Fishing reports
19295 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Spring Upwelling Kicks Off on CA Central Coast; Buoys Log 57–60°F
Water temperatures along the California Central Coast are running 57–60°F as of May 6, per real-time readings from NOAA buoys 46042 (59°F, Monterey Bay area), 46028 (60°F), and 46026 (57°F). Winds at all three stations logged 7–8 m/s — roughly 14–16 knots — pointing to a moderate sea state that favors early-morning departures before afternoon onshore breezes build. None of the angler-intel feeds collected this cycle contained reports specific to Central Coast California saltwater fishing, so species conditions below reflect established seasonal patterns for this region and temperature range rather than direct eyewitness accounts. At this temperature, nearshore rockfish are typically active along kelp and reef structure, California halibut begin staging on sandy flats adjacent to hard bottom, and conditions are consistent with the Chinook salmon pre-run window historically tied to May upwelling pulses. Verify current California regulations before targeting any species.
Gulf of Alaska Opens at 40–43°F: Halibut Charters Starting, Seas Elevated
NOAA buoy 46001 measured 40°F surface water and 7.5-foot seas in the Gulf of Alaska as of May 6, with buoy 46080 reading a slightly warmer 43°F at its position — a spread consistent with the region's early-May transition out of winter. Wind at buoy 46001 is running 8 m/s (~15.5 knots) with air temps near 40°F, making for raw offshore conditions. No Gulf of Alaska–specific on-the-water reports appeared in this week's citable feeds; species outlooks below reflect typical early-May GoA patterns for these water temperatures. By this point in the season, charter halibut fishing is generally underway out of ports across Southcentral Alaska, with lingcod and rockfish providing reliable bottom action around structure. Chinook salmon are typically in an early-season lull across most of the Gulf before coastal returns build through late May. Buoy 46066 showed notably lighter conditions — 5.6-foot seas, winds near calm — suggesting a wide range of sea states across the region. Verify local marine forecasts before departure.
Mobile Bay & Gulf Hits 73°F as Cobia Migration and Trout Bite Peak
NOAA buoy 42012 recorded 73°F water and 3-foot seas on May 6, placing Mobile Bay and the nearshore Gulf at the temperature sweet spot where speckled trout, redfish, and cobia all reach peak seasonal form. No confirmed on-water reports from shops or captains are available in the current feeds for direct attribution, so species assessments here reflect seasonal baselines: 73°F is historically ideal for speckled trout spread across seagrass flats, for redfish pushing into back bays and marsh edges, and for the cobia migration that defines Alabama's early-May nearshore scene. Winds at 6 m/s (~13 mph) at buoy 42012 and 4 m/s (~9 mph) at buoy 42040, both logging 3-foot wave heights, will limit comfortable small-boat access to outer structure — inshore bay fishing is the smarter play until conditions ease. As Coastal Angler Magazine's coverage of Mobile Bay highlights, this estuary's unusual biological richness — exemplified by its one-of-a-kind Jubilee phenomenon — reflects how energized the local food chain becomes once late spring arrives.
Spring Runoff Surges on Yellowstone: 4,470 cfs and 44°F Push Trout to Structure
USGS gauge 06192500 recorded 44°F water temperatures and 4,470 cfs on the Yellowstone this morning — elevated flows consistent with the early May runoff push that annually swells the system. These conditions are shoving trout off mid-channel lies into slower back eddies, soft seams, and bankside structure where they can hold without fighting the current. Hatch Magazine's coverage of caddis emergences — including specific reference to classic Yellowstone hatch research — notes that caddis activity begins building around this temperature range, making subsurface caddis pupae and emerging patterns worth rigging beneath an indicator. MidCurrent's current tying roundup highlights beaded nymphs and midge-style patterns as reliable producers in cold, pressured water, both translating directly to Wyoming's spring trout fisheries. The Snake River through the Tetons faces similar dynamics: snowmelt-driven flows running strong. Cutthroat and brown trout are the primary targets; mountain whitefish remain active in the cold water as well. Plan around early-morning and late-morning windows, and check flows daily — runoff peak may still lie ahead.
