Fishing reports
19295 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Mississippi River Running High at 684K cfs; Crappie Spawn Heating Up
USGS gauge 07289000 logged the Mississippi River at a hefty 684,000 cfs on May 4 — elevated spring-runoff conditions that push fish out of the main channel and into eddies, wing-dam pockets, and oxbow backwaters. That means presenting to the river itself demands slack-water precision right now. While river-specific intel is limited, statewide crappie fishing is legitimately red-hot: Wired 2 Fish and Outdoor Hub both covered a 4.10-pound white crappie pulled from Grenada Lake on April 24 under guide Trent Goss, with Goss describing the 35,000-acre reservoir as "on fire with big crappies" as fish stage pre-spawn. Heavyweight-limit catches were common throughout the morning. For bass, Wired 2 Fish highlights a swimbait-then-finesse follow-up combo for shallow-water bed fish — a technique that translates directly to the slower river backwaters and oxbow coves where bass are likely approaching spawn right now.
North Shore Steelhead Running Strong as MN Walleye Opener Nears
The MN DNR North Shore Fishing Report for April 30 confirms steelhead are picking up across all lower-shore rivers following a post-rain recovery — the Knife River briefly spiked to 4,690 CFS after two inches of rain on April 23 before gradually clearing, and fishing pressure has rebounded as clarity improved. USGS gauge 05331000 is recording 28,800 CFS on the Mississippi, and gauge 05288500 registers 17,200 CFS, reflecting an elevated but receding spring pulse across the region. No water temperature readings are available from either gauge. With the MN walleye opener typically falling in mid-May, shallow-bay and river-mouth action is building across Twin Cities metro lakes. Per the same DNR report, a smelt run along the North Shore remains pending — most likely waiting on a stretch of warm, calm evenings to trigger movement. The season is transitioning quickly: post-ice recovery is complete on the North Shore, flows are receding, and several key species are entering their prime early-season windows.
Grand River at 6,160 CFS: Great Lakes Bass and Walleye Near Spawn
The Grand River is carrying 6,160 cfs as of May 4 (USGS gauge 04119000), a reminder that the watershed is still shedding late-spring runoff after the widespread flooding the MI DNR Weekly Fishing Report flagged in mid-April. Main-stem conditions remain murky, but the elevated flow is pushing baitfish and staging predators toward tributaries and Great Lakes nearshore zones. Great Lakes Now reports that the Channel Island reef restoration in Saginaw Bay — completed last October — is now entering its first full spawn cycle, expected to concentrate native walleye and forage species in Lake Huron's nearshore. On The Water's podcast with Lake Erie guide Captain Joe Fonzi highlights a thriving smallmouth and walleye fishery driven by round-goby forage. Closer to home, Wired 2 Fish outlines a timely approach for spring bass as fish stage toward spawn: lead with a swimbait to locate fish near shallow structure, then close with a finesse bait.
Bass Staging Shallow in Central MA as May Spawn Push Kicks Off
Massachusetts bass tournament season is in full swing — the MA Bass Federation recently wrapped state championship competition — while Wired 2 Fish highlights a swimbait-to-finesse approach for targeting pre-spawn largemouth as water temperatures climb across the region. Bass are actively moving onto shallow structure near beds and stumps, making this one of the most productive pre-spawn windows of the year. USGS gauge 01111500 is reading 98.7 cfs and gauge 01105500 at 18.6 cfs as of early Monday; neither gauge is reporting a water temperature today. MidCurrent's recent tying roundups are flagging caddis and mayfly patterns coming alive on Northeast stillwaters and tailraces — a strong signal that stocked and holdover trout in Central MA rivers and ponds are beginning to look up. With a waning gibbous moon still overhead, dawn and dusk feeding windows should be the most productive slots across the region. No buoy data is available for this inland area.
Patapsco moderate at 62 cfs; bass on beds, stripers in transition
On The Water's May 1 striper migration map signals that post-spawn females are beginning their push out of the Chesapeake system — timing that puts Potomac River rockfish in active transition right now. USGS gauge 01589000 recorded 62.5 cfs on the Patapsco as of early May 4, indicating moderate, fishable flows; no temperature reading was available from instruments. With largemouth bass likely moving onto beds in shallow coves and backwaters, Wired 2 Fish highlights a productive spring tactic for this phase: run a swimbait to cover water and locate fish holding near stumps and structure, then follow with a finesse bait to seal the deal. Smallmouth, which favor the rocky riffles and ledges of both the upper Potomac and Patapsco, should also be approaching spawn given seasonal water temperatures typically cresting 60°F by early May in this region. The waning gibbous moon adds low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk.
