degrees below seasonal norms. The Fisherman (Northeast) frames the regional striper picture: fish pushing the 40-pound class have been staggering in numbers across the entire Northeast corridor, and Narragansett Bay is no exception.
Sea Bass Limits and Late-Spring Stripers Pack the Jersey Shore
Water sitting at 62°F off the Jersey Shore per NOAA buoy 44091, early June has delivered a strong one-two punch for saltwater anglers. Black sea bass are the clear bottom story: Blue Chip Sportfishing reports limiting out on knuckleheads on nearly every trip, and The Fisherman's Northern NJ correspondents confirm the Big Mohawk III and Miss Belmar Princess both maxed out on sea bass and ling through the past week, with Ol' Salty II noting the bite improved each successive day. Meanwhile, the spring striper run refuses to quit. Fishermans HQ LBI called the surf-side striper bite alive and strong as of June 1, noting the first two weeks of June historically produce some of the largest fish of the year. The Fisherman's Central NJ desk backs that up — Bobbie's Boats reports very good striped bass throughout the bay and inlet on salted clams and live spot. Bluefish are patrolling beaches sporadically per The Fisherman's surf correspondents, while fluke remain slow as cool nearshore water continues to suppress keeper catches.
Erie smallmouth enter prime June feeding window as post-spawn wraps up
NOAA buoy 45005 clocked Lake Erie surface temps at 63°F early Wednesday morning, placing Presque Isle waters squarely in the heart of the post-spawn smallmouth bass window. Wave heights of 0.7 feet and nearly flat-calm wind promise comfortable access to both the bay and open lake. The PA Fish & Boat Biologist Reports feed did not carry a specific Lake Erie update this cycle, limiting direct angler testimony, but the environmental picture aligns with a textbook early-June setup: smallmouth have cleared their beds and are actively feeding along rocky points, the Presque Isle breakwalls, and nearshore gravel flats. Walleye, Lake Erie's signature species, typically stage over mid-lake humps once surface temps crest 60°F, making jigging and trolling crankbaits the productive approach. Yellow perch remain a reliable option in the bay year-round. The waning gibbous moon supports pre-dawn and low-light feeding activity. Check current PA Fish & Boat Commission regulations for size and creel limits before keeping fish.
Big Stripers on Bunker as Chesapeake Enters Early-June Sweet Spot
The OTW Saltwater migration report from June 2 confirms big stripers pushing north and feeding heavily on bunker, squid, and river herring — fish that have been staging along the Bay corridor are now working toward Long Island Sound and Boston. For Chesapeake Bay anglers, that puts early June at a transition point: the peak spring run has largely cleared the lower stem, but staging fish remain around channel edges, structure, and tributary mouths. Water temperature near the Bay entrance reads 60°F per NOAA buoy 44009 — right in the striper comfort zone. Saltwater Edge Blog's late-May outlook noted that "big bass are crushing big baits" around the full-moon window, and that momentum appears to be carrying into June. Weakfish are beginning to show to the north per Saltwater Edge, a signal that they may be working Bay waters as well. The waning gibbous moon this week typically softens peak night-bite pressure while keeping daytime windows productive.
Toledo Bend big-bass bite peaks as post-spawn transition rolls in
Louisiana Sportsman reports Brad Ferguson of Grand Cane, La., landed an 11.55-pound largemouth bass while fishing Toledo Bend solo on May 29, a late-May giant that signals the reservoir's trophy-class fishery is primed heading into June. USGS gauge 08025500 shows the Sabine River running at just 27.1 cfs as of June 2, an extremely lean inflow pointing to stable, low-turbidity reservoir conditions well-suited to finesse and reaction presentations. With the spawn winding down, largemouth are shifting from shallow staging areas to transitional structure: submerged timber, brush piles, and the first breaks off creek channel ledges. The waning gibbous moon supports prime morning and evening windows before summer heat pushes fish deeper by midday. Crappie and blue catfish round out the target list, though no specific tackle-shop or captain intel came in for those species this week. Check current LDWF regulations before keeping any bass.
Post-spawn bass on Hartwell as summer patterns take hold on the Savannah chain
The South Carolina Upstate Legacy Series recently wrapped its third event at Lake Hartwell with Brad and Titus Burdette taking first place on 11 lbs, 11 oz — competitive weights for a 10-boat field that navigated tough and shifting conditions, per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News. Water temperature data was unavailable at publication from USGS gauge 02192000, which logged a moderate 1,120 cfs on the downstream Savannah as of June 2. Early June places Hartwell bass firmly in the post-spawn transition: fish that finished on beds are scattering to points, offshore brush piles, and secondary channel edges as surface temps climb into summer range. Tactical Bassin's June breakdown spotlights chatterbaits, neko rigs, and dropshot presentations as standout options for post-spawn fish on inland Southern reservoirs. Over on nearby Clarks Hill in the same Savannah chain, GA Sportsman documented a quality crappie session around shaded docks and timber — a pattern worth exploring along the Hartwell and Russell arms as panfish retreat to deeper structure.
