Fishing reports
19295 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
White River at 8 cfs, 63°F — Prime Wading Window for May Tailwater Trout
USGS gauge 07060710 recorded 8.32 cfs and 63°F water temperature on the White River early this morning — both readings favorable for trout activity well below the summer stress threshold. Flow this low makes it wading-access season: anglers can work productive riffles, tail-outs, and pool heads on foot that higher generation flows make impassable. No White River-specific reports appeared in this week's angler-intel feeds, but the national trout press is pointing firmly toward the right patterns for these conditions. MidCurrent's Tying Tuesday singled out a midge-style pattern built for 'the clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces' — a direct match for low-flow Bull Shoals and Norfork tailwater. Field & Stream's current aquatic-insect primer reinforces a small-fly game, with caddis and midges named as the backbone of tailwater trout diets in May. Hatch Magazine has a timely piece on reading and fishing caddis emergences — worth a read before your next evening session below the dams.
Cumberland tailwater at 7.29 cfs — bass on beds, trout in low-flow pools
USGS gauge 03413200 logged just 7.29 cfs on the Cumberland system at 4:00 a.m. Monday — an exceptionally lean flow that concentrates trout into deep pool seams and creates favorable wade-fishing conditions below Wolf Creek Dam. No water temperature was available from the gauge. With early May marking peak spawning pressure across south-central Kentucky, largemouth and smallmouth bass are staging on beds in Lake Cumberland's protected coves and creek arms. Wired 2 Fish this week highlighted a swimbait-plus-finesse approach for targeting bed fish without electronics — covering water with a Berkley PowerBait CullShad to trigger reactions, then following up with a soft-plastic finesse bait to seal the deal — a tactic that translates directly to Lake Cumberland's shallow spawning flats. Crappie are typically pushing into the shallows at this point on the calendar as well. Direct local charter, shop, or agency reports for this specific stretch were not available in our current feeds; verify current conditions locally before launching.
Crappie Spawn Peaks and Bass on the Beds at Kentucky Lake
A 4.10-pound crappie pulled from Grenada Lake, Mississippi on April 24 — reported by both Wired 2 Fish and Outdoor Hub — is a strong directional signal: lower-latitude reservoirs are at peak spawn right now, and Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley typically follow by two to three weeks, placing slab crappie squarely in the beds through this week. No live reading is available from USGS gauge 03611500, but typical early-May water temperatures in this system run 65–72°F, well inside the spawn window. Wired 2 Fish contributor Brandon Coulter this week describes a productive two-punch for spring bass: lead with a swimbait to cover water and locate shallow bed fish near stumps and structure, then finesse a follow-up soft plastic once a fish commits. Catfish are expected to build steadily as water continues warming through May. The waning gibbous moon — following last week's full moon — aligns with historically peak crappie bed activity on this system.
Caddis and Midge Window Opens on Hiwassee and Caney Fork Tailwaters
USGS gauge 03565000 returned no live reading at time of publication, leaving flow and temperature on the Hiwassee and Caney Fork to seasonal inference. What the broader angling coverage confirms: MidCurrent's latest tying column singles out midge-style patterns as the go-to for 'the clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces' — a description that fits both systems precisely. Hatch Magazine's caddis-emergence feature and Field & Stream's spring aquatic insect guide both point to early May as a genuine hatch window for trout, with caddisflies and midges forming the backbone of surface and subsurface feeding. Historically, this is one of the strongest stretches on both rivers, with rainbow and brown trout active through the water column before summer pressure builds. TVA dam releases on Center Hill (Caney Fork) and Appalachia (Hiwassee) control wading access — check generation schedules before heading out, as flows can shift dramatically within hours.
Spawn-Mode Bass and Crappie Peak on Chickamauga and Watts Bar — Early May 2026
USGS gauge 03578500 logged 51.6 cfs as of early morning May 4, and while no water temperature reading accompanied that measurement, early May historically places TVA reservoir surface temps in the low-to-mid 70s°F — squarely in peak spawn range for largemouth bass on Chickamauga and Watts Bar. Wired 2 Fish this week detailed a swimbait-then-finesse two-bait approach for locating spawn bass without electronics: cover water with a swimbait near beds, stumps, and shallow structure, then follow with a finesse bait to convert reactionary strikes into committed bites. That system maps directly onto Chickamauga's grass flats and Watts Bar's rocky spawning coves. Crappie are also pushing shallow — Wired 2 Fish reported slab-class fish staging for spawn at comparable Southern reservoirs as of late April, suggesting a similar movement is underway here. The Waning Gibbous moon may soften overnight and midday feeding; early and late windows should produce best.