Gulf of Maine Holds at 42–44°F as Striper Push Builds to the South
NOAA buoy 44007 logged 44°F water and buoy 44027 recorded 42°F off the Maine coast at 0500 on May 4 — cold numbers that tell the story of where the season stands. The striper migration is accelerating fast in southern New England: The Fisherman (Northeast) reported a surge of fish 25 to 40 inches flooding Narragansett Bay as of April 30, and On The Water's May 1 migration map confirms the post-spawn push out of the Chesapeake is underway. Maine anglers, however, are still waiting — stripers prefer water above 50°F, and the Gulf remains 6 to 8 degrees short of that threshold. This week, mackerel and bottom species are the more realistic targets in Maine waters. Winds at the buoys ran 7–9 m/s (roughly 14–17 knots) early Monday morning, pointing to breezy offshore conditions. The waning gibbous moon is a useful timing cue for tidal current windows inshore.
Kennebec Running at 4,610 cfs — Landlocked Salmon Season in Prime Spring Window
USGS gauge 01046500 recorded the Kennebec at 4,610 cfs early on May 4 — an elevated but fishable spring flow pushing landlocked salmon and brook trout toward river edges and slower-water pockets. Water temperature data was unavailable at the gauge; typical early-May readings on these rivers run in the low-to-mid 40s°F, where both species feed actively. Elevated flows favor nymph and wet-fly presentations fished tight to current seams and sheltered bends over mid-channel drifts. Farther downstream, On The Water's May 1 striper migration map notes that post-spawn females are departing the Chesapeake and moving northeast — the lower tidal Kennebec could see early migrant stripers within days. MidCurrent's current spring-hatch coverage highlights beaded nymph and midge-style patterns as productive on northeastern rivers right now, a useful cue for Maine's freestone tributaries as afternoon temperatures begin to climb.
Gulf at 78°F: Cobia Season Peaks as Snook Push Toward Louisiana
NOAA buoy 42001 logged Gulf water at 78°F early this morning, confirming full late-spring warmth has arrived along the Louisiana coast. The season's most notable regional development comes from Field & Stream, which reports that kayak angler Matthew Mitchell set a new Mississippi state snook record on April 21, landing his fish near Pascagoula Bay on a Z-Man soft-plastic mullet — with marine biologists noting snook are actively expanding their range into the Pascagoula Estuary. That westward push puts Louisiana anglers on notice: snook are closer to home waters than ever. Meanwhile, 78°F water and moderate winds of 7 m/s (buoy 42001) and 5 m/s (buoy 42067) describe conditions that historically put the redfish and speckled trout bite in high gear along marsh edges and shallow flats. May is also the heart of cobia season in the northern Gulf — look for them staging over nearshore structure and cruising the surf line. Expect multiple species in play simultaneously this week.
Mississippi at 547K CFS: Crappie Staging as High Water Floods the Timber
USGS gauge 07374000 clocked the Mississippi River at 547,000 CFS as of May 3 — elevated spring flows pushing bass and crappie out of the main channel and into flooded cypress stands, willow flats, and backwater sloughs across the lower Louisiana system. Crappie look primed region-wide: Wired 2 Fish and Outdoor Hub both report a 4.10-pound white crappie taken April 24 at Grenada Lake in north-central Mississippi, where guide Trent Goss notes fish are staging for spawning and heavyweight-limit catches are common. That pre-spawn surge should be carrying through the Atchafalaya Basin and Louisiana's oxbow lakes. For bass, Wired 2 Fish highlights a swimbait-to-finesse-bait sequence as the smart play for locating fish near flooded structure — cover water with the swimbait, then seal the deal with a finesse trailer. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge; check local conditions before launching.
KY Rivers Running 411 cfs; Bass and Crappie Hit Peak Spawn Mode
USGS gauge 03301500 recorded a flow of 411 cfs just after midnight Monday — the only instrument reading available this cycle, with no water temperature logged. Despite the data gap, early May is historically the most productive freshwater window on the Ohio and Cumberland river systems: crappie are staging and pushing into shallower cover for the spawn, while largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are on or near beds. Wired 2 Fish this week details a proven two-bait approach for spawn-mode bass — covering water with a swimbait to trigger reaction strikes near beds and shallow structure, then following up with a finesse bait to seal the deal. Catfish activity typically builds through May as water temperatures climb. No Kentucky-specific charter or tackle-shop intel was available in this reporting cycle; species assessments below reflect seasonal norms for the region and should be confirmed with local sources before you head out.