Buford Tailwater at 48°F — Lanier & Allatoona Post-Spawn Striper Window
USGS gauge 02334430 recorded 660 cfs and 48°F at 10:30 a.m. on May 6 on the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam — cold bottom-release water that reflects Lanier's deep-discharge profile rather than open-lake surface conditions, which typically run mid-60s by the first week of May in north Georgia. That surface warming places largemouth and spotted bass at the tail end of their spawn and striped bass and hybrids actively schooling on threadfin shad in open water. No charter captains or tackle-shop reports from these specific lakes surfaced in the current intel feed, so on-water details here draw on seasonal patterns for north Georgia highland reservoirs. The waning gibbous moon — the full moon fell approximately May 1 — tends to concentrate feeding at dawn and dusk, compressing the best windows to roughly an hour on either side of low light. Check local forecast before heading out.
50°F Water and Fluke Opener Kick Off NJ's Spring Run at Sandy Hook
NOAA buoy 44065 logged 50°F water at Sandy Hook on May 6 — the threshold that flips the spring switch for this stretch of coastline. The timing is ideal: NJ's fluke season opened May 4th, and per The Fisherman (Northeast)'s NJ/DE Bay Region forecast this week, the regulatory path is cleared for both fluke and black sea bass following NOAA's Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework approval. On the striper front, the spring migration is accelerating fast. On The Water's May 1 migration map notes the run snowballs as post-spawn females push north out of the Chesapeake, and the evidence bears out regionally — The Fisherman (Northeast) is reporting consistent schoolie-to-slot bass across Long Island, with bunker schools anchoring fish in place. Raritan Bay sits squarely in the path of that northward push. Winds were running near 23 knots at the buoy today; check small-craft advisories before launching.
Stripers Push into Mid-30-Inch Class as Buzzards Bay Water Hits 50–52°F
NOAA buoy 44020 logged 52°F water on May 6, while buoy 44085 read 50°F — temperatures that have striped bass moving hard across southern New England. The Fisherman (Northeast) specifically called out this moment in their April 23 forecast: Buzzards Bay reports shifted mid-week from "just schoolies" to include "a few fish into the mid-30-inch class," which they labeled a reliable seasonal marker. By April 30, the same publication was reporting abundant, aggressive stripers ranging 25–40 inches in neighboring Narragansett Bay, with some larger fish in the mix. Tautog are also hitting their spring stride, per The Fisherman (Northeast), with good shallow-water catches reported. Conditions today are rough — buoy 44020 shows winds around 21 knots and buoy 44085 logged seas near 6 feet — so wait for a weather window before heading out. When the water settles, glidebaits and soft plastics are the leading presentations across the Northeast in 2026, per On The Water.
Hill Country Lakes Enter Prime May Bass Window; Colorado Inflow Steady at 196 cfs
USGS gauge 08158000 logged Colorado River inflow at 196 cfs early this morning — a modest, stable reading that typically keeps the Highland Lakes chain at manageable levels with reasonable water clarity. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge. Direct angler reports from Lakes Travis, LBJ, and Buchanan are absent from this week's fishing feeds, which were dominated by Northeast striper coverage and national gear reviews. What the season tells us: early May is historically one of the strongest windows for Hill Country largemouth, as fish finish spawning and move to post-spawn staging areas along points, secondary creek arms, and channel edges. Field & Stream's spring bass coverage this week spotlights the buzzbait as a standout topwater choice when transitioning largemouth are feeding aggressively near the surface. With a waning gibbous moon, dawn and dusk feeding windows deserve priority. Verify current conditions locally before heading out.
SF Bay halibut and striped bass season hits stride
NOAA buoy 46026 registered 56°F water and 3.3-foot seas on May 6, with winds running at 5 m/s — comfortable conditions for most bay and nearshore anglers. Buoy 46013 off the Bodega coast confirmed even lighter winds (4 m/s) and a cool air temperature of 54°F, suggesting a calm coastal morning across the corridor. None of the angler-intel feeds in this reporting cycle carried Northern California-specific reports, so conditions assessments below draw on established regional seasonal patterns rather than verified current catch reports. At 56°F, California halibut are entering their prime spring feeding window across the bay's sandy shallows and channel edges. Striped bass are traditionally active in the estuary through May as baitfish schools concentrate along current seams. Offshore of Bodega, nearshore rockfish remain a consistent target year-round, and the coastal Chinook salmon season is typically underway by this date — though anglers should confirm current regulations and season status before heading out.