Guntersville & Wheeler Bass Going Shallow in Prime Spawn Window
Bass are pushing into spawning territory across North Alabama's TVA reservoirs as May gets underway. Wired 2 Fish reports that largemouth are actively positioning near beds, stumps, and shallow structure as water temperatures climb — a pattern squarely on schedule for Lake Guntersville and Wheeler in early May. The productive playbook, per Wired 2 Fish, is a swimbait to cover water and draw reaction strikes from fish holding near structure, followed by a finesse presentation to seal the deal on reluctant biters. USGS gauge 03575100 recorded a flow of 266 cfs early this morning, indicating stable, moderate conditions on contributing drainages. Crappie are likely at or just past their spawn peak — Wired 2 Fish documented a 4.10-pound crappie at Grenada Lake, MS on April 24, signaling that the region's slab crappie bite is in full swing. No water temperature data was available from the gauge this cycle.
Tailwater Logs 47°F at Buford Dam as Lanier & Allatoona Bass Enter Spawn Mode
USGS gauge 02334430 clocked 47°F and 652 cfs on the Chattahoochee at Buford Dam early Monday morning — cold tailwater driven by dam operations rather than main-lake surface temps, which typically track mid-to-upper 60s on Lanier and Allatoona by early May. That reading reflects conditions on the tailwater stretch below the dam and should not be read as an indicator of delayed spring conditions on the main lake bodies. Up in the coves and creek arms, conditions favor peak bass activity. Wired 2 Fish reports that bass across southern reservoirs are actively staging near spawning beds as surface temps climb: Brandon Coulter's recommended approach — leading with a swimbait to locate fish on shallow structure and finishing with a finesse bait to trigger the commit — maps directly to Lanier's clear coves and Allatoona's rocky creek channels. Spotted bass and largemouth are the headline targets this week. Crappie are consistent with their typical late-spring shallow push, though no local-source confirmation is available for these specific lakes this reporting cycle.
Smokies Trout in Prime Form: 54°F Water and Spring Hatches Building
USGS gauge 03512000 recorded 54°F and 215 cfs in the Western NC drainage early this morning — a temperature that puts rainbow and brown trout firmly in their feeding lane. At this reading, fish are active across the water column throughout daylight hours rather than restricted to low-light windows alone. Field & Stream's current trout-insect primer highlights the four hatch groups driving early May action on mountain freestones: mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and midges. Hatch Magazine's caddis emergence coverage notes that extended afternoon caddis flights are a hallmark of this seasonal window, capable of pushing trout to the surface in earnest. MidCurrent's weekly fly-tying roundup features midge-style patterns tailored for clear, pressured water alongside pine squirrel jig streamers built for rocky-bottom runs — both directly applicable to the tight corridors of Smokies streams. Flow is moderate and wadeable. Expect the strongest action mid-morning through late afternoon as water warms and insects begin to move.
Crystal Coast Spring Bite in Full Swing as Pamlico Sound Enters May
Coastal Angler Magazine's Crystal Coast May 2026 dispatch puts it plainly: spring fishing has arrived in earnest along NC's Crystal Coast and Cape Lookout corridor. NOAA buoy 41037 logged light winds of 4 m/s and an air temperature near 68°F early on May 4, though no surface water temperature reading was available from the station. The Waning Gibbous moon will concentrate the most productive feeding windows in the low-light hours around dawn and dusk. Sport Fishing Mag's May coverage notes black drum are actively transitioning along Mid-Atlantic barrier islands this time of year — a seasonal pattern that typically extends to the Cape Lookout inlets and the southern sound. Spotted seatrout and red drum are expected to remain the backbone species inside Pamlico Sound based on the region's typical early-May calendar, with inshore trips best timed to the first two hours of daylight and the initial flood of the incoming tide.
Black Drum Along the Barrier Islands as Water Hits 52°F Off Chincoteague
Water temperature off the Virginia coast is registering at 52°F this Monday morning (NOAA buoy 44014), and that reading aligns closely with what Sport Fishing Mag describes as prime black drum season: big drum are currently transitioning from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay along the barrier islands, feeding on crabs, clams, and mussels in water that suits them well at this time of year. On The Water's May 1 striper migration map notes that post-spawn striped bass are beginning to surge out of the Chesapeake, putting the Eastern Shore directly in the migration corridor for the weeks ahead. Wave heights of 2.6 feet offshore (buoy 44014) favor inshore and inlet fishing over open-coast surf work. Summer flounder are a realistic third option — 52°F is the low end of their comfort range, but fish typically begin staging in Chincoteague-area inlets and nearshore structure by early May as water continues to climb toward the 55–60°F range.
