Fishing reports
19291 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
High Water on Iowa Rivers Pushes Walleye and Catfish to Slack Zones
The Iowa River is registering 13,200 cfs at USGS gauge 05465500 (observed May 23), indicating significantly elevated flows for late May. No water temperature was captured at the gauge during this read. High-water conditions like these push fish out of the main channel and into slack zones: wing dams, inside bends, and structure-heavy eddies become the priority targets. Walleye are a seasonal highlight right now; Jason Mitchell Outdoors (YT) is flagging "May Walleye Craziness" as an active pattern across northern-tier river systems, and AnglingBuzz (YT) recently covered big-water walleye tactics that apply directly to elevated-flow conditions like these. Fishing the Midwest advises targeting current breaks and slack flats throughout the warmer months, noting that rivers consistently produce when anglers stop fighting the flow and start reading it. Channel catfish typically respond well to rising water, moving into current seams to intercept displaced baitfish. This may be the most reliable bite available on the system right now.
Wabash Running Bank-Full While Late May Bass Bite Builds on Lake Michigan
The Wabash River at USGS gauge 03335500 was pushing 5,730 cfs as of May 23 — elevated late-spring runoff that shoves fish out of the main current and into slack-water eddies and bankside pockets. Fishing the Midwest notes that rivers can be outstanding spring destinations when anglers target those slower margins rather than fighting the flow. On Lake Michigan's Indiana shoreline, late May marks the seasonal ramp-up for nearshore coho salmon and the prime shallow-water window for bass nearing or just clearing their spawns. Field & Stream points out that bass stage in the shallows as water temperatures climb, making beds and gorging ahead of post-spawn recovery — calling it one of the best windows of the year for a personal best. Tactical Bassin backs this up, reporting that bass in northern lakes are pushing shallow and biting even through unsettled late-spring conditions, with natural-presentation swimbaits accounting for fish. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge this period.
Snake & Salmon Rivers Enter Peak Spring Chinook Window
USGS gauge 13340000 recorded 54°F and 14,400 cfs on the Snake system as of May 23 — a combination that puts the drainage squarely in the productive spring Chinook salmon window. Elevated snowmelt flows are running high but fishable, and 54°F sits in the mid-range that keeps Chinook actively moving through deeper holding lies without pushing into slow-water refuges. None of this week's regional intel feeds carried direct reports from the Snake or Salmon drainages specifically, so bite detail relies on gauge data and late-May seasonal timing. Flylords Mag covered deep-water smallmouth techniques this week that translate directly to the Snake's lower canyon sections, where bass push toward their summer patterns as water temps climb. Drift-boat anglers should target early-morning windows when light is low and pressure is minimal; bank access improves as flows recede into June.
Hawaiian Blue Water Heats Up as Late-May Pelagic Season Reaches Full Stride
NOAA buoy 51001 is reading 76°F at the surface while buoy 51004 clocks 79°F — temperatures solidly in the productive range for Hawaiian pelagic gamefish as the season shifts into high gear. Hawaii Fishing News, the state's official record-keeper for big-game catches, tracks moon and tide windows that align with the current First Quarter phase, a period many veteran offshore captains favor for trolling the deep blue. Specific bite reports are limited in this feed cycle, but late May marks the traditional ramp-up of Hawaii's premier blue marlin season. Yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi typically run alongside the marlin grounds at these depths and temperatures. Trade winds are holding at 9-10 m/s across all three NOAA buoys, with a 9.5-foot swell logged at buoy 51001 — manageable for experienced offshore vessels, though anglers should confirm conditions before committing to long runs to the offshore canyons.
Barrier Island Redfish in Form as Georgia's Snapper Season Hangs in Limbo
Sport Fishing Mag reports expanded red snapper seasons for South Atlantic states, including Georgia, via exempted fishing permits for 2026. Coastal Angler Magazine then flagged that a federal court halted the Atlantic red snapper season just one day before launch, leaving offshore plans uncertain heading into Memorial Day weekend. Conditions at NOAA buoy 41008 show calm 2 m/s winds and warm 79°F air, a comfortable setup for inshore work along Georgia's barrier island creeks and marsh edges. With the Altamaha River holding at a manageable 4.1 feet and falling per GA Sportsman/Georgia Outdoor News, cleaner water should be pushing into nearshore zones, a favorable sign for redfish on moving tides. Salt Strong notes that redfish concentrate along the shaded edges of oyster bars during tidal movement, while sheepshead and black drum around bridge pilings remain productive picks when offshore trips are sidelined. Verify red snapper regulations before heading out; the legal picture is still evolving.
