Fishing reports
19291 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Post-spawn bass bite heats up on Kentucky's river corridor
A Phoenix Bass Fishing League tournament wrapped at Lake Cumberland out of Monticello, Ky., on May 16 — per MLF News — confirming that bass are competitive and catchable through the post-spawn transition on Kentucky's Cumberland drainage. Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is in full swing, pulling big largemouth into shallow heavy cover and setting up a strong topwater window with frogs and walking baits. USGS gauge 03301500 recorded a flow of 105 cfs as of May 16, indicating low, manageable river conditions. No water temperature reading was available from this gauge cycle. Tonight's new moon shifts the feeding advantage toward early-morning and late-evening windows. With bass recovering from the spawn and bluegill beds concentrating them in predictable shallow zones, this week offers a well-timed opportunity for river anglers targeting the pre-summer transition.
Post-Spawn Bass and Catfish Fire Up Across Kansas River Systems
At 80°F and flowing 1,780 cfs per USGS gauge 06892350, the Kansas and Arkansas River systems have crossed firmly into a fast-moving late-spring transition. Tactical Bassin (blog) reports the bluegill spawn is in full swing across Midwest waters — and where bluegill are bedding in the shallows, big bass are staging in the adjacent cover. Topwater frogs, swimbaits, and chatterbaits are the leading presentations right now, per Tactical Bassin, with post-spawn largemouth actively hunting shallow structure. Channel catfish are entering one of their most productive feeding windows of the year as water temperatures climb through the 78–82°F range. White bass, which peak their spring river run when water typically sits in the mid-50s to mid-60s, are likely winding down as temps push past 75°F. Fishing the Midwest confirms that shallow, direct approaches are generating consistent action across comparable Midwest river systems — bank anglers working inside bends and eddy pockets are well positioned heading into the weekend.
High Spring Flow Pushes Walleye and Post-Spawn Bass to River Edges
USGS gauge 05465500 logged the system at 9,370 cfs on the evening of May 16 — elevated spring flow that's concentrating fish along current seams, eddy pockets, and flooded structure rather than open channel. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge this cycle. No Iowa-specific on-the-water shop or captain reports were captured, but regional Midwest intel points toward productive river fishing. Fishing the Midwest recommends working shallow flats and slow-water pockets for early-season crappie, walleye, and bass. AnglingBuzz highlights swimbaits as a versatile cross-species option on Midwest rivers right now, and Jason Mitchell Outdoors points to trolling shallow walleye as the move in moving-water systems. Post-spawn bass are transitioning off beds, per Tactical Bassin's current mid-continent coverage of the bluegill-spawn window. Tonight's New Moon (May 17) sets up strong dawn and dusk feeding windows over the next several days — plan accordingly.
Wabash Running High as Post-Spawn Bass and Catfish Hit Their Prime
The Wabash River is pushing 4,460 cfs at USGS gauge 03335500 as of the evening of May 16 — elevated spring flow that scatters main-channel fish into slack backwaters, tributary mouths, and flooded timber. Fishing the Midwest reports that shallow-water presentations are producing consistent results for Midwest anglers right now, with jigs and slip-sinker live-bait rigs accounting for walleye, crappie, and bass in slow-water pockets. The post-spawn transition is the bigger story: Tactical Bassin confirms the bluegill spawn is in full swing across the Midwest, drawing big largemouth into shallow heavy cover — a frog or topwater walking bait worked through laydowns is the setup to have rigged. On Indiana's Lake Michigan shore, IL/IN Sea Grant has nearshore buoys deployed and monitoring conditions as the mid-May window opens for yellow perch and nearshore species. Tonight's new moon creates prime low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk across both systems — plan your launch time accordingly.
Illinois River Running High While Bass Hunt the Bluegill Spawn
The Illinois River is flowing at 33,700 cfs as of May 16 (USGS gauge 05586100), well above typical spring channel levels, pushing largemouth bass toward slower backwater edges and shallow flats. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge at publication time. Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is in full swing across the Midwest — a reliable feeding trigger that concentrates big bass in shallow, heavy cover. Frog and topwater presentations are producing, with Tactical Bassin specifically documenting fish moving out of dense vegetation to ambush during this window. Fishing the Midwest reinforces the shallow-water theme for early season, recommending casting approaches on flats and staging areas. On Lake Michigan, IL/IN Sea Grant notes that spring is buoy deployment season and their three nearshore buoys are active, though no temperature data was available at press time. The New Moon on May 17 sets up strong low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk through the weekend.