Kansas River at 67°F and 8,780 cfs as Bass Enter Prime Spawn Window
USGS gauge 06892350 recorded the Kansas River at 67°F and 8,780 cfs as of the evening of May 3 — squarely in the temperature band that triggers bass spawning. Wired 2 Fish featured a timely breakdown this week: lead with a swimbait to cover water and draw reaction strikes from bass holding near beds, stumps, and shallow structure, then follow up with a finesse bait to seal the deal. With flow running nearly 9,000 cfs, the main channel is pushing hard — concentrate efforts on eddies, wing dams, and backwater sloughs where current breaks. Channel catfish are entering their pre-spawn feeding ramp as water approaches 70°F, with cut bait drifted along current seams the reliable producer. White bass spring runs on both rivers typically wind down near this temperature, so if fish are still stacked at tributary mouths or dam tailwaters, now is the time. The waning Gibbous moon slightly dampens overnight surface-bite windows but won't shut down daytime shallow-water action on bedding bass.
Iowa River at 15,500 cfs as Spring Bass and Crappie Near Spawn
USGS gauge 05465500 logged the Iowa River at 15,500 cfs on May 4—elevated spring volume that pushes fish out of the main channel and into slack-water pockets, wing dam eddies, and flooded timber along the bank. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge. None of this week's national fishing-intel feeds carried Iowa- or Des Moines River-specific reports, so local conditions here are inferred from seasonal patterns and adjacent Midwest signals. Wired 2 Fish reports that bass across the region are moving shallow as water temperatures climb toward spawn, recommending a swimbait to cover water and a finesse follow-up to convert light biters near shallow structure. Crappie are showing pre-spawn staging behavior nationally—a theme supported by both Wired 2 Fish and Outdoor Hub, which covered a 4.10-pound crappie taken at Grenada Lake on April 24, signaling how far the pre-spawn feed has progressed at comparable Midwest latitudes. Catfish activity should be picking up with warming May flows.
Wabash at 10,700 cfs: Spring Bass Go Shallow, Lake Michigan Salmon Season Opens
The USGS gauge at site 03335500 put the Wabash River at 10,700 cfs on the morning of May 4 — elevated spring flow that's characteristically pushing bass out of the main channel and into calmer backwaters and flooded timber along the banks. Wired 2 Fish this week covered exactly the technique that fits these conditions: a swimbait to cover shallow water and locate pre-spawn and spawn-phase fish, followed by a finesse bait to extract bites from fish sitting on structure. On Lake Michigan's Indiana shoreline, early May is traditionally the opening act for chinook and coho salmon, though no charter or shop reports from the region were available this cycle to confirm current activity. Walleye and channel catfish round out the Wabash's spring lineup, holding in deeper current seams and eddy pockets behind structure during these elevated flows. The waning gibbous moon favors early morning and late evening feeding pushes through the week.
Illinois River Surges to 52,400 CFS — Backwaters Hold Spring Bass and Crappie
USGS gauge 05586100 logged the Illinois River at 52,400 CFS on May 3, well above seasonal norms and pushing fish off the main channel into flooded backwaters and timber edges. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge, but mid-spring conditions in central Illinois typically place river temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s°F — prime territory for crappie and largemouth bass staging near structure. Wired 2 Fish highlights that bass are actively moving shallow for the spawn right now, and the swimbait-to-finesse approach — covering water with a reaction bait, then following up with a soft plastic — is effective for picking apart shallow beds and stump fields. On Lake Michigan, early May typically brings renewed nearshore smallmouth and yellow perch activity as the lake shakes off winter, though no direct charter or shop intel is available this cycle. Waning gibbous moon favors dawn and dusk feeding windows on both water bodies.
Snake River at 53°F: Spring Chinook Season Hits Its Stride
USGS gauge 13340000 logged the Snake River at 18,100 cfs and 53°F on the evening of May 3—water in the low 50s sits squarely in the productive band for spring Chinook salmon pushing actively upriver through the Snake and Salmon drainages. Flow is elevated with seasonal snowmelt but remains within a fishable range; expect off-color water near tributary confluences. No angler-intel feeds this week produced on-the-ground reports directly from these drainages, so conditions below draw from the gauge reading and established early-May patterns for the region. On the fly-fishing front, Hatch Magazine's coverage of spring caddis emergences applies directly to Idaho's freestone rivers at these temperatures, and Field & Stream's trout-angler insect primer notes that caddisflies and stoneflies form the backbone of a trout's spring diet—both translate squarely to upper Salmon River tributaries right now. Steelhead season is winding down on most drainages; rainbow and cutthroat trout are increasingly the prime fly-rod target as hatches begin firing.
