Fishing reports
19276 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Late-May Sulphur Windows Open Across Catskills and Adirondack Trout Streams
The MidCurrent Tying Tuesday series this week signals that hatches are firing across Northeast trout waters, with patterns covering every feeding lane from the surface film to open water as fish push into the shallows — timing that maps directly onto the late-May sulphur window traditionally peaking on Catskills freestones. USGS gauge 01413500 shows the corridor holding 114 cfs as of early Saturday morning, a moderate level, while gauge 01415000 sits low at 19.8 cfs with no water temperatures reporting on either site. Tonight's full moon is expected to compress the best surface action into low-light windows at dusk and dawn. Gink and Gasoline cautions that warm spring weather can accelerate hatch timing, making Sulphur and Light Cahill imitations worth carrying well before sunset. No direct guide or shop reports from the Adirondacks or Catskills were circulating in this week's feeds, limiting specific bite detail to seasonal inference and gauge context.
Salmon and Lake Trout Running Strong on Lake Ontario as June Opens
Strike Zone Charters reports that salmon fishing has been very good this past week on Lake Ontario, with brown trout and lake trout mixed in. The open-water bite is concentrated in 100 to 160 feet, with preferred depths shifting day to day as wind moves the temperature layer. Mag Dipsey Divers are the go-to presentation when the thermocline runs deep, with green, white, and chartreuse e-chips drawing consistent strikes, per the charter. On the tributary side, the USGS gauge on the Salmon River is reading 109 cfs, a moderate late-spring flow consistent with typical end-of-May levels. No gauge water temperature is currently available. The full moon on May 31 may push baitfish shallower overnight, occasionally concentrating salmon near the surface at first light. Tributary salmonid action at the Salmon River and Oswego typically softens by late May as spring steelhead runs tail off, making the open lake the primary target heading into June.
Post-spawn bass run hot as Chequamegon Bay whitefish fishery builds momentum
Tactical Bassin reports multiple giant bass in post-spawn mode are biting hard on chatterbaits, swimbaits, dropshot, and neko rigs around isolated offshore structure across Wisconsin's inland waters — a pattern kicking into gear as the general fishing season, open since May 2, matures toward summer. On Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay, a separate story is developing: lake whitefish have emerged as a standout open-water target, drawing enough angler interest that WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing convened a public meeting and released an online questionnaire to gauge preferences for managing this growing fishery. Jason Mitchell Outdoors (YT) rounds out the mid-season picture with May walleye responding to shallow trolling. The Wisconsin River at USGS gauge 05391000 reads 561 cfs this morning, a moderate level keeping wading accessible and walleye staged on current structure.
Post-spawn bass moving to structure as WV's New River enters summer rhythm
USGS gauge 03051000 is clocking 925 cfs as of early this morning, placing West Virginia's rivers at a moderate, fishable stage heading into the weekend. No water temperature reading was available from our gauge this cycle. With today's full moon landing right at the tail end of spawning season, New River smallmouth are transitioning post-spawn and moving toward deeper current seams, rocky ledges, and mid-channel structure. Tactical Bassin (blog) is reporting active post-spawn bass action this week, with fish keyed on isolated offshore structure and responding well to chatterbaits, neko rigs, and dropshot presentations. Fishing the Midwest makes a strong case for river fishing this summer, noting that moving water concentrates fish and often produces fast action. Muskellunge are a New River staple that should be actively feeding post-spawn at this time of year, though no current intel specifically documents WV muskie action this cycle. Confirm local details before launching.
Late-May salmon window opens across Puget Sound and Pacific coast
NOAA buoys 46041 and 46087 recorded consistent 8 m/s (roughly 15 knots) winds off the Washington coast this morning, with air temperatures near 52°F, typical late-May conditions for this region. Specific catch reports from Puget Sound and the outer Pacific coast did not surface in this data pull; the WA WDFW Fishing Reports portal was accessible but returned no current creel data for this cycle. That said, late May marks a key pivot for Washington saltwater anglers: Puget Sound Chinook returns typically ramp through early June, lingcod and rockfish hold on rocky structure year-round, and Pacific halibut opportunity generally runs through spring and summer on the outer coast. This weekend's full moon brings the strongest tidal exchanges of the month, and early-morning flood-to-ebb transitions are historically the most productive timing windows for both salmon and halibut. Confirm current openings and any emergency closures with WA WDFW before launching.
