Fishing reports
7349 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Muttons and Yellowtails on Fire as Keys Summer Snapper Bite Peaks
ALL IN Key West reports the summer snapper fishing has been as good as the captain has seen in 16 years on the water, with mutton and yellowtail snappers stacking on reef structure in large, actively feeding schools. The mutton snapper spawn peaks during summer full moon cycles, and with a waning gibbous moon now overhead following the July full moon, that aggressive post-spawn feeding window remains open. Per ALL IN Key West, the bite features 'huge yellowtails [and] tons and tons of mutton snappers' actively working the reef, while a recent Gulf of America trip returned groupers, cobia, barracudas, and solid kingfish. Live bait is the dominant presentation, with reef edges also producing on cut bait and chum. Mahi-mahi and sailfish round out the offshore menu for anglers looking to mix species. No NOAA buoy readings or USGS gauge data are available for this report cycle, so verify current conditions and tide windows through local marina postings before heading out.
Rogue Summer Steelhead Building; Columbia Chinook Tapering in July
No environmental readings are available from NOAA buoys or USGS gauges for the Columbia or Rogue systems this period, and none of this week's angling feeds delivered region-specific reports for either river. Working from seasonal baseline for July 2: Field & Stream's summer trout coverage notes that July pocket water rewards anglers fishing subsurface in broken current — a technique that applies directly to Rogue summer steelhead runs, where fish typically begin entering the lower and middle canyon in earnest by early July. On the mainstem Columbia, summer Chinook peak timing traditionally crests through mid-June and tapers into July, with back-trolling plugs and anchored roe at depth still accounting for fish near mid-channel structure. The lower Rogue's smallmouth bass fishery historically turns aggressive in the July heat, with pre-dawn topwater producing action before fish drop to cooler depths. A waning gibbous moon favors low-light feeding windows across both systems.
Illinois River catfish and Lake Michigan bass hit summer stride
Bob Jensen at Fishing the Midwest reports the 2026 open water season is "in full swing" across the region, and early July historically puts Illinois anglers squarely in prime territory for both the Illinois River and southern Lake Michigan. No real-time buoy or gauge readings were captured in this data pull, so specific water temperatures and flow levels are unavailable — check USGS streamgages and NOAA buoys before launching. On the structure side, Fishing the Midwest's weedline guide points walleye chasers toward weed edges at dawn and dusk. Tactical Bassin notes that July bass metabolism peaks with rising temperatures, making topwater and flipping presentations most effective in early morning and after dark. The waning gibbous moon this week favors overnight catfish outings on the Illinois River, where channel and flathead cats typically reach peak summer activity through the heat of early July. IL/IN Sea Grant is actively soliciting pilot research proposals for southern Lake Michigan, a sign of the basin's continued scientific and angling importance.
July topwater bite open on Catawba and Roanoke waters as summer heat sets in
B.A.S.S. News is calling it prime topwater season across the country, and early July on NC's Catawba and Roanoke reservoirs typically aligns with exactly that window. Environmental data (buoys, gauges) was not available in this cycle, so specific water temperatures are unknown -- check USGS gauges before launching. Tactical Bassin notes that summer bass divide into two predictable camps: a deep offshore population parked on points and ledges, and a shallower group tracking baitfish near shoreline cover. Both sources agree the productive surface window is narrow -- first light through about 8 a.m. -- before heat drives fish down. Landlocked striped bass, a staple of these Piedmont impoundments, typically suspend over cool, oxygenated depth by midsummer and respond best to vertical presentations over located bait schools. No direct shop, charter, or regional agency reports from either watershed were captured in this feed cycle.
Susquehanna & Allegheny smallmouth enter prime summer pattern as July opens
PA Sea Grant's June 25 harmful algal bloom webinar flagged blooms as a growing threat to Pennsylvania waterways this summer — a timely reminder as warm July temperatures settle into both the Susquehanna and Allegheny watersheds. No USGS gauge data was available for this report cycle, but seasonal patterns and regional angler intel paint a clear picture: early July is peak summer for river bass on these systems. Per Tactical Bassin, fish metabolisms hit their annual high this month, with bass feeding aggressively across a range of prey items — both the Susquehanna's sprawling rocky flats and the Allegheny's deeper pool-and-riffle structure should be holding post-spawn smallmouth now. Catfish also become highly active in July warmth. Trout prospects in the main channels are likely limited by elevated temperatures, though Field & Stream points to shaded pocket water in tributary streams as a productive nymphing alternative when flows cooperate.
