Fishing reports
19300 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Stripers Push to Cape Cod Canal as Bay Temps Reach 48–50°F
Water temps at 48–50°F (NOAA buoys 44013 and 44020, April 30) are pulling striped bass north on schedule. Per The Fisherman (Northeast), a surge of stripers has "crashed the party" in Narragansett Bay with fish ranging 25 to 40 inches, and smaller cohorts are already coursing from Jamestown all the way to the Canal — meaning Cape Cod Bay's doorstep is now live. Just a week earlier, the same outlet noted Buzzards Bay reports upgraded from "just schoolies" to fish "into the mid-30-inch class" almost overnight. With a full moon overhead tonight, tidal rips and current-swept structure along the Bay's western shore should be especially productive after dark. Tautog have also hit their spring stride in shallow, rocky habitat according to The Fisherman — check current Massachusetts regulations for season and bag limits before keeping any fish. The spring migration window is wide open.
Colorado River at 58°F, 1,940 cfs — Pre-Runoff Trout Window Is Open
At 58°F and 1,940 cfs as of midday April 30 — per USGS gauge 09095500 on the Colorado River — this drainage sits in a narrow pre-runoff sweet spot that experienced anglers know not to sleep on. Flows are moderate, water clarity is typically at its best before May snowmelt muddies the picture, and both brown and rainbow trout are actively feeding at this temperature. Nymph rigs and dry-dropper setups are the standard late-April approach on both the Colorado and the Arkansas River. None of this week's national fishing feeds carried direct reports from these waters, so conditions here draw on gauge data and typical late-April patterns for Colorado's freestone and tailwater fisheries. Tonight's full moon can trigger feeding spikes at low-light periods — first light and last light are the priority windows this weekend. Watch gauge 09095500 closely: once flows push past 2,500 cfs, wading becomes difficult and bankside eddies become the better target.
Salmon Action at Buoy 10 as Oregon Coast Temps Sit at 53–54°F
Readings from NOAA buoy 46002 and 46029 place Oregon Coast surface temperatures at 53–54°F as of late morning April 30 — squarely within the productive range for spring Chinook. Saltwater Sportsman reports on the Buoy 10 Columbia River fishery near Astoria and Warrenton, where Capt. Hugh Harris targets chinook and coho in pre-dawn sessions, describing concentrated, close-quarters action near the river mouth. Offshore, conditions are demanding: swells of 6.6–7.5 ft (buoys 46029 and 46050) and sustained winds of 8 m/s across all three monitoring stations make bar crossings hazardous and limit access to exposed coastal grounds. Anglers who can work protected nearshore water or fish inside the river mouth confluence are best positioned right now. The full moon is driving strong tidal exchanges that typically push baitfish tight to current seams and structure. Check current Oregon regulations for spring Chinook retention rules before launching — this fishery is closely managed on a season-by-season basis.
51°F Water and Full Moon Set the Chesapeake Mouth for Striper Arrivals
NOAA buoy 44009 recorded 51°F water at the Chesapeake mouth this morning — right at the threshold where spring striper migrations historically accelerate through Virginia inlets. Confirmation that the front is moving comes from The Fisherman (Northeast), whose April 23 NJ/DE Bay forecast documents active night striper action along the Jersey Shore and early black drum sightings in the Delaware corridor, both indicators that the coastal push is now squarely in motion. Schoolie stripers expanded into slot and over-slot fish across the Northeast over just the past week, per The Fisherman (Northeast)'s New England coverage, underscoring how quickly size classes upgrade at this stage of the season. Tonight's full moon amplifies tidal current through the inlet, concentrating baitfish and priming rip edges for aggressive feeding. Wind is running at 8 m/s (~18 mph) per buoy 44009, putting moderate chop on the bay face — manageable for most bay boats with attention to entry and exit timing.
Striper Push Advancing Toward NH Coast as Water Hits 46°F
NOAA buoy 44007 recorded 46°F water temps off the NH seacoast at 5:10 AM on April 30, with winds running at 6 m/s and air temperatures near 44°F — classic late-April Gulf of Maine conditions. No NH-specific charter or shop reports are available in this cycle, but The Fisherman (Northeast) confirms the regional striper push is in rapid-expansion mode: schoolies are "exploding into slots and overs" across southern New England, with fish to 30 pounds already showing in western Long Island Sound, and Buzzards Bay upgrading from schoolies to mid-30-inch class fish in a matter of days. That northward velocity puts the NH seacoast in line to receive the migration's leading edge imminently. Tonight's full moon will drive some of the month's strongest tidal exchanges along estuary mouths and rocky points — prime ambush windows for stripers moving into coastal structure. Anglers willing to brave the chill should target dawn and dusk tides over the next 48–72 hours.