Spring Chinook push upstream as Snake-Salmon drainages run cold and high
The USGS gauge at site 13340000 logged 21,800 cfs and a water temperature of 49°F on the evening of May 16 — classic peak-snowmelt conditions for the Snake River system. Flows are elevated and cold, pushing most resident trout into slow current seams and deep eddies off the main channel. The spring Chinook salmon run is the main event this week: mid-May is when the first significant wave of fish typically works upstream through the lower Snake and into the Salmon River drainage. Caddis Fly (OR), covering Pacific Northwest river systems, notes that the signature salmonfly hatch — tied to stoneflies completing their 3-to-4-year larval cycle — fires once temperatures push into the mid-50s; at 49°F, that dry-fly window is still a few weeks ahead, but dead-drifting large articulated stonefly nymph patterns through current edges is the most productive trout approach right now. No specific local angler intel was available for this drainage in today's feeds.
Hawaiian blue water heats up around new moon — pelagic season gains pace
NOAA buoy 51004 logged 78°F at offshore Hawaiian stations this morning, with buoy 51001 recording 75°F — both readings placing Hawaiian blue water squarely in the comfort zone for the region's core pelagic species. Hawaii Fishing News, the state's official record-keeper and publisher of monthly moon and tide calendars for serious Hawaii anglers, points to the new moon on May 17 as a key planning marker for timed feeding windows. No charter, shop, or captain reports from the islands reached our feeds this cycle, so species-activity assessments below lean on seasonal norms rather than fresh on-water testimony. That said, mid-May is historically one of the stronger setup periods for offshore Hawaiian fishing — blue marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), mahi-mahi, and wahoo are all traditional targets this time of year. Trade winds logged at 5–9 m/s across the offshore buoys suggest workable conditions for most equipped offshore boats. Anglers planning blue-water runs should verify current conditions with local captains before heading out.
Tripletail Showing Strong as South Atlantic Red Snapper Season Expands
Joe Thompson's 12-pound tripletail, featured in GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News's May 10 Southern Waters Fishing Report, is the headline bite on the Georgia Atlantic coast right now. Captain Joshua Barber notes hot weather is arriving and fish are beginning to push into deeper water — a classic late-spring pattern that rewards early-morning and evening-tide anglers. The New Moon on May 17 sets up the month's strongest tidal swings, concentrating feeding fish along creek mouths and nearshore structure over the weekend. A major regulatory development also stands out: exempted fishing permits have been federally approved to expand South Atlantic recreational red snapper seasons in 2026 for Georgia anglers, per Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag. Redfish and flounder are seasonally active for mid-May on Georgia tidal flats, though no new specific catch reports are in hand. NOAA buoy 41008 recorded light winds of 2 m/s and 75°F air temperature — comfortable boating conditions heading into the weekend.
Georgia largemouth in post-spawn mode as Savannah recedes toward summer levels
Georgia Wildlife Blog's May 15 report opens another strong fishing week, with recent rains having stabilized river levels statewide. On the Savannah, GA Sportsman's Joshua Barber logged the Clyo gauge at 3.6 feet and falling as of May 14 — aligned with USGS gauge 02197000 showing 3,850 cfs at Augusta — signaling the river is settling toward fishable summer levels. Barber flags the near-term shift: rising heat will push largemouth deeper soon. The shallow bite is still on, though: Georgia Wildlife Blog documented an 8-lb, 11-oz largemouth from Morgan County on a spinnerbait in post-rain conditions last month, and the 2026 GHSA Bass Fishing State Championship on Lake Sinclair (May 9) confirmed strong statewide bass populations, with Jefferson High's winning team posting a solid five-fish limit. Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is now in full swing, keeping big bass within reach in shallow heavy cover — and the new moon (May 17) adds favorable low-light windows through the weekend.
Bluegill spawn fires big bass on Okeechobee; tarpon roll the St. Johns
The bluegill spawn is in full swing across Florida's freshwater systems — a trigger Tactical Bassin reports pulls largemouth bass into shallow heavy cover for aggressive topwater feeding. The USGS gauge at site 02232000 on the St. Johns recorded 85.4 cfs on the evening of May 16, indicating stable, moderate-low flow that concentrates fish on structure rather than spreading them across flooded margins. Captain Rick Murphy's Florida Insider Fishing Report (S22 E7) calls out "Big Tarpon Action Across Florida," confirming the annual push is well underway on the St. Johns and connected systems. Lake Okeechobee bass, fresh off the spawn, are transitioning into post-spawn summer patterns; Tactical Bassin recommends swimbaits, chatterbaits, and frog presentations as top picks for this window. Florida Sea Grant notes ongoing invasive species pressure in South Florida freshwater canals and Everglades swamps — encounters with oscar and peacock bass are routine for anglers exploring access points near Okeechobee's southern fringe.