Delta post-spawn bass and stripers active as strong June outflows run
USGS gauge 11455420 recorded a net outflow of 81,700 cfs at Cache Slough near Rio Vista on June 2, signaling strong Delta export conditions pushing water seaward through the system. Water temperature was unavailable from the gauge, though the Delta typically reaches the 65–72°F range by early June. With bass largely through their spawn, Tactical Bassin's post-spawn breakdown highlights the chatterbait, neko rig, and dropshot around isolated offshore structure and channel breaks — presentations that translate directly to Delta tule edges and mid-channel humps. NorCal Fish Reports tracks Delta conditions on a weekly cadence, though beat-specific intel wasn't available in this cycle's pull. Striped bass typically scatter widely through the estuary after their spring spawn and should be in active post-spawn mode now. Under the waning gibbous moon, first and last light remain the highest-percentage windows. Anglers should time their casts to outgoing tide transitions, when strong current concentrates bait in the slough mouths and channel cuts.
Tailwater trout dialed in below Flaming Gorge as prime early-June conditions hold
The USGS gauge below Flaming Gorge Dam (site 09234500) clocked 1,310 cfs and 52°F on June 2 — water temperature squarely in the prime trout feeding range for this world-class tailwater. Unlike nearby freestone rivers still clearing from Rocky Mountain snowmelt, the Green River runs clear and cold year-round thanks to its reservoir origin. No shop or guide reports from this specific corridor surfaced in this cycle's intel feeds, so conditions here are grounded in gauge data and seasonal patterns typical for early June on the A, B, and C sections below the dam. At 52°F, brown and rainbow trout on a clear tailwater typically feed reliably through midday, not just at the bookend hours. MidCurrent's tying roundup this week flagged midge patterns designed for "the clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces" — a style of fishing the Green River practically invented. Fine-tippet nymphing is the play.
Roosevelt Lake bass shift offshore as early summer heat builds
USGS gauge 09498500 recorded 82.6 cfs on the Salt River as of June 2, signaling steady inflow to Roosevelt Lake as the reservoir enters its summer regime. No water temperature was returned from the gauge this week, though early June at this elevation typically pushes surface temps well into the upper 70s, marking the full post-spawn bass transition. No Arizona-specific charter or tackle shop reports landed in this week's intel feeds, so conditions are called from seasonal norms and current general bass guidance. Tactical Bassin highlights post-spawn bass aggressively hitting chatterbaits, swimbaits, drop-shots, and neko rigs around isolated offshore structure, a pattern that maps directly onto Roosevelt's rocky points and submerged timber. With bass moving off the shallows and a waning gibbous moon overhead, first and last light remain the most reliable windows for reaction bites. Channel and flathead catfish should pick up on the night bite as water temperatures continue climbing through June.
Lake Mead stripers pushing deep as early-June heat builds
No readings came through this cycle from USGS gauge 09421500, leaving water temperature and flow data absent for this report. None of our monitored angler-intel feeds carried direct reports from Lake Mead or the lower Colorado striper corridor this week. What follows leans on seasonal pattern rather than live testimony, and readers should verify locally before making the drive. Early June is a transitional window at the reservoir. Threadfin shad schools are being pushed by warming surface temps, and the classic dawn striper boil off main-lake points and submerged structure is typical for this stage of the season. The current Waning Gibbous moon extends low-light feeding slightly, giving topwater presentations a bit more runway at first light. Through midday and into the afternoon, the playbook shifts to deep jigging or trolling shad-imitating lures at 30 to 60 feet, tracking the thermocline where cooler water holds baitfish. Check local sources before heading out.
Ozarks bass riding current breaks as post-spawn push arrives
Water temperature at 74°F from USGS gauge 06934500 confirms Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River are in full post-spawn transition heading into the first week of June. The gauge is also reading a surging 168,000 cfs, and that current load is shaping where fish are holding right now. MLF News flagged this pattern directly in previewing the Ozark Division bass event on nearby Truman Lake, noting that current "will be a driving factor" and that wood cover will be especially in play when flows are running strong. Bass have largely finished spawning and are making the move to summer structure — submerged timber, main-lake points, and current-breaking creek bends. Tactical Bassin reports post-spawn fish are responding to chatterbaits, neko rigs, and dropshots worked around isolated offshore structure, a presentation that translates directly to the timbered arms and channel edges of the Ozarks. Catfish are entering their prime feeding window along warm river bends.
