Fishing reports
19295 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Post-Spawn Stripers Rolling Out of Chesapeake as Water Hits 53°F
Water temperature at NOAA buoy 44009 clocks in at 53°F on May 6, squarely in the range that drives one of the Chesapeake mouth's most anticipated annual events: the post-spawn striped bass exodus. On The Water's May 1 Striper Migration Map puts it plainly — the migration 'really snowballs once the large post-spawn females leave the Chesapeake' — and that snowball is rolling now. Shad are the secondary headliner: Virginia DWR's spring fishing report highlighted April as peak time for American and hickory shad on Virginia's tidal rivers, with the run likely winding down through early May as water continues to warm. Flounder have no direct source intel this week but are seasonally expected as water approaches the 55°F activation threshold. Winds are running a moderate 5 m/s (roughly 10 knots) at the buoy, and the waning gibbous moon creates low-light feeding windows that can concentrate stripers at rip lines near the mouth. No direct charter or shop reports are available from this zone this week; this report is drawn from regional migration data and Virginia DWR's own spring report.
Spring Shad Run Peaks on Virginia's Tidal Rivers as Potomac Flows at 3,800 cfs
Virginia DWR's Wildlife Blog confirms April and early May as prime time for shad in Virginia, with American and hickory shad pushing through the state's tidal rivers. The Potomac at Little Falls (USGS gauge 01646500) is running 3,800 cfs as of May 6 — a moderate, fishable flow that maintains current without blowing out holding lies. No water temperature is available from current instrumentation, though this time of year typically sees surface temps climbing into the low-to-mid 60s°F in the region. Virginia DWR also highlights a fish-passage success on the South Anna River as part of this spring's shad story. On The Water's May 1 striper migration map notes large post-spawn rockfish departing the Chesapeake — historically a signal that tidal Potomac striper action ramps up. Meanwhile, Shenandoah smallmouth are typically in their pre-spawn and early spawn window by the first week of May, making this one of the peak periods of the year for that fishery.
Green River at 9,060 CFS — Cold 43°F Water Slows Early-May Trout Bite
USGS gauge 09234500 recorded the Green River near Greendale at 9,060 CFS and 43°F on May 6, placing the system squarely in peak spring runoff and well above any safe wading threshold. Browns and rainbows are present but cold-water metabolism keeps feeding subdued; fish will sit tight to bottom structure, and a slow dead-drift is the most reliable presentation. Field & Stream's early-season guide notes that cold, murky conditions produce the toughest bites of the spring — patience and precise depth matter more than fly selection. MidCurrent's current tying column highlights a midge-style pattern built specifically for "the clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces," worth keeping in mind for when flows recede. No regional tackle-shop or guide reports for the Green River corridor or Uinta Lakes appear in current feeds. High-elevation Uinta Lakes typically hold residual ice into early May; check road conditions and snow depth before planning an access trip.
Gulf Settles to 78°F — Trout and Redfish Prime on the Galveston-Corpus Coast
NOAA buoy 42035 recorded 78°F water on May 6 with winds easing to roughly 13 mph — a marked improvement over buoy 42020's May 2 readings, when 11.5-foot seas and 27 mph winds shut down most offshore and nearshore access along the Texas coast. Those rough early-week conditions are now fading, opening bay systems from Galveston through Corpus Christi for anglers willing to move. Direct angler intel from charters or shops is absent from current feeds this cycle, so species assessments below are grounded in water-temperature expectations for the season rather than confirmed bites — a limitation worth noting. At 78°F the Gulf is running warm for early May, historically prime territory for spotted seatrout on the grass flats and redfish in shallow backcountry. Black drum and cobia are both seasonal expectations this month along the upper and central Texas coast. Check local tackle shops and forecasts before launching; post-front water clarity can vary significantly across different bay systems.
SD Flows at 114 cfs: Post-Spawn Walleye and Black Hills Trout in Play
USGS gauge 06440200 logged 114 cfs as of May 6 — on the lower end of early-May flow for the South Dakota watershed, with no water temperature reading available this cycle. None of our feeds returned SD-specific charter, shop, or agency reports this week covering the Missouri River corridor or Black Hills streams; conditions here reflect the gauge data and what is typical for this time of year in the region. Post-spawn walleye are the priority target on the Missouri River system right now — fish that staged for the late-April spawn are dispersing off rocky structure and current seams, entering a feeding-recovery phase that typically produces consistent mid-spring action. In the Black Hills, Hatch Magazine's current coverage of caddis emergences is well-timed; May is when these hatches begin to fire on freestone streams across the northern plains, making nymphs and dry caddis patterns the go-to starting point for trout. Water temps remain unknown from the gauge this week — take a streamside reading before committing.