July Salmon Window Arrives as Pacific Winds Stay Light
Light offshore winds of 10-14 knots recorded at NOAA buoys 46041 and 46087 as of July 2 set up manageable conditions along Washington's Pacific coast and Puget Sound approaches for the holiday weekend. Air temperatures at both stations sat in the cool 52-55 degree range, consistent with the typical early-July marine layer pattern for this region. Water temperature data was unavailable from either buoy in this cycle. Angler-specific catch intel for Puget Sound and the Pacific coast was sparse, with WA WDFW Fishing Reports describing their monitoring framework but not providing creel data from the current week. WA Sea Grant flagged the first-ever detection of invasive European green crab on Orcas Island in May, an ecological development worth noting for habitat reasons, though it has no direct bearing on current sport fishing targets. Early July is traditionally among the most productive windows for summer Chinook salmon in Puget Sound, with Pacific halibut and resident coho providing supplemental opportunity. Verify current WDFW regulations and sub-area rules before launching.
Gulf of Alaska peaks for halibut and salmon as summer season hits stride
Buoy 46066 is logging 47°F water in the Gulf of Alaska today, with buoy 46001 reading 48°F — cool, productive temperatures consistent with a healthy early-July fishery. Winds are running 9 m/s (roughly 17 knots) at 46066 and a lighter 6 m/s at 46001; the 46080 station reports just 3 m/s, suggesting calm inshore conditions on portions of the coast. No wave height data is currently available across the monitoring network. AK Sea Grant recently hosted the 34th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium on Kodiak Island, with researchers focused on marine heatwaves in high-latitude Alaskan waters — a signal that ocean temperature anomalies remain an active concern for baitfish distribution and fish behavior across the Gulf. No specific charter captain, tackle shop, or fishing-blog reports for the Gulf of Alaska appear in today's feeds; species status below is grounded in environmental data and typical seasonal patterns for this time of year.
Sharks, pompano, and redfish settle into July rhythm around Charleston Harbor
Water temperature at NOAA buoy 41004 (positioned southeast of Charleston) clocked in at 83°F on July 2, marking the full arrival of peak summer conditions in the harbor and surrounding estuaries. Light winds around 6-7 mph should keep seas calm for both inshore and nearshore runs. Fisherman's Post Carolinas saltwater's early July reports from nearby North Carolina coastal communities reflect the same regional seasonal shift: sharks, croakers, pompano, and whiting are showing up in the surf lineup, though anglers in some areas have been battling dirty water and drifting seaweed. While direct Charleston Harbor captain reports weren't part of this cycle's intel, those regional signals apply broadly across the Carolinas coast. Inshore, 83°F water typically pushes spotted seatrout deep and into creek shade, while red drum remain accessible along marsh edges and creek mouths through early morning tides. A waning gibbous moon is moderating tidal swings heading into the holiday week.
Jersey Shore Fluke and Bluefin Heat Up for the 4th of July Weekend
Water temps of 72–73°F at NOAA buoys 44065 and 44091 confirm full summer conditions along the Jersey Shore heading into the Fourth of July weekend. OTW Northern New Jersey's July 2 report puts bluefin tuna just 15 to 40 miles from shore, with fluke action trending upward on the reefs and stripers plus bluefish delivering consistent surf action. Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands fleet has been grinding through a tough early season to land improving quality fluke — a pool fish of 5 pounds, 2 ounces recently topped the leaderboard there. Offshore, Blue Chip Sportfishing calls sea bass "Red Hot," noting near-limit catches on most trips, while shark action has "busted wide open" with Mako releases on recent charters. In the surf, Grumpys Tackle (Seaside Park) reports bluefish reliable on morning poppers in the 3 to 5-pound range, and remnants of striped bass and black drum are still taking clam baits along the beach as the spring run winds down.
Delaware River smallmouth building as Dog Days summer pattern arrives
Old School Outdoors in Ewing reports the Delaware River is still running below normal despite late-June rains, but smallmouth bass fishing has been good and is expected to keep improving into July. Catfishing has also produced well along the river corridor. Per The Fisherman's JB Kasper, June threw anglers a tough puzzle -- drought conditions, low water, and below-normal water temps colliding with 90-plus-degree days -- but July typically ushers in the more predictable Dog Days rhythm: topwater action early and late, with structure fishing paying off through midday. Crappie have slowed, a routine midsummer shift. Largemouth in local lakes and ponds have locked into dawn-to-dusk edge patterns near remaining vegetation, per Dow's Boat Rentals. Rain would help across the board -- NJ freshwater sources are unanimous that the watershed is running below normal -- but the Delaware smallmouth bite stands out as the clear bright spot heading into the holiday weekend.
