Fishing reports
19295 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Lower Laguna Madre Water at 77°F as Gulf Swells Ease Near South Padre
NOAA buoy 42020 recorded water temperatures of 77°F in early May, with buoy 42043 confirming 76°F by May 4 — prime range for spotted seatrout and redfish across Lower Laguna Madre's renowned shallow grass flats. The week opened rough offshore: buoy 42020 logged 11.5-ft Gulf swells and winds near 27 mph on May 2, conditions that pushed serious anglers inside the protected lagoon. By May 4, buoy 42043 showed winds down to roughly 11 mph, signaling a meaningful improvement in access. None of this week's angler-intel feeds carry direct charter or shop reports from the LLM or South Padre area, so species activity assessments here reflect seasonal patterns typical for this fishery rather than attributed on-water testimony. The waning gibbous moon supports productive pre-dawn feeding pushes across shallow flats. Tarpon are seasonally expected to be rolling near the Brazos Santiago Pass jetties, and wade-fishing access should widen further as swells continue to subside through mid-week.
Bodega swell at 5.6 ft as SF Bay enters prime May season
NOAA buoy 46013 off Bodega recorded 5.6-foot wave heights and a 12°C (54°F) air temperature early this morning, with light 3 m/s winds suggesting calmer conditions inside the headlands. Buoy 46026 off San Francisco logged 4 m/s winds — both readings pointing to a workable weather window for Bay and nearshore skippers able to time the bar crossing. No angler-intel feeds from local charter captains, tackle shops, or state agencies appeared in this cycle's pull for the SF Bay–Bodega corridor, so bite guidance here draws on seasonal patterns rather than direct on-water testimony. Early May typically marks the heart of striped bass feeding activity inside the Bay; California halibut begin spreading across sandy flats as water temperatures climb; and rockfish remain a reliable nearshore option year-round. Anglers considering Chinook salmon should check current state regulations before launching, as season windows vary annually.
62°F Bight Water Sets Up Spring White Seabass and Calico Bass Window
Readings from NOAA buoys 46025 and 46221 put Santa Monica Basin and Santa Monica Bay water at 62°F this morning, with 2.3-foot seas and light winds — clean, fishable conditions heading into a May weekend. No local charter or shop intel was captured in this data pull, so species assessments below draw on seasonal patterns typical for the LA Bight in early May. At 62°F, water sits squarely in white seabass territory; these fish typically press kelp lines and nearshore Channel Islands structure through spring. Calico bass should be active around the islands' kelp canopy at this temperature, and the waning gibbous moon tends to extend the predawn feeding window. Yellowtail are the wildcard: the SoCal fleet historically sees early arrivals at Catalina and the northern Channel Islands when surface temps nudge past 60°F, and today's readings put us right at that threshold. Calm conditions make island crossings reasonable this weekend.
Post-Spawn Walleye Building in Western Basin as Maumee Flows 7,600 cfs
On The Water's recent podcast with Joe Fonzi describes Lake Erie's Western Basin as home to a 'booming' walleye fishery, with goby-driven forage credited for exceptional fish growth. As of May 5, USGS gauge 04193500 on the Maumee River logged 7,610 cfs — moderate-to-elevated spring flow that stirs turbidity through the nearshore Western Basin and typically pushes walleye toward cleaner water around the Bass Islands reef complex and deeper ledges. No buoy water temperature was available for this update. Wired 2 Fish notes that Great Lakes-region fish are in some phase of spawn or post-spawn transition through May, consistent with walleye staging on rocky structure after completing their tributary runs. With a waning gibbous moon, low-light feeding windows extend into the pre-dawn hours — prime timing for trollers working crawler harnesses or jig anglers targeting reef edges. Check current regulations before targeting walleye or yellow perch.
Allegheny Running High at 24,300 cfs as Smallmouth Move Toward Spawn
USGS gauge 03036500 logged 24,300 cfs on the upper Allegheny system early this morning — well above typical spring baseline — pushing fish off exposed main-channel structure and into slack-water pockets, eddy seams behind bridge pilings, and protected tributary mouths. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge. Wired 2 Fish's May 2026 lure roundup notes that bass across the mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes corridor are now in some phase of spawn, with Allegheny smallmouth staging in or near pre-spawn mode. Their recommended play: cover water with a swimbait to locate staging fish, then follow up with a finesse bait to close out pressured or short-striking bass. On tailwater stretches below the area's dams, Hatch Magazine's coverage of caddis emergence cycles suggests soft-hackles and emerging caddis patterns are worth carrying for trout holding in slower current seams.