Mississippi Sound Hits 76°F With Spanish Mackerel Push Imminent
NOAA buoy 42067 logged 76°F water in the Mississippi Sound on April 29, running 2–4 degrees warmer than the typical late-April baseline for this stretch of the northern Gulf Coast. Light winds of 3 m/s (roughly 7 mph) and comfortable 75°F air temperatures set up a pleasant day on the water. No Mississippi-specific charter or tackle-shop reports appear in current angler-intel feeds this week, so conditions assessments here draw on seasonal patterns typical for this region at this temperature threshold. At 76°F, speckled trout and redfish are reliably active along inshore grass beds and shell-reef edges, and Spanish mackerel — which historically stage near the barrier islands once Sound temps clear 72–74°F — should be in play or arriving imminently. The waxing gibbous moon sharpens tidal movement over the next few nights, creating stronger current windows that favor ambush feeders. Get on the water early.
Pre-Spawn Bass Building in Central MA as River Flows Stay Fishable
USGS gauge 01105500 recorded Central MA flows at 19.4 cfs this morning, while gauge 01111500 clocked in at 94.5 cfs — both within fishable range as late April marks one of the region's most productive windows for stocked trout and pre-spawn bass. Water temperatures were unavailable from either gauge. On The Water's April 24 striper migration map notes that the first wave of migratory fish has already reached Massachusetts — a useful indicator that southern New England is warming on schedule with historical norms. With a Waxing Gibbous moon overhead tonight, feeding activity at dawn and dusk should be elevated across Central MA ponds and lakes. Largemouth bass are staging in warming shallows ahead of the spawn, while chain pickerel and yellow perch remain opportunistic. Stocked trout are the most reliable near-term bet, typical for this stretch of the season across the region.
Post-spawn stripers exit the Chesapeake as water reaches 50°F
Water temperatures at NOAA buoy 44009 are reading 50°F as of this morning — right in the optimal feeding band for striped bass. On The Water's April 24 striper migration map puts the Chesapeake squarely in focus: post-spawn fish are actively moving out of the Bay, while a broad coastal push of quality bass rolls northward through New Jersey and into southern New England. The Fisherman (Northeast) describes the regional striper front as being in "rapid expansion" mode, with schoolies quickly giving way to slot and over-sized fish over the course of just a few days. For Bay anglers, the late-April window — when larger post-spawn rockfish linger near tributary mouths before their northward run — may be starting to narrow. Light winds (~6 knots) are keeping boat conditions manageable. White perch are typical for the upper Bay's tidal rivers in late April, though no specific reports flagged them by name for the region this week.
Snake River at 47°F and 15,700 cfs: Spring Chinook Window Aligns
The USGS gauge at site 13340000 logged the Snake River at 15,700 cfs and 47°F as of the 5:15 AM reading on April 29 — water temperatures that sit squarely in the productive strike zone for spring Chinook salmon and late-season steelhead pushing through the Snake and Salmon River corridors. Flows are elevated and consistent with the late-April snowmelt pulse off the upper Snake plain; expect lightly turbid conditions in faster gradient reaches, which will push fish toward current seams, back-eddies, and slack inside bends where they can hold without burning energy against the push. No Idaho-specific catch reports surfaced in this cycle's angler feeds, so current bite accounts should be drawn from local contacts on the water. The waxing gibbous moon favors the low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk. Verify wild fish retention rules and any reach-specific closures with IDFG before harvesting — spring Chinook regulations on the Snake and Salmon systems are reach-specific and change year to year.
Gulf of Alaska Water Temps Hold 39–42°F as Late-April Halibut Season Ramps Up
NOAA buoys across the Gulf of Alaska logged water temperatures between 39°F and 42°F on April 29, with light winds of 4–6 m/s — readings that place conditions squarely in the Gulf's typical late-April window. Buoy 46080 recorded the warmest reading at 42°F, while buoys 46001 and 46066 came in at 40°F and 39°F respectively. Air temperature at buoy 46001 registered 4.1°C, confirming chilly but fishable conditions for offshore work. None of this week's angler-intel feeds — Saltwater Sportsman, Anglers Journal, Coastal Angler Magazine, or Field & Stream — carried Gulf of Alaska-specific bite reports, so the species outlook below draws on typical late-April seasonal patterns rather than direct on-the-water testimony. Pacific halibut is the headline species this time of year, with charter and sport seasons in full swing. King salmon are typically beginning to stage offshore, and bottomfish including rockfish and lingcod remain available on deeper structure. Verify current season dates and bag limits through state regulations before heading out.