Charleston Harbor at 76°F: Red Drum Push and Expanded Snapper Season
Water temperature at NOAA buoy 41004 registered 76°F on the evening of May 6 — warm, productive water for Charleston Harbor's prime mid-spring window. Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater reports red drum making a strong push along Carolina beaches to the north, with bull reds stacking at nearshore shoals — a migration that typically reaches Lowcountry waters as May advances. The same source notes black drum and early pompano appearing along the Swansboro/Emerald Isle corridor, further evidence the seasonal run is well underway along the coastal stretch approaching SC. On the offshore front, both Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag confirm South Carolina is cleared for a greatly expanded red snapper season in 2026 via federally approved exempted fishing permits — a major development for bottom-fishing anglers wanting to run to deeper structure. Winds are running around 14 knots per buoy 41004. A waning gibbous moon is generating strong tidal movement, setting up prime ambush windows on structure through the weekend.
Spring Chinook on the Move as Oregon Coast Water Hits 54–55°F
NOAA buoy 46029 puts Oregon Coast water at 55°F as of May 6, with buoy 46002 recording 54°F — squarely in the thermal band that draws spring Chinook to coastal waters and river bars. Saltwater Sportsman spotlights the Columbia River Buoy 10 fishery near Astoria and Warrenton, where Capt. Hugh Harris describes a pre-dawn armada of river sleds targeting chinook and coho that have survived the full Pacific gauntlet before arriving at the bar. Winds are light to moderate across the coast — 6 m/s at buoy 46002, 4 m/s at buoy 46029, and just 3 m/s at buoy 46050 — pointing to workable conditions for boats capable of crossing the bars. Wave height data is unavailable from all three buoys; verify local bar status before launching. The waning gibbous moon brightens pre-dawn hours and may shift the most productive salmon bite window to first light.
Columbia Basin at 62°F and 18,900 cfs: Spring Chinook and Smallmouth Windows Opening
The USGS gauge 14211720 logged 62°F water and 18,900 cfs flow on the afternoon of May 6 — a meaningful benchmark heading into the heart of Oregon's spring season. At 62 degrees, water temperatures are sitting in the range that supports active spring Chinook staging in the Columbia basin and near-ideal conditions for Rogue River smallmouth bass, which typically feed aggressively once temps climb past 55°F. The 18,900 cfs reading signals elevated but workable spring flows — enough current to push baitfish tight to structure and concentrate holding fish in seams and eddies. Direct angler reports for the Columbia and Rogue were not available through our monitored feeds this week; no charter, shop, or agency intel for the Oregon interior surfaced in current data. Conditions inferences here rest on the gauge reading and typical early-May patterns for this drainage. Verify on-the-ground reports via IFish.net Fishing Reports before heading out.
Red River at 53°F: Walleye on the Feed as Spring Conditions Stabilize
USGS gauge 05054000 logged the Red River of the North at Fargo running 1,530 cfs and 53°F as of Wednesday afternoon, May 6 — squarely in the productive post-spawn window for walleye and channel catfish. No ND-specific angler reports came through from charter captains, tackle shops, or state agencies this cycle; the conditions assessment below draws on gauge data and regional seasonal patterns. The 53°F reading is significant: walleye in the Red River system typically finish spawning in the 40–48°F range and shift into aggressive feeding mode as water climbs toward 53–58°F, staging along current seams and rocky shorelines. Channel catfish — a signature Red River quarry — grow consistently active once water crosses 50°F. Northern pike, similarly post-spawn at this temperature, should also be active along weedy and woody shoreline structure. Field & Stream's early-season tips survey notes that the toughest bites come in cold, dirty water; at 53°F that barrier is behind us. The waning gibbous moon should extend feeding activity into low-light morning and evening windows.
Red Drum Push Hits Hatteras Beaches as Water Temps Reach 74°F
Ryan of Hatteras Jack reports red drum making a strong push onto Hatteras beaches, with surf anglers catching good numbers along the stretch — the top signal out of the Outer Banks this week, per Fisherman's Post. Water temps are reading 73–74°F at NOAA buoys 41013 and 41025, right in the productive early-May window, with wave heights at 3.3–4.3 ft keeping the surf fishable. Nearby, Fisherman's Post out of Morehead/Atlantic Beach notes good-sized bluefish working alongside bull reds near Cape Lookout shoals. Sea mullet, black drum, and early pompano are showing further south near Swansboro/Emerald Isle. On regulations, Fisherman's Post reports the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission adopted a temporary sheepshead harvest rule for Inland and Joint Fishing Waters — check current limits before keeping fish. Offshore, Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag confirm that 2026 South Atlantic red snapper seasons will expand significantly under state exempted fishing permits.
