Fishing reports
19295 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Coosa River at 866 cfs as Alabama Bass Wrap the Spawn
USGS gauge 02339500 on the Coosa recorded 866 cfs in the early hours of May 5th — a moderate, likely clear flow that improves sight-line conditions for targeting transitioning bass. According to Wired 2 Fish's May 2026 lure roundup, bedding bass south of the Mason-Dixon Line have largely left the spawning flats, pushing Alabama anglers toward post-spawn recovery edges and deeper secondary structure rather than shallow beds. Wired 2 Fish also highlights a swimbait-then-finesse combo as the go-to approach for this stretch, using the larger bait to cover water and trigger reaction strikes before sealing the deal with a finesse follow-up. On the Coosa, that translates to working rocky current seams and bluff walls where spotted bass concentrate after the spawn. Striped bass and hybrid stripers in the Tennessee tailraces remain a consistent option through the warmer months. No Alabama-specific charter or shop reports were available this cycle — reads below draw on regional intel and gauge data.
53°F and Pre-Runoff: Caddis Begin Firing on Yellowstone & Snake Systems
USGS gauge 06192500 recorded 3,670 cfs and 53°F on the evening of May 4 — a water temperature that places the regional system squarely in the prime range for cutthroat and brown trout to feed aggressively before snowmelt pushes flows toward their seasonal apex. Hatch Magazine's current feature on caddis emergences in Yellowstone country argues that early-season caddis activity is routinely underestimated by anglers focused on PMDs and blue-winged olives — but when conditions align, caddis can drive consistent surface and subsurface feeding throughout the day. MidCurrent's recent tying coverage reinforces the point, highlighting sparse midge-style emerger patterns as the workhorses for "clear, pressured water" — a description that fits these systems well before turbidity climbs with late-May runoff. Field & Stream's early-spring primer notes that rising temperatures concentrate fish in predictable lies near structure, a pattern that aligns with the gauge's current reading. Fish this pre-peak window while flows remain manageable.
Gin-Clear Tailwaters at Bull Shoals After Near-Zero May Generation
USGS gauge 07060710 logged just 7.25 cfs and 69°F on the White River on May 4 — near-minimum generation at Bull Shoals and Norfork dams and the lowest flows typical of the spring shoulder season. At this discharge, the tailwater below each dam runs gin-clear and fully wadeable, pushing trout into predictable seams and cold-water refuges near the hypolimnetic outlet channels. While 69°F is the downstream gauge reading, water temperatures directly below the dam faces typically track in the mid-to-upper 50s, keeping fish active without heat stress. MidCurrent's Tying Tuesday this week spotlighted the GFC Fly — a "spare midge-style pattern" built for "clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces" — a direct fit for conditions like these. Hatch Magazine has a current feature on fishing caddis emergences, a hatch that routinely peaks on Ozark tailwaters through May. With a waning gibbous moon overhead, dusk rising sessions should be worth targeting through the coming weekend.
Little Tennessee at 60°F: Smokies trout enter prime caddis season
USGS gauge 03512000 — on the Little Tennessee River in the western NC Smokies corridor — recorded 60°F and 215 cfs Monday evening, placing mountain trout streams squarely in their prime spring feeding window. At this temperature, rainbow and brown trout transition from sluggish mid-column holding to active surface and subsurface feeding, with caddis emergences typically driving the sharpest action on southern Appalachian freestones. Hatch Magazine's coverage on caddis fishing underscores the importance of timing these hatches for spring trout success, while MidCurrent's current tying lineup spotlights sparse midge-style emergers and technical subsurface patterns suited to clear, pressured water — a strong match for the pocket-water runs of the Smokies. Flow at 215 cfs suggests moderate, wadeable conditions throughout the watershed. No WNC-specific shop or guide reports were available this cycle; conditions below reflect gauge data and patterns typical for early May in the region.
Red Snapper Seasons Expand Off NC; Black Drum on the Move Along the Banks
NOAA buoy 41037 logged sustained winds near 14 knots and air temperatures around 72°F overnight — comfortable late-spring conditions signaling active movement around Pamlico Sound and Cape Lookout. The biggest headline for offshore anglers: both Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag confirm North Carolina is among the South Atlantic states receiving expanded red snapper access in 2026 through federally approved exempted fishing permits (EFPs), opening a meaningful new offshore window this summer. Closer in, Sport Fishing Mag reports that large black drum are moving along Mid-Atlantic barrier islands from April through May, a migration corridor that puts Cape Lookout's outer shoals and inlet structure squarely in the crosshairs. Inshore on Pamlico Sound, speckled trout and flounder remain the bread-and-butter May targets as waters continue their seasonal climb. Buoy 41037 did not return a surface water temperature overnight; check with local marinas for current readings before planning your run.