Stripers Push Into Delaware Bay as Water Temps Hit 51°F
NOAA buoy 44009 is logging 51°F water in Delaware Bay this morning — right at the inflection point where striped bass runs historically accelerate. On The Water's April 24 striper migration map confirms post-spawn fish are exiting the Chesapeake and a strong push of quality bass is already lighting up NJ bays and beachfronts to the north. That momentum puts Delaware Bay squarely in line for improving action through the week. The Fisherman (Northeast)'s NJ/DE Bay forecast from April 23 highlighted outback stripers working under the lights at night along the Jersey Shore corridor, with a county-by-county presence along open beaches. The same forecast previews black drum coverage in its incoming May issue, suggesting that species is also beginning to show in the region. Winds off buoy 44009 are registering a calm 2 m/s — ideal conditions for both boat and surf anglers to capitalize on the migration push.
Wind River & North Platte: Spring Runoff Conditions Expected
Environmental data from USGS gauge 06259000 has not returned recent water temperature or flow readings as of April 28, limiting our ability to assess real-time conditions. Late April is prime spring runoff season for Wyoming's high-altitude trout streams. Historically, this period brings sustained warming and rising flows as snowmelt accelerates across the Wind River and North Platte basins. The Waxing Gibbous moon may support early-morning and evening activity on traditional spring patterns. Anglers planning trips should confirm current gauge readings and check with local fly shops for the most current reports of what's working on the water.
New River holds 194 cfs as spring transition accelerates
The New River was flowing at 194 cubic feet per second on April 28, according to USGS gauge 03051000, with no water-temperature reading available at the time. Flow stage remains stable and typical for late April, offering steady wading and access conditions across the region. Water temperatures this time of year typically climb toward the 60–65°F range, which should trigger active feeding windows across catfish, bass, and walleye populations. Current conditions suggest a reliable window for seasonal species targeting through early May, with flows stable enough to support planned trips.
USGS Reports Minimal Flow as Missouri River Spawning Cycles Activate
USGS gauge 06440200 recorded minimal flow of 1.3 cfs on April 28, the lowest water-stage signal available for Black Hills and Missouri River planning this week. Late April is prime spring spawning season across the region, and with a Waxing Gibbous moon and typical late-April stability, this window should favor consistent action on walleye, pike, and crappie across shallow spawning flats and stillwater structures. Regional tackle shops and state fishery bulletins are your best source for real-time bite reports and verification of the reported low-flow conditions, which may reflect tributary monitoring or seasonal low-water context. Check state regulations before harvest and plan extended dawn-to-dusk sessions to capture spawn-phase feeding windows.
Spring Warmth Reaches 74°F Along Outer Banks
NOAA buoys recorded 74-degree water off the Outer Banks this weekend—significantly warmer than the low-to-mid 50s reported by Fisherman's Post for Hatteras and Ocracoke earlier in April. That source noted cool water had kept surf fishing slow with dogfish sharks dominating action. Ocean Isle Fishing Center, per the same outlet, predicted red drum would be among the first to activate once temperatures rose. That inflection appears to be arriving now. Conditions vary by location: buoy 41013 in the southern sound shows calmer 2.6-foot swells, while offshore buoy 41025 reports 6.6-foot waves. Watch for red drum activity to surge this week as the warming trend continues.
Striper Push Lights Up Long Island; Western Sound Delivers 30-Pounders
Water temperatures reached 48–50°F this evening (NOAA buoys 44025, 44065), ideal for an accelerating striper bite. Per On The Water — New York / Long Island's April 23 report, stripers are chasing bunker east along the South Shore beaches and bays, with Western Sound receiving a strong influx of slot-size fish. The Fisherman (Northeast) confirms the spring striper push is "well underway" with fresh migratory waves lighting up both South Shore marshes and East End oceanfront. Western Long Island Sound is delivering fish to 30 pounds on topwater and bunker-pattern presentations. Scup (porgy) and summer flounder seasons have also opened per NY DEC Saltwater Fishing and Boating, broadening target opportunities. Waves are running 4.3 feet with moderate 8-knot winds—typical late-April conditions for this region.
Late-April trout conditions favor spring feeders; water temps at 58°F
Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes water temps are holding steady at 58°F (per USGS gauge readings as of April 28), creating favorable conditions for early-season freshwater trout. NY DEC's spring stocking campaign continues, with the statewide inland trout opener on April 1 now in full swing. Current USGS flow data shows moderate mainstem conditions (2,820 cfs) supporting stable habitat. While region-specific angler reports are limited in this week's intel, late April typically favors midday dry-fly and nymph presentations as water temps allow consistent small insect hatches. Expect more aggressive feeding as air temps climb into the 60s over the coming days. Waxing Gibbous moon phase suggests steady feeding windows throughout daylight hours.
