Fishing reports
19295 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Post-spawn bass dial in as Kansas rivers warm into prime May range
Water temp hit 67°F at USGS gauge 06892350 on May 11 — right in the wheelhouse for the post-spawn bass transition that Tactical Bassin calls one of the most predictable windows of the year. "Bass tend to school together" during this shift, the blog notes, and "when you locate them it can be fish after fish for hours." The bluegill spawn is in full swing per Tactical Bassin, pulling big largemouths into shallow, heavy cover where topwater frogs and poppers are the call. Flow sits at 3,750 cfs — enough to push current through main-channel seams and concentrate feeding fish behind structure and in slack pockets. Channel catfish should be moving into their prime activation range as mid-60s water temps continue to climb. The waning crescent moon this week means reduced nighttime light — plan for dawn and dusk feeding windows to maximize contact with actively feeding fish.
Iowa River walleyes active in post-spawn scatter as bass push into heavy cover
The Iowa River is running at 11,100 cfs at USGS gauge 05465500 as of May 11 — an elevated spring pulse concentrating fish along current seams, downstream wing-dam edges, and connected backwater sloughs. Despite high water, Jason Mitchell Outdoors (YT) is calling the Midwest shore walleye bite 'on right now,' and AnglingBuzz (YT) is reporting active shallow-water walleye consistent with the post-spawn scatter phase typical of mid-May. Fishing the Midwest highlights jigs and slip-sinker live-bait rigs as the proven presentations in moving water, with spinning gear earning renewed favor for finesse river applications. On the bass side, Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is in full swing across the region, drawing big largemouth into shallow heavy cover — topwater frogs and swimbaits are producing around vegetation. No water temperature was recorded at the gauge; mid-50s to low-60s°F are typical for Iowa rivers in mid-May, but anglers should verify conditions locally before planning a trip.
Wabash running high as bass go post-spawn and walleye key on slack water
USGS gauge 03335500 clocked the Wabash River at 9,450 cfs on May 11 — elevated spring runoff that is pushing smallmouth and largemouth bass tight to slack-water structure and back-eddies rather than open current seams. Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is in full swing across the Midwest, which typically draws big bass into heavy shallow cover; topwater frogs and poppers have been the weapons of choice during that transition. On Lake Michigan, IL/IN Sea Grant notes that spring buoy deployment is underway for their three nearshore monitoring stations, a reliable seasonal cue that marks increased open-water angler activity along Indiana's southern shoreline. For walleye on the Wabash system, Fishing the Midwest points to jigs and slip-sinker live-bait rigs as consistent producers when rivers carry late-spring color and current. No water temperature was available from the gauge at publication time; check local forecasts for surface readings before heading out.
Bluegill spawn ignites post-spawn bass action in Illinois backwaters
USGS gauge 05586100 on the Illinois River recorded 42,100 cfs at mid-morning on May 11, signaling elevated and likely turbid flow conditions along the corridor. High water pushes gamefish out of the main channel and into backwater lakes, flooded timber, and creek-mouth sloughs. Tactical Bassin reports the bluegill spawn is in full swing right now, triggering aggressive post-spawn largemouth behavior — the blog's team is running topwater frogs and hollow-body swimbaits through heavy shallow cover and finding big fish stacked around bluegill activity. Wired 2 Fish reinforces the point: during this post-spawn schooling window, locating the right cover can produce fish-after-fish stretches. Fishing the Midwest continues to recommend jigs and slip-sinker live-bait rigs for walleye working current breaks. On Lake Michigan, IL/IN Sea Grant operates three nearshore buoys off the Illinois shoreline providing real-time conditions data; no water temperature was recorded at the river gauge today. Michigan Sea Grant has flagged that many Chicago-area dock anglers remain unaware of PFAS risks — consult IDNR consumption advisories before keeping nearshore Lake Michigan fish.
Spring Chinook push onto the Salmon as Snake River flows surge through May
USGS gauge 13340000 shows the Snake River at 26,100 cfs and 49°F as of May 11 — strong spring snowmelt flows consistent with this time of year in southern Idaho. Spring Chinook salmon are the headliner right now, with the Salmon River system entering its traditional peak migration window through mid-May. Steelhead remain a realistic target on lower Snake reaches, though high flows push fish into softer side-channel water rather than main-stem riffles. Trout anglers should focus on nymphs drifted through protected seams and behind boulders where fish can hold without fighting the current. Flylords Mag notes the Mother's Day Caddis hatch as the unofficial kickoff of peak pre-runoff fly fishing nationally, and Caddis Fly (OR) reports Pacific Northwest salmonfly nymph patterns already coming online in adjacent drainages — a signal the big-bug window is approaching on Idaho's freestone rivers. Check current state regulations before targeting salmon or steelhead, as seasons and retention rules vary by river section.