Bass Bed Up in Shallows at Smith Mountain Lake & Buggs Island, May Spawn Peaks
Wired 2 Fish reports spring largemouth bass are moving into shallow water and staging on beds as spawn season peaks across the mid-Atlantic, with a swimbait-and-finesse-bait combo proving effective for targeting fish near stumps, laydowns, and shallow structure. That pattern maps directly onto Smith Mountain Lake and Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir), where early May marks the prime spawn window for largemouth. The Staunton River is feeding Kerr at a steady 527 cfs as of May 4 (USGS gauge 02075045) — a moderate flow that keeps tributary mouths and upper-arm flats in fishable shape. On The Water's May 1 striper migration map signals that post-spawn stripers are on the move across the mid-Atlantic, a pattern that typically precedes a strong post-spawn feeding push on landlocked reservoirs like Smith Mountain Lake. A waning gibbous moon this week should concentrate feeding activity near dawn and dusk, giving anglers tighter windows but predictable bite timing.
Quabbin Bass Moving Shallow Pre-Spawn; Swift River Steady at 53 CFS
Flow at the Swift River outlet (USGS gauge 01174500) sits at 53.3 cfs as of early May 4 — a stable spring reading that points to steady reservoir levels at Quabbin heading into the heart of the pre-spawn bass push. No water temperature is attached to this gauge, but early May typically places central Massachusetts reservoir surfaces in the upper 50s°F, right where largemouth and smallmouth begin staking out shallow structure. Wired 2 Fish this week covers exactly the pattern playing out here: as water warms, bass home in near beds, stumps, and timber, responding first to a swimbait worked along cover edges, then committing to a follow-up finesse bait. Landlocked Atlantic salmon — a signature Quabbin draw — typically hold strong through the cool-water spring window before stratification pushes them deeper by late May. Waning gibbous moon phase favors low-light shoulder-hour feeding. Always verify current state regulations before fishing either reservoir, as both carry specific access and harvest restrictions.
Deschutes Redsides Enter Prime Hatch Window; Gauge Data Offline
No reading arrived from USGS gauge 14070500 this cycle, leaving current flow and temperature unconfirmed for the Deschutes and Upper Klamath drainages. That said, early May is historically the most anticipated window on both systems. Hatch Magazine's current coverage of caddis emergences maps directly onto what Oregon fly anglers typically encounter this week: the salmonfly surge that peaks in late April is tapering on the Deschutes canyon, with caddisfly activity building toward its May–June peak. Field & Stream's trout-angler guide to aquatic insects — covering mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and midges — provides a timely primer for the multi-hatch complexity that defines this stretch of the season. A waning gibbous moon keeps overnight light elevated, generally favoring sub-surface nymph presentations before the morning hatch window opens. No local shop, charter, or agency report was available in this data cycle to confirm species-specific bite quality on either system.
Columbia River Spring Chinook: 55°F Water, 163k cfs at The Dalles
Water temperature at USGS gauge 14105700 (Columbia River at The Dalles) registered 55°F at midnight on May 4, with the river running at 163,000 cfs — moderate spring flows that sit well below the turbulent highs this system reaches at peak snowmelt. The 55°F reading falls squarely in the productive range for spring Chinook salmon, the Columbia's marquee early-May target, which are typically most active between 50°F and 60°F. None of this week's regional angling feeds included Columbia-specific reports, so conditions here are grounded in gauge data and established seasonal patterns rather than fresh charter or shop testimony. White sturgeon, which hold near bottom in deep pools and slack-water eddies, are a consistent secondary target at these flows. American shad are likely beginning to push into the lower Columbia, typically arriving in force through May and June. Anglers should check ODFW regulations directly — Columbia salmon and sturgeon retention seasons shift frequently and vary by zone.