Platte & Missouri: Moderate flow favors catfish and walleye in late April
The Platte is running at 1,570 cubic feet per second as of April 28 — solidly in the moderate-to-high range for this time of year. No current water temperature readings are available from USGS gauge 06796000, but late-April flows this strong typically push feeding activity in catfish and walleye, especially in current breaks and deeper holes where baitfish congregate. The waxing gibbous moon should lift nocturnal activity through early May. Without current bait-shop or charter reports specific to the region, we're calling conditions typical for late April: seasonal transition well underway, post-spawn positioning establishing, and current structure becoming prime.
Spring flow peaks on Kennebec as stripers approach Maine
The Kennebec is running at a robust 3,070 CFS as measured at USGS gauge 01046500 on April 28, reflecting typical spring runoff. Striper migration is advancing northward—per On The Water's April 24 migration map, the first wave of post-spawn fish has reached southern New England waters in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with strong pushes reported along Jersey beachfronts. Maine's anadromous stripers typically begin moving upstream into the Kennebec and Penobscot during late April and early May as water temps climb and baitfish respond to warming conditions. With moderately elevated flows, the lower river zones should see the earliest arrivals. No water temperature is currently available at our gauge, so keep an eye on the forecast and condition reports from local shops as the month turns—peak striper arrival typically tracks with sustained water temps in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Spring striper push reaches Connecticut as water temps hit 54°F
A water reading of 54°F logged this morning by the USGS at gauge 01184000 marks the onset of prime conditions for spring stripers in Connecticut. Per On The Water, the first wave of migratory fish has reached southern New England with fresh fish in Rhode Island and Massachusetts; confirmed reports show striped bass active in Connecticut waters as of mid-April. With inland water temps climbing into ideal ranges, striper activity should increase in deeper pools and current-break zones over the next week. Most other freshwater species remain in seasonal transition; specific reports on largemouth, smallmouth, and stocked trout are limited at this juncture. Check local tackle shops for real-time intel on lake-specific activity.
55-degree water, 34,600 CFS flow — spring bass and pike bite arrives in PA
The Susquehanna and Allegheny are running at 34,600 cubic feet per second with water temperatures holding at 55°F, setting up classic late-April freshwater conditions in Pennsylvania. Spring spawning patterns are underway, with bass moving through shallow flats and pike sliding into recovery zones as temperatures climb. Per Wired 2 Fish, early-season northern pike fishing is entering a window where cold water and post-recovery positioning make them highly predictable. The Outdoor Hub reports that catfish regulations in the Ohio River Basin (which includes the Allegheny and Monongahela) are under review for potential 2027 changes, so check current state rules before targeting bottom-feeders. This window typically represents some of the year's most consistent fishing — conditions are right for both active lures and slower presentations on structure.
Illinois River crests during spring spawn — monitor flow before heading out
USGS readings from April 27 show the Illinois River flowing at 43,900 cubic feet per second — well above normal for late April and part of the historic spring flooding affecting the upper Midwest. Per Great Lakes Now, the region experienced 'extreme rain on snow' over April 20–26, forcing evacuations across Michigan and Wisconsin; Illinois waterways are still managing the runoff. Specific angler reports from IL waters in this week's feeds are sparse, but the calendar suggests classic spawn conditions: late April is prime time for largemouth bass and pike to enter shallow flats. Water temperatures aren't available from buoy readings. Walleye activity should be building as the cool freshwater settles — typical pattern for the season. Plan around the elevated flow when choosing access points; lower gradients and backwater areas may offer refuge from main-channel current.
Striper migration reaches Narragansett Bay as water cools to 47°F
Fresh waves of striped bass are moving into southern New England, with water temperatures holding at 47–48°F across NOAA buoys 44097 and 44085 in Narragansett Bay. Per On The Water, the first wave of migratory fish has reached Rhode Island, following a broader Northeast striper push that The Fisherman reports is in rapid expansion phase—quality bass to the mid-30-inch class are now common in adjacent waters like Buzzards Bay. Moderate swells of 3–5.6 feet add texture to the bay, typical for late April. This is prime timing for targeting fresh migrators along rip lines and shallow structures before the main May push.
73-Degree Gulf, Light Winds: AL Saltwater Conditions Late April
NOAA buoy 42012 recorded 73°F water temperature early this evening, with light winds around 5 knots and pleasant air temperatures near 73°F across the central Alabama Gulf. This warm-water setup is typical for late April and signals prime conditions for the season's transition species — tarpon staging their spring run into bays and estuaries, cobia beginning their northbound migration, and redfish holding strong in shallow flats and coastal structure. Calm seas and clear water make sight-casting conditions favorable this week. Plan your trips around the light-wind window while it holds, and watch for early-season red snapper openers as May approaches.