Late-Spring Snook Prime Time on the Treasure Coast as Tarpon Flood Florida
Snook Nook's May 2026 report out of Stuart declares this 'historically one of the best months for inshore fishing' on the Treasure Coast, with late-spring snook fishing 'heating up' as fish stage for pre-spawn congregations in the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers — live bait and lures around passes and inlets are the play. Statewide, Captain Rick Murphy (FL Insider) reports big tarpon action unfolding across Florida, consistent with May's role as the heart of the Atlantic coast migration push. Offshore out of Fort Lauderdale, charter trip reports via Tidal Fish — Florida describe active sailfish and wahoo action on near-shore ledges, though buoy 41009 is logging 3.9-foot seas and winds near 16 knots, which will influence offshore trip planning. On the regulatory front, CCA Florida and Saltwater Sportsman confirm federally approved exempted fishing permits will open an expanded red snapper season in the South Atlantic this summer — a significant development for Atlantic coast anglers who have faced tight federal restrictions in recent years.
Tarpon Migration Peaks Across SW Gulf Coast; Permit and Kings Join the Bite
Water temps holding at 78°F (NOAA buoy 42036) have lit up one of the most productive stretches the Southwest Gulf Coast produces each year. Naples Offshore Fishing Charters reports the tarpon migration is "fully underway," with captains spending mornings intercepting and jumping quality fish as they push through the area. Afternoons pivot to sight fishing large permit on the flats — pairing what the captain calls "two spectacular species in one day." Captain Rick Murphy's Florida Insider Fishing Report independently confirms "Big Tarpon Action Across Florida" heading into mid-May. The offshore supporting cast is equally strong: Naples Offshore logs steady kingfish on plugs and flies, plus cobia and amberjacks making for what they describe as "a very dynamic fishery right now." Winds are light at 1–3 m/s across both Gulf buoys, and tonight's new moon sets up powerful tidal swings that push feeding windows hard at first and last light.
Black drum hit Delaware Bay's Coral Beds as stripers hold strong
Smith's Bait Shop reports black drum have arrived at the Coral Beds off Slaughter Beach and are also showing at Broadkill Beach, where clams, sand fleas, and female blue crabs are the top baits. Water temperature at NOAA buoy 44009 reads 56°F as of May 17 — the bay is in full spring motion. Correspondent Eric Burnley in The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake notes a week of wind and small craft advisories kept open water largely off-limits, focusing action on beaches and Indian River Inlet. Old Inlet Bait and Tackle confirms early-morning striper hits at the South Pocket and both jetties on bucktails and plugs, with striped bass and black drum also taking sand fleas and clams at 3Rs Road. Smith's adds that big bass continue to be caught and released at Greens Beach and Woodland Beach pier on bloodworms and cut bunker. Tautog are present but inconsistent — Old Inlet reports sand fleas and green crab as the go-to presentation. Hickory shad are firing at Indian River Inlet on shad darts.
White perch and catfish on the feed in Delaware's tidal river bends
The USGS gauge 01493500 is reading just 2.83 cfs — very low for mid-May — pointing to clear, receding water across the Nanticoke watershed. The most on-point angler intel comes from Smith's Bait Shop, reported in The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake, which notes that tidal creeks and rivers in the region are holding white perch and catfish, both responding to bloodworms and specialty catfish baits. Eric Burnley (The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake) reported that wind and small craft advisories dominated the coast this past week, keeping many anglers off open water — which makes the sheltered tidal stretches of the Christina and Nanticoke a smart, lower-pressure alternative. The new moon on May 17 eliminates ambient light through the early weekend, setting up prime dawn, dusk, and overnight feeding windows. Water temperature data was unavailable from the gauge, but mid-May conditions on these drainages typically favor active white perch and channel catfish in tidal pools and deeper channel bends.