Light Winds Favor Pacific WA Waters; Spring Chinook Push Underway
NOAA buoys 46041 and 46087 are reporting calm offshore conditions this morning — winds of just 1–3 m/s and air temperatures around 51–52°F along the Washington coast. Water temperature readings are unavailable from either station, so local shore checks are advisable before launching. The most relevant salmon intelligence for the Pacific Northwest corridor this cycle comes from Saltwater Sportsman, which covers an active chinook and coho bite at the mouth of the Columbia River — a solid indicator that the spring king migration is reaching the broader Pacific coast. Puget Sound anglers can expect early chinook marine area openings to gain traction through May as water temperatures gradually climb toward summer ranges. A waning gibbous moon this week provides favorable low-light windows at dawn. Direct local charter or shop reports are absent from this cycle, so treat conditions below as seasonal baseline rather than confirmed live intel.
77°F Gulf Water and 11-Foot Swell: Inshore Bite the Play Near Galveston-Corpus
NOAA buoy 42020 logged water temperatures at 77°F and wave heights of 11.5 feet on May 2, with buoy 42035 confirming 75°F water and winds near 22 mph as of this morning — conditions that are keeping most offshore-bound boats tied to the dock. Inshore bays and nearshore structure from Galveston through Corpus Christi offer the most accessible bite right now, where warming spring water is priming the shallows for speckled trout and redfish along grass-flat edges and channel margins. The waning gibbous moon is driving strong tidal movement through bay passes, concentrating bait and activating predators during low-light transitions. Coastal Angler Magazine, covering this spring-to-summer transition period, highlights the late-afternoon-into-evening launch as a reliable timing strategy as Gulf waters warm — advice that meshes well with the current moon-driven tidal windows. No direct charter or tackle-shop reports from this specific Galveston-to-Corpus stretch were captured in our current intel feeds; species activity ratings reflect seasonal norms and buoy data rather than on-the-water testimony from local guides this week.
Charleston Harbor Hits 75°F as Red Drum Push the Carolinas Coast
Water temperature at NOAA buoy 41004 hit 75°F off the South Carolina coast early this morning — prime late-spring reading for Charleston Harbor's inshore and nearshore grounds. The Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater is tracking a strong red drum push along the broader Carolina coast this week, with bull reds showing actively along beaches and shoals from Hatteras southward; similar action is expected around Charleston's creek mouths, jetties, and marsh edges. At 75°F, the nearshore thermal window for Spanish mackerel is now open — no local confirmation yet, but the temperature is right. Sheepshead are another live option on dock and jetty structure, with Fisherman's Post flagging new harvest regulations on the species in joint Carolina waters — worth monitoring for SC anglers as the season progresses. Offshore, Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag confirm South Carolina is cleared for greatly expanded red snapper seasons in 2026 under new federal exempted fishing permits — worth planning around for weekend offshore runs.
Spring Chinook Season Opens as Oregon Coast Water Hits 54–55°F
NOAA buoys 46002 and 46029 recorded water temperatures of 54°F and 55°F respectively along the Oregon Coast early on May 5 — squarely in the productive range for spring chinook staging offshore. Saltwater Sportsman spotlights the famed Buoy 10 fishery at the mouth of the Columbia River, where Capt. Hugh Harris describes shoulder-to-shoulder fleet action out of Astoria and Warrenton targeting chinook and coho. Coastal winds are running a manageable 5–7 m/s across all three NOAA monitoring stations, suggesting reasonable offshore windows are available, though wave height data is absent from the buoy feeds and sea-state verification before launch remains critical. With a waning gibbous moon providing extended low-light windows at dawn and dusk, nearshore structure fishing for rockfish and lingcod deserves a look alongside the salmon push. Anglers should confirm current ODFW zone-specific chinook retention rules, as spring regulations typically vary week to week.
Red Drum Surge Hits Hatteras Beaches as Water Reaches 73°F
Water at NOAA buoy 41025 off Diamond Shoals logged 73°F at 07:30 this morning — a clear signal that Outer Banks surf fishing has entered its prime early-May window. Per Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater, Ryan of Hatteras Jack reports red drum making a strong push onto the beaches, with anglers catching good numbers along the Hatteras and Ocracoke stretch. Bluefish are running alongside them in the nearshore zone. Offshore, the season just received a meaningful upgrade: federally approved exempted fishing permits have opened significantly expanded red snapper access for North Carolina anglers this summer, per Sport Fishing Mag. On the regulatory front, a temporary creel-limit rule has been adopted for sheepshead in joint and inland fishing waters, per Fisherman's Post — confirm current state regs before targeting that species. Winds at buoy 41025 are running 9 m/s; plan nearshore departures accordingly.