Post-spawn walleye and bass dialing in on Upper Mississippi pools for June
Jason Mitchell Outdoors' recent 'May Walleye Craziness' and 'Trolling Shallow Walleye' coverage from comparable Upper Midwest river systems points to an active walleye pattern carrying into early June on the Mississippi pools between Prescott and La Crosse. The USGS gauge at site 05344500 shows the river at 16,200 cfs as of June 2 — a moderate, receding flow that concentrates fish on wing dams, current seams, and channel edges. For bass, Tactical Bassin reports the post-spawn transition has fish pushing to isolated offshore structure, with chatterbaits, swimbaits, and finesse rigs — neko and dropshot — producing quality fish right now. Fishing the Midwest's Bob Jensen notes that larger regional rivers hold diverse species through summer, with deeper pools productive through midday and low-light periods delivering the sharpest action. No water temperature data was available from today's gauge reading; check current conditions before heading out.
Driftless Area browns hitting streamers and dry flies as June hatches fire
Root River Rod Co's pine squirrel jig streamer, highlighted by MidCurrent this week as a go-to for the tight, technical spring creeks of southwestern Wisconsin, is the pattern to have tied up heading into early June. Regional hydrology offers a cautionary note: USGS gauge 05407000 on the Wisconsin River logged 8,550 cfs as of June 2, elevated above typical early-summer levels and a signal that some main-stem stretches may carry extra turbidity. Spring-fed Driftless tributaries are insulated from flashy runoff by their groundwater character, but anglers should scout for clarity before committing to a pool. The bright side is that elevated moisture typically keeps streamside vegetation lush and terrestrial food sources active. MidCurrent's hatch coverage this week notes fish pushing into the shallows as surface hatches begin to fire, and Hatch Magazine's spring creek skills primer is timely reading for visiting anglers. Brown trout are the Driftless headliner through June, with brook trout holding in the coldest, most sheltered spring seeps.
Lake of the Woods walleye in full post-spawn feed as early June arrives warm
USGS gauge 05133500 on the Rainy River recorded 66°F water and a strong 25,500 cfs flow on June 2, notably warm for the first week of June and a solid setup for post-spawn walleye action across both the river and main-lake waters. Walleye that completed their spring spawn several weeks ago have recovered and are moving into active feeding mode on structure, current seams, and mid-depth flats. Jason Mitchell Outdoors has been tracking active walleye fishing across comparable northern lakes systems through May, with video content covering river trolling and current-edge tactics that translate directly to this system. Fishing the Midwest notes that summer river flows often produce exceptional structure fishing, and with the Rainy River running full, current breaks should be holding fish. Northern pike are characteristically aggressive in June at these temperatures, and smallmouth bass are pushing into the shallows. Check local regs for current walleye slot limits before keeping fish.
Mille Lacs walleye shifting post-spawn as northern Minnesota enters early June
Jason Mitchell Outdoors (YT) documented what they called 'May Walleye Craziness' on northern Minnesota waters heading into this stretch, with a separate 'Trolling Shallow Walleye' segment pointing to fish still accessible in the shallower mid-depth band. Direct on-lake reports for Mille Lacs are sparse in this cycle's feeds, but regional signals suggest walleye are completing their post-spawn recovery and beginning to stage along rock-to-sand transitions and mid-depth flats. The USGS gauge at site 05227530 logged essentially zero flow on June 2, consistent with calm lake-outlet conditions. A waning gibbous moon means the most reliable feeding windows will concentrate around the low-light transitions at dawn and dusk. Fishing the Midwest has highlighted slow-trolling and shallow live-bait presentations as effective spring-to-summer transition tactics on northern lakes. Always verify current Minnesota DNR size and bag-limit rules before keeping fish — Mille Lacs walleye regulations have shifted seasonally in recent years.
Finger Lakes smallmouth transition offshore in prime early-June window
A USGS gauge reading of 62°F on June 2 puts Finger Lakes surface temperatures squarely in the post-spawn sweet spot for smallmouth bass on Cayuga, Seneca, and Skaneateles. Fish that held on rocky shoals through the spawn are now pulling offshore to feed aggressively. Tactical Bassin's June and post-spawn guides emphasize isolated offshore structure as the key holding zone for this phase, with chatterbaits, dropshot rigs, and neko presentations leading the way for transitioning fish on outside flats. Outlet flow at USGS gauge 04232050 is running a low 8.06 cfs, suggesting stable, clear conditions in connected drainage. Lake trout remain accessible in deeper basin sections of Cayuga and Seneca, where cooler thermal layers persist below the warming surface. Walleye are a secondary target along main-lake depth transitions. Typically, NY state regulations include seasonal restrictions on trout, so verify current rules before keeping fish.