Columbia smallmouth peak as spring Chinook make their final push
USGS gauge 14113000 logged 1,130 cfs and 57°F on the evening of May 30, placing Columbia system tributaries in a favorable late-spring temperature band. Washington WDFW Fishing Reports tracks angler activity statewide through creel surveys but published no specific catch dispatches in this week's feed. At 57°F, spring Chinook salmon are in the final stretch of their upriver run on reaches where seasons remain open — anglers holding remaining tags should prioritize the next several days before the fishery tapers. Smallmouth bass throughout the mid-Columbia are in prime post-spawn feeding mode, actively pushing onto rocky points and current seams. The full moon peaking May 31 adds a nighttime feeding catalyst worth planning a dawn launch around. Summer steelhead are beginning to trickle into the system but remain early and inconsistent. No charter or shop dispatches specific to Columbia or Puget Sound river drainages surfaced this week — check current state regulations by reach before targeting salmon or steelhead.
Black drum rolling the Bay mouth as spring migration peaks
Water temps at 58°F (NOAA buoy 44009) mark a classic late-May inflection at the Chesapeake mouth. The Fisherman (Northeast)'s May 28 NJ/DE Bay region forecast confirmed black drum as far north as Staten Island, placing the spring drum run squarely in range along Virginia's Atlantic coast. On The Water's May 29 striper migration map shows big fish still moving north on bunker, squid, and river herring, keeping the Bay mouth relevant for bass anglers looking to intercept the tail of the push. Tonight's full moon coincides with strong tidal exchange through the inlet, timing that historically keys up both species on current-swept structure. Virginia DWR's weekly communications focused on conservation topics this week rather than fishing conditions, so the closest on-water intel comes from adjacent Mid-Atlantic reports. Wind was running around 13 mph at dawn (buoy 44009) with air temps near 55°F. Expect a layered start before conditions moderate through the day.
Post-spawn smallmouth stacked in eddy lines as Potomac runs well above normal
USGS gauge 01646500 recorded the Potomac at 25,900 cfs early Sunday, significantly above the seasonal median, and that high, off-color flow is the defining variable for both rivers this week. Elevated current pushes smallmouth bass off the main channel into eddy lines, creek-mouth pools, and submerged timber. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge this cycle. Tactical Bassin's post-spawn coverage recommends drifting with the wind to target isolated offshore structure and mixing chatterbait reaction strikes with dropshot and Neko finesse rigs, tactics that translate directly to Potomac conditions when bass stack in eddy pockets. The Virginia DWR Wildlife Blog has flagged drought stress on aquatic habitats across parts of the southeastern U.S. this spring, though the elevated Potomac reading suggests this watershed has received meaningful recent precipitation. Specific angler reports from the Potomac and Shenandoah valleys were limited in regional feeds this week; catfish and striper notes below draw on seasonal patterns rather than direct-source intel.
Shad run pushing north on the Connecticut River ahead of June
USGS gauge 01135300 clocked the Connecticut River at 155 cfs early this morning — low-moderate flows that keep most wadeable stretches accessible and concentrate fish in predictable seams. The headline this week is the advancing American shad run: The Fisherman — New England Freshwater reports the Holyoke, Massachusetts section of the Connecticut River already loaded with shad, with white perch arriving as bonus catches on sandworms. Vermont's upper Connecticut River corridor is next in line as the migration pushes north toward June. Trout remain plentiful per the same source, though angler attention has largely shifted toward the shad action. On Lake Champlain, post-spawn smallmouth bass are entering their early-summer feeding phase; Tactical Bassin reports isolated offshore structure, chatterbaits, and Neko rigs producing quality bass across similar northern freshwater systems right now. The full moon this weekend opens aggressive low-light windows on both the river and the lake.
Green River tailwater primed for late-May run — trout in feeding form below Flaming Gorge
USGS gauge 09234500 logged 52°F and 1,210 cfs on the Green River on May 30, putting brown trout and rainbow trout squarely in their prime feeding temperature range. No direct on-water reports from Green River guides or tackle shops appeared in this week's angler-intel feeds, so this outlook leans on gauge readings and late-May seasonal patterns typical for this tailwater. At 1,210 cfs, flow runs moderate-to-high for wading — drift boats have the clear advantage across the A, B, and C sections. MidCurrent's recent fly-tying roundups call out midge-style patterns and beaded nymphs as top producers in "clear, pressured tailrace water," a description the Green River fits precisely. Up in the Uinta Mountains, high-elevation lakes are typically at or near ice-off by Memorial Day weekend, opening the cutthroat and brook trout bite along inlet shoals and shallows. The full moon peaking May 31 may compress the most productive feeding windows toward dawn and dusk.
