Fishing reports
19276 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
White River tailwaters low and clear — target cold seeps and dam faces
The USGS gauge on the White River (07060710) recorded 13.7 cfs and 66°F water temperature as of early this morning — minimal-generation conditions that collapse the river to a narrow, gin-clear corridor below Bull Shoals and Norfork dams. At 66°F, water is pushing into the upper comfort threshold for rainbow trout, which means fish will be stacking near cold-water spring seeps, shaded bank eddies, and the coldest zone immediately below each dam face. No angler-specific reports from White River tributaries surfaced in this cycle's intelligence feeds, but MidCurrent's fly tying coverage this week specifically highlighted sparse midge-style patterns that "excel in the clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces" — a profile that fits low-generation White River conditions precisely. Plan early morning arrivals before solar heating compounds the temperature stress, fish fine tippet (5X–6X), and check the Army Corps generation schedule before launching.
Cumberland bass hit post-spawn stride as tailwater runs wading-clear
The Cumberland River tailwater is logging 107 cfs at USGS gauge 03413200 as of Memorial Day weekend, putting the stretch below Wolf Creek Dam in wading range and delivering low, clear water to trout anglers. No temperature reading came through on today's gauge pull, but late May typically pushes surface temps into the low-to-mid 60s on Lake Cumberland proper. On the lake, the bass bite is firmly in post-spawn mode. Wired 2 Fish describes this period as one when fish can act pretty funny, with some gorging aggressively on shad spawns and shallow flats while others stay lockjawed and spooky near the beds. Topwater remains a go-to during early and late light, per Wired 2 Fish, with reaction baits drawing the more aggressive post-spawners. For the tailwater, MidCurrent's recent fly-tying roundup highlighted midge-style patterns built for clear, pressured water of tailraces. That description fits the Cumberland below Wolf Creek Dam precisely at this flow.
Kentucky Lake bass firing post-spawn after rain-soaked Bassmaster Open
The Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley just concluded with Clint Knight topping the field at 62 pounds, 2 ounces over three days through persistent rain — per B.A.S.S. News, Knight called a last-minute audible on his game plan as conditions shifted, and it paid off. That winning weight in wet, unsettled weather confirms the bass bite is alive and well through the post-spawn transition. Wired 2 Fish notes that post-spawn bass are currently behaving in two distinct ways: some gorging aggressively on shad spawns and bream beds, others staging shallow and spooky, requiring finesse presentations. Tactical Bassin covers comparable post-spawn dynamics on similar Tennessee Valley reservoirs, with swimbaits and chatterbaits working in dirtier water while finesse rigs excel when clarity improves. Crappie and catfish patterns below are based on seasonal norms for this fishery; USGS gauge 03611500 returned no readings this cycle, so verify conditions at the launch ramp.
Late-May trout prime time sets up on Hiwassee and Caney Fork
Gauge 03565000 returned no readings this cycle, leaving TVA generation status the single most critical variable before heading to the Hiwassee or Caney Fork. Seasonal patterns still point toward a productive window: late May typically puts sulphur and caddis emergences into full swing on both tailwaters, and Gink and Gasoline noted recently that warm spring weather tends to push mayfly hatches earlier and harder than anglers expect. MidCurrent's fly-tying coverage this week singled out midge patterns that 'excel in the clear, pressured water of tailraces' as a year-round baseline on tailwater fisheries. The First Quarter moon this weekend limits overnight illumination, which generally favors daytime feeding activity on pressured water. No local shop or charter reports were captured for the Hiwassee or Caney Fork this cycle; species grades below reflect seasonal patterns and regional intel rather than direct on-water testimony from these specific rivers.
Post-spawn largemouth running hot on Chickamauga
Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding on Lake Chickamauga. Tactical Bassin documented a productive full-day session targeting bass with swimbaits, chatterbaits, and finesse presentations, adapting to dramatically different water conditions on the same lake. Clear-water sections favored drop-shots and Neko rigs; stained-water stretches responded well to chatterbaits and swimbaits along transition edges. Wired 2 Fish's post-spawn breakdown reinforces the split: some fish are gorging on shad spawns and bream beds, while others are still hanging shallow and spooky. USGS gauge 03578500 logged 232 cfs Monday morning, signaling stable, modest inflows keeping reservoir pool levels steady across both Chickamauga and Watts Bar. With the First Quarter moon and late May putting the bulk of spawning behind us, the bite is widening. Morning topwater on low-light flats and midday swimbait work on transition edges are the top starting points heading into Memorial Day weekend.