Shellcracker record leads a prime late-May bite on Georgia's Savannah
GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News reporter Joshua Barber's May 23 Southern Waters Fishing Report leads with an encouraging note: panfish and bass have been biting well across the region this week. On the Savannah drainage, the Clyo gauge held at 3.0 feet and steady as of May 21, offering stable, fishable conditions throughout the lower river. Shellcracker are stealing the spotlight: Clarkesville angler Phil Black set a new Lake Tugalo record on May 20 with a 2-lb., 3.26-oz. fish taken on a worm and spinning rod, per GA Sportsman. Georgia Wildlife Blog's May 22 weekly report echoed broad optimism, calling this another great week of fishing statewide and flagging the Georgia Bass Slam challenge as a timely goal for anglers pursuing multiple black bass species. With the USGS Savannah gauge (site 02197000) reading 4,590 cfs and rivers holding steady, conditions look favorable heading into the Memorial Day weekend.
Okeechobee & St. Johns Post-Spawn: Bass Shifting Deep as Bluegill Peak
USGS gauge 02232000 recorded a modest 117 cfs on the St. Johns River as of May 23 — consistent with the late-spring dry period before Florida's rainy season arrives. No direct water temperature reading was available from the gauge, but typical late-May conditions for this region place surface temps in the low 80s°F, signaling full exit from the bass spawn window. Largemouth bass across both Lake Okeechobee and the St. Johns are moving through the post-spawn transition: males that held near beds are abandoning them, and larger females have retreated toward offshore grass edges and deeper structure. Florida Sea Grant's recent coverage of the Southwest Florida Invasive Fish Roundup serves as a seasonal reminder that anglers working Okeechobee's southern and eastern rim canals may encounter exotic species — oscars, clown knifefish, and others — alongside native gamefish. The clearest opportunity this week belongs to panfish: bluegill and shellcracker (redear sunfish) are at or near peak spawn on both waters in late May, with beds forming on shallow, hard-bottom flats near vegetation edges. Verify current Florida regulations before harvesting.
Snook Peak Season Arrives on FL Atlantic as Blackfins Swarm Offshore
Snook Nook's May 2026 Stuart report calls this "the best time of the year for Snook fishing" as fish ramp up for the spawn, with consistent quality slot and over-slot fish showing across the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers. Offshore, Sport Fishing Mag reports blackfin tuna flooding South Florida Atlantic waters from the Keys to Palm Beach throughout May — one of the season's premier pelagic windows. Charter trips out of Fort Lauderdale, per Tidal Fish, have been delivering sailfish action along with wahoo on natural reefs and offshore structure. NOAA buoys 41009 and 41008 registered air temps of 78–82°F with light-to-moderate winds, though neither buoy returned water temperature or wave-height data. One major regulatory note: a federal court preliminary injunction halted Florida's expanded 39-day Atlantic red snapper season under the state EFP program just hours before it was set to open, per CCA Florida and Coastal Angler Magazine. Verify current snapper regulations before heading out.
Tarpon Migration Peaks as Permit and Kingfish Stack Up Off Naples
Water temperatures have climbed to 81°F at NOAA buoy 42036, and Naples Offshore Fishing Charters reports the tarpon migration is fully underway along the Gulf Coast. Captains are intercepting fish as they push through the area, jumping and landing quality tarpon during morning sessions before switching to afternoon permit. Sight fishing for large permit has been steady, and kingfish are responding well to plugs and flies thrown offshore. Cobia and amberjacks have also entered the mix, according to Naples Offshore Fishing Charters, making this one of the most species-diverse windows of the year. Light winds of 2–3 m/s (per buoys 42036 and 42039) are keeping surface conditions favorable for flat-water sight fishing. Coastal Angler Magazine notes grouper season reopened May 1st for Keys and Gulf anglers, adding reef and wreck options to an already loaded menu. Late May is delivering exactly what Gulf Coast regulars expect: a premium multi-species window before summer heat fully sets in.