Galveston Bay lights up for speckled trout as red snapper season opens offshore
Water temps at 84°F per NOAA buoy 42035 signal a fully transitioned late-spring bite along the upper Texas Gulf Coast. The Galveston Daily News Reel Report is calling bay conditions "really, really good" heading into June. Speckled trout are showing well across Galveston Bay, with one angler logging solid catches between storm cells over the holiday weekend. Offshore, Lone Star Outdoor News confirmed the federal red snapper season opened May 22, and charter captains who had been eagerly anticipating the start are now running to structure. In the surf, Lone Star Outdoor News also notes whiting are "running extremely" well right now, a fast-action species with excellent table appeal. Seas are calm at 1.6 feet with light winds, making both bay and offshore runs comfortable. Tonight's full moon will drive hard tidal current through bay passes and cuts, which is the key to timing your inshore windows this weekend.
Eagle Mountain blue catfish running hot as Texas lakes enter peak June window
North Texas Catfish Guide reports blue catfish limits coming easy on Eagle Mountain Lake near Fort Worth, with multiple 30-pound-plus fish landed per trip this spring. The charter credits a full lake and fresh inflows for pushing fish into an active, fast-feeding mode, which they call one of the best setups of the year. Channel catfish are tracking well on the same water. On the river side, USGS gauge 08211200 registered 113 cfs as of May 31, signaling moderate, stable flow in a south-central Texas drainage. Post-spawn bass are transitioning to offshore summer structure across the state, with Tactical Bassin noting that chatterbaits, drop shots, and Neko rigs are producing around isolated humps and submerged cover. LakeForkGuy is flagging what they call the most aggressive post-spawn crappie bite of the year, making it a strong secondary target. Tonight's Full Moon should extend nocturnal catfish feeding into the overnight hours, a prime window for anglers who can get out after dark.
Post-Spawn Bass Push Offshore on Tennessee's Reservoirs and River System
The Cumberland River at Nashville is running at 1,230 cfs (USGS gauge 03434500) as of May 31 — a low-to-moderate, fishable flow with no water temperature reading available from the gauge. With the full moon overhead and late May well underway, bass across Tennessee reservoirs and river impoundments have wrapped up their spawn and are making the classic transition to offshore structure. Tactical Bassin's crew reported exceptional post-spawn action targeting isolated offshore flats and structure, with chatterbaits, swimbaits, dropshot, and neko rigs all producing quality largemouth. B.A.S.S. News coverage from the Southeast confirms that bass across the region have fully transitioned to post-spawn behavior, with offshore ledge patterns emerging as the go-to approach — a shift that tracks closely with what Tennessee anglers typically see this week each year. Catfish activity typically builds through late May and June as water temperatures climb, while crappie, past peak spawn, have scattered to deeper timber and brush and are generally tougher to locate in the short term.
Post-Spawn Bass and May Walleye Window Opens Across SD Waters
USGS gauge 06440200 recorded a near-trickle 0.1 cfs on May 30, pointing to very low flow on one South Dakota tributary — verify stream conditions before heading to Black Hills creeks. No water temperature readings are available from current monitoring. With the full moon cresting today (May 31), walleye activity typically peaks at dawn and dusk on the reservoirs; Jason Mitchell Outdoors covered a strong May walleye pattern this week, noting fish pushing to shallow structure across Midwest lakes — a setup that maps well to Missouri River reservoir fishing. Bass anglers are in prime post-spawn territory: Tactical Bassin reports fish actively feeding around isolated offshore structure, with chatterbaits, drop shots, and Neko rigs all producing. No SD-specific state agency or local charter report was available for this cycle — check South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks directly for current stocking updates and stream advisories before heading out.
Red Drum and Cobia Build in Charleston Harbor Ahead of Full Moon Weekend
Coastal Angler Magazine's Haddrell's Point and Tackle June 2026 offshore report opens with a note that summer has unmistakably arrived in the Lowcountry waterways, with Charleston Harbor buzzing with activity. Our reading from NOAA buoy 41004 early this morning shows water temperature sitting at 81°F with light winds near 6 mph, setting up calm, warm conditions favorable for both inshore and nearshore fishing. Across the broader Carolinas coast, Fisherman's Post reports red drum pushing strongly onto beaches and around nearshore structure, with bull reds actively feeding as far south as the Cape Lookout shoals — a pattern that typically extends through South Carolina's harbor marshes and creek mouths by late May. Tonight's full moon will drive some of the strongest tidal movement of the month through Charleston Harbor. Anglers who time the outgoing tide at dawn and dusk near grass flats and oyster bars should find the best windows. Cobia and tarpon are typically beginning to stage in deeper harbor channels this time of year; check current SC regulations before targeting either species.