Long Island Sound Striper Run Shifts Into High Gear for New Moon
NOAA buoy 44025 clocked water temps at 53°F overnight, and Long Island Sound stripers are making the most of it. Captain Morgan's Bait and Tackle, as reported in The Fisherman — Connecticut, says anglers are 'laser-focused on striped bass,' with sea-liced fresh fish now blending into resident populations and over-slot 40s already turning heads along the CT shoreline. Bobby J's confirms quality is improving across the board — bunker chunks producing fish into the 20-pound class, while plastics on jigheads and topwater plugs are also drawing strikes. Fisherman's World tells The Fisherman — Connecticut that the freshest arrivals are stacking on deep-water structure: Reef 11B, Can 13, and the OB Buoy. The Fisherman (Northeast) frames the broader New England context as a 'supercharged spring striper run,' with 40-pound-class fish now documented in regional waters. Today's new moon amplifies tidal movement and should push more bait through the Sound's rips — a setup that typically sharpens the bite through the week ahead.
Trophy Browns, Prime Shad Run, and Post-Spawn Bass Heat Up CT Inland Waters
Saugatuck Reservoir is producing trophy-class brown trout — The Fisherman — New England Freshwater's Fisherman's World report notes two browns pushing 8 pounds taken recently on shiners by different anglers in different parts of the impoundment, with largemouth, smallmouth, crappies, and perch also active. The spring stocking program is running strong: Rod Teehan's roundup in The Fisherman — New England Freshwater confirms recent plants in the Coginchaug River, Salmon River TMA, Bantam River, and Moosup River TMA, among others. Down on the Connecticut River, Fishin' Factory 3 reports shad, carp, and striped bass all showing in the Middletown-to-Rocky Hill stretch — classic mid-May fare for that corridor. USGS gauge 01184000 puts mainstem water temperature at 55°F, a comfortable zone for late-run trout and the shad migration. Bass anglers have an added edge: Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is in full swing, pulling big largemouth into heavy cover and within range of topwater and frog presentations.
Colorado River surging through runoff — trout adapt to big water
USGS gauge 09095500 clocked the Colorado River near Cameo at 62°F and 3,540 cfs on May 16 — placing the main stem squarely in spring runoff territory. Flows have climbed sharply from the 1,380 cfs Crystal Fly Shop recorded near Glenwood Springs in late April, a jump that signals accelerating snowmelt even as Cutthroat Anglers notes this winter's Colorado snowpack was 'historically bad,' pointing to a compressed and earlier-than-usual runoff window. On the main stem, expect off-color water and fast seams; weight your nymph rigs and work the edges. Pat Dorsey reports the season has arrived early, with reliable midge hatches already firing and BWO and caddis transitions underway on cleaner stretches. Tailwaters — including the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir — typically maintain clearer, more stable flows through high runoff, making them the smart alternative this week for anglers seeking consistent trout action.
Salmon Bite Improving Near Pigeon Point as Cooler Water Returns
Water temps on the Central Coast buoy network are ranging from 50–52°F near the Monterey corridor (NOAA buoy 46042) to 59°F farther south at Cape San Martin (NOAA buoy 46028) — a meaningful spread reflecting the region's patchy upwelling signature this May. Western Outdoor News — Saltwater has the headline local intel: Captain Jared Davis of the Salty Lady out of Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing reports "vastly improved salmon conditions" developing below Pigeon Point, even after water temperatures eased from 58°F down to roughly 54°F since the April 11 season opener. Davis notes the cooler, visually distinct water is characteristic of productive salmon habitat. Winds are running stiff at 13–15 m/s across the buoy network — small-boat anglers should pull a marine forecast before departure. Tonight's new moon sets up stronger tidal exchanges over the coming week, typically a positive window for bait movement and feeding activity along the coast.
Post-Spawn Bass and White River Trout Prime as Mid-May Window Opens
Tactical Bassin (blog) reports that post-spawn bass are schooling in force this week, with the bluegill spawn now in full swing — "when you locate them it can be fish after fish for hours" across Midwest and Southern river systems. That same transitional pattern applies to the Arkansas and White Rivers as mid-May closes out the spawn and shifts anglers toward staging fish on main-channel structure and shallow vegetated cover. USGS gauge 07263620 returned no real-time flow or temperature data for this report — check USGS WaterWatch before heading out. On the White River tailwater below Bull Shoals and Norfork dams, trout fishing holds strong when generation windows open; call the Corps hotline to confirm release schedules before committing to a wade trip. National Safe Boating Week runs May 16–22, per Outdoor Hub — PFDs on as boat traffic ramps toward Memorial Day weekend.