Delaware bass trending post-spawn as crappie schools consolidate
USGS gauge 01493500 recorded just 6.89 cfs on the evening of May 23 — decidedly lean flow heading into the Memorial Day weekend. The Fisherman — NJ/DE Freshwater reports largemouth bass spread across spawning beds through the first half of May across Delaware-area waters, with fish beginning the post-spawn pull toward deeper structure. Crappie have been a regional bright spot: the same source notes good action throughout the period, with schools beginning to consolidate near bridges, pilings, and submerged wood as they shift toward summer staging areas. Catfishing has been fair across the region per the same reports, while pickerel in cedar-tinted stretches remain a consistent option. Low flows concentrate fish into pools and current seams — finesse plastics and live minnows will outperform power presentations under these conditions. Check local regulations before keeping anything, as slot limits on bass vary by water body in Delaware.
Long Island Sound Loaded With Big Bass for Memorial Day Weekend
Water temperatures have climbed to 55°F across Long Island Sound, per NOAA buoys 44025 and 44065, and the timing couldn't be better — multiple Connecticut tackle shops are reporting the best striper bite in years. Fisherman's World described this week as simply "bass, bass, bass," with fish caught on virtually every method across inshore and deep water alike. The Fisherman's Connecticut roundup, drawing on reports from Aaron Swanson and area shops, confirms the May new moon supercharged bass activity throughout LIS and its tributaries, with fish feeding on squid, bunker, mackerel, herring, and silversides. Captain Morgan's Bait and Tackle reported that artificials, including flies, are easily keeping pace with live bait, and noted tide rather than time of day is the primary variable right now. OTW Saltwater's May 19 striper migration report confirmed Long Island Sound is "loaded with big bass on bunker." Bluefish have just arrived in southern New England and are beginning to filter into the region.
Salmon River stockies firing as CT bass eye the season opener
The Salmon River's Trout Management Area and Trophy Trout Area were stocked May 13, and per The Fisherman — New England Freshwater, at least one angler fishing the river since has caught 'as many trout as he wanted.' Water temps on the Connecticut River have reached 62°F (USGS gauge 01184000), putting inland Connecticut squarely in its late-spring transition. Largemouths across local ponds are deep into the spawn and proving 'trickier to entice than they were in prespawn,' according to Fishin' Factory 3 in Middletown. Fisherman's World in Norwalk hears from Saugatuck Reservoir regulars that both largemouth and smallmouth bass action 'keeps steadily improving,' with shiners the clear top producer and Keitech swim baits and Lunker City paddletails also working well. The Connecticut River continues to draw interest for shad and carp. Verify current bass season dates with state regulations before harvesting; catch-and-release is the standard during the spawn window.
Low Runoff Delivers Rare Late-May Clarity Across Colorado's Trout Rivers
USGS gauge 09095500 clocked the Colorado River at 62°F and 2,130 cfs on May 23 — a notably modest late-May flow that reflects Colorado's historically low snowpack season. Cutthroat Anglers (CO) called it plainly in their May update: "This winter has been historic for all the wrong reasons," but the trout fishing silver lining is real. Lower runoff has kept clarity high well into late spring, opening wade-fishing windows that in high-snowpack years would be blown out through June. Cutthroat Anglers (CO) guide Matt Campanella notes that fish are "active, grouped up, and ready to bite for the angler willing to hike a little further or cast a little lighter." Midge and BWO hatches are firmly underway per Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing (CO), with a caddis transition building as water temperatures climb. Colorado Trout Hunters reports one of the best spring runs of migratory fish on the Dream Stream in recent memory.
Central Coast Chinook salmon bite improving as upwelling and cool temps align
Water temperatures off Monterey have pulled down to 54°F (NOAA buoy 46042), and that cold-water shift is already paying off for Central Coast salmon anglers. Captain Jared Davis of the Salty Lady, working out of Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, reported that temps fell from 58°F to 54°F below Pigeon Point — and per Western Outdoor News — Saltwater, the bonita cleared out with that temperature drop while salmon conditions reached their best point of the season. A separate Monterey-dateline report in Western Outdoor News — Saltwater echoes this, noting that an increase in northwest winds has triggered productive upwelling along the Central Coast, drawing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface — the exact setup Chinook need to stage and feed. Buoy 46028 at Cape San Martin reads warmer at 60°F with waves near 5.6 feet, suggesting a thermal gradient worth exploring between those stations. Rockfish and halibut remain seasonally present but drew no direct field reports this cycle.