Yakima System at 2,650 cfs: Caddis Season Opening in Eastern WA
USGS gauge 12484500 recorded 2,650 cfs on the morning of May 4 — a typical spring-runoff pulse as Cascade snowmelt swells Eastern Washington's river systems. No water temp was logged at the gauge, but flows at this level generally push trout into back eddies and softer current seams where relief from the main current lets them hold and feed. Hatch Magazine's recent piece on caddis emergences is directly on point for this window: Eastern WA rivers are storied caddis fisheries, and late April through May is when these hatches shift from a trickle to a reliable afternoon event. Field & Stream's aquatic insect primer reinforces that caddis are one of the four pillars of a trout's diet — worth dedicating real space in the box right now. Meanwhile, Wired 2 Fish reports that spring bass are moving shallow as water temps rise, targeting structure near beds with swimbaits and follow-up finesse baits — a pre-spawn pattern that applies across Eastern WA's Columbia River tributaries and warmwater impoundments.
Hoh at 1,440 cfs as Olympic Peninsula enters spring Chinook window
USGS gauge 12041200 recorded the Hoh River at 1,440 cfs early Monday morning, while gauge 12035000 placed the Quinault at 819 cfs — both rivers running at moderate, fishable levels as the Olympic Peninsula enters its prime spring Chinook window. No water temperature readings are available from either gauge at this time. None of this week's angler-intel feeds included direct coverage of Olympic Peninsula salmon rivers, so conditions beyond the gauge data are assessed from seasonal patterns typical for early May in this watershed. At these flows, both rivers are well below spring flood stage, offering comfortable bank and drift access. Spring Chinook are the headline target; mid-river holding pools and softer inside bends are classic ambush points at these volumes. The Waning Gibbous moon adds low-light dawn windows worth planning around. Verify current WDFW retention rules before heading out — quotas and retention windows vary by river and run year.
Panhandle Gulf Water at 72–76°F: Cobia Migration and Speckled Trout Active
NOAA buoy 42039 is logging 76°F water and buoy 42012 reads 72°F along the northern Gulf as of May 4 — temperatures squarely in the productive early-May range for Panhandle anglers. Sport Fishing Mag's recent Forgotten Coast coverage highlights speckled trout exceeding 20 inches on artificials worked across the region's marshes and grass flats, a pattern that tracks well for the bay systems around Destin and Pensacola. Cobia are typical at this water temperature as they push through Panhandle nearshore waters during their spring migration window. Both buoys record light winds near 8–10 knots, pointing to favorable surface conditions for offshore runs this week. The waning gibbous moon delivers a moderate tidal push through mid-week — useful for concentrating bait on current-swept edges. Check state regulations before targeting red snapper, as Gulf season dates vary annually.
Snook and Tarpon Heating Up as Tampa Bay Water Reaches 74–77°F
Water temps of 74°F at NOAA buoy 42036 and 77°F at NOAA buoy 42013 confirm Tampa Bay and Sarasota are squarely in prime inshore season. Capt. Dave Stephens, writing for Coastal Angler Magazine, puts it plainly: 'May is probably one of my favorite months to fish Charlotte Harbor' — and current conditions back that call. Snook are staging near tidal passes and mangrove edges ahead of their summer spawn, while tarpon are showing in increasing numbers as water temps climb into their preferred range. Redfish are cruising shell bars and grass flat edges; spotted seatrout are active on the flats. Salt Strong highlights how aggressive snook turn when water temps hit this range — that window is open now. Offshore buoys are logging 15–21 knots, keeping the open Gulf choppy; anglers working the protected bay and flat systems will find the most consistent action this week.
Keys Flats Hit 78°F: Tarpon Migration Peaking, Mahi Active Offshore
NOAA buoy 41114 logged 78°F water temperatures in Keys-adjacent waters on April 26, placing the Florida Keys squarely in its prime late-spring fishing window. For flats anglers, that reading signals tarpon migration is well underway—large migratory fish typically stage under bridges and move through nearshore channels throughout May, making this the Keys' signature season. Permit are beginning to push onto turtle grass flats as warm water stabilizes, and resident bonefish remain reliably active in the shallows. Offshore, the spring mahi-mahi run is characteristic of this period, with weed lines along the Florida Straits holding active fish. Saltwater Sportsman highlights pitch-baiting as a proven technique for gamefish attracted to trolling spreads—a method that translates directly to mahi and opportunistic sailfish encountered while running south of the reef. No local captain or tackle shop intelligence appeared in this cycle's feed; species outlook is informed by buoy data and typical early-May Keys seasonal patterns.