Post-spawn bass bite heating up on Lake Murray and Santee Cooper
Jack Story's wire-to-wire victory at the Phoenix BFL All-American Championship on Lake Murray, weighing 22 pounds, 11 ounces on Day 1 alone (per MLF News), is the clearest indicator yet that Lake Murray's largemouth bass are in strong form during this post-spawn transition. Across the Santee Cooper Lakes, B.A.S.S. News reports that Ewing Minor led Day 1 of the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series after a decisive mid-morning adjustment: the Santee Cooper bass have 'fully transitioned into post-spawn behavior,' scattering fish off early offshore setups. USGS gauge 02160390 logged flow at 237 cfs early Sunday morning, and water temperature data was unavailable. The full Moon falling on May 31 should drive strong dawn and dusk feeding windows through the weekend. Per Tactical Bassin, chatterbaits and neko rigs around isolated offshore structure and shallow flats with visual cover are the sharpest post-spawn plays right now.
Big Stripers Near 50 Pounds in Narragansett Bay as Bluefish Arrive
Water temps sitting at 56°F at the bay mouth (NOAA buoy 44085), with stripers inside Narragansett Bay producing quality fish on glide baits, topwater plugs, and flutter spoons, per Saltwater Edge Blog (RI) this week. The Fisherman (Northeast) reports fish approaching the 50-pound barrier right here in the bay, a remarkable late-May benchmark for the region. Bluefish showed up in force last week with aggressive topwater action, also per Saltwater Edge Blog (RI). Squid runs have been outstanding: Booked Off Charters pulled roughly 80 pounds in just a few hours Friday night, and Frances Fleet reports high hooks leaving with bucket-plus hauls on dedicated squid trips, both per The Fisherman (Rhode Island). Tautog continues with a consistent bite most days, though The Fisherman (Northeast) notes only a few days remain before the season typically closes for two months; check current state regs before harvesting. Full moon conditions are in play now, and Saltwater Edge Blog (RI) calls for strong bite windows despite a cold front arriving alongside the moon. A handful of fluke have also started showing, per Booked Off Charters.
Post-spawn smallmouth prime up on Susquehanna and Allegheny
USGS gauge 01540500 recorded 12,400 cfs and 64°F water temperature early Sunday morning — an elevated but fishable discharge that concentrates fish along slack-water edges, current seams, and mid-river boulder pockets. At 64°F, both the Susquehanna and Allegheny systems are in the post-spawn recovery window: smallmouth that recently vacated beds are feeding aggressively to rebuild energy. Tactical Bassin, covering post-spawn bass patterns this week, points to chatterbaits and reaction baits for willing fish while neko rigs and drop-shot setups produce when the bite gets selective — both rigged around isolated offshore structure and wind-blown current seams. The full moon overhead makes tonight and the next few evenings prime windows for channel catfish and walleye working deeper holes after dark. Above-normal discharge limits wading options at many popular riffles; float anglers and boaters have the clear advantage for reaching prime mid-channel structure. PA Fish & Boat Biologist Reports remains the definitive local source for stocking schedules and any emerging regulation updates.
Late-May Prime Window Opens for Oregon Coast Salmon and Bottom Fish
NOAA buoy 46029 is reading 55°F this morning off the Oregon Coast, with buoy 46002 slightly warmer at 57°F. Both readings keep late-May conditions favorable for spring Chinook and bottom fish. Northwest winds are running at 8-9 m/s on the offshore stations per NOAA buoys 46050 and 46029, so bar crossings deserve a careful weather check before departure. IFish.net Fishing Reports shows anglers active near the Wilson River corridor this week, though posts have centered on lost-gear notices rather than catch reports. On the broader Pacific Coast, Western Outdoor News reports that northwest wind-driven upwelling along the California Central Coast has cooled surface temps and improved salmon conditions there; similar upwelling dynamics are typical for Oregon coastal waters in late May. Tonight's full moon will push pronounced tidal exchanges, so plan your bar crossing and anchor sets around the peak ebb.