Hudson hits 58°F as walleye opener and spring trout stocking peak
Water temperature at USGS gauge 01357500 on the Hudson River system reached 58°F on May 6 — right in the prime spring transition window. NY DEC The Fishing Line (April 24 issue) confirms hatchery crews are actively stocking brook, brown, and rainbow trout across the state, making this one of the most accessible trout windows of the spring calendar. The coolwater sportfish season, including walleye and northern pike, opened statewide May 1 per NY DEC — anglers are getting their first legal shots at these species after a long off-season. On the striper front, On The Water's May 1 migration map notes the run is snowballing as large post-spawn females push north out of the Chesapeake, suggesting Hudson River stripers are beginning to build in tidal reaches. With multiple freshwater seasons freshly opened and water temps locked in at 58°F, Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes anglers are sitting on one of the better multi-species windows of the year.
Rio Grande at 88 cfs — May Prime Window for San Juan Tailwater Trout
The Rio Grande at Albuquerque is logging 88.3 cfs as of May 6 (USGS gauge 08330000) — a modest flow for the start of snowmelt season in New Mexico, and a signal that the main stem is running low and likely clear. No water temperature data accompanied the gauge reading. No New Mexico-specific reports landed in this week's intel feeds, so current on-the-water conditions on the San Juan or upper Rio Grande are set against seasonal context rather than direct testimony. May is historically a prime window for the San Juan tailwater below Navajo Dam: midges anchor the year-round bite, but caddis hatches typically begin firing through late morning as air temps climb. MidCurrent's Tying Tuesday this week spotlighted midge-style patterns suited to the "clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces" — a description that fits the San Juan's quality-water section precisely. The Waning Gibbous moon may push feeding activity into daylight hours. Verify current regulations before heading out.
Yellowstone at 740 cfs and Rising: Boat Ramp Closed, PFAS Advisory Issued
USGS gauge 06043500 recorded 740 cfs on the afternoon of May 6—building spring runoff that signals the Yellowstone's main stem may begin losing clarity in the days ahead. Anglers planning to float should know that the boat ramp and parking area at Grey Bear Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone are currently restricted; MT FWP Fishing News confirms the construction project has been delayed and now runs through approximately May 21. Montana fish managers also released new PFAS fish consumption advisories this week: MT FWP Fishing News reports that some Montana waterbodies have detectable levels of PFAS contaminants, so verify the current advisory list before keeping fish for the table. No guide or tackle-shop bite reports were available for this update—species outlooks reflect gauge data, agency notices, and seasonal patterns typical for early May in this drainage. Hatch Magazine notes that caddis emergences are among the more productive early-season hatch windows in Yellowstone-area waters, worth scouting on clearer tailwater stretches.
Mississippi Sound: Mild May Winds and 2.6-Foot Seas Open Early Spring Window
NOAA buoy 42067 logged 2.6-foot seas and light winds of 4 meters per second across the Mississippi Sound on May 6, with air temperatures near 76°F — comfortable boating conditions that tend to keep surface fish active. No water-temperature reading was available from the buoy at time of report; mid-70s°F surface water is typical for the Sound by early May and aligns with prime speckled trout and redfish habitat windows. MS DMR coastal-zone activity shows continued development pressure along Jackson County shorelines, but no agency catch data accompanied this cycle's releases. Pensacola Fishing Forum chatter from adjacent Blackwater Bay described red drum to 30 inches and speckled trout in the 15–16-inch range responding to jerkbaits the morning of May 6 — unconfirmed for the Sound itself but consistent with what nearby grass flats typically produce this time of year. A waning gibbous moon favors low-light feeding, making dawn and early-morning outings the priority window. Check current Mississippi state regulations before harvesting any species.
Grand River Flowing High at 5,400 cfs as Spring Species Hit Peak Season
The USGS gauge at site 04119000 logged the Grand River at 5,400 cfs on May 6 — an elevated spring flow consistent with a season that saw significant flooding across northern Michigan through mid-April, per the MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report. While the most recent DNR report headers are current through this week, specific bite breakdowns weren't fully captured in this data pull; anglers should verify conditions using the DNR Hunt Fish app. Great Lakes Now reports that Michigan lawmakers are weighing an emergency whitefish stocking program as the species approaches collapse in the lower Great Lakes — a significant conservation backdrop for the season. Typical early-May patterns for this region put walleye post-spawn and actively feeding, steelhead finishing their spring Grand River run, and smallmouth bass beginning their pre-spawn build-up in warming tributaries. Water temperature data was unavailable from the gauge; a waning gibbous moon supports low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk.