North Shore tributaries at 99 cfs — steelhead window open in early May
USGS gauge 04015330 is recording 99.3 cfs on a North Shore tributary as of May 6 — a moderate, fishable flow keeping fish accessible in the lower runs ahead of the weekend. No water temperature reading is currently available from local gauges or buoys. Across the broader Lake Superior basin, WI DNR Lake Superior Fishing has documented growing angler interest in lake whitefish in Chequamegon Bay on the Wisconsin side of the lake, with an active questionnaire and public meeting process running through spring 2026 — a signal that fish-holding conditions in western Lake Superior are drawing sustained attention. Back on the Minnesota side, early May is historically the prime tributary steelhead window on the North Shore, with moderate flows and a waning gibbous moon this week creating favorable morning conditions for fish moving upriver. No charter or shop reports from this specific shoreline were available in this week's data feed.
Columbia watershed at 54°F: spring Chinook window is open, flows at 1,590 CFS
USGS gauge 14113000 recorded 1,590 CFS and 54°F at 7 a.m. on May 6 — water temps in the mid-50s mark the heart of the spring Chinook salmon staging window for Columbia basin tributaries. Flow at 1,590 CFS indicates moderate, workable conditions on the measured reach, favorable for both bank and boat anglers targeting current seams. This week's major angling-intel feeds carried no WA-specific on-the-water reports; coverage was concentrated on East Coast striper migration and Gulf saltwater species. Our species outlook therefore draws on the gauge snapshot and typical early-May patterns for this region rather than fresh charter or shop testimony. Smallmouth bass cross into active pre-spawn feeding once water climbs through the low 50s, and that threshold is now crossed. Steelhead opportunities persist in late-run tributaries — always verify current emergency regulations before targeting wild fish.
Lake Champlain Smallmouth Stir as Round Goby Study Flags New Threat
A study flagged by Wired 2 Fish warns that round goby — the small invasive species already reshaping bass fisheries in upstate New York — may be closing in on Lake Champlain, one of the Northeast's premier smallmouth venues. On the water, USGS gauge 01135300 logged a modest flow of 136 cfs on the Connecticut River system as of May 6 — a low early-season reading pointing to clear, wadeable conditions. No water temperature was available from gauges at press time. MA Bass competition records document consistent smallmouth production on both Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River during tournament events; early May is typically prime for pre-spawn staging as Vermont's shallows warm. The Battenkill Fly Fishing & Arts Festival ran April 30–May 2 in Arlington, VT, per MidCurrent, with fly anglers finding tributary trout season well underway. American shad typically push up the Connecticut through May and into June — no on-the-water report yet confirms their arrival at Vermont stretches.
Stripers Flooding Narragansett Bay, 25- to 40-Inch Fish Biting Aggressively
Water temps at 50°F per NOAA buoy 44085 and 49°F per NOAA buoy 44097 as of May 6 are putting Narragansett Bay right at the inflection point for peak striper season. The Fisherman (Northeast) reported as of April 30 that a surge of stripers has arrived in the Bay, with fish described as 'abundant and aggressive' ranging 25 to 40 inches, and a few larger bass mixed in — schools spread from Jamestown to the Canal. Tautog are also in their spring stride, with good shallow-water catches per the same report. On The Water's May 1 striper migration update confirms the run is gaining momentum as post-spawn fish push north from the Chesapeake. Offshore wave heights of 6.2 to 6.9 feet indicate an active swell; anglers working sheltered Bay waters and inlets will have the best access this week. Bluefish have not been specifically reported yet this week but are typical for this water-temperature range in early May.
Columbia & Rogue Gauge Reads 62°F at 3,560 CFS — Chinook Window Is Open
USGS gauge 14211720 logged 62°F and 3,560 cubic feet per second at 6:45 AM this morning, placing both the Columbia drainage and the Rogue in the heart of the temperature band most productive for spring Chinook salmon and holding steelhead. At 62°F, fish metabolism is up and bait movement is strong — typical for the first week of May in this corridor. None of this cycle's angler-intel feeds carried Oregon-specific shop or charter reports, so species assessments below draw on gauge data and seasonal norms rather than direct on-water testimony; treat them accordingly. On the fly-fishing side, Hatch Magazine flagged that caddis emergences are ramping across western trout rivers, a pattern the Rogue mirrors closely each spring. Flows at 3,560 CFS suggest moderate but fishable runoff — enough push to concentrate fish in seams and softer pockets without blowing out wading access on mid-river bars.