Black Drum Invade Eastern Shore Inlets as Water Temps Hit 52°F
Water temps recorded at 52°F by NOAA buoy 44014 set the stage for what Sport Fishing Mag is calling a full-scale black drum invasion along the Chesapeake Bay barrier islands — and Chincoteague sits squarely in that corridor. Sport Fishing Mag describes these fish transitioning from the Bay mouth along the barrier islands from April into May, feeding hard on crabs, clams, and mussels over shallow shell structure. Simultaneously, On The Water's May 1 striper migration map notes the push snowballs once post-spawn females exit the Chesapeake — migrating stripers should be working the Eastern Shore cuts and rip lines right now. With flounder season opening in adjacent mid-Atlantic states this week, summer flounder are worth probing inlet edges and nearshore bottom. All three targets overlap the same tidal zones, making this a strong multi-species window for Eastern Shore anglers.
Gulf at 76°F Near Destin-Pensacola as Red Snapper Season Expands for 2026
Water temps across NOAA buoys 42039 and 42012 read 73–76°F as of May 5, placing the Destin-Pensacola corridor squarely in late-spring form. Offshore anglers have clear news to act on: Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag both confirm Florida is participating in federally approved exempted fishing permits that expand the 2026 red snapper recreational season — more open days than Gulf Panhandle anglers have seen in years. Inshore, water this warm in early May is consistent with late cobia runs and an active speckled trout bite across the Panhandle's bays and grass flats. Sport Fishing Mag's Forgotten Coast coverage notes trout over 20 inches are falling to anglers working artificials on nearby Gulf Coast structure — expect similar conditions across Panhandle grass beds. Coastal Angler Magazine flags this transition week as prime time to shift toward late-afternoon and evening trips as daytime heat builds, a tactic equally applicable to Destin and Pensacola bay waters.
Tampa Bay & Sarasota Water Hits 75–77°F: May Flats and Passes Are Prime
Water temperatures of 75°F (NOAA buoy 42036) and 77°F (NOAA buoy 42013) confirm Tampa Bay and Sarasota have entered their prime late-spring window. Coastal Angler Magazine's Capt. Dave Stephens calls May "probably one of my favorite months to fish Charlotte Harbor" — a sentiment that extends to Tampa Bay's grass flats and the passes of Sarasota. Tarpon season is reaching its apex in these Gulf Coast passes, a reliable pattern for water in this temperature range. Snook are staging near inlet mouths in the pre-spawn build-up, while redfish remain active on shallow grass flats. Coastal Angler Magazine also flags the seasonal timing shift now underway: as spring tips toward summer, midday heat suppresses surface activity, and productive sessions are moving toward late-afternoon and evening tidal windows. Anglers who adjust their launch times to match those windows will find the most consistent action this week.
Florida Keys Water at 78°F: Snapper Seasons Expand, Tarpon Migration Peaks
NOAA buoy 41114 logged 78°F water and 2.3-foot seas in the Keys corridor in late April, setting a solid thermal baseline as May opens. Coastal Angler Magazine flags the spring-to-summer transition as prime 'second shift' territory — rising daytime heat is pushing productive windows into late afternoon and evening hours. On the regulatory front, both Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag confirm that federally approved exempted fishing permits have unlocked a 39-day expanded red snapper season on Florida's Atlantic coast for 2026, significant news for offshore bottom fishermen running the Keys edge. Without direct charter or shop reports in this cycle, species assessments rest on seasonal norms: 78°F water in early May is textbook tarpon-migration territory on the backcountry flats, and bonefish and permit typically run well over turtle grass in these conditions. Offshore, mahi-mahi reliably begin working weed lines at this temperature.
76°F Water Temps Signal Prime Trout Season on Lower Laguna Madre
NOAA buoy 42043, positioned near South Padre Island, logged 76°F surface water on May 4 — ideal temperature for speckled trout and redfish to be actively feeding on the Lower Laguna Madre's expansive grass flats. Earlier in the week, buoy 42020 recorded 11.5-foot wave heights and 12 m/s winds (roughly 23 knots), signaling a frontal push that kept offshore and bay-side anglers sidelined. By May 4, buoy 42043 showed winds moderating to 6 m/s (~12 knots), giving flats boats a return window ahead of the weekend. Coastal Angler Magazine notes the Gulf Coast is now transitioning from spring to early summer, with afternoon air temps climbing toward the 90s — a cue to shift wade-fishing and skiff runs toward early morning or late afternoon. No TX-specific charter or shop intel reached our feeds this cycle; species assessments reflect seasonal norms for early May in the Lower Laguna.