Back-Bay Flounder Surging as Delaware Bay Settles Into Summer
Water at NOAA buoy 44009 checked in at 74°F on July 2 — solidly summer territory — and the Delaware Bay (NJ side) flounder bite has responded in kind. The Fisherman — Southern NJ reports back-bay action this year has been "astonishing," with fish from shorts to 26 inches hitting live minnows and Gulp Baits in as little as 6 feet of water along the ICW behind the Wildwoods; quality keepers are also appearing at offshore reef sites, with an 8-pounder recently weighed in at the Ocean City Reef Site. Grumpys Tackle (NJ) flagged a couple of weakfish in the surf mix alongside solid crab hauls off local docks. Summer species — sheepshead, croaker, and kingfish — are beginning to filter into the South Jersey waterways per The Fisherman — Southern NJ, rounding out a classic summer spread. The Fisherman (Northeast)'s NJ/DE Bay forecast for July 2 also notes red drum jumping off South Jersey heading into the Fourth of July weekend, adding a bonus target to the bay rotation.
July Opens Strong for Fluke and Bluefish Off Sandy Hook
Water temperature at NOAA buoy 44065 has climbed to 72°F, and the fluke bite is finally responding. Capt Ron's Atlantic Highlands NJ reports quality fish materializing after weeks of marginal action, with a 5-lb 2-oz pool winner landed recently and keepers coming consistently on Gulp sand eels at tide change. Capt Ron also notes factory bunker boats working inshore with baitfish running small — worth watching for how that affects striper patterns in the weeks ahead. On the beach, OTW Northern New Jersey reports stripers and bluefish providing steady surf action heading into the Fourth of July weekend, while Grumpys Tackle confirms morning bluefish are reliable on topwater poppers in the 3-to-5-pound bracket. Blue Chip Sportfishing (NJ) reports sea bass as red hot offshore, with near-limits on most trips and mako shark releases in the mix. Bluefin tuna are working 15 to 40 miles offshore per OTW Northern New Jersey — within daytrip range for a prepared boat.
Hogfish running strong on Gulf nearshore as summer structure bite builds
Nearshore Gulf Coast waters are sitting at a warm 86°F (NOAA buoy 42036), and captains are steering anglers toward hard bottom. Capt. Frank Hutchko, in Coastal Angler Magazine's current nearshore report, calls it directly: hogfish are "still around and plentiful," with good numbers of keepers at 14 inches to the fork on nearshore reefs. Capt. George Hastick (Coastal Angler Magazine) adds that summer heat in Tampa Bay is the cue to leave the flats and work rock piles, reefs, and wrecks for variety. Capt. Joshua Taylor's Tampa Bay dispatch calls this an ideal week to get on the water, while Capt. Bill Rutherford out of New Port Richey promises July will deliver "fireworks" on par with the holiday. Out of Naples, charter captains logged tarpon running hard through the spring migration and permit cooperating on the flats; both species typically remain active on the Gulf into August. Light winds of 2–3 m/s at both offshore buoys favor a comfortable run to structure. Verify snapper regulations before heading out, as federal management remains in flux.
UP Brook Trout Seek Cool Headwaters as Lake Superior Whitefish Interest Builds
Direct on-water intel for the Upper Peninsula is thin this cycle — the MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report was inaccessible at pull time. NOAA buoy 45004 placed Lake Superior air temperature at a chilly 45°F (7.2°C) with light winds near 9 mph at midday July 2, underscoring how Superior's enormous cold thermal mass keeps lake-air conditions decidedly un-summer-like even in early July. Lake water temperature data were not returned by the buoy. WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing has documented growing angler interest in lake whitefish across the Chequamegon Bay ecosystem — a pattern relevant to Michigan's south-shore Superior waters. For UP interior streams, early July is classically the window where brook trout concentrate in spring-fed headwaters and shaded pocket water as ambient temps climb. Field & Stream notes that pocket water rewards a strike-indicator rig with one or two subsurface flies fished upstream through mid-summer, a technique well-suited to the UP's tight, timber-shaded stream corridors. The waning gibbous moon supports low-light feeding bursts at dawn and dusk.