Striper Push Building in Cape Cod Bay as Water Hits 52°F
NOAA buoy 44020 is logging 52°F water temps — right at the threshold that pulls post-spawn striped bass north in earnest. The migration picture from adjacent waters is encouraging: The Fisherman (Northeast) reported on April 30 that stripers had "crashed the party" in Narragansett Bay, with fish running 25 to 40 inches and "a few larger bass in the mix," while an earlier Buzzards Bay update noted fish had graduated from schoolies to mid-30-inch class virtually overnight. On The Water's May 1 Striper Migration Map confirms the surge is snowballing as large post-spawn females leave the Chesapeake Bay. Cape Cod Bay sits directly in the path of that northward push. Expect the bite to sharpen around tide changes as baitfish concentrate in rip zones. On The Water notes glidebaits have taken over the Northeast striper scene this season, though soft plastics, plugs, and cut bait remain versatile options while fish are still staging.
Gulf at 78°F: LA Marsh Reds and Trout Active as Spring Peaks
NOAA buoy 42001 clocked Gulf water temps at 78°F Tuesday evening — well into the warm-water window that draws redfish and speckled trout into Louisiana's coastal marshes and back bays. Nearshore seas are running a manageable 2.6 ft (buoy 42067) with light 9 mph winds, though the open Gulf sits at a choppier 5.2 ft, limiting offshore runs for all but the most capable vessels. No Louisiana-specific captain or shop reports came through this cycle, so the species assessments below draw on seasonal patterns rather than confirmed bites. Coastal Angler Magazine reports that warming Gulf waters are triggering 'jubilee' events in adjacent Mobile Bay — a sign that the broader Gulf Coast fishery is activating as baitfish crowd toward accessible shallows. The waning gibbous moon is generating strong tidal exchanges this week; historically, that moving water is when Louisiana's inshore bite turns hardest, especially on cut mouths and marsh edges flanking the delta passes at first and last light.
Kansas River at 66°F, 7,770 cfs: Bass and Catfish in Full Spring Stride
USGS gauge 06892350 put the Kansas River at 66°F and 7,770 cfs on May 6 — conditions that mark the height of the spring feeding window on Kansas and Arkansas River systems. That temperature range is squarely in the pre-spawn sweet spot for largemouth bass and channel catfish alike, and the elevated flow means boat anglers should target current breaks, wing dams, and eddy pockets rather than wading the main channel. The Arkansas River earned a national mention this week when Wired 2 Fish reported that Bassmaster Elite Series pro Matt Arey had just returned from an Arkansas River Elite Series tournament — confirmation the river is hosting elite-level bass competition this spring and that tournament-caliber fish are present. White bass, which typically peak on Kansas river systems in April and early May, are likely winding down their spawning run as water temperatures push into the mid-60s. Flathead catfish will increasingly move toward shallower structure at night as the warm-water pre-spawn feeding binge intensifies.
Snake River at 50°F and 24,300 cfs — Prime Window for Spring Chinook
The USGS gauge at site 13340000 recorded the Snake River at 24,300 cfs and 50°F as of 1:15 p.m. MDT on May 6 — water temperatures squarely in the comfort zone for migrating spring Chinook salmon, which typically peak through the Snake and Salmon drainages in early May. Flow is elevated with seasonal snowmelt but within normal range for this time of year. No Snake or Salmon River-specific angler reports appear in this week's regional feeds; conditions below draw on gauge data and seasonal norms for the corridor. Hatch Magazine and MidCurrent both highlight caddis emergences as a dominant early-May pattern on western rivers, and 50°F water places the Snake and Salmon trout populations right at the threshold where caddis activity typically ignites. Smallmouth bass in the lower Snake's slower pools are beginning pre-spawn staging as temperatures climb toward the mid-50s. Confirm current state regulations before targeting salmon or steelhead.