Buoy 46026 Reads 56°F as SF Bay & Bodega Enter Prime May Window
NOAA buoy 46026 recorded 56°F water off San Francisco early on May 5th, with winds running a light 4 m/s — a calm, fishable opening across the bay approach. Buoy 46013 off Bodega confirmed the same mild pattern at 5 m/s with air temps around 54°F. No direct angler-intel feed for SF Bay or Bodega Bay came through this cycle; available national sources focused exclusively on Atlantic and Gulf Coast fisheries. This report draws on the buoy readings and what is historically typical for this region in early May. At 56°F, bay striped bass are generally in active feeding mode, tracking the spring baitfish pulse along tidal rips and Delta outflow structure. California halibut are typically transitioning onto shallower sandy flats at this temperature. A Waning Gibbous moon favors dawn and late-afternoon feeding windows. Check current state regulations before targeting any species.
LA Bight Hits 62–63°F: White Seabass Prime Window Is Now
NOAA buoy 46221 logged 63°F water in the LA Bight as of late May 4, with 3-foot swells, while buoy 46025 confirmed 62°F offshore — both readings landing squarely in the sweet spot for white seabass. This temperature range marks the height of white seabass activity along the Southern California coast, when fish press into kelp edges and near-island structure in earnest. Today's intel feeds carried no Channel Islands–specific charter or tackle-shop dispatches, so individual bite reports remain unconfirmed by on-the-water sources; species statuses below reflect seasonal norms and buoy conditions, not live captain testimony. What the numbers do tell us: conditions are favorable. Wind sitting near 5 m/s — roughly 10 knots — keeps the offshore approach feasible for most sportboat anglers. Yellowtail are typical at the islands by early May and the warming trajectory should build that bite as the month progresses. Saltwater Sportsman's current pitch-baiting coverage is worth a read before your next offshore run.
Coastal WA: 6.6-ft Seas at Buoy 46087 as Spring Chinook Season Builds
NOAA buoy 46087 logged 6.6-foot wave heights and 7 m/s winds (roughly 14 knots) off the Washington coast as of May 4, holding nearshore conditions on the rougher side for smaller craft. Air temps checked in at 11.5°C (53°F) at buoy 46087 and 12.3°C (54°F) at buoy 46041 — standard cool-season readings for early May. Water temperature data was unavailable from either buoy station this cycle. Washington-specific charter or shop intel was absent from this week's feeds; the most geographically relevant report, via Saltwater Sportsman, covered chinook and coho action at the Columbia River mouth (Buoy 10), underscoring that salmon are moving along the broader Pacific Northwest coast. Spring chinook are typically the headline saltwater species for Puget Sound and coastal WA through May, while halibut season traditionally peaks in mid-spring. Verify current retention rules and season status with state regulations before heading out — spring chinook slots and coastal halibut seasons carry specific limits that can shift year to year.
Columbia System at 60°F: Smallmouth Staging, Spring Chinook Window Open
USGS gauge 14113000 logged 60°F water and 1,540 cfs of flow on the afternoon of May 4 — a temperature milestone that typically marks the shift from spring's cool-water slowdown into the most productive freshwater stretch of the year along Columbia and Puget Sound river corridors. At 60 degrees, smallmouth bass are staging near pre-spawn structure — current seams, submerged rock ledges, and channel edges — and likely feeding aggressively ahead of the bed-building phase. Spring Chinook, where present and open to fishing, typically hold in deeper slots through midday and push shallower near dawn and dusk. None of this week's angler-intel feeds carried direct on-the-water reports from these drainages, so tactical guidance here draws on established seasonal patterns for the region rather than attributed charter or shop testimony. Flow at 1,540 cfs suggests moderate, fishable conditions. Verify current regulations with state fishery managers before targeting salmonids — season windows and closures vary by river and reach.