Sacramento-Delta stripers and largemouth prime up as late-May warmth builds
USGS gauge 11447650 logged the Sacramento River at 11,800 cfs and 71°F on May 23 — conditions that put the Delta squarely in its late-spring warmth window. NorCal Fish Reports covers the Delta beat regularly, but no specific on-water bite reports from guides or tackle shops surfaced in this cycle's feeds. Drawing on seasonal patterns: at 71°F, largemouth bass are typically deep into their post-spawn recovery and feeding aggressively along tule lines and transition structure — a setup that aligns with Wired 2 Fish's coverage of Justin Lucas's approach to shallow topwater near grass, reeds, and docks during low-light windows. Striped bass are generally in summer-scatter mode by late May, spread across main-channel sloughs and responding best to tidal current shifts. Channel catfish are reliably active once water climbs into the low 70s. White sturgeon have largely retreated toward cooler downstream reaches. Check current state regulations before targeting any species.
Late-May Transition Puts Arkansas River Bass in Post-Spawn Mode
Tactical Bassin's recent post-spawn analysis mirrors what late-May anglers can expect on the Arkansas and White Rivers: bass are off their beds and staging near channel transitions, responding to finesse presentations and slower retrieves as water temperatures climb through the lower 70s. USGS gauge 07263620 returned no readings this cycle, so precise flow data isn't available — check local conditions before launching. On the White River tailwater below Bull Shoals Dam, trout remain a year-round draw, with dam generation schedules dictating wading versus boat access more than weather does. Fishing the Midwest reinforces that river banks and shallow riprap edges stay productive through early summer for bass and catfish alike. First Quarter moon this weekend should sustain steady, moderate feeding activity. No Arkansas-specific charter or tackle-shop reports came through this cycle; verify local conditions before heading out.
Tailwater Trout Hold Steady as Salt River Bass Shift Post-Spawn
USGS gauge 09380000 logged the Colorado River at 8,070 cfs and 59°F on the evening of May 23, confirming stable tailwater conditions below Glen Canyon Dam that keep Lees Ferry trout fishing productive through early summer. No regional angler-intel feeds specifically covered the Colorado or Salt Rivers this cycle, so this report pairs gauge data with seasonal patterns. Broad freshwater guidance from Wired 2 Fish is worth noting: bass are locking onto shallow cover during low-light windows right now, a technique that applies directly to the Salt River corridor where largemouth and smallmouth are in post-spawn recovery. Fishing the Midwest adds that rivers deliver some of their best summer action as fish stage in current seams and structural edges. Water temperatures on the Salt River will run considerably warmer than the tailwater gauge reflects, so adjust your gear selection accordingly.
Gulf of Alaska Hits Prime Window for Spring Kings and Halibut
NOAA buoy 46080 logged 45°F surface water in the Gulf of Alaska on May 24, with buoy 46001 reading 44°F and buoy 46066 coming in at 42°F, right in the typical range for this late-May transition. No charter or tackle-shop intel was available in this reporting cycle to ground-truth specific catches, but late May marks the calendar peak for spring Chinook salmon throughout the Gulf, with kings staging near tidal rips and river mouths ahead of inland migrations. Pacific halibut charters are typically running full schedules by this point, targeting structure in 100-300 feet of water. Wind readings varied considerably this period, from near-calm at buoy 46080 to a stiff 13 m/s at buoy 46066, flagging meaningful chop on exposed offshore grounds. The First Quarter moon brings moderate tidal exchange, a favorable setup for both halibut bottom fishing and Chinook feeding activity during dawn and dusk windows. Confirm sea state locally before committing to longer offshore runs.
Early Kings and Spring Grayling Headline Alaska's Late-May River Season
USGS gauge 15266300 on the Kenai recorded 45°F water and 2,870 cfs on May 23 — hallmark late-snowmelt conditions that frame the opening window for Alaska's early-run Chinook season. No charter or tackle-shop dispatches are in the current feed, so gauge data and published research carry the weight. Wired 2 Fish this week covered a University of Alaska Fairbanks study in Biological Invasions showing that warming Alaska freshwaters are causing invasive northern pike to increase their prey consumption — a finding relevant to interior river anglers and salmon advocates alike. At 45°F, Kenai water temps are right on seasonal track; Chinook are typically staging near the lower river in late May with the early run building toward its peak. Interior river grayling windows are opening up as ice-out wraps across drainages. Confirm open seasons and bag limits with state regulations before heading out — Chinook openings on the Kenai shift week by week.