DEC Stocking Surge + 56°F Water: NY Trout and Walleye Season Opens Strong
Water temps on the Schoharie Creek hit 56°F as of early May 5 (USGS gauge 01357500), landing Hudson Valley tributaries in the heart of the productive spring window. NY DEC's The Fishing Line (Freshwater) reports that hatchery crews are actively hauling and releasing brook, brown, and rainbow trout across the region — stocked streams should be well worth a visit this week. The coolwater sportfish season opened May 1, per NY DEC, putting walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge into legal play across the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley reservoirs for the first time this year. Bass are beginning to work into spawn mode: Wired 2 Fish notes that anglers at New York latitudes should expect fish in or near spawning phases through May, with big fish pushing shallow. The Hudson River is flowing at 4,300 cfs (USGS gauge 01358000), a healthy spring level. Time the next two weeks well — conditions are lining up.
Rio Grande Running Low at 101 cfs as San Juan Tailwater Enters Prime May Window
USGS gauge 08330000 on the Rio Grande clocked in at 101 cfs on the morning of May 5 — well below the 500–1,000+ cfs levels typical of a normal snowmelt pulse in early May. That suppressed flow points to a lean snowpack year and sets up clearer, lower water than most anglers expect this time of season. No NM-specific guide or shop reports landed in this cycle's intel feeds, but MidCurrent's Tying Tuesday this week highlighted midge and tailrace patterns for 'clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces' — language that fits the San Juan River's Quality Waters reach precisely. Hatch Magazine's current caddis emergence feature is equally timely: May afternoons on western tailwaters traditionally see caddis activity building as air temps peak. On the Rio Grande proper, low clear conditions concentrate trout in deeper pools but demand lighter tippet, longer leaders, and a downstream approach to stay out of sight.
Mississippi Sound Hits 73°F as Late-Spring Inshore Season Peaks
NOAA buoy 42067 recorded 73°F water temperatures on the Mississippi Sound at 6:10 a.m. on May 5, with 1.3-foot seas and winds running around 23 knots — a reading that places the region squarely in the heart of its late-spring coastal fishing window. At 73°F, speckled trout typically stage on shell reef structure and deeper grass edges, while redfish move actively through back bays and tidal cuts. Spanish mackerel are a reliable early-May arrival in the Sound, tracking baitfish schools into nearshore water at this temperature. Black drum historically work dock pilings and exposed oyster bars through late spring. Direct captain reports and tackle shop intel from Mississippi Sound are limited in this update, so species assessments beyond the buoy data reflect well-established seasonal patterns for this region and temperature range. Anglers should confirm current conditions with a local marina or tackle shop before committing to a specific target or structure.
Gulf waters at 73–78°F open a prime May window along Louisiana's coast
NOAA buoy 42067 recorded 73°F water temperatures off the Louisiana coast this morning, while buoy 42001 logged 78°F farther south in the central Gulf — a thermal setup that pushes inshore species into active summer feeding patterns. May is historically the transition month when speckled trout abandon deeper wintering holes for marsh edges and shallow grass flats across the Delta. Redfish are typically pushing onto open shorelines and flood-tide flats this week. Cobia are classic late-spring migrants along Louisiana's nearshore rigs and structure from April through June, and 73–78°F sits squarely in their travel window; Saltwater Sportsman's pitch-baiting coverage notes that reacting fast when a cobia surfaces near the spread is the key to converting follows to hookups. Coastal Angler Magazine highlights that as midday air temperatures press into the 90s, a 'second shift' — launching late afternoon and running into dark — consistently outperforms midday sessions. Waning Gibbous moon adds solid tidal push to pre-dawn windows.