July feeds bass hard on Hill Country lakes — hit the dawn window
Tactical Bassin reports that bass metabolisms are 'at an all-time high' in July, and on Texas Hill Country reservoirs Lakes Travis, LBJ, and Buchanan, that signal rings true: the summer feeding window is wide open. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge data is currently available for these waters, but My Canyon Lake Fishing reports conditions across the broader Hill Country region as 'ideal for boating, fishing, tubing and lakeside recreation,' with ramps open and local businesses fully operational. TPWD has temporarily paused its weekly fishing report series as it finalizes a new format, per My Canyon Lake Fishing, making real-time local intel especially valuable this stretch. Plan around the waning gibbous moon's late-night and early-morning peak-activity windows. Expect bass activity to compress toward dawn and dusk as Texas heat pushes surface temperatures up by mid-morning, with mid-lake deep structure the reliable fallback through the heat of the day.
Georgia Summer Bass Push On — Topwater Windows and Catfish Action Highlight Early July
The Georgia Wildlife Blog's June 26 report confirms summer fishing is fully underway across the state, with trout stocking updates and angler resources active for those targeting the Chattahoochee tailwater and beyond. On the warmwater front, GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News highlights strong early-summer bass action across north and central Georgia — including a 9-lb largemouth and a 7-lb fish taken on green-pumpkin plastics in private waters, signaling healthy bass populations heading into the holiday weekend. Regional catfish fishing has been productive as well: a June 6-7 tournament on Lake Sinclair saw the winning team land five fish totaling 102.57 lbs, a strong early-summer showing. Tactical Bassin calls July one of the most productive months for bass, with fish feeding aggressively in response to peak-season metabolism. The topwater bite is prime nationally right now, per B.A.S.S. News. A July 1 truck accident on a Lake Hartwell bridge caused a minor fuel spill, but per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News, local agencies responded quickly and the Savannah watershed fishery escaped with minimal impact.
Salmon turning on Lake Ontario as summer charter season builds
Strike Zone Charters reports salmon fishing has been 'very good' on Lake Ontario this past week, with brown trout and lake trout mixing into the action. The fleet has been working 100 to 160 feet of water, with productive depths shifting day to day as wind repositions the thermocline. Mag Dipsey Divers are the go-to presentation when fish are holding deep, paired with green, white, and chartreuse e-chips. While the Salmon River and Oswego tributaries won't see returning salmon in any numbers until late summer at the earliest, the offshore lake bite is the story for this region right now. No USGS gauge or NOAA buoy data was available for this report period; confirm conditions locally before launching. The waning gibbous moon this week may support tighter bite windows centered around dawn and dusk as lunar influence diminishes heading into the holiday weekend.
Red drum steady across NC sounds as July surf serves up a summer mixed bag
Red drum are delivering the most consistent action along North Carolina's coast in early July. Per Fisherman's Post (NC), Donald of Custom Marine Fabrication reports anglers working the Pamlico and Neuse River flats and structure are finding red drum of all sizes, with some big fish in the mix along main river shorelines. Nathan of East Coast Sports (Topsail/Sneads Ferry) notes the early morning topwater bite has been the standout for inshore drum, while Rich of The Reel Outdoors confirms steady sound-side drum on live bait near Swansboro and Emerald Isle. Surf anglers along the barrier beaches are working a healthy summer mixed bag: bluefish, spots, sea mullet, pompano, whiting, and croakers — with sharks also showing at the surf line, per Lewis of Island Tackle and Hardware. One note for offshore-bound anglers: per Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater, NCDMF has withdrawn an EFP application that would have opened a July recreational red snapper season — confirm current regs before targeting snapper.
Summer stripers and bass go deep at Smith Mountain Lake and Buggs Island
No firsthand on-water dispatches from Smith Mountain Lake or Buggs Island reached this feed this cycle, and no buoy or gauge data is available for these inland impoundments. Conditions are inferred from established seasonal patterns for central Virginia in early July. Tactical Bassin's July bass breakdown confirms what anglers on both lakes know: summer heat compresses largemouth feeding into brief early-morning and late-evening windows near deep structure and shaded cover. Landlocked striped bass — the signature species at both SML and Buggs Island (John H. Kerr Reservoir) — typically suspend at the thermocline in midsummer, often 30–50 feet down where cooler, oxygenated water collects. Crappie push to deeper brush piles and submerged timber. Blue catfish at Buggs Island historically ramp up through summer. The waning gibbous moon supports pre-dawn and overnight feeding pushes. Anglers planning a Fourth of July weekend outing should confirm current conditions with local tackle shops and the Virginia DWR before launching.