May pelagics move into range as Hawaiian offshore season hits stride
NOAA buoy 51002, positioned south of the Hawaiian archipelago, logged 79°F surface water on May 11 — prime territory for the blue-marlin push that defines Hawaii's late-spring offshore season. Buoy 51001 to the northwest reads 74°F with 5.6-foot seas, while buoy 51004 checks in at 78°F and 6.2-foot swells. Hawaii Fishing News, the state's official record-keeper, tracks Moon & Tide Calendar windows for the archipelago's serious anglers; the current waning-crescent phase typically compresses active bite windows toward dawn and late afternoon. Trade winds are running 8–10 m/s (roughly 16–19 knots), pushing seas on exposed south-facing coasts to 8.2 feet. Pacific blue marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), mahi-mahi (dorado), and wahoo (ono) are all in seasonal range given current water temperatures. Direct charter reports for this window are absent from today's data feed, but buoy readings confirm conditions are aligned with typical mid-May offshore Hawaii patterns.
Bull Reds Running at Saint Simons as Saltwater Bite Picks Up
A big bull redfish in the Saint Simons area highlighted the week's saltwater action, with angler Tonya Guthrie landing a noteworthy catch on Wednesday, per GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News. The same report notes the broader saltwater bite has been improving, with anglers also finding speckled trout in range. NOAA Buoy 41008 recorded calm conditions Sunday afternoon — wave heights of just 1.3 feet and winds near 4 knots — keeping nearshore and inshore waters favorable for flat-water runs into the marsh. On the regulatory front, South Atlantic anglers fishing Georgia's Atlantic waters are looking at a significantly expanded red snapper season in 2026 under federally approved exempted fishing permits, per both Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag. With bull reds showing around Saint Simons, trout accessible inshore, and snapper opportunity building offshore, this is shaping up as a productive early-May window across the Georgia coast.
Savannah bass bite heats up as river drops into post-spawn prime
GA Sportsman / Georgia Outdoor News' May 9 Southern Waters Fishing Report confirms the bass bite has been good this week, with the Savannah River at Clyo sitting at 3.3 feet and falling. USGS gauge 02197000 corroborates that falling trend, registering 4,310 cfs on the morning of May 11. A dropping, clearing river is a reliable setup for post-spawn largemouth vacating shallow flats and stacking on channel edges and wood cover. Georgia Wildlife Blog noted in late April that transitional weather — specifically post-rain windows — can ignite big-fish days: a Morgan County angler landed an 8-lb, 11-oz largemouth on a spinner bait right after rain cleared the area. Crappie had been stacked in prime shallow-spawn zones through mid-April per Georgia Wildlife Blog, but the species is likely entering post-spawn dispersal now, pushing to slightly deeper structure. The waning crescent moon keeps early mornings and evenings dark, favoring topwater and low-light presentations for bass anglers through mid-week.
Post-spawn bass target bluegill beds across Okeechobee and St. Johns
Tactical Bassin's early-May field reports flag the bluegill spawn as fully underway, with big largemouth stacked on bluegill beds in heavy shallow cover — a pattern that fits Lake Okeechobee and the St. Johns system squarely at this seasonal juncture. Frog and topwater presentations are the standout technique per Tactical Bassin, while bass that have finished spawning begin transitioning to adjacent deeper grass edges. On the St. Johns, USGS gauge 02232000 shows the river at a stable 83.3 cfs — clear, low-moderate flow that keeps sight-fishing conditions workable. Captain Rick Murphy's Florida Insider Fishing Report (S22 E6) adds a strong signal for the lower St. Johns' tidal reaches, calling the trout bite ON across Florida. The waning crescent moon this week keeps the best feeding windows concentrated at dawn and dusk, making early arrivals the clear play.