Red Drum Surge onto OBX Surf as Water Temps Hit 75°F
Ryan of Hatteras Jack reports red drum have made a strong push onto the Outer Banks beaches this week, with surf anglers finding good numbers along the Hatteras-to-Ocracoke stretch, per Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater. NOAA buoy 41025 puts current water temperature at 75°F as of May 6, with buoy 41013 reading 73°F — both in the prime late-spring zone for Outer Banks inshore species. Winds at buoy 41025 are running 10 m/s, so expect choppy surf on exposed beach faces. Further south along the Carolina coast, Steve of Chasin' Tails reports bull red drum schooling around Cape Lookout shoals alongside plenty of good-sized bluefish, also per Fisherman's Post. Offshore anglers should note that South Atlantic recreational red snapper seasons have been significantly expanded for 2026 through state EFP pilot programs, per Saltwater Sportsman — check current NC regulations for specific dates before planning a snapper run.
Walleye Season Debuts at 58°F: Hudson Valley Spring Fishing Window Is Open
Readings of 58°F at USGS gauge 01357500 on May 6 put the Hudson Valley's spring fishing window firmly in play. NY DEC's Fishing Line (April 24 issue) confirmed hatchery crews have been actively transporting and stocking brook, brown, and rainbow trout statewide — many streams are holding fresh fish right now. The bigger milestone: the coolwater sportfish season opened May 1 per NY DEC, unlocking walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge in many regulated waters for the first time this year. On the Hudson, striped bass have been in play since the April 1 opener, and On The Water's May 1 Striper Migration Map notes that the post-spawn push of large females out of the Chesapeake is snowballing — timing that bodes well for the Hudson River. Flow is elevated at USGS gauge 01358000 (10,700 cfs), suggesting active spring runoff and potentially off-color water in main-stem sections; wade carefully in smaller tributaries.
Striper Migration Snowballing Toward NH as Gulf of Maine Water Sits at 44°F
Water off the NH coast registered 44°F at NOAA buoy 44007 as of this morning — cold by striper standards, but consistent with early May in the Gulf of Maine. The key signal: On The Water's May 1 migration map confirms the push is building. "The striper migration really snowballs once the large post-spawn females leave the Chesapeake," the report notes, placing the NH shore squarely in the path of the advancing wave. On The Water is also flagging glidebaits as having "taken over the Northeast striper scene in 2026," making it worth rigging that presentation now. Expect early-arriving school fish along jetties and rocky points; post-spawn cows typically trail behind once water climbs above 50°F. A sustained 10 m/s (~22 mph) wind complicates boat access today but could concentrate bait against sheltered structure for surf casters working the shoreline.
Platte at 2,000 cfs as Walleye and White Bass Enter May Windows
The USGS gauge 06796000 recorded the Platte at 2,000 cfs as of the morning of May 6 — a moderate spring flow that limits wading but keeps boat and bank access workable along current seams and eddy lines. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge. None of the regional intel feeds carried Nebraska Platte or Missouri River-specific reports this week, so conditions here reflect seasonal norms for early May rather than fresh on-the-water testimony. At this time of year, white bass and wipers typically complete upstream spawning runs in the lower Platte and Missouri tributaries, while walleye shift from post-spawn recovery into active foraging along wing dams and riprap. Channel catfish begin moving from deep winter holes toward shallower feeding flats as water temperatures climb toward 60°F. Field & Stream's spring early-season primer notes that structure in slightly off-color water concentrates fish when flows run elevated — a useful frame for the current 2,000 cfs reading.
77°F Gulf Temps Fire Up Trout and Redfish Across Louisiana's Coast and Delta
Gulf surface temperature at 77°F — confirmed by NOAA buoy 42001 in the central Gulf — sets the table for productive late-spring fishing across Louisiana's coast and delta. Speckled trout are the most directly supported species in current feeds: Sport Fishing Mag highlights consistent 20-inch-plus trout on artificials along Florida's Forgotten Coast, a stretch of Gulf inshore marsh-and-flat habitat that closely mirrors Louisiana's environment. Redfish remain a reliable constant in the delta; Salt Strong has captured large school formations of drum aggregating across shallow Gulf coast systems during this seasonal window. Flounder round out the inshore picture — Salt Strong's underwater footage of these fish ambushing bucktail jigs in current illustrates how aggressive they get around tidal structure. Seas are running at 4.6 feet per buoy 42001 with winds near 15 knots, making delta and nearshore targets the smarter call for smaller vessels this week.