Kansas River at 67°F: Bass Deep in Spawn Mode as Flow Surges to 8,340 cfs
USGS gauge 06892350 logged 67°F water and 8,340 cfs early on May 5 — conditions that place bass squarely in spawn mode along the Kansas and Arkansas Rivers. Wired 2 Fish's May 2026 lure roundup notes that anglers from Kentucky Lake northward should expect bass in some phase of the spawn this month, with big fish pushing shallow toward beds, stumps, and shoreline structure. The same Wired 2 Fish feature highlights a swimbait-to-finesse-bait combo as the productive two-punch for locating and triggering lockjaw bed fish without electronics. The elevated 8,340 cfs flow will push current hard into the banks, concentrating fish in eddies, slack pockets, and calmer water behind timber and rock structure. Channel catfish — at their peak metabolic window in the 65–72°F range — should be actively feeding as pre-spawn instincts kick in. Crappie are likely on the post-spawn slide as temps push past 65°F, but transition fish remain catchable near woody cover adjacent to deeper water.
Snake River at 21,100 cfs and 53°F as Spring Chinook Season Hits Stride
USGS gauge 13340000 clocked the Snake River at 21,100 cfs and 53°F early on May 5 — flows consistent with peak spring runoff and water temperatures that put the drainage squarely in active territory for spring Chinook salmon. No Idaho-specific angler reports appeared in this cycle's feeds, so conditions here are read from gauge data and regional seasonal context. At 53°F, trout and salmon are metabolically active; elevated flows historically push fish into slower back-eddies and inside bends where they can hold without burning energy. Hatch Magazine this week covers caddis emergence timing, noting that low-light conditions and mid-50s water temperatures are when these hatches ignite — a pattern well-established on Idaho tailwaters. Field & Stream's spring tactics roundup reinforces slower, bottom-oriented presentations during cold-runoff conditions. Wired 2 Fish notes May triggers northward behavioral shifts as temperatures normalize, relevant for smallmouth bass waking up in the Snake's lower canyon reaches.
Offshore Temps 76–79°F as Hawaii's Pre-Peak Marlin Season Builds
Water temps across the Hawaiian Islands measured 76–79°F at NOAA buoys 51001, 51002, and 51004 this morning — squarely in the productive range for blue marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Light trade winds at 3 m/s at the northwestern station (51001) and a steadier 8 m/s at southern stations (51002, 51004) signal classic early-May trade-wind conditions offshore. None of this week's national fishing feeds — including Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag — carry Hawaii-specific on-the-water reports, so conditions intel here is grounded in buoy readings and typical seasonal patterns rather than direct charter testimony. The waning gibbous moon will produce meaningful tidal pull over the next few days, historically correlating with stronger bite windows around seamounts and ledge drops at first light. Pitch-baiting techniques for billfish, highlighted this week by Saltwater Sportsman, translate directly to Hawaii's blue marlin grounds — keep a teaser in the spread and be ready to pitch the moment a fish lights up.
Red Snapper Season Expands Along Georgia's Atlantic Shore in 2026
NOAA buoy 41008 off the Georgia coast logged a 70°F air temperature and light 5 m/s winds on the morning of May 5, signaling comfortable late-spring offshore conditions. The standout news for Georgia saltwater anglers this season: Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag both report that federally approved exempted fishing permits (EFPs) will bring greatly expanded red snapper access to South Atlantic states, including Georgia, in 2026 — a pilot program designed to improve recreational data collection and mirror the Gulf's successful snapper recovery model. Specific bite reports from the Georgia Atlantic Coast are limited this week; the Georgia Wildlife Blog's recent updates focus on inland wildfire safety advisories and freshwater species. That said, early May typically marks the arrival of cobia and Spanish mackerel along the Georgia coast, and inshore flounder action near jetties and inlet structure is seasonally expected. Verify current EFP season dates and slot limits through official state sources before heading offshore.
Forgotten Coast Trout Running Hot as Gulf Temps Settle at 74–76°F
Water temperatures measured at 74°F (NOAA buoy 42036) and 76°F (NOAA buoy 42039) put the eastern Gulf in ideal shape for May inshore fishing. Sport Fishing Mag's guide to Florida's Forgotten Coast spotlights speckled trout exceeding 20 inches as a consistent catch for anglers throwing artificials along undeveloped marsh shorelines — those conditions align well with the current thermal window. Coastal Angler Magazine's Capt. Dave Stephens singles out May as one of his favorite months to fish Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass, where flats species including snook and redfish are highly active on grass and sand edges. Light winds at 5–6 m/s and air temps in the low 70s°F make for comfortable all-day outings. The waning gibbous moon is generating solid tidal movement through the week — an asset for anglers timing their approach around bait flushes. No inshore gauge data was available for this report.