Offshore Pelagics Prime as Hawaiian Island Waters Hit 75–79°F
Water temperatures across the Hawaiian Islands are running 75–79°F as of May 6, per NOAA buoys 51001, 51002, and 51004 — right in the prime range for the Islands' peak offshore pelagic season. The warmest reading came from buoy 51002 (southwest) at 79°F; buoy 51004 checked in at 78°F and buoy 51001 registered 75°F in the northwest. Swells are running 4.6–6.2 feet with trade winds at 4–7 m/s, making for lively conditions — particularly on southern exposures where buoy 51002 shows the highest seas. No Hawaii-specific charter, shop, or regional intel surfaced in this cycle's feeds, which focused on mainland U.S. fisheries. Based on temperature and seasonal timing, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna (ahi), and blue marlin are the primary offshore targets this week. For technique context, Saltwater Sportsman's current pitch-baiting guide — keeping a rigged bait ready to pitch at fish boiling on the surface — translates directly to Hawaiian offshore billfish and tuna spreads.
Offshore Red Snapper Seasons Expand for Georgia as Coast Enters May
The headline for Georgia Atlantic Coast anglers this week is the federally approved expansion of red snapper seasons for 2026. Per Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag, South Atlantic states — including Georgia — have received exempted fishing permits (EFPs) unlocking significantly extended recreational red snapper access in Atlantic waters this summer, a pilot program aimed at refining harvest data collection. NOAA buoy 41008 logged winds at 7 m/s (~14 knots) and air temperatures of 23.3°C (approximately 74°F) on the evening of May 6; no water temperature reading was available from this station. The Georgia Wildlife Blog's recent fishing dispatches have focused primarily on freshwater crappie and inland catfish, leaving direct offshore or inshore saltwater captain reports thin for this update. Anglers targeting redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel can anticipate conditions typical for early May on the Georgia coast — warming inshore shallows and migrating baitfish — but verification from local charter sources is recommended before launching.
Fort Pierce Sea Trout Firing; Red Snapper Season Expands on FL Atlantic Coast
Coastal Angler Magazine reports Fort Pierce is "full of quality trout right now," with anglers landing solid 20-inch spotted sea trout across the Indian River Lagoon system. Offshore, Fort Lauderdale charter captains posting on Tidal Fish — Florida describe consistent sailfish action along reef lines in 130–160 feet of water, with a wahoo also hitting on a recent morning run. Meanwhile, federal exempted fishing permits have unlocked dramatically expanded red snapper seasons across the South Atlantic for summer 2026 — including Florida's Atlantic coast — per Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag. In Mosquito Lagoon, Coastal Angler Magazine documents a 31-inch redfish taken by canoe, confirming that slot reds are active in the backcountry shallows. NOAA buoys 41009 and 41008 recorded winds of 3–7 m/s and air temps in the 74–80°F range, with no wave height data available to assess offshore sea state.
Gulf Coast Waters Hit 78°F — Hogfish Bite Building Off Tampa Bay Structure
Water temperatures across the Florida Gulf Coast are firmly in late-spring form, with NOAA buoys 42036 and 42039 reading 76°F and 78°F respectively on May 6 — ideal conditions for inshore and nearshore action. Winds are light at 3 m/s at both stations, keeping seas calm and manageable. Saltwater Sportsman spotlights a maturing hogfish fishery centered out of Tampa Bay, noting that rod-and-reel anglers have solved the puzzle on this colorful wrasse over the past decade, working jigs and live shrimp near Gulf ledges and reefs. Unconfirmed forum reports from the Pensacola area describe active redfish and speckled trout in Blackwater Bay today, with reds reportedly reaching 30 inches on jerkbaits — consistent with what the season and water temperatures would suggest, though the report lacks higher-trust corroboration. The waning gibbous moon continues to drive tidal exchange, and snook are approaching their pre-spawn peak along passes and mangrove edges Gulf-wide.
Colorado River at 1,920 cfs and 60°F — trout in prime feeding mode
Water temperature of 60°F recorded at USGS gauge 09095500 on the Colorado River puts trout squarely in their prime feeding window heading into the second week of May. Flows at 1,920 cfs are running at moderate spring levels — high enough to push fish into softer current seams, but still manageable for experienced wade anglers. On the access front, MidCurrent reports a landmark acquisition at Colorado's Tolland Ranch that opens previously private water to public fly anglers this season, adding notable new mileage to what's available in 2026. Hatch Magazine's coverage of western caddis emergences is timely: May is prime emergence season across Colorado's freestone rivers, and both the Colorado and Arkansas systems typically see a Mother's Day Caddis push mid-month. MidCurrent's recent tailrace fly-tying coverage highlights midge and emerging patterns as go-to choices for tailwater sections — directly applicable to the Gold Medal reach of the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir. Morning and evening low-light windows should be most productive under the current waning gibbous moon.