Shad peak and post-spawn bass fire on the Columbia and Rogue
USGS gauge 14211720 is reading 11,300 cfs at 67°F as of May 30, reflecting elevated snowmelt flow and water temperatures nudging toward the upper edge of salmon comfort. Spring Chinook retention on the Columbia typically winds toward its close by early June, and the warmer water is pushing fish to seek deeper, cooler holding lies rather than feed aggressively. The shad run is at or near its seasonal peak; the lower Columbia sees some of the region's best action through late May and into June, and the full moon this weekend can concentrate fish and trigger feeding flurries near current breaks. On the Rogue, warming water is activating post-spawn smallmouth. Tactical Bassin notes this week that bass in similar post-spawn windows are responding to chatterbaits and reaction baits fished around offshore structure and current seams, a presentation that translates well to the Rogue's rocky margins. No Columbia or Rogue region shop or charter reports appeared in this week's intel feeds.
Post-spawn bass push to structure as Eufaula heads into early summer
USGS gauge 07247500 logged 74 cfs on May 30, signaling low, stable inflow across the eastern Oklahoma drainage. That steady flow, paired with the full moon arriving May 31 and water temps characteristic of late spring in the region, sets the stage for a classic post-spawn transition on Lake Eufaula. Largemouth are moving off the beds and staging on isolated offshore structure: ledges, secondary points, and channel swings. Tactical Bassin's recent post-spawn breakdown notes that chatterbaits, neko rigs, and dropshot presentations are leading the pack, with anglers getting the best results by targeting outside flats using wind-aided drifts. Topwater remains productive through the early morning window near staging areas. Catfish action on the Red River corridor is typical for late May, with blue and channel cats actively feeding in warm, low-flow conditions. No Oklahoma-specific shop or charter intel was available this cycle.
Post-spawn bass and full-moon catfish pace Ohio's late-May fishing window
Tactical Bassin's post-spawn bass coverage pinpoints isolated offshore structure as the key target right now, with chatterbaits, swimbaits, and dropshot rigs producing as bass consolidate away from spawning areas. Wind drift along outside flats is the recommended approach over power-fishing broad expanses of water. Fishing the Midwest notes that slow-trolling for walleye is a reliable spring-to-summer transition tactic and that river systems across the region are entering their productive summer window. No real-time readings are available from USGS gauge 03271601 this cycle; water temperature and flow for the Ohio River are unconfirmed, so check local gauges before heading out. The May 31 full moon is a meaningful trigger for catfish activity along the Ohio River, typically sharpening feed windows at dawn and dusk along current seams. Yellow perch are seasonally expected to school over hard bottom on Erie's reefs heading into June.
Red River catfish and walleye prime up as late-May warmth settles in
USGS gauge 05054000 on the Red River near Fargo recorded 76°F and 953 cfs as of May 30 — warm, moderate flows that mark a classic late-May transition for North Dakota anglers. Channel catfish are entering their prime summer feed along both the Red and Missouri corridors, with water temps now firmly in the range that fires up that bite. Walleye, the region's signature quarry, have largely cleared the shallows post-spawn; Jason Mitchell Outdoors (YT) has been covering "May Walleye Craziness" and shallow trolling setups that map well to this transitional stage. AnglingBuzz (YT) recently featured guide Jason Freed's slip bobber rig for walleye — a finesse approach worth carrying as fish settle onto mid-depth current breaks. Post-spawn bass are also in play, with Tactical Bassin documenting strong chatterbait and dropshot action around isolated offshore structure. The full moon this weekend will push feeding windows hard toward dawn and dusk.
Red Drum Running Strong as Outer Banks Surf Bite Comes Alive
Water at 78°F at NOAA buoys 41025 and 41013 this morning, and red drum are the story along the Outer Banks. Ryan at Hatteras Jack reports the surf action has come alive, with redfish making a strong push onto the beaches and anglers picking up good numbers along the Hatteras and Ocracoke stretch. That drum push extends into the sounds: Donald at Custom Marine Fabrication reports slot-sized red drum covering nearly the entire Neuse River. Bull red drum are also working the Cape Lookout shoals per Steve at Chasin' Tails, alongside plenty of good-sized bluefish in that area. At Swansboro and Emerald Isle, Morgan at The Reel Outdoors reports the surf is picking up with black drum, sea mullet, and early big pompano joining the mix. Full moon tidal swings this weekend will amplify feeding windows — plan surf sessions around the tide changes for peak action on these fish.