Hawaiian Islands Waters 75–79°F as Spring Pelagic Season Builds
Water temperatures across the Hawaiian Islands are ranging from 75°F at NOAA buoy 51001 (northwest of the chain) to 79°F at NOAA buoy 51002 to the southwest — ideal offshore territory for the pelagics Hawaii is built around. Trade winds are clocking at a moderate 6–9 meters per second across all three buoys, producing typical spring sailing conditions. No Hawaii-specific charter or shop reports appear in this week's citable angler-intel feeds, so species assessments below draw on seasonal patterns and buoy readings rather than direct on-water testimony. That said, these temps are historically prime for yellowfin tuna (ahi) and mahi-mahi, with blue marlin action typically building through May. Offshore anglers should look to current edges and temperature breaks between the 75°F and 79°F zones, where baitfish tend to concentrate. Per Saltwater Sportsman, pitch-baiting on raised billfish and tuna — keeping a rigged rod ready when a fish pops up — remains a high-percentage tactic on these offshore spreads.
Georgia Coast Posts Light Winds for Early May; Cobia Run Expected to Build
NOAA buoy 41008 off the Georgia coast recorded winds of 5 meters per second (~11 mph) and an air temperature of 20.8°C (~69°F) just before dawn on May 4 — calm enough for comfortable runs to nearshore structure and offshore ledges. Water temperature data was unavailable in this reading cycle; confirm surface temps locally before committing to a targeting plan. The most notable Georgia news this week comes from Georgia Wildlife Blog, which flags ongoing wildfire activity in South Georgia and urges extra caution for anyone traveling through the region. No charter or tackle shop saltwater reports were available in this cycle. Drawing on buoy data and seasonal patterns, early May is typically one of the strongest windows of the year for cobia along the beach and nearshore ledges, while redfish and spotted seatrout remain active in barrier island estuaries. Flounder action around jetty and inlet structure also tends to pick up as May water temperatures climb.
Crappie spawn peaks on Georgia rivers; Savannah flowing at 4,220 cfs
Crappie are staging in prime spawning depths across Georgia's freshwater systems — the Georgia Wildlife Blog — Fishing reported fish holding in 3–8 feet of water near brush piles, fallen timber, and dock structure as of mid-to-late April, with live minnows and small jigs producing consistent action. The Savannah River at Augusta (USGS gauge 02197000) is running at 4,220 cfs as of early May 4, a moderate spring pulse that keeps baitfish cycling through mid-river corridors. No water temperature is available from the gauge, but this flow stage and calendar date typically put Savannah system surface temps in the upper 60s — solidly within the crappie and bass spawn window. Largemouth bass are also pushing shallow, with Wired 2 Fish reporting anglers targeting bed fish near stumps and shallow cover using a swimbait-to-finesse combination. South Georgia anglers should note active wildfire conditions flagged in the Georgia Wildlife Blog — Fishing April 24 report; verify access before heading to remote stretches.
St. Johns at 135 cfs as Post-Spawn Bass Transition Hits Okeechobee
USGS gauge 02232000 recorded the St. Johns River running at 135 cfs in the pre-dawn hours of May 4 — a modest, stable flow typical of the late dry-season transition in Central Florida. No water temperature reading was available from the gauge. This week's angler-intel feeds carried no direct reports from Lake Okeechobee or the St. Johns corridor; the closest Florida signal came from MidCurrent, which flagged a recent settlement over a proposed rock mine in the Everglades Agricultural Area — a development worth watching for guides and anglers operating in the broader Okeechobee watershed. Without charter or shop intel to draw from, conditions here are assessed against seasonal norms: largemouth bass are in the post-spawn recovery window, retreating from shallow beds to grass edges and deeper structure. The waning gibbous moon — just past full — suggests the recent shellcracker and bluegill bedding surge may be cresting; beds often stay productive for another week after the lunar peak.