Post-spawn largemouth turning aggressive on Guntersville and Wheeler
USGS gauge 03575100 logged 1,720 cfs on the Tennessee River system this morning, with no temperature reading available — typical for late May when Alabama's TVA reservoirs are well into the post-spawn transition. Per Wired 2 Fish's current post-spawn breakdown, largemouth behavior right now splits two ways: aggressive feeders gorging on shad spawns and bream beds, and spooked shallow fish unwilling to commit to big presentations. Tactical Bassin's recent post-spawn session on Lake Chickamauga — a TVA lake with nearly identical timing to Guntersville and Wheeler — shows swimbaits, chatterbaits, and finesse rigs all producing as anglers adapt to mixed water clarity. Wired 2 Fish also highlights early-morning topwater around grass, reeds, and docks as a prime trigger during low-light windows. No direct local reports on crappie or catfish arrived in today's data pull; statuses below reflect typical late-May patterns for the Tennessee River system.
Post-Spawn Bass and Panfish Firing as North Georgia Lakes Hit Their Stride
Panfish and bass have been biting well across North Georgia heading into Memorial Day weekend, per Joshua Barber's May 23 Southern Waters report in GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News. The post-spawn push is on: Barber notes the bite has been solid region-wide, and a 2-lb., 3.26-oz. shellcracker record was set at Lake Tugalo on May 20, per GA Sportsman, signaling that redear sunfish are actively stacked on beds throughout the mountain-lake system. USGS gauge 02334430 on the Chattahoochee below Buford Dam recorded 660 cfs at 48°F on May 25 — cold tailwater that keeps the stretch immediately below Lake Lanier's dam in excellent trout condition even as the main reservoir warms toward summer surface temps. Georgia Wildlife Blog — Fishing called the week of May 22 another strong stretch statewide and highlighted the Georgia Bass Slam, which counts spotted bass — a Lanier staple — among its target species. Rain is expected nearly every day next week; post-frontal conditions often trigger aggressive shallow bites.
Smokies Trout in Prime Form as Late-May Hatches Come Online
The USGS gauge at site 03512000 logged 63°F and 322 cfs on the morning of May 25, placing Western NC's Smokies drainages squarely in the sweet spot for trout activity. At 63°F, rainbow and brown trout are feeding aggressively, well short of the summer stress threshold, with afternoon hatch windows likely to draw fish to the surface. Flylords Mag notes that green drakes emerge along the East Coast from early May through late June, and late May is historically when this hatch hits its stride on Southern Appalachian freestone streams. MidCurrent's current pattern coverage points to hatches beginning to fire across the region, consistent with what a 63-degree stream and lengthening days typically produce. Sulphurs, Light Cahills, and caddis typically round out evening activity at this point in the season. Flows of 322 cfs are wading-manageable across most Smokies tailouts and pocket water. Confirm Great Smoky Mountains National Park special regulations before fishing any designated wild-trout or catch-and-release waters.
Spring striper push reaches Chincoteague as bluefish arrive on cue
Virginia DWR's spring striped bass report confirms rockfish are actively schooling along channel edges, sandy flats, grass beds, and rocky coastal structure across Virginia's tidal and coastal waters right now. On Chincoteague's Eastern Shore, late May is prime time for stripers transiting barrier island inlets and back-bay channels as the post-spawn migration winds down. The Fisherman (Northeast) is tracking a standout spring push of 20-to-30-pound fish rolling through the mid-Atlantic coast, described as the kind of run not seen in many years. On The Water's May 22 striper migration map notes the run peaks around lunar phases and settles into valleys between them. With the First Quarter moon now underway, action should build toward the Full Moon arriving roughly one week out. NOAA buoy 44014 recorded 4.9-foot wave heights offshore as of midday May 25, signaling some chop on exposed water. Bluefish have arrived across the region per The Fisherman, adding a second high-energy target for anglers running the inlets.
Post-spawn bass and landlocked stripers firing on Virginia's Piedmont reservoirs
Virginia DWR Wildlife Blog's spring striped bass report highlights rockfish schooling along channel edges, sandy flats, and grass beds across Virginia's waterways — a pattern that typically extends to landlocked striper populations at both Smith Mountain Lake and Buggs Island. Late May marks the full post-spawn transition for largemouth bass: Wired 2 Fish notes fish are splitting between aggressive feeders gorging on shad spawns and bream-bed buffets, and spooky shallow holdovers requiring a finesse approach. The USGS gauge on the Staunton River — the primary inflow to Buggs Island — shows 949 cfs this morning, indicating stable if modest inflow. One regional factor to monitor: Virginia DWR Wildlife Blog has flagged a historic drought across the southeastern US this spring, with water levels drawing down at lakes and reservoirs. Anglers should note that lower water can concentrate baitfish on main-lake structure and create reliable ambush points for predators. First Quarter moon supports active morning and evening feeding windows.
