Fishing reports
19291 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Columbia Chinook Push Hits Stride as May Draws to a Close
USGS gauge 14105700 recorded 59°F water and 200,000 cfs on the Columbia River as of May 23, placing conditions squarely in the historical sweet spot for late-spring Chinook migration. Direct angler reports for this stretch are thin in current feeds: IFish.net Fishing Reports shows activity at Meldrum Bar and Chinook Landing on the lower river in recent weeks, though those posts log lost gear rather than catch data, giving us location signal without bite detail. Drawing on the gauge reading and seasonal patterns, spring Chinook are typically in full upstream push during the final days of May, with upper-50s water temperatures sustaining active fish movement. White sturgeon remain a year-round target and hold actively near mid-channel breaks during elevated spring flows. The Columbia's American shad run, a late-May-through-June fixture, is also underway at current temperatures and flows. Verify current retention limits with state regulations before harvesting any species, as Chinook and sturgeon windows can change on short notice.
Eastern WA Trout Holding Deep as Late-May Snowmelt Runs River Flows High
USGS gauge 12484500 on the Yakima drainage registered 1,960 cfs on the evening of May 23, signaling active spring runoff with no water temperature data available from the gauge. Specific on-the-ground reports from tackle shops or guides in the Yakima or Spokane corridors were not captured in this cycle's feeds, so this update leans on gauge data and seasonal norms. In elevated-flow conditions like these, rainbow and brown trout typically abandon the main current and stack in back-eddies, soft inside seams, and slower bank-side structure. Weighted nymph rigs and streamer presentations swung down-and-across are the most reliable approach when water runs fast and potentially off-color. WA WDFW's stocking program keeps Eastern Washington lakes well-supplied with catchable rainbows at this time of year, making stillwaters a productive alternative when river flows are running high.
Olympic Peninsula Salmon Rivers Prime as Spring Chinook Push Continues
USGS gauges show the Quinault River running at 1,040 cfs and the Hoh River at 654 cfs as of May 23 — moderate-to-elevated spring levels driven by continued snowmelt from the Olympic Range. Water temperature sensors at both sites returned no readings in the current data pull, so thermal conditions are unconfirmed. WA WDFW Fishing Reports monitors angler activity across Olympic Peninsula waters year-round, though specific bite reports for this window are not available in our current intel feeds. Based on seasonal timing alone, spring Chinook remain the primary draw on rivers where seasons are open, with early summer steelhead potentially entering some drainages. First Quarter moon on May 24 sets up favorable low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk over the holiday weekend. Anglers should check WA WDFW Fishing Reports directly for any emergency closures or retention-rule changes before heading out — spring Chinook management on these systems can shift quickly mid-season.
Red snapper opener heats up the Panhandle as blue water pushes in
Water temperatures are holding at 79°F per NOAA buoy 42012 off the Panhandle coast, and the Gulf red snapper season is officially underway. A Pensacola Fishing Forum report from opening Friday documents anglers heading out before sunrise to beat the bait-boat line, finding brilliant blue water offshore with scattered grass before dropping down on a proven bottom spot and posting a snapper limit. Light winds running 8-10 knots across both buoy stations are keeping seas comfortable for the offshore run from Destin and Pensacola. The blue water push at the snapper grounds is a classic late-May Gulf signal that typically accompanies king mackerel and mahi-mahi. First Quarter moon is setting up solid dawn and dusk feeding windows through Memorial Day weekend. Boat traffic at known snapper ledges will be heavy; consider secondary structure or pushing to the edge for less pressure.
Snook prime time peaks at Boca Grande as Sarasota Bay turns on
Water temps have locked in at 81°F across the region — confirmed by NOAA buoys 42036 and 42013 — and the inshore bite is matching the heat. CB's Saltwater Outfitters (Sarasota) reports that May is producing some of the best snook fishing of the year out of Boca Grande, with Captain Brandon Naeve landing a new boat-record snook of 34 pounds 4 ounces on May 9th as fish move toward pre-spawn staging. CB's Captain Chuck Cress is also reporting solid upper-slot redfish alongside trout in the back bays. Meanwhile, jack crevalle are actively schooling in Sarasota Bay through May, per CB's weekly report, feeding near oyster bars, seawalls, and inlets — early morning topwater with poppers or fast-retrieved jigs is producing the most consistent action. Snook Nook (FL) corroborates the statewide trend, calling late spring historically one of the best inshore windows of the year as fish become more active in warming water and bait grows increasingly abundant.