CT River Hits 57°F as Bass Enter Pre-Spawn Staging
USGS gauge 01184000 on the Connecticut River recorded 57°F at 12,500 cfs early Tuesday morning — a full spring pulse placing statewide bass at the pre-spawn threshold. The Salmon River at East Hampton is running at a measured 102 cfs per USGS gauge 01193500, offering accessible wade-fishing conditions for trout anglers. With water in the upper 50s, Wired 2 Fish notes that northern-tier bass — Connecticut included — are in the transition toward shallow spawning flats, pushing toward stumps, cove edges, and sun-warmed structure as temperatures approach the 60–62°F bedding trigger. That same source recommends a swimbait to cover water and locate staging fish, followed by a finesse bait to convert. Trout should be feeding actively in this temperature range on Connecticut's tailwaters. A waning gibbous moon strengthens low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk through mid-week. Verify bag limits and season dates with state regulations before heading out.
Arkansas River at 60°F and 1,770 cfs as Colorado Runoff Builds
USGS gauge 09095500 recorded 60°F water temperatures and 1,770 cfs on the Arkansas River as of May 5th — right in the prime feeding window for brown and rainbow trout, even as early snowmelt begins lifting flows. Hatch Magazine's recent piece on caddis emergences notes that May marks the onset of reliable caddis activity across western trout waters in the 55–65°F range, making dry-dropper rigs an increasingly productive setup alongside deeper nymph work. Flows at 1,770 cfs are elevated but fishable across most established wade-access stretches before the main runoff pulse arrives. On the access front, MidCurrent reports that a landmark Colorado acquisition — the Tolland Ranch deal — is set to open miles of previously private fly fishing water to public anglers in 2026, a meaningful gain for the region. No local shop or charter reports were available this cycle; conditions are assessed from gauge data and seasonal hatch timing. A waning gibbous moon favors low-light dawn windows for the week.
Swells Reach 6–7 ft Along CA Central Coast; Water at 58°F as Upwelling Holds
NOAA buoy 46042 logged 58°F water off the Central Coast at 06:50 this morning, with buoy 46028 reading 59°F near the region's southern end and buoy 46026 showing a cooler 55°F at the northern edge — a spread consistent with active spring upwelling. Swells are running 5.9 to 6.6 feet with winds near 5 m/s, putting offshore conditions in the rough-but-doable range for larger vessels and likely limiting smaller skiffs to protected bays. None of the regional fishing feeds in this morning's intel sweep covered the CA Central Coast directly; this update relies on buoy readings and seasonal norms rather than fresh captain or shop testimony. At 58°F, rockfish and lingcod are holding well on nearshore structure, and California halibut typically begin building on sandy flats in Morro Bay and Monterey Bay as May progresses. Before planning any salmon outing, confirm current season status with state regulations — openings on the Central Coast vary year to year and should never be assumed.
Spring Kings Expected as 40°F Gulf Waters Hold Rough Offshore Swells
NOAA buoy 46001 is recording water temps of 40°F and wave heights of 15.1 feet as of early morning May 5 — conditions that are both seasonally appropriate and operationally challenging for offshore Gulf of Alaska fishing. Buoy 46066 corroborates the picture with 40°F water and 13-foot seas; buoy 46080 shows a slightly warmer 42°F with winds pushing 12 meters per second. None of this cycle's angler-intel feeds carried Gulf of Alaska-specific reports, so species assessments below are grounded in buoy readings and typical seasonal patterns for the region. In most years, early May marks the opening ramp of the spring Chinook salmon run in Gulf waters, with Pacific halibut fishing in full stride across the outer shelf. Low-40s water temperatures are right where both species typically hold at this time of year. The current swell — 15 feet offshore — is the dominant constraint on fishing access. Check with local operators before committing to any offshore run this week.
Mobile Bay at 72°F: Cobia Migration Window Open, Black Drum Working Structure
NOAA buoy 42012 recorded 72°F water this morning off the Alabama Gulf coast — right on target for late-spring action in Mobile Bay and the near-Gulf. Light winds at 4–5 m/s are keeping surface conditions comfortable, with air temperatures near 71°F. May is historically the peak month for cobia in Mobile Bay, with fish following cownose rays through the bay and over the grass flats; the current water temperature sits squarely in the prime feeding range for this species. The Pensacola Fishing Forum flagged black drum as visible and "frisky" on local pilings as of May 4 — and Sport Fishing Mag confirms that black drum are active on spring structure throughout the season. Try fresh oysters or cut crab near dock pilings and oyster beds. Redfish and speckled trout remain reliable bay staples under these conditions. A waning gibbous moon sets up solid dawn and dusk bite windows this week.