75°F Water Signals Prime Trout and Redfish Season at Lower Laguna Madre
Water temperatures of 75–76°F recorded at NOAA buoys 42020 and 42043 place the Lower Laguna Madre squarely in the late-spring sweet spot for inshore fishing. Open-Gulf wave heights of 9.2 feet at buoy 42020 make offshore runs inadvisable right now — the Laguna's protected shallows are the better play. Speckled trout are typical targets as warming water concentrates bait on grass flats along the lagoon's west shoreline, while redfish should be actively working the same shallow zones under the waning gibbous moon's moderate tidal push. Salt Strong's Gulf Coast redfish footage underscores how aggressively these fish herd bait in organized schools — expect similar behavior on Laguna flats as conditions remain prime. Field & Stream recently noted snook expanding their Gulf range northward into Mississippi waters, a trend worth monitoring for South Padre's jetty and surf zones in May. No specific firsthand reports from Lower Laguna Madre guides or shops appeared in this week's intel feeds; the assessments below reflect environmental readings and established seasonal patterns for the region.
East Texas Bass Lock Onto Shallow Beds; Neches Running 4,130 CFS
With water temperatures climbing toward typical spawn windows in East Texas, largemouth bass at Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn are moving into predictable shallow-structure patterns. Wired 2 Fish contributor Brandon Coulter this week detailed a swimbait-plus-finesse-bait approach tailored for exactly this stage: fan-cast a swimbait to locate fish holding near beds, stumps, and shallow cover, then drop a finesse plastic on any follower to finish the deal. The Neches River is flowing at 4,130 CFS per USGS gauge 08030500 (recorded 2:45 AM CT, May 4), reflecting moderate late-spring conditions in the Sam Rayburn basin. Crappie are staging for the spawn across the broader region: Wired 2 Fish and Outdoor Hub both reported heavyweight-limit crappie catches at Grenada Lake in neighboring Mississippi on April 24, a seasonal pattern that typically mirrors East Texas lakes in the first week of May. No on-site water temperature data is available at this time.
Hill Country Lakes Bass in Late Spawn as Colorado Flows 405 cfs
The Colorado River feeding the Highland Lakes chain is running at 405 cfs at the Austin gauge (USGS gauge 08158000) as of the predawn hours of May 4 — a moderate, stable flow that bodes well for lake levels on Travis, LBJ, and Buchanan. No real-time temperature readings are available from the gauge, but early May in Central Texas typically puts surface temps in the upper 60s to low 70s°F, which puts largemouth bass squarely in late-spawn mode. Wired 2 Fish breaks down a productive approach for this window: cover shallow structure with a swimbait to locate bed fish around stumps and rocky points, then switch to a finesse soft plastic to convert follows into bites. Crappie are likely staging for the spawn in 8–15 feet near standing timber, and white bass — whose annual Colorado River run typically peaks March through April — may still be accessible in the creek arms and river channels feeding the upper ends of each impoundment.
SF Bay Stripers in Prime Season as Offshore Swells Top 5 Ft
NOAA buoy 46013 off Bodega Bay logged 5.6-foot wave heights and an air temperature of 53°F at first light this morning, while buoy 46026 off San Francisco recorded 5.2-foot seas — a swell window that will keep smaller vessels in protected waters for now. No regional charter, shop, or state-agency intel for SF Bay or the Bodega coast appeared in this week's available angler-intel feeds; what follows draws on current buoy readings and typical early-May patterns for this stretch of coast. Inside SF Bay, May is traditionally one of the stronger months for striped bass as fish push into shallower structure with rising water temperatures; live-bait drifted near bridge pilings and channel edges is the go-to approach. California halibut are a reliable second target in bay shallows through late spring. Offshore, lingcod and rockfish fishing the nearshore reefs is possible once swells ease below 3 feet. The waning gibbous moon favors early-morning low-light feeding windows.
White Seabass Window Opens as Channel Islands Water Hits 62°F
NOAA buoys 46025 and 46221 both recorded 62°F water temperatures in the LA Bight early this morning (May 4), with 2.6-foot seas at buoy 46221 and winds running around 6 m/s at buoy 46025. These are textbook late-spring conditions for the Southern California nearshore and offshore transition zones. White seabass, which favor the 58–68°F window, should be prime targets right now around the Channel Islands and kelp-bed margins of the LA Bight. Calico bass are a reliable option on structure throughout the region. No Southern California-specific charter or tackle-shop intel was available in this reporting cycle, so species assessments below are grounded in seasonal norms rather than fresh on-the-water reports — call your local landing before you load the boat. Yellowtail remain a watch, typically appearing in numbers once surface temps push consistently past 63–65°F. Halibut are worth targeting on sandy-bottom transitions as bait schools continue to move through.