Keys mutton snapper spawn peaks as offshore bite heats up
Mutton snappers are in full spawn mode across Key West and the Lower Keys, with the first quarter moon pointing toward a peak bite around the approaching full moon. ALL IN Key West charters report mutton and yellowtail snappers "practically jumping in the boat" on recent trips, calling May through July "absolutely lights out" for snappers, groupers, mahi-mahi, sharks, and more. Grouper season reopened May 1, per Coastal Angler Magazine, with anglers hitting reefs and wrecks for black grouper, red grouper, and gag grouper on heavy tackle. Offshore, Sport Fishing Mag confirms blackfin tuna are flooding South Florida and Keys waters May through July, with live bait, trolling, and kite-fishing all producing. Gulf-side trips out of Key West continue to yield cobia, barracuda, and kingfish in the same outing. NOAA buoys SMKF1 and SANF1 show winds running 14-15 knots with air temps near 83°F — warm summer conditions now firmly in place.
Redfish and Specks Working Marsh Edges Across the Lower Laguna Madre
Water temps measured at 80°F by NOAA buoy 42043 are holding inshore species in predictable feeding patterns along Lower Laguna Madre's marsh edges and shallow structure. Texas Fish & Game Magazine recently described the pre-dawn inshore scene: a light southeast breeze crossing spartina grass, shrimp snapping along the shoreline, and redfish pushing wakes through flooded marsh shallows. That is the exact window inshore anglers here plan their tides around. Speckled trout and flounder are sharing the same marsh-edge zone, per the same report. Salt Strong's technique coverage highlights black drum positioning tight to bridge pilings throughout the coast, where precise small-bait placement near the bottom draws consistent strikes. The CCA Texas STAR Tournament opened in May, per Lone Star Outdoor News, underscoring how seriously the inshore community treats this stretch. Federal red snapper season opened May 22, per Lone Star Outdoor News, for those with the range to run offshore.
East Texas bass enter post-spawn transition on Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn
Late-May conditions on Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn mark the post-spawn transition for largemouth bass across East Texas. Lake Fork Trophy Bass documented heavy spawning activity in April at the nearby Lake Fork fishery, with fish rushing the shallows and the lake sitting roughly 3 feet low; by late May, most fish have backed off beds and are shifting toward recovery and early summer staging. USGS gauge 08030500 on the Sabine River recorded a moderate 1,860 cfs early Sunday, indicating stable inflow without flood pressure. No water temperature readings were available from the gauge. Wired 2 Fish highlighted early-morning shallow topwater as a productive post-spawn tactic, with bass hugging grass edges and dock shadows during low-light windows. Catfish are building toward peak summer activity as water temperatures climb through late May and June. Crappie have largely wrapped their spawn at these latitudes.
Post-spawn bass and stripers roam Hill Country lakes ahead of Memorial Day
My Canyon Lake Fishing reports conditions at nearby Canyon Lake as 'ideal for boating, fishing, and lakeside recreation' through Memorial Day weekend, offering a useful regional read on the broader Hill Country lake corridor. The Colorado River at Austin registered 1,230 cfs (USGS gauge 08158000, recorded May 24), a healthy inflow that suggests stable lake levels on Travis through the holiday stretch. My Canyon Lake Fishing also noted that TPWD has paused its weekly statewide fishing reports while a new format is finalized, leaving anglers without official conditions data for now. Against that backdrop, late-May patterns on Travis, LBJ, and Buchanan typically see largemouth bass completing their post-spawn transition onto main-lake points and deeper ledges, stripers beginning to school along the thermocline, and channel catfish turning aggressive on warming nights. Lone Star Outdoor News reports this is shaping up as a record year for Texas anglers statewide.
NorCal Salmon Push Strengthens as Upwelling Cools Coastal Waters
Captain Jared Davis of the Salty Lady out of Half Moon Bay reports water temperatures dropping to 54°F below Pigeon Point, a full four-degree cooling from the 58°F recorded when salmon season opened in April. Per Western Outdoor News — Saltwater, that shift is already translating to vastly improved Chinook conditions on those grounds. The Central Coast upwelling story is broader: sustained northwest winds are pulling cold, nutrient-rich water toward the surface, feeding the baitfish base that Chinook depend on. NOAA buoys 46026 and 46013 are showing 3.6-foot seas across the SF Bay and Bodega zones this morning, with buoy 46013 logging an air temperature of about 51°F and light 3 m/s winds. First Quarter moon keeps tidal swings moderate this weekend. SF Bay striped bass and halibut are approaching their typical late-May window, though no direct local reports surfaced this cycle. Nearshore rockfish remain a consistent option as cooler upwelled water continues to refresh the water column.