Post-Spawn Bass Active on Tennessee and Coosa River Corridors
Flow at USGS gauge 02339500 is running at 817 cfs as of May 23, providing moderate current through the system. Bass are deep into the post-spawn transition, and Tactical Bassin's on-water coverage of Lake Chickamauga, a Tennessee River impoundment, shows fish responding to a mixed bag of swimbaits, chatterbaits, and finesse presentations depending on water clarity. Wired 2 Fish highlights shallow topwater as a reliable early-morning trigger: pro Justin Lucas advises covering water quickly around grass, reeds, and dock edges during low-light windows when post-spawn fish move shallow to feed. The first-quarter moon on May 24 sets up solid dawn and dusk feeding windows through the weekend. No direct water temperature reading was available at the gauge this cycle. Spotted bass, a Coosa River hallmark, are typical post-spawn recoverers at this point in May; no region-specific bite reports surfaced this week. Verify current state regulations before harvesting.
Gags, Scamps, and Trophy Trout Prime the Panhandle for May
NOAA buoy 42012 is reading 76°F in the Gulf off the Panhandle, with 2–3 foot seas and light winds — near-ideal conditions for inshore and nearshore runs. Coastal Angler Magazine makes the case that May is 'one of the most underrated windows of the year' for trophy speckled trout, with big fish remaining active before summer heat sets in. The same source spotlights gag grouper and scamp as the month's offshore headliners: find cigar minnows or sardines stacked on ledges, wrecks, or rock outcrops, and a live sardine or cigar minnow will last 'under ten seconds around any kind of fish.' Salt Strong includes the Florida Panhandle among its active mid-May inshore game plan regions, signaling that the flats bite is on. The waxing crescent moon is building tidal exchange, and the current sea state makes structure-fishing runs feasible for most boats heading offshore this week.
Late-May Snook Prime Time Delivers Along Boca Grande and Sarasota Bay
Capt. Brandon Naeve's crew out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters set a new boat record on May 9th — a 34-pound, 4-ounce snook boated on a Boca Grande charter — and that fish captures exactly where the calendar stands. Water temperatures are reading 80°F across both NOAA buoys 42036 and 42013, with light-to-moderate Gulf swells keeping conditions fishable across the region. Capt. Chuck Cress (CB's Saltwater Outfitters) is reporting upper-slot redfish and solid speckled trout action on the Sarasota flats. Jack crevalle are schooling aggressively in Sarasota Bay through early morning, per CB's latest report, hitting fast-retrieved topwater lures and poppers near oyster bars, seawalls, and inlets. Coastal Angler Magazine calls May an often-overlooked window for trophy speckled trout — fish that haven't fully shifted to summer patterns yet — and local captain reports support that read. Multiple target species are active and cooperative right now, with the snook pre-spawn push setting the headline bite.
Mutton Spawn and Blackfin Tuna Make May a Banner Month in the Keys
ALL IN Key West charters reports mutton snappers 'chewing like crazy' during May's full moon spawn window, with yellowtail snapper running nearly as hot — described as 'practically jumping in the boat.' May is delivering across the board: a recent Gulf-side run logged grouper, cobia, barracuda, and kingfish in a single session per ALL IN Key West. Sport Fishing Mag notes that May through July is prime blackfin tuna season, with fish flooding offshore from the Keys north to Palm Beach — making this a genuine multi-species window. Wind readings at NOAA buoys SMKF1 and SANF1 show 13–16 knots easterly with air temperatures near 81°F. The waxing crescent moon is building toward the next lunar peak, which should keep snapper stacked on traditional reef structure. Coastal Angler Magazine adds that gag and scamp grouper are also prime this month when cigar minnows and sardines are schooling on ledges and wrecks. Plan offshore runs early to beat afternoon sea breezes.
Highland Lakes Bass Active: Bluegill Spawn Triggers Topwater Window
The USGS gauge 08158000 recorded a Colorado River flow of 775 cfs on the evening of May 19, reflecting moderate flows through the Highland Lakes system. Direct on-the-water reports for Travis, LBJ, and Buchanan were absent from this cycle's intel feed, but the seasonal picture is clear: late May puts largemouth bass squarely in the post-spawn transition. Tactical Bassin (blog) reports the bluegill spawn is currently in full swing, drawing big largemouth into shallow heavy cover on topwater and frog presentations — a trigger that typically carries through Texas highland reservoirs at this time of year. Catfish, a mainstay of the Hill Country lake system, should be active along channel edges as late-spring water temperatures rise. Lone Star Outdoor News — Fishing reports that Texas waters yielded numerous new fishing records, reflecting healthy fish populations across the state. A waxing crescent moon on May 20 favors feeding activity at dawn and dusk transitions.