Snook pre-spawn heats up as red snapper season approaches
Snook Nook's May 2026 report from Stuart calls this "historically one of the best months for inshore fishing" on the Treasure Coast, with snook heating up across the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers as fish begin staging for the pre-spawn. Quality slot and over-slot fish are showing up more consistently week over week, fueled by warming water and a growing baitfish presence. Offshore, Coastal Angler Magazine reports a 59-lb. mahi bull boated off the Palm Beach cut, signaling a healthy dolphin bite developing along the edge. Sailfish remain in the mix on Fort Lauderdale charters per Tidal Fish — Florida reports. Captain Rick Murphy's Florida Insider report confirms the trout bite is "ON across Florida," adding a productive option for numbers-focused anglers. On the regulatory front, CCA Florida and Coastal Angler Magazine confirm Florida's 2026 Atlantic red snapper season opens May 22 — a 39-day window that is the longest since 2010. NOAA buoy 41008 shows near-flat 1.3-foot seas and barely perceptible winds this reporting period.
Permit, kings, and cobia fire offshore as SW Florida spring peaks
Spring conditions are fully dialed in along southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, with Naples Offshore Fishing Charters reporting some of the best variety fishing of the year. Large permit are showing up consistently on sight-fishing runs, kingfish are responding well to plugs and flies, and cobia plus amberjacks have rounded out a dynamic offshore spread. Inshore, Captain Rick Murphy's Florida Insider Report confirms the trout bite is on across Florida — a timely signal for flats anglers looking to take advantage before summer heat builds. NOAA buoys 42036 and 42039 measured light winds of 2–3 m/s and air temperatures around 79°F, suggesting comfortable conditions on the water. No water temperature readings were available from the buoy instruments, though seasonal patterns and air temps indicate the Gulf has warmed well into the productive spring range. A waning crescent moon favors darker early-morning sessions — a consistent edge on the flats for spotted seatrout and permit.
Delaware tidal rivers producing white perch, catfish, and spring stripers
With USGS gauge 01493500 logging a lean 3.52 cfs on the Nanticoke drainage on May 11, water levels are low and conditions are likely clear. Smith's Bait Shop (The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake) reports tidal creeks and rivers across Delaware holding white perch and catfish on bloodworms and specialty catfish baits — the most actionable freshwater read for the Christina and Nanticoke this week. Eric Burnley (The Fisherman — DE/MD/Chesapeake) flagged persistent wind and small craft advisories on open water, pushing productive fishing toward sheltered river reaches. A mixed signal worth noting: Allen's Dock (The Fisherman — NJ/DE Freshwater) observed that white perch activity in tidal streams has been lighter than expected this spring, possibly tied to a strong striper presence over winter. That makes catfish the more reliable bet right now, while a regional striper push through the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay may filter some fish into the lower Nanticoke and Christina on the right tidal windows.
Spring stripers light up Long Island Sound from Norwalk to New London
Water temps checked in at 53°F on NOAA buoy 44025, and the striper bite in Long Island Sound is running hot. Per The Fisherman — Connecticut, shops from Norwalk to New London agree: striped bass is the dominant story this week. Bobby J's reported fresh sea-liced fish mixing with resident bass, with bunker chunks producing fish into the 20-pound-plus class; plastics on jigheads and topwater have also been effective. Fisherman's World described striper fishing as "the best game in town," with fish spread from inshore harbors out to deep-water structure on reefs like 11B, Can 13, and the OB Buoy — the freshest migratory arrivals holding on those offshore grounds. Captain Morgan's Bait and Tackle noted that feeding has cranked up, with over-slot fish to the low 40s turning heads alongside steady slot action on swimmers along the shoreline. The Fisherman (Northeast) confirmed that "tanks" were landed in Long Island Sound last week, underscoring that big fish are firmly in the mix.
Big browns and stocked trout lead CT's inland spring push
Water temps on the Connecticut River registering 57°F (USGS gauge 01184000) with flows elevated at 17,000 cfs signal a classic mid-May inland transition. Fisherman's World out of Norwalk — reporting for The Fisherman — New England Freshwater — delivers the week's standout: two brown trout pushing 8 pounds were recently pulled from Saugatuck Reservoir on live shiners, with that same impoundment also giving up solid largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappies, and perch. Stocking activity is running full tilt: Rod Teehan's NE Freshwater column in The Fisherman — New England Freshwater notes fresh drops on the Hammonasset River (May 4), Saugatuck River (May 5), and on May 7 the Coginchaug River, Bantam River, Moosup River TMA, and Salmon River TMA. Fishin' Factory 3 calls trout action "outstanding" at stocked ponds and streams. The Connecticut River's Middletown-to-Rocky Hill stretch is additionally producing shad and carp, with some early striped bass on sandworms and chunks in the tidal reaches.