SoCal Surf Bite Clicks Into Gear as May Conditions Deliver
Water temperatures of 62 to 64°F across the LA Bight, logged by NOAA buoys 46025 and 46221 early Sunday, confirm what Surf Fishing in So Cal put plainly in their May 2026 report: 'May has delivered.' After a mixed April, the surf fishing scene along Southern California beaches is clicking into gear. Corbina are emerging as the marquee inshore target, with sand crabs and fresh mussel worked slowly through the wash on light tackle producing consistent results, per the same source. Leopard sharks are also a reliable option in the shallower sandy bays on incoming tides, as detailed in Surf Fishing in So Cal's dedicated species guide. Wave heights of 2.6 ft (buoy 46221) and light 5 m/s winds keep conditions manageable inshore and at the Channel Islands. The First Quarter moon today begins building tidal exchange through the coming week, a favorable signal for all species that track bait movement. Per Surf Fishing in So Cal, 'the best fishing of the season could be right around the corner.'
Eastern Sierra trout season hits late-May runoff transition
Reno Fly Shop (NV) reported mid-May conditions on the adjacent Truckee River with flows slightly above historic levels but still navigable for wading, and mid-day hatches firing reliably when winds settle. That cross-drainage snapshot is the sharpest on-water intel available for the Eastern Sierra corridor this report cycle; the USGS gauge assigned to this region returned no data. Late May typically puts higher-elevation streams in active snowmelt mode, pressing productive fishing toward tailwaters, lake margins, and lower-gradient stream reaches. Per Reno Fly Shop (NV), Split Case PMDs, soft hackle pheasant tails, and caddis patterns have been delivering in nearby drainages, with fish pushing into faster water by mid-afternoon. First Quarter moon on May 24 supports low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk. Anglers willing to time their access around runoff conditions should find trout actively working mid-column and near the surface during the warmest part of the day.
BWCA & Iron Range Waters Running High as Pike and Bass Move Shallow
USGS gauge 05129115 is logging 1,000 cfs on a northern Minnesota waterway as of May 24, signaling that spring snowmelt runoff is still elevated across the Boundary Waters and Iron Range corridor. Fishing the Midwest notes that early-season shallow flats and back-water pockets concentrate crappie, walleye, and bass before main-lake temps stabilize, a pattern that fits the current high-water moment. Tactical Bassin documented a northern-lake road trip this spring where bass were stacked and actively feeding in the shallows through a surprise late-season snow squall, landing fish on paddle-tail swimbaits by covering water quickly and targeting visible structure. No water temperature reading is available from the gauge this week; anglers should verify local surface temps before targeting cold-sensitive lake trout. The First Quarter moon reduces overnight ambient light, typically sharpening walleye and pike into defined low-light feeding windows at dusk and dawn.
Steelhead run winding down as bass and lake trout take over on the North Shore
USGS gauge 04015330 logged 112 cubic feet per second on the morning of May 24, marking a moderate late-spring flow on a North Shore tributary and a useful reference point for anglers fishing feeder streams for resident trout and any lingering post-spawn steelhead. Specific on-water reports from Minnesota charter captains or tackle shops were not captured in this cycle's feeds. On the adjacent Wisconsin side, WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing has been tracking a growing lake whitefish fishery in Chequamegon Bay, with sustained angler interest noted both through the ice and from open boats, a signal of basin-wide late-season whitefish activity that may extend to Minnesota nearshore structure. Seasonal timing places this week squarely in the North Shore's late-spring transition: the steelhead run typically concludes by the third week of May, while lake trout and smallmouth bass begin their prime window as Superior's nearshore temperatures inch upward. First Quarter moon this week opens active feeding windows near dawn and dusk for both species.
Northwoods Walleye and Musky Stage Shallow in Late-May Opener
Rollie & Helen's Musky Shop in Minocqua reports that lakes across the Northwoods have warmed to the mid-50s to low-60s in late May 2026, with both walleye and musky beginning to stage in shallower water after a cold start to the season. Fish remain somewhat scattered, but the shop's current advice is to lead shallow and work progressively deeper, a search pattern well-suited to the post-spawn transition these species are navigating. Adding to the season's early interest, the 2026 musky opener coincided with the walleye opener for the first time since the early 1980s, giving Northwoods anglers simultaneous access to both trophy fisheries from day one. The First Quarter moon this weekend favors moderate feeding activity around low-light windows. USGS gauge 05400650 returned no data this period, leaving lake-level conditions unconfirmed by instrumentation. Expect improving bite consistency as temperatures continue climbing toward the mid-60s.