Stripers dominate Sandy Hook as Memorial Day weekend opens
Water at NOAA buoy 44065 is holding at 55°F as Memorial Day weekend opens, cold enough to keep fluke sluggish but ideal for a striper bite that has dominated the month. Per OTW Northern New Jersey (May 21), stripers, bluefish, and black drum are all active on the beaches. The Fisherman NJ/DE Surf report from the Tackle Box in Hazlet confirms elevated Sandy Hook action: one angler notched a super slam of bass, bluefish, fluke, black drum, and blackfish on live killie rigs at the tip. Bug Light has been yielding bass to 30 pounds on metal lip swimmers and glide baits. Blue Chip Sportfishing reported crushing the Striped Bass on every trip this week. Meanwhile, party boats are grinding through throwback sea bass and fair ling numbers, with Capt. Steve Spinelli of Skylarker and Capt. Rick Falcone of Golden Eagle both telling The Fisherman — Northern NJ that holiday warming should push sea bass into keeper territory.
Big Stripers Dominating Delaware Bay Beaches as Memorial Day Arrives
Water sitting at 57°F per NOAA buoy 44009 this morning, oversized striped bass are the undisputed story along the New Jersey side of the Delaware Bay. The Fisherman — Southern NJ reports Higbee's Bait and Tackle in Fortescue is seeing strong action from bayfront beaches, with fish running 36 to 46 inches. Big Dave's Tackle seconds the assessment, calling Delaware Bay fishing "firing on all cylinders" with bloodworm, bloodworm ball, and clam leading the charge on both shores. A Cape May County angler weighed in an 11.86-pound fluke — the region's first doormat of the season per The Fisherman (Northeast) — though flounder fishing broadly remains slow while bay temps lag. Black drum are adding variety: The Fisherman — Southern NJ noted fish to 15 pounds coming on clam baits from the bay. Sheepshead have also emerged as a South Jersey bonus target this week, per The Fisherman (Northeast). Memorial Day weekend conditions look favorable with winds now calm at the buoy.
Trout and landlocked salmon hold in the late-May window at Quabbin and Wachusett
Flow on the Swift River below Quabbin registered 59.7 cfs at USGS gauge 01174500 on the morning of May 25, signaling stable, moderate post-runoff conditions heading into Memorial Day weekend. No water temperature was logged at the gauge, but late May historically pushes surface temps into the low-to-mid 60s°F range at both reservoirs, a productive window for landlocked salmon and trout before summer stratification sets in. The Fisherman — New England Freshwater reported a western Massachusetts angler finding brook and rainbow trout stacked over deep water at Hampton Pond in Westfield on May 13, responding to small swimbaits and surface presentations in early-morning hours, conditions that translate well to Quabbin's deeper basins. Across the broader region, Wired 2 Fish notes that bass are now in post-spawn transition, with some fish turning aggressive while others retreat to shallow cover, a pattern that applies equally to Wachusett's smallmouth population.
Deschutes Redsides and Upper Klamath Trout Enter Prime Late-May Window
MidCurrent's Tying Tuesday this week spotlights attractor dry flies built for "fast water" that draw "aggressive strikes when fish are looking up," alongside midge patterns designed for "clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces" -- a description that fits Deschutes and Upper Klamath conditions almost exactly at this point in the season. USGS gauge 14070500 returned no live readings at publication, so flow and temperature figures are unconfirmed; verify conditions before committing to a wading plan. Late May historically marks the opening of one of the Deschutes' most productive runs: golden stonefly activity typically builds through this week, pulling wild redsides to the surface in afternoon windows, while the lower canyon's smallmouth shift into active post-spawn feeding. Upper Klamath redband trout tend to follow similar warming-water cues. No direct charter, shop, or agency reports for this corridor appeared in this week's intel feeds -- species conditions below reflect seasonal norms, not confirmed on-water testimony.