Green River Running 9,060 CFS at 43°F — High Runoff Pushes Trout to the Edges
USGS gauge 09234500 recorded the Green River at 9,060 CFS and 43°F as of May 4 — well above typical early-May baseflow, signaling peak snowmelt is in full swing through the upper drainage. At these flows, wade access across most public sections is restricted; float fishing is the practical option, and trout will be stacked in seams, eddies, and current breaks along cut banks. No direct local shop or charter reports appeared in this week's intel feeds, so condition reads here are drawn from gauge data and seasonal patterns typical for this tailwater. MidCurrent's current tying content notes that midge-style patterns "excel in the clear, pressured water of... tailraces" — a reminder that nymphed midges and small soft hackles remain the workhorse setup on the Green even as caddis begin to stir. On the Uinta Lakes side, expect most lower-elevation impoundments to be fully open water by now, with higher alpine lakes approaching ice-out through mid-May.
TX Gulf at 77°F as Seas Calm: Speckled Trout and Redfish Prime the Flats
NOAA buoy 42035 logged 76°F water and 2.3-foot seas on May 4—a marked improvement after buoy 42020 recorded 11.5-foot waves and 12 m/s winds on May 2, signaling that a frontal passage has cleared the area. At 76–77°F, bay systems from Galveston to Corpus Christi are entering prime late-spring territory for speckled trout and redfish on the flats. Coastal Angler Magazine notes that as the Gulf Coast transitions into early summer, midday heat is already pushing anglers toward late-afternoon and evening departures, with productive bites extending well into dark. No Texas-specific charter or tackle-shop reports were available in this cycle; current conditions are drawn from NOAA instrument readings and established regional patterns for this time of year. The waning gibbous moon combined with calming seas sets up a favorable window for weekend anglers—particularly during low-light periods on the shallow bay flats.
Charleston Harbor Water at 76°F — Red Drum and Snapper Lead the SC May Bite
Water temperatures registered at 76°F at NOAA buoy 41004 on May 4 signal Charleston Harbor has fully transitioned into late-spring mode. Coastal Angler Magazine's Haddrell's Point and Tackle Offshore Report for May, contributed by Captain Mike Able, highlights the wealth of opportunities this month brings to the local angling scene. Across the broader Carolinas saltwater zone, Fisherman's Post reports red drum pushing hard onto beachfronts and around nearshore shoals — activity that typically tracks south along the coast into SC waters. Black drum are also active in the Carolinas region per Fisherman's Post. Offshore, the news is significant: Saltwater Sportsman reports South Carolina is among the South Atlantic states approved for greatly expanded red snapper seasons in 2026 under federally authorized exempted fishing permits. Light winds around 4 m/s and 2-foot seas at buoy 41004 are keeping conditions comfortable for both inshore runs and offshore structure this week.
Oregon Coast: 55°F Water Temps and 7-ft Swells as Spring Chinook Stage at River Mouths
NOAA buoy 46029 clocked 55°F water temperatures off the Oregon Coast on May 4—matched closely by buoy 46002 at 54°F—putting conditions squarely in spring chinook territory. The catch: seas are running rough, with buoys 46029 and 46050 both recording wave heights at 7.5 feet and winds near 7 m/s, enough to push smaller vessels to the dock. Saltwater Sportsman is reporting active chinook and coho action at Buoy 10 on the Columbia River near Astoria and Warrenton—fish that, per Capt. Hugh Harris, "have never lost" to ocean predators and are now staging at the estuary ahead of their river runs. That mouth-of-river push is a reliable early indicator for coast-wide spring salmon activity. Rockfish and Pacific halibut remain productive when weather grants an offshore window. Check bar conditions at every inlet before launching; the current swell pattern is marginal for smaller-vessel crossings.
Red Drum Surge onto Hatteras Beaches as Water Hits 73°F
Water temps at 73°F across both NOAA buoys near the Outer Banks signal prime late-spring conditions — and the red drum are responding. Ryan of Hatteras Jack, as reported by Fisherman's Post — Carolinas saltwater, confirms surf action has "come alive" with red drum making a strong push onto the Hatteras beaches, with anglers finding good numbers along the stretch. The Waning Gibbous moon adds low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk, making those runs especially productive. Offshore, a significant development is in motion: per Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing Mag, federally approved EFP pilot programs will give NC recreational anglers an expanded red snapper season in Atlantic waters this summer — one of the broadest access windows the state has seen in years. With water temperatures already in the low 70s and drum actively pushing the surf, the Outer Banks bite is tracking right on seasonal schedule.