Late-May Salmon Season Builds on Lake Michigan's Door County Shore
Record coho numbers from 2024 set the tone for this season: the WI DNR Lake Michigan Fishing Report confirmed 210,000-plus coho harvested statewide, a new record, alongside 160,000-plus Chinook, the best King total since 2012. The DNR credits strong alewife year classes with boosting stocked-fish survival through critical early-life stages. For Door County this week, a key access note: the Rowley's Bay boat launch near Newport State Park remains closed until approximately 4 p.m. on May 31 while concrete ramp improvements are completed; plan for alternate launches in the Sturgeon Bay area. No current buoy readings or on-water charter reports are available this cycle, leaving water temperature unconfirmed. With the First Quarter moon aligned with late-May timing, salmon trolling and smallmouth bass action are seasonally expected to be building. Confirm conditions locally before launching and monitor marine forecasts closely, as Lake Michigan can build significant wave heights on short notice.
Lake Superior whitefish active as UP trout streams hold at late-spring flows
The USGS gauge 04059500 is recording 394 cfs as of May 24, placing UP tributary flows at a fishable late-spring level. Water temperature data is unavailable from current sensors. On Lake Superior's western arm, the WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing program has documented a growing whitefish fishery in the Chequamegon Bay region, with survey data confirming strong angler participation by boat through the open-water season, a pattern that typically mirrors conditions along Michigan's Lake Superior shoreline at this stage of the calendar. AnglingBuzz has recently published Lake Superior content focused on walleye and sturgeon tactics, species that stage near tributary mouths and nearshore structure in late May. UP brook trout streams are in their late-spring prime: moderate flows suggest comfortable wading with enough water to hold fish in riffles and runs. Nymph and emerging dry-fly approaches typically produce well during this window ahead of the summer low-water period.
Saginaw Bay walleye and Lake Huron smallmouth entering prime late-May window
Real-time sensor data for this region came up empty this cycle: USGS gauge 04157000 returned no flow or temperature readings, and no buoy data was available for Lake Huron. The MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report was also inaccessible. Despite the data gap, late May typically opens one of the stronger multi-species windows on this water. Tactical Bassin highlights that Great Lakes clear-water fisheries call for finesse presentations and paddle-tail swimbaits to locate big prespawn smallmouth bass — fish approaching their spawn on Lake Huron's rocky shoals this week. Fishing the Midwest notes that spring shallow-flat approaches and slow-trolled setups produce walleye across the Upper Midwest, a pattern that translates directly to Saginaw Bay's western reaches. Michigan Sportsman Forum chatter from May 8 included pike casting footage, suggesting northern pike remain an active target ahead of full post-spawn recovery. The First Quarter moon this week tightens the productive walleye window to dawn and dusk rather than running all night.
Grand River runs moderate as Lake Michigan smallmouth hit prespawn peak
The USGS gauge on the Grand River (site 04119000) logged 3,360 cfs on May 24, a workable late-spring flow that keeps the river-to-lake transition zone fishable. Direct bite reports for this stretch are thin this cycle — the MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report was inaccessible in the data feed. The strongest nearby signal comes from the WI DNR Lake Michigan Fishing Report, which puts the lake's salmon stocks in excellent shape: more than 210,000 coho were harvested in 2024 (a record) alongside over 160,000 Chinook, the best tally since 2012, driven by strong alewife forage classes. On the bass front, Tactical Bassin notes that Great Lakes smallmouth are actively schooling in prespawn mode this time of year, with late May representing one of the prime windows to cover water quickly using swimbaits and finesse presentations in the lake's clear shallows. Steelhead have largely retreated from Grand River tributaries for the season.
Post-spawn bass move to shallow cover on Mosquito and Pymatuning
The Mahoning River feeding Mosquito Reservoir is running at 846 cfs (USGS gauge 03110000), a late-May inflow reading that reflects active spring drainage into one of northeast Ohio's premier walleye fisheries. No on-water dispatches from Mosquito or Pymatuning came through this cycle's intel feeds directly, but regional coverage fills in the picture. Tactical Bassin's post-spawn bass content tracks largemouth transitioning off beds and stacking around shallow cover, a rhythm that fits both reservoirs entering Memorial Day weekend. Wired 2 Fish contributor Justin Lucas calls early-morning topwater over grass, reeds, and dock edges the most reliable low-light trigger right now, with calm surface conditions drawing reaction strikes. Walleye, the signature species on both lakes, are typically in post-spawn scatter mode by this date, beginning to collect on main-lake structure and rocky points. Crappie remain accessible in shallow timber as their spawn winds down through the holiday weekend. The First Quarter moon sharpens dawn and dusk feeding windows.