Columbia Spring Chinook and Sturgeon Active as Snowmelt Flows Rise
USGS gauge 14105700 recorded 59°F water and 150,000 cfs on the Columbia River at 5:15 a.m. this morning — conditions that place the late-May spring Chinook and white sturgeon fisheries squarely in their prime seasonal window. Angler-intel feeds this cycle did not include Columbia River-specific charter or shop reports, so this update relies on gauge readings and seasonal patterns rather than on-the-water testimony. The 59°F reading sits in the productive temperature band for spring Chinook (locally called springers), which typically peak on the lower and mid-Columbia between late April and early June. At 150,000 cfs the river is running elevated — consistent with Cascade snowmelt — and strong mid-channel current will factor into boat positioning. White sturgeon are year-round residents throughout the system. The First Quarter moon this weekend favors low-light bite windows, making dawn and dusk outings the most promising timing slots for the coming days.
Eastern WA smallmouth in hot post-spawn feed as Yakima spring flows peak
USGS gauge 12484500 logged the Yakima River at 2,800 cfs on May 25, reflecting active spring snowmelt. No water temperature data was available at the gauge. Elevated flows push trout off typical wade-fishing riffles, concentrating fish in slower side channels and deeper pools where food funnels naturally. Wired 2 Fish covers post-spawn bass behavior this week, noting that fish coming off the beds split into two camps: some are super aggressive and chasing bait, while others remain shallow and spooky near fry-guard males. That pattern applies directly to eastern Washington's smallmouth fisheries on Columbia Basin impoundments. Tactical Bassin (blog) highlights paddle-tail swimbaits and finesse presentations as top producers for western reservoir smallmouth in clear-water, late-spring conditions. WA WDFW Fishing Reports tracks stocking and creel data statewide; checking their current postings before the trip is worth the few minutes. First Quarter moon falls today, which should sharpen low-light bite windows into the week.
Olympic Peninsula Spring Chinook Entering Prime Window as Flows Moderate
USGS gauge 12041200 recorded 993 cfs and gauge 12035000 logged 643 cfs on the morning of May 25, placing Olympic Peninsula rivers in a moderate, fishable range for late-spring conditions. No water temperature readings were available at either station. Direct on-the-water intel from local tackle shops or WA WDFW creel surveys was absent from this cycle's feed, so bite quality is difficult to call with precision. What we do know: late May is the heart of the spring Chinook window on Olympic Peninsula drainages, with fish typically moving from tidal reaches up into lower river pools and drift-boat runs as snowmelt flows begin to ease. WA WDFW Fishing Reports tracks angler interviews at access sites statewide — their creel data is the most reliable near-term signal and worth checking before you make the drive. Steelhead are typically tapering off by this point in the season, while coastal cutthroat begin to stir as flows stabilize. Check regulations carefully; Chinook retention windows vary by river and by week on Peninsula systems.
Snook hitting prime season around Boca Grande and Sarasota Bay
Water temps measuring 80–81°F across the Gulf off Tampa Bay and Sarasota — per NOAA buoys 42036 and 42013 — and inshore species are responding strongly. CB's Saltwater Outfitters (Sarasota) is reporting standout Snook action: Capt. Brandon Naeve boated a new boat-record 34-pound, 4-ounce Snook out of Boca Grande on May 9th, and the shop notes that May is prime time as fish begin staging for their pre-spawn push. Jack Crevalle are equally fired up in Sarasota Bay, with CB's describing fly fishing as "starting to cook" on surface-feeding schools working oyster bars, seawalls, and inlets — early morning topwater poppers are the move. Capt. Chuck Cress (also CB's) adds that upper-slot Redfish and Trout are cooperating inshore, with multiple fish caught and released. First Quarter moon this week is generating moderate tidal movement favorable for ambush predators along current-swept structure. This stretch ranks among the best inshore windows of the year for the Tampa Bay–Sarasota corridor.
Post-spawn bass and crappie transitioning at Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn
With East Texas bass completing their spawn cycle in late May, the Sabine River gauge (USGS 08030500) reads a moderate 1,860 cfs, signaling stable inflow into Toledo Bend as water levels settle. Lake Fork Trophy Bass reported a full spawn push underway in April, with multiple 10-plus-pound fish landed in March and April across East Texas impoundments. By now, bass are transitioning to post-spawn recovery mode. Per Wired 2 Fish's post-spawn analysis, expect a mixed picture: shallow fry-guarding males and deeper females actively gorging on baitfish before summer heat compresses the bite window. LakeForkGuy called this stretch 'the most aggressive crappie bite of the year' for post-spawn anglers, with brush piles and standing timber the go-to targets. No water temperature reading was available from the local gauges; typical late-May surface temps on East Texas reservoirs run in the upper 70s to low 80s°F, which keeps bass and crappie active before the real summer slowdown sets in.