Colorado Tailwater Trout Primed as Salt River Bass Enter Post-Spawn Mode
USGS gauge 09380000 clocked the Colorado River at 8,070 cfs and 57°F as of Saturday evening — cold, dam-controlled releases from Glen Canyon Dam that keep the Lee's Ferry tailwater in reliable shape for rainbow trout through late May. No Arizona-specific charter or shop reports appeared in this cycle's intel feeds, so Salt River reservoir conditions are drawn from seasonal patterns: with shallower impoundments running well above 57°F, largemouth and smallmouth bass are likely finishing the spawn and staging on secondary points and transitional structure. Tactical Bassin notes this window rewards swimbaits, chatterbaits, and topwater poppers as bass scatter from beds — techniques that translate directly to the Salt River chain. The new moon on May 17 typically concentrates bass on hard structure during daylight hours rather than spreading fish across open flats after dark. Channel catfish become more active feeders as reservoir surface temps climb toward their early-summer peak.
Gulf of Alaska spring halibut season in full stride as seas run rough
Water temperatures are holding at 42°F across all three Gulf of Alaska NOAA buoys as of May 17, a reading consistent with typical late-spring conditions in these subarctic waters. Seas are running hard—NOAA buoy 46066 logged 15.1-foot wave heights, with stations 46001 and 46080 recording 8.5 and 9.5 feet respectively, and winds reaching 15 m/s at station 46080. No specific biting reports from charters or tackle shops appeared in this cycle's intel feeds for the Gulf of Alaska. AK Sea Grant's coverage from Kodiak noted active community fishing engagement at the ComFish harbor event last month, confirming the region's charter infrastructure is in full seasonal swing. Halibut and king salmon—the twin pillars of Gulf of Alaska sport fishing in May—are typical targets at this time of year, though offshore access will depend heavily on sea conditions moderating from current levels. Verify local marine forecasts before committing to an offshore run.
Kenai kings push upriver as spring snowmelt swells flows
Water temp at USGS gauge 15266300 on the Kenai River logged 45°F with flow at 2,810 cfs on May 16 — cold, elevated conditions consistent with Alaska's active spring snowmelt surge. This week's angler-intel feeds contained no on-water fishing reports specific to the Kenai or interior river drainages; species assessments below draw on gauge data and seasonal timing for mid-May Alaska rather than direct source attribution. Based on calendar and water temperature, the early Chinook (king) salmon season is the headline draw on the lower Kenai — anglers should confirm current regulations and any in-season orders before launching, as the early king run has historically been subject to emergency adjustments. Rainbow trout remain active in fast, cold water; Dolly Varden shadow early salmon staging areas. Interior rivers are running high and off-color from snowmelt, limiting sight-fishing windows through the weekend.
Warming Gulf Waters Set the Stage for May's Prime Cobia and Mackerel Push
Water at NOAA buoy 42012 is reading 76°F this Sunday morning — a benchmark temperature that puts Mobile Bay and the near-shore Alabama Gulf squarely in the late-spring sweet spot. Winds are light at 3 m/s near buoy 42012 and moderate at 5 m/s farther offshore at buoy 42040. Nearby angler chatter on the Pensacola Fishing Forum mentions choppy conditions on the offshore run this weekend, with seas settling comfortably by midday — a pattern worth timing around if you're planning a Gulf crossing. Direct reports from Mobile Bay-based charter captains or tackle shops were not available this cycle, so species statuses below are grounded in water temperature and seasonal calendar rather than on-the-ground testimony. That said, mid-May at 76°F is historically when cobia reach peak activity along the Alabama coast, Spanish mackerel fill nearshore surface schools, and speckled trout pull off the shallows toward deeper grass edges ahead of summer heat.
Post-spawn bass firing on swimbaits and frogs across Tennessee & Coosa
Tactical Bassin (blog) recently fished Lake Chickamauga on the Tennessee River system and found post-spawn largemouth dividing behavior sharply by water clarity: clear sections called for finesse presentations, while off-color water rewarded power fishing with swimbaits and chatterbaits. Matching that report, TacticalBassin (YT) confirms the bluegill spawn is now in full swing — a reliable trigger that pulls big largemouth shallow into heavy cover, where a frog bite is producing standout fish. On the Coosa River side, USGS gauge 02339500 logged 3,920 cfs on the evening of May 16 — a moderate flow level that should stack fish in slack-water pockets and along current seams below dams. No in-stream temperature reading is available, but mid-May across Alabama's impounded systems typically means water in the low-to-mid 70s°F — prime territory for the post-spawn feed and the leading edge of summer's topwater patterns.