Colorado River trout bite peaks as May runoff window narrows
USGS gauge 09095500 on the Colorado River recorded 1,840 cfs and 61°F on May 11—water warm enough for active feeding, but flows are building toward runoff. Crystal Fly Shop called conditions near Glenwood Springs 'sensational' in late April, with fish spreading from deep winter holds into riffles and faster seams as water temperatures climbed. That prime pre-runoff window is now narrowing. Cutthroat Anglers notes this winter's historically bad Colorado snowpack as a potential silver lining: a lower-volume runoff pulse could keep rivers fishable longer than typical high-snow years. Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing confirms spring arrived unusually early in the Rockies, with reliable midge hatches underway and the transition to Blue-Winged Olives and caddis already in motion. Midge emerger patterns, BWO nymphs, and caddis pupae fished in slower seams are the dominant approach right now, with nymphing rigs producing consistently as flows gradually color up.
Salmon Conditions Improving Below Pigeon Point as Central Coast Waters Cool
Water temperatures off the Central Coast have settled into the upper 50s — NOAA buoy 46042 recorded 57°F on Monday — and that cooling trend is paying dividends for salmon anglers. Per Western Outdoor News — Saltwater, Captain Jared Davis of the Salty Lady, working out of Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, reports "vastly improved salmon conditions below Pigeon Point" since water temps fell to around 54°F from the 58°F readings logged at the April 11 season opener. The bonita that appeared briefly early this spring have "taken a hike" with the cooler water, according to Davis. All three NOAA buoys — 46042 near Monterey, 46028 off Point Conception, and 46026 near the Farallons — recorded 6.6-foot seas Monday, so offshore access will hinge on swell breaks. Rockfish remain a solid nearshore fallback on rough days, and California halibut fishing typically builds through May as shallow flats warm. The waning crescent moon this week favors first-light bite windows.
Sacramento-Delta largemouth heat up as bluegill spawn drives topwater bite
USGS gauge 11447650 clocked 68°F and 15,500 cfs in the Sacramento system at 9:15 a.m. Monday — water temps sitting squarely in the prime largemouth and striper window. The timing aligns with the bluegill spawn, which Tactical Bassin confirms is now in full swing across comparable freshwater fisheries; that bream activity pulls big largemouth into shallow, heavy cover and ignites aggressive feeding. Frog presentations and topwater poppers along Delta tule mats and submerged vegetation are the highest-percentage play right now. Wired 2 Fish highlights water temperature as the single most predictive variable for fish positioning this time of year — at 68°F, feeding windows extend into mid-morning before midday heat slows the bite. Striped bass are seasonally likely to be working channel mouths on tidal swings, though no Delta-specific striper report appears in this week's feeds. Consult NorCal Fish Reports for the freshest region-specific dispatch before you launch.
Arkansas bass goes hot: post-spawn push peaking on Beaver Lake
A Major League Fishing event at Beaver Lake this past weekend put the Arkansas Ozarks on the national fishing map: MLF News reports that Cole Floyd hauled 56 pounds across 24 scorable bass to claim a convincing victory on what the outlet called "one of the country's toughest bass fisheries." The result confirms that the post-spawn transition is fully underway across the Arkansas and White River impoundments. With the bluegill spawn now in full swing, per Tactical Bassin, big largemouth are stacking near shallow cover to intercept spawning bream. Topwater frogging, poppers, and swimbaits around heavy vegetation and flooded timber are the producing patterns right now, with anglers adapting quickly as bass split between shallow ambush holds and early-summer movement toward open water. No live flow data is available from USGS gauge 07263620 this cycle; anglers should verify current river levels before planning a float or wade trip on the White River tailwaters.
Lees Ferry Tailwater Running Strong as Salt River Bass Hit Post-Spawn Mode
The Colorado River at USGS gauge 09380000 (Lees Ferry) is running 7,150 cfs with a water temperature of 55°F as of Monday morning — sitting at the cooler end of prime trout range and making nymphing and streamer presentations viable throughout the day. Wired 2 Fish recently highlighted how water temperature is one of the most reliable indicators of feeding activity, and 55°F is a sweet spot where rainbow trout metabolism stays engaged without heat-driven lethargy. On the Salt River end of this region, bass are working through the post-spawn transition that Tactical Bassin (blog) describes as "one of the most predictable times of year," with fish schooling up on predictable staging areas. Topwater poppers and swimbaits are both producing in comparable post-spawn fisheries per Tactical Bassin. Catfish activity typically builds as water temperatures push toward summer. The waning crescent moon this week favors dawn and dusk feeding windows across both systems.