Post-spawn bass active on Hill Country lakes as Memorial Day arrives
My Canyon Lake Fishing reports that Canyon Lake, situated in the broader central Texas hill country corridor, is sitting 58.6% full, eight feet higher than this time last year, with boat ramps open and conditions described as ideal for fishing and recreation. The Colorado River feeding Lake Travis logged 372 cfs at USGS gauge 08158000 early Monday, a steady moderate flow for late May. Direct on-water intel for Lakes Travis, LBJ, and Buchanan is limited in the available feeds this week, with no current state-agency reports on hand. That noted, late May is a well-established transition point on these reservoirs. Wired 2 Fish covers the post-spawn bass dynamic: some fish are now aggressively feeding on shad and bream beds while others remain shallow and spooky after leaving the nest. Dawn and dusk low-light windows are when the biters commit to surface presentations; midday fish call for a finesse approach.
Chinook Salmon Improving as NorCal Upwelling Cools the Coast
NOAA buoy 46026 reads 55°F this morning, squarely in the productive range for Chinook salmon along the NorCal coast. Per Western Outdoor News — Saltwater, Central Coast guide Allen Bushnell reports that northwest winds and upwelling have knocked water temps down 4-5 degrees over the past week, with the Chinook outlook now looking "pretty good." Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing's Captain Jared Davis confirmed to Western Outdoor News — Saltwater that temperatures below Pigeon Point have dropped to 54°F, down from 58°F when salmon season opened April 11, and Davis noted the cooler water has made a significant difference on the bite. Seas are running around 5.6 feet per buoy 46013, so offshore windows will depend on swell easing. Striped bass season is ramping into its late-May stride in the bay, while Pacific halibut typically occupy prime feeding grounds this time of year, though no specific charter or shop intel confirms current bite activity for either species this week.
SoCal surf heating up: corbina and leopard sharks answer the May call
Water temps of 62–64°F across the LA Bight, per NOAA buoys 46221 and 46025, are setting the stage for a strong late-May window in Southern California. Surf Fishing in So Cal reports May has delivered after a mixed April, with the region now settled into a comfortable weather pattern and conditions building toward what could be the best fishing of the season. Corbina are the prime near-term target along sandy surf zones, and leopard shark action from shore is running alongside them — the same source calls leopard sharks more approachable than most anglers assume, with the right bait presentation in sandy-bottomed troughs often making the difference. Wave heights of 3 feet at buoy 46221 are workable for surf casters, and light winds from buoy 46025 point to favorable casting conditions this week. With the First Quarter moon generating building tidal movement, expect action to concentrate around tide pushes in the days ahead.
Eastern Sierra trout active as low snowpack opens early wade-ready windows
With USGS gauge 10265200 (Upper Owens corridor) returning no live readings this week, the clearest on-water signal comes from regional neighbor Reno Fly Shop (NV), whose mid-May Truckee River report describes conditions moving 'into summer': flows running a bit higher than historic levels but still easy to wade, with mid-day hatches firing when wind is calm. Trout are pushing into faster water by midday, and the shop's current fly list centers on Split Case PMDs, OCD Caddis, and Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails. That hatch timing aligns with what Eastern Sierra rivers and spring creeks typically see in late May. Adding regional context, Cutthroat Anglers (CO) notes Western snowpacks are at 'historic lows' across the region this season, a factor that typically pushes cleaner, more fishable flows earlier than normal on Eastern Sierra freestoners and spring-fed reaches.
May walleye push in full swing across northern Minnesota lakes
Jason Mitchell Outdoors (YT) is running 'May Walleye Craziness' content this week, and that headline fits conditions across the Boundary Waters and Iron Range right now. AnglingBuzz (YT) is backing it up with a guide-level breakdown of slip bobber walleye rigs and a dedicated look at shallow-water walleye tactics, pointing to post-spawn fish staging on rocky structure and adjacent flats. USGS gauge 05129115 clocked 987 cfs this morning, signaling active snowmelt runoff in the Iron Range watershed; no surface temperature reading is available at this gauge. Fishing the Midwest notes early-season anglers are finding fish in the shallows on simple presentations, with slow trolling also producing walleyes. Northern pike, past their spring spawn, are feeding again on those same shallow flats. Specific on-the-water reports from BWCA and Iron Range waters are limited in the current feeds — no local shops or guides are cited this cycle, so the outlook draws on regional intel and seasonal patterns.