58°F Water and DEC Stockings Drive the Spring Bite in Hudson Valley
Water temperatures registered 58°F at USGS gauge 01357500 on May 4 — a sweet spot signaling prime spring conditions across the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes. NY DEC The Fishing Line (April 24) confirms hatchery crews are actively stocking brook, brown, and rainbow trout throughout the region, and the statewide coolwater sportfish season — walleye included — opened May 1. On The Water's May 1 striper migration map notes the post-spawn push out of the Chesapeake is gaining momentum, which typically drives improving action along the Hudson River corridor in the weeks ahead. Wired 2 Fish's May 2026 lure guide notes that bass across the Northeast are entering or approaching the spawn, pointing anglers toward shallow presentations. The Schoharie Creek is flowing at 1,510 cfs and the Hudson at Green Island at 5,150 cfs — elevated spring levels, but within fishable range for most presentations.
Rio Grande at 90.9 cfs: Clear, Wadeable Conditions for NM Trout Anglers
The USGS gauge 08330000 clocked the Rio Grande at 90.9 cfs as of May 4 — a relatively modest reading for peak spring that points to clear, wade-friendly conditions on the main stem. No water temperature was logged at the gauge this cycle. On the San Juan tailwater, no NM-specific shop or charter reports surfaced in this week's feeds, so species activity below is estimated from seasonal norms rather than direct on-water testimony — a distinction worth flagging. That said, MidCurrent's tying content this week spotlighted midge patterns suited to "clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces" — a description that fits the San Juan's quality water zone precisely. Meanwhile, Hatch Magazine's coverage of caddis emergences is a timely reminder that early May marks the first credible dry-fly windows on western rivers, typically opening in the afternoon hours as air temperatures rise and surface activity picks up.
Mississippi Sound: Calm Seas and Light Winds Open May Bite Window
NOAA buoy 42067 recorded just 0.7 feet of wave height and light 3 m/s winds — roughly 6 knots — over Mississippi Sound on May 4, among the calmest readings of the spring. Air temperatures reached 22°C (72°F), though no water temperature reading was available from the buoy at report time. MS DMR feeds this week were limited to coastal development permit applications in Jackson County rather than fisheries advisories, leaving formal angler intel thin. The Pensacola Fishing Forum reported a productive outing on May 4 — "lots of fish caught" with kids along — though species were unspecified; treat this as encouraging regional chatter, not confirmed testimony. Against that backdrop, early May typically finds speckled trout active on shallow grass flats, redfish working shell reefs and marsh edges, and cobia beginning to track through on the spring Gulf migration. The waning gibbous moon paired with flat seas creates favorable tide transitions for dawn and dusk feeding windows this weekend.
Bass Move Shallow as Central MA Rivers Run Low in Early May
USGS gauge 01105500 recorded flow at 17.8 cfs Monday evening, pointing to low, clear conditions on area waterways — prime territory for targeting shallow structure as largemouth bass push toward their beds. USGS gauge 01111500 logged a higher 97.3 cfs, indicating some drainages remain elevated from recent runoff. Per Wired 2 Fish's May 2026 roundup, bass across the Northeast are in some phase of the spawn, with anglers advised to scan the shallows for fish near bedding structure. In Central MA — typically one to two weeks behind mid-Atlantic waters in spawn timing — largemouth are likely entering pre-spawn or early spawn as temperatures creep toward the mid-50s to low-60s°F range typical for this date. Wired 2 Fish also details a swimbait-to-finesse combo that's producing on bed fish: cover water with a swimbait to trigger reactions, then close with a finesse presentation. Chain pickerel, past their own spawn, should be feeding aggressively along weedy edges in the shallows.
78°F Gulf Water Drives Late-Shift Bite on LA's Gulf Coast & Delta
NOAA buoy 42001 recorded Gulf water temperatures of 78°F and 3-foot seas on May 4 — clear signals that the transition from spring to summer is underway along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Nearshore conditions are calmer, with buoy 42067 showing just 0.7-foot seas and light winds around 6 knots, keeping inshore runs accessible. Coastal Angler Magazine advises anglers to shift timing as temperatures build: launching late afternoon and fishing well into the night is a proven strategy when midday heat suppresses daytime feeding. Speckled trout and redfish are the backbone of the inshore bite this time of year, with specks responding to soft plastics and topwater lures during low-light windows. Sport Fishing Mag highlights 20-inch-plus speckled trout active on artificials along Gulf Coast flats in Florida — a pattern that typically mirrors late-spring conditions across the broader Gulf inshore fishery. Offshore, red snapper season timing is worth verifying against current federal Gulf regulations before heading out.