Gulf of Alaska halibut season strides into May as kings build
NOAA buoys 46001, 46066, and 46080 logged Gulf of Alaska water temperatures in the 41–43°F range on May 11 — cold but typical for the season's early ramp-up. Direct sportfishing reports for the Gulf are thin in this cycle's feeds; AK Sea Grant's recent coverage centers on mariculture expansion and community fisheries research rather than charter dispatch. Drawing on seasonal benchmarks and buoy conditions, Pacific halibut is the dominant target right now — charter fleets typically work deep-bait rigs on structure through the spring. King salmon are worth watching as the spring Chinook push begins to build, with trolling near herring schools the standard play. Field & Stream noted the federal transfer of 1.4 million acres to Alaska, which may expand future sportfishing access to wilderness waters. Outer buoy winds are running near 9 m/s; plan offshore runs carefully and pull the marine forecast before leaving the dock.
Kenai king salmon season builds as cold spring flows rise
USGS gauge 15266300 recorded the Kenai River at Soldotna flowing at 2,660 cfs with a water temperature of 39°F on the morning of May 11 — characteristic of a river in active spring runoff, cold and swelling with snowmelt. Direct angler intel from charter captains, tackle shops, or fishing blogs specific to the Kenai and interior rivers was sparse in this reporting cycle, so species-status notes below reflect seasonally grounded estimates rather than confirmed on-water testimony. That said, the calendar tells a clear story: the first Kenai king salmon run is approaching, resident rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are present year-round, and early-season action typically rewards anglers willing to work slow, deep presentations. The 39°F water temperature keeps metabolic activity measured — expect trout and char to hold in slower water near structure. Egg patterns, heavy beadhead nymphs, and sink-tip streamers fished deep are the conventional tools for this temperature window.
Spanish mackerel and snapper showing as Mobile Bay spring bite heats up
NOAA buoy 42012 logged 74°F water temperatures off the Alabama Gulf Coast on May 11, with light winds of 3–4 m/s across both buoys 42012 and 42040 — favorable conditions for nearshore and inshore fishing throughout Mobile Bay and the Gulf. Dedicated charter or tackle-shop reports for Mobile Bay are sparse this cycle. One Pensacola Fishing Forum angler described a productive bay outing targeting snapper, Spanish mackerel, and mangrove snapper, though without higher-trust corroboration that account is best treated as early-cycle chatter rather than a confirmed trend. Salt Strong's current editorial series highlights the wake mullet and skinny lipper for inshore spring fishing — technique content directly applicable to Mobile Bay grass flats. Water temperatures in the mid-70s are within the prime Spanish mackerel strike window for the northern Gulf, and the waning crescent moon this week favors morning and late-evening topwater bites on shallow structure.
Coosa bass active in post-spawn shift as bluegill spawn fires up across Alabama
USGS gauge 02339500 shows the Coosa River near Wetumpka running at 887 cfs as of May 11 — a moderate, fishable level that should keep water conditions favorable across Alabama's central river corridor. With mid-May arrival, bass across Alabama's river systems are squarely in the post-spawn transition, and Tactical Bassin (blog) covered this shift in detail this week: fish are dispersing from bedding flats, with shallow-holding bass keying heavily on the bluegill spawn now underway. Tactical Bassin specifically highlights heavy-cover topwater presentations — frogs and poppers over grass and laydowns — as prime producers when bluegill are active in the shallows. For deeper-oriented fish making the early-summer move, drop-shot and swimbait rigs around submerged timber remain reliable fallbacks per the same source. MLF News documented strong bass catches at Douglas Lake, Tennessee on May 10, signaling robust regional activity heading into the weekend.
Toledo Bend post-spawn bass dial in as gar heat up on the Sabine
Louisiana Sportsman reports it's 'game on' for bass across Louisiana's freshwater lakes as May turns — and Toledo Bend is no exception. USGS gauge 08025500 recorded the Sabine River flowing at just 83.7 cfs before dawn this morning, a low reading that points to clear, stable water through much of the reservoir. Tactical Bassin confirms the bluegill spawn is in full swing across the Deep South right now, historically the trigger for a strong topwater bite as big largemouth patrol the shallows to intercept bream — frogs and poppers worked slowly around shallow timber and grass edges are the go-to setup. Field & Stream's recent guide to alligator gar fishing specifically names the Sabine River as prime gar territory, with drifted cut-bait chunks under a float as the proven approach. Crappie and catfish remain consistent staples here, though no source-specific intel for Toledo Bend this week was available for those species. With a waning crescent moon keeping nights dark, first-light and last-light windows should be your most productive.