Hawaiian Islands summer offshore heats up for blue marlin and ahi
Hawaii Fishing News, the islands' official state record-keeper, logs the moon and tide windows that define Hawaii's offshore calendar — and right now, a Waning Gibbous moon is shifting the overnight bite toward a declining-light pattern as we enter the heart of summer. No NOAA buoy data is available in today's feed, so exact sea-surface temperatures require a direct check with local sources before departure. What the calendar does confirm: early July is traditionally Hawaii's peak marlin window, with Pacific blue marlin tracking warm offshore currents west of the Big Island. Yellowfin tuna (ahi) remain a productive year-round target in the deep-blue canyons, while mahi-mahi (dorado) and wahoo (ono) fill out the typical summer pelagic spread. Shore-bound anglers targeting ulua (giant trevally) on rocky points typically find post-sunset action most productive. Consult local charter boards for the freshest on-water reports before heading out.
Stuart Inlet Snook Surge as Dredging Halts; Red Snapper Season Derailed
Snook fishing in Stuart's St. Lucie Inlet has rebounded sharply this July, per Snook Nook, after the inlet dredging project paused. Anglers running side scan are marking large schools around the detached jetty and the area known as Hole in the Wall, with live croakers and pilchards producing the most consistent action. Note that snook season on Florida's Atlantic coast is closed for harvest through September 1; all fish must be handled carefully and released. Meanwhile, South Atlantic reef anglers absorbed a significant setback: CCA Florida reports that a U.S. district court issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state-led EFP pilot programs for red snapper, halting what was expected to be a 39-day recreational season just before it was set to open. Offshore, typical early-July conditions put mahi-mahi and kingfish within striking distance of the Gulf Stream, though no specific charter reports were available at publication.
Sarasota Bay Seatrout Peak as July Tarpon Turn Aggressive
Spotted seatrout are delivering the definitive peak summer bite across Sarasota Bay right now, with Capt. Brandon Naeve of CB's Saltwater Outfitters reporting aggressive action on inshore grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and local passes — confirmed by a recent charter that put a quality speckled trout in the hands of young angler Brody fishing the warm bay waters. Tarpon fishing is also at full stride: Capt. Rick Grassett's July 2026 forecast from CB's Saltwater Outfitters calls July fish "usually more aggressive," advising spin anglers to set up in travel lanes and drift live baits under floats while staying ready for sight-cast opportunities. Redfish are holding at oyster bars — Capt. Chuck Cress (CB's Saltwater Outfitters) released a red out of upper Sarasota Bay this past week. Nearshore, Coastal Angler Magazine reports keeper hogfish remain plentiful on structure. Shark activity is also peaking seasonally through Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf.
Lake Erie smallmouth and walleye hit summer stride around Presque Isle
Pennsylvania Sea Grant recently flagged harmful algal blooms as a growing concern for Great Lakes waterways — a timely heads-up for anglers launching at Presque Isle Bay ahead of the July 4th holiday. No NOAA buoy or USGS gauge readings were returned for this report cycle, so surface temperatures are unavailable. With that caveat noted, early July is historically one of Erie's strongest all-around windows. Smallmouth bass are reliably in full summer feeding mode; Tactical Bassin notes that July metabolism spikes make bass "aggressively feeding on a variety of prey species," a pattern that translates directly to the rocky nearshore structure along Presque Isle's outer rim. Walleye will be pushing to cooler depths during midday but remain accessible on dawn and dusk trolling runs. Yellow perch stay consistent in Presque Isle Bay shallows throughout the summer season.
Eastern WA Rivers Prime for Smallmouth as July Heat Arrives
The WA WDFW Fishing Reports hub confirms WDFW actively monitors fishing statewide through angler creel interviews and maintains a broad stocking program across Eastern WA lakes and streams, though no specific current-week catch data for the Yakima or Spokane drainages was available in this reporting cycle. Based on the seasonal window, early July is typically the peak period for smallmouth bass across Eastern WA's Columbia River tributaries and the Spokane River corridor, with fish aggressively feeding as water temperatures climb. Field & Stream notes that midsummer pocket water is the premier trout habitat, advice that applies directly to the Yakima River's riffled sections where rainbows and browns tend to hold in oxygenated chutes to escape warm midday flows. The current waning gibbous moon entering the holiday week typically supports strong pre-dawn and early-morning feeding windows. No buoy or USGS gauge readings were available for this cycle; verify current flow levels with WDFW before heading out.