Post-Spawn Walleye Spread Across Western Basin's Mid-Depth Reefs
NOAA buoy 45005 put Western Basin surface temps at 55°F early Sunday morning, sitting in the transitional range that typically pushes post-spawn walleye off shallow spawning reefs and onto mid-depth structure. A tributary gauge (USGS 04193500) logged 4,030 cfs and a notably warmer 65°F water temperature, signaling warm inflows that tend to concentrate emerging baitfish near river plumes and draw predators behind them. No charter or shop reports from the Western Basin came through this cycle's feeds, so this update leans on instrument readings and seasonal context rather than fresh on-the-water testimony. Fishing the Midwest notes that jigs and slip-sinker live-bait rigs remain the foundation of a walleye setup through late spring, a point worth keeping in mind as fish settle into their post-spawn roaming pattern. A First Quarter moon building toward full should sharpen low-light bite windows. Light 2 m/s winds at buoy 45005 make for comfortable drift and troll conditions. Always verify current Ohio regulations before harvesting.
Green Drake Window Opens: Late-May Prime Time on PA Limestone Streams
Flylords Mag this week pinpoints East Coast green drake emergences running from early May through late June, placing Penns Creek and Spring Creek squarely in prime time for one of Pennsylvania's most celebrated annual hatches. USGS gauge 01546500 shows regional flow at 104 cfs, a manageable wading level for these central PA limestone corridors; water temperature data was unavailable at time of reading, though spring-fed limestone creeks typically hold in the ideal 58-65°F range through May. Hatch Magazine's current spring creek coverage underscores the technical demands of these gin-clear, pressured waters, where fine tippets and deliberate presentation separate fish from frustration. MidCurrent's hatch-season tying features highlight patterns spanning the full water column, from high-floating attractors to CDC emergers to subsurface nymphs, reflecting the multi-layer feeding behavior common when hatches overlap. Gink and Gasoline notes that warm spring weather can push hatch timing earlier; sulphurs are the expected follow-on hatch and should be in play through evening windows for the remainder of May.
Swollen Allegheny pushes post-spawn smallmouth to slack water and seams
USGS gauge 03036500 on the Allegheny River clocked 15,700 cfs just after midnight on May 24, elevated well above late-May norms, making wading a non-starter and concentrating fish in slack-water pockets, eddy lines, and current breaks behind structure. Water temperature data is unavailable from the gauge at this cycle; expect cool-to-moderate conditions typical of late-spring Pennsylvania tailwaters. PA Fish & Boat biologist reports have not surfaced specific Allegheny tailwater intel for this reporting window, so conditions here are drawn from gauge data and seasonal patterns. Tactical Bassin's recent coverage of paddle-tail swimbaits in tough conditions points toward slow, bulky reaction presentations when fish are less likely to chase. For fly anglers targeting tailwater sections below the upstream dams, MidCurrent's current tying roundup highlights a midge-style pattern built explicitly for tailrace and stillwater environments, alongside pine-squirrel jig streamers for rocky, technical water. Catfish are typically on the move in late May as water temperatures build toward their feeding window.
Lake Erie walleye and smallmouth moving into prime late-May form
NOAA buoy 45005 logged 55°F on Lake Erie at dawn Sunday, placing PA anglers in a productive transitional window for walleye and smallmouth bass at Presque Isle. Wave heights held near 1.6 feet with winds nearly flat, offering comfortable offshore access that spring's typical chop rarely allows. A tributary gauge (USGS gauge 04213000) reported 926 cfs, indicating elevated runoff from recent rainfall; anglers should expect some color in nearshore bay water and may find cleaner conditions by moving to offshore structure. Direct on-water reports specific to Lake Erie PA were limited in this cycle. PA Sea Grant has been actively engaging Northwestern Pennsylvania anglers around invasive Round Goby management, a relevant factor for live-bait and bottom-targeting rigs throughout this fishery. Tactical Bassin notes that Great Lakes smallmouth school heavily in the post-spawn period and respond to swimbaits and finesse presentations in clear water. With the first quarter moon overhead, low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk are worth planning around.