Kansas River at 62°F and 7,960 cfs: Bass and Catfish Priming for May
The USGS gauge at site 06892350 logged the Kansas River at 62°F and 7,960 cfs on the morning of May 6 — conditions that mark a meaningful inflection point heading into late spring. Water in the low 60s is where channel catfish begin feeding with real consistency, and largemouth bass, typically wrapping their spawn by early May in this latitude, shift back to structure-oriented feeding. No regional tackle shops, charter reports, or state agency updates for the Kansas or Arkansas River corridors appeared in this feed cycle, so direct on-the-ground intel is limited this week. Field & Stream's early-season freshwater overview notes that water temps cresting 60°F push fish out of cold-sluggish patterns and into more aggressive feeding windows. Flow near 8,000 cfs means moderate current is present — manageable for bank anglers, though some turbidity near cut banks is likely. Plan sessions around slack water in inside bends and behind wing dams where current deflects.
Colorado River at 56°F, 1,900 cfs — Pre-Runoff Trout Window Open Now
USGS gauge 09095500 recorded the Colorado River at 1,900 cfs and 56°F on the morning of May 6 — a pre-runoff window trout anglers should act on before snowmelt pushes flows higher. At 56°F, brown and rainbow trout are actively feeding throughout the day. MidCurrent's spring tying coverage calls out midge-style patterns for the "clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces," while their surface-film feature notes that hatches are beginning to fire and fish are pushing into shallower feeding lanes — cues that match conditions on the Arkansas tailwater below Pueblo and the mid-river Colorado canyon reaches. Hatch Magazine's ongoing drought reporting — including a 2026 feature on the full planned drainage of Antero Reservoir on the upper South Platte — signals tighter-than-average mountain water storage in some Colorado drainages, which may moderate this season's runoff pulse. On a positive note, MidCurrent reports a landmark 2026 Tolland Ranch acquisition that opens miles of previously private Colorado river frontage to public fly fishing.
58–59°F Central Coast water signals spring rockfish and halibut window
NOAA buoy 46042 logged 58°F surface water off the Central Coast this morning, with buoy 46028 recording 59°F — both stations observed at 13:10Z on May 6. Seas are running a lumpy 3.9–4.9 ft at those offshore stations on 5–6 m/s winds, with a calmer 3.3-ft reading from buoy 46026 to the north. This week's angler-intel feeds did not include Central Coast-specific reports, so species activity below reflects buoy readings and established mid-spring patterns for this coastline. At 58–59°F, nearshore rockfish and lingcod remain the most consistent target — partyboats and private skiffs typically work structure and reefs throughout spring. Halibut fishing should be ramping up in sandy shallows now that temps have climbed past 57°F. White seabass, which favor kelp edges and water in the upper 50s, are worth targeting in early-morning windows as the season progresses.
Colorado River at 53°F, 6,240 cfs — caddis window opens as Salt River bass go post-spawn
USGS gauge 09380000 recorded 53°F water and 6,240 cfs on the Colorado River at Lees Ferry as of 6:00 AM this morning — a moderate, fishable flow that keeps the tailwater trout stretch in solid shape heading into mid-May. None of this week's angler-intel feeds included direct reports from the Colorado or Salt River corridor, so this update leans on gauge data and established seasonal patterns. At 53°F, rainbow and brown trout at Lees Ferry are sitting in an ideal feeding window: cool enough to remain active throughout the day, warm enough to begin triggering surface interest. Hatch Magazine's coverage of caddis emergences highlights this as a defining late-spring pattern on Western tailwaters, and the Lees Ferry stretch historically sees its strongest dry-fly action through this month. On the Salt River reservoir chain — Roosevelt, Saguaro, Canyon, and Apache — largemouth and smallmouth bass have moved through the spawn and should be staging on secondary structure. The waning gibbous moon favors early-morning feeding windows on both systems.
Gulf of Alaska: 40°F, Rough Outer Seas — Halibut and Kings Staging
NOAA buoy 46001 is logging 40°F water and 7.5-foot seas across the outer Gulf of Alaska as of May 6, with buoy 46066 confirming 40°F and 6.2-foot swells — conditions that define the early-May Gulf before spring warming takes hold. Buoy 46080 shows a slightly warmer 43°F pocket inshore with winds easing to around 4 m/s. None of this week's angler-intel feeds included Gulf of Alaska on-water reports, so species status below reflects seasonal norms for the region rather than fresh charter or shop testimony. At these water temps, Pacific halibut are characteristically active on deeper structure, and Chinook (king) salmon typically begin appearing in nearshore staging areas through May. Rough outer-shelf conditions — winds near 17 knots at buoy 46001 — make small-boat trips to the offshore grounds a careful call this week. Plan your window and check updated sea-state forecasts before running out.