Cape Canaveral Yellowfin Running Strong; Atlantic Red Snapper Season in Play
Sport Fishing Mag reports an active yellowfin tuna bite out of Cape Canaveral, with Capt. Adam Jeffrey running the 42-foot catamaran Reel Dream out of Port Canaveral on what he described as 'one of those clean Florida mornings with just enough breeze to keep the heat honest.' The approach that's been producing: work methodically, narrowing the ocean down until it makes sense rather than burning fuel running blind. NOAA buoys 41009 and 41008 recorded steady winds around 6 m/s (roughly 12 knots) and mild air temperatures of 21–23°C (70–74°F) as of early May 4. No surface water temperature readings were available from the buoy network. Anglers Journal is tracking a regulatory development that could reshape bottom-fishing planning for the season: Florida has formally submitted a request for a 39-day Atlantic recreational red snapper season, split across two segments. On the inshore side, Salt Strong has been covering the pursuit of trophy snook along Florida's coast — and early May is when these fish typically begin staging in earnest around inlets and jetties.
Gulf Waters Hit 75°F: Trout Running Hot on Florida's Forgotten Coast
NOAA buoys 42036 and 42039 recorded 75°F Gulf water temperatures early on May 4 — a comfortable range that has inshore fish active and feeding. Sport Fishing Mag reports speckled trout exceeding 20 inches are a consistent catch for anglers working artificials along the Forgotten Coast's undeveloped marshes and shoreline edges. To the south, Coastal Angler Magazine's Capt. Dave Stephens singles out May as "probably one of my favorite months to fish Charlotte Harbor," with Boca Grande Pass and the surrounding flats entering a strong seasonal window. Light winds — 6 m/s at buoy 42036 and 3 m/s at 42039 — are keeping inshore conditions manageable for skiff anglers. The waning gibbous moon is transitioning toward neap tides, moderating tidal swings but still generating enough current to push bait through cuts and passes. Snook and redfish are seasonally active across Gulf passes and grass flat edges, though direct reports on those species were limited in this cycle.
Post-spawn stripers pushing into DE tidal rivers; gauge at 3.04 cfs
On The Water's May 1 striper migration map notes that post-spawn females are leaving the Chesapeake—a timing cue that historically brings fish into Delaware's tidal tributaries, including the lower Nanticoke. USGS gauge 01493500 logged 3.04 cfs on May 3, indicating very low, likely clear flow in the region; no water temperature was returned from the gauge. Typical early-May conditions in the Christina and Nanticoke watersheds put water in the low-to-mid 60s°F range, which is prime for largemouth bass finishing their spawn on shallow flats and white perch wrapping up their upstream spring run. The waning gibbous moon favors predawn feeding windows through mid-week. With flows running this lean, lighter line and finesse presentations typically outperform heavier gear—drift a small swimbait or soft plastic along current seams for the best shot at schooling stripers pressing in from the bay.
Connecticut River at 55°F: Bass Pre-Spawn Staging as May Trout Season Peaks
USGS gauge 01184000 put the Connecticut River at Thompsonville at 55°F and 16,300 cfs early this morning — right at the threshold where pre-spawn largemouth and smallmouth bass begin pushing from deep winter haunts toward warming shallows. The Salmon River near East Hampton is flowing at a wade-friendly 114 cfs (USGS gauge 01193500), keeping stocked-trout reaches accessible to foot anglers across that stretch. Direct CT tackle-shop reports are absent from this week's feeds, but MidCurrent's current tying lineup leans heavily on caddis emergers and CDC patterns designed for 'low-light, overcast days' — a strong signal that early-May insect hatches on freestone trout streams are underway across the region. On The Water's May 1 migration update notes that post-spawn stripers are snowballing up the coast, though inland attention this week belongs to trout and bass. The waning gibbous moon phase supports low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk. Check state size and bag limits before keeping fish.
62°F on the Colorado: Caddis Hatches Fire Before Runoff Clouds the Water
USGS gauge 09095500 logged 62°F and 1,700 cfs on the evening of May 3rd, placing the Colorado River corridor squarely in the prime trout-feeding range right before snowmelt runoff typically builds. That temperature window lines up with what Hatch Magazine describes as peak caddis emergence season — the hatch that most reliably pulls fish to the surface on Colorado's freestone and tailwater reaches alike. MidCurrent's recent tying coverage reinforces the tailwater angle, spotlighting sparse midge-style patterns as the go-to choice for "clear, pressured water of stillwaters and tailraces," a description that fits the lower Arkansas and Colorado River tailwaters precisely. Also worth noting this season: MidCurrent reports that a landmark acquisition of Colorado's Tolland Ranch has expanded fly-fishing access to miles of previously private water on Colorado streams — a meaningful development for anglers looking to explore new reaches as conditions build toward peak season.