Fishing reports
19300 reports across all 50 states — current conditions and what's biting.
Gulf warms to 77°F; Blackfin active, light winds favor offshore trips
Water temperatures on the Gulf Coast reached 77°F (NOAA buoy 42036) with light winds of 3–6 knots, creating favorable conditions for offshore pushes. Blackfin tuna are active, with recent catches reported at Main Attraction Charters per Coastal Angler Magazine. The Viking Key West Challenge (April 8–12) concluded with strong fishing across the offshore fleet. For depth-focused anglers, Saltwater Sportsman highlights yelloweye snapper deep-dropping between 600–950 feet as a reliable offshore technique. The Waxing Gibbous moon supports night-fishing windows. Current conditions favor mixed-depth approach: inshore shallow-water sight-casting for redfish, and cold-water snapper structure offshore. Check local regulations and tide schedules before departing.
April Gulf Warmth Peaks at 78°—Moderate Swells Sustain Spring Opportunity
NOAA buoy 42001 recorded 78°F water off the outer continental shelf on April 26, with 2.3-foot swells and moderate 15-mph winds—typical late-April Gulf Coast conditions. The Delta-side reading (buoy 42067) logged 74°F water with lighter 9-mph wind, suggesting the usual spring cross-shelf temperature gradient as seasonal warmth pulses northward into productive inshore zones. Current angler-intelligence feeds lack specific reporting from Louisiana Gulf and Delta guides this weekend, but these readings align with the critical seasonal window when redfish and speckled trout shift into sustained shallow-water spawning and feeding activity, baitfish populations surge along marsh fringes and jetties, and deeper-water migrants (tarpon, king mackerel, wahoo) stage in Gulf passes and continental-shelf structures. Water temps in this 74–78°F band are where spring fishing historically transitions from early-season patterns into the high-activity phase that runs through May.
Light winds favor calm water heading into late spring
NOAA buoys report light winds (1–8 mps) and air temperatures near 52°F across the region, setting up calm seas. Water temperatures are unavailable from buoy sensors but typically run cool (48–52°F) for late April in Puget Sound and the Pacific coast. No specific angler reports from WA shops or charters were available today. This is peak spring transition: chinook and coho are moving through migratory corridors, halibut are actively feeding offshore, and rockfish occupy shallow reefs. Light winds favor targeting deeper structure and rip lines where baitfish concentrate. With First Quarter moon compressing slack-water windows, tidal timing becomes critical—plan incoming tide windows over the next 48 hours for best activity.
73° water, light offshore wind — peak tidal fishing window opens
Water temperatures at NOAA buoy 41004 are holding at 73°F with 2.6-foot swells and light offshore winds around 15 knots. Conditions are clean and favorable for presentations across structure. Late April in Charleston Harbor typically brings solid action on spotted seatrout and redfish across dock pilings, oyster beds, and drop-offs as water warms. Flounder should begin transitioning into shallower zones. The light wind pattern supports sight-fishing opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk when baitfish activity peaks. While specific angler reports for Charleston Harbor haven't surfaced in recent feeds, these conditions align with typical spring-transition patterns that activate inshore gamefish.
Atlantic swells hold steady as Florida spring season transitions
NOAA buoys 41009 and 41008 report consistent conditions offshore: 2.6-ft swells at 41009 and 2-ft at 41008, with 12-knot winds across both stations and air temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s. Water temperatures are currently unavailable from both buoys. Coastal Angler Magazine reports Florida is pursuing state management of Atlantic red snapper, with a proposed 39-day recreational season split into two segments—a significant development for deep-water anglers. The same publication highlights Martin County's deployment of a 227-foot artificial reef, designed to concentrate fish and support habitat structure along the coast. Recent angler reports across r/saltwaterfishing show scattered success on various inshore and offshore species, though focused weekly intel is limited. Late April typically marks Florida's Atlantic-coast transition into early summer patterns, with tarpon arrivals building and redfish activity responding to warming water.
Speckled Trout Crushing Topwater in Galveston
Specks blowing up on topwater lures across the west bay flats. Some of the best spring topwater action in years.
Halibut Season Opens Strong in the Bay
California halibut moving onto the sandy flats in SF Bay. Drifting live bait and bouncing swimbaits both working.
Redfish on Fire in the Louisiana Marsh
Bull reds and slot reds absolutely crushing it in the marsh. Poling the shallow ponds finding tailing fish on every flat.
Canal Rats Gearing Up for the Spring Run
First schoolie stripers spotted in the Canal this week. Bait is starting to stack up and regulars are lining the banks.
Tarpon Rolling Through the Backcountry Channels
Silver kings are showing in increasing numbers across the lower Keys backcountry. Early morning sight-fishing opportunities on calm days.
Stripers Entering the Back Bays
Schoolie stripers pushing into Barnegat Bay through the inlet. Bait pods visible on the sounder around bridge pilings and channel edges.
Montauk Gearing Up for Spring Run
Early scouts report scattered stripers around Montauk Point. Charter fleet starting spring trips for bass and tog.
Jetty Fishing Producing Mixed Bag at Port A
Port Aransas jetties delivering excellent variety. Sheepshead, black drum, and the first tarpon of the season all reported.
Delta Bass Fishing is Absolute Fire Right Now
Pre-spawn and spawning largemouth bass are feeding aggressively throughout the California Delta. Tule berms and riprap producing quality fish.
Offshore Tuna Bite Heating Up Out of Grand Isle
Yellowfin tuna in the 30-80 lb range stacking up on the deepwater rigs. Charter boats finding consistent action at the Midnight Lump.
Trout Stocking Report — Housatonic Tributaries Loaded
DEEP completed spring stocking on all major Housatonic tributaries. Holdover browns are feeding aggressively in deeper pools.
Snook Stacking Up Around Bay Bridges
Snook are staging around bridge shadow lines and dock pilings throughout Tampa Bay. Night fishing with live pilchards producing consistent hook-ups.
Lake Trout Active in the Depths at Quabbin
Lakers are feeding aggressively in 40-60 feet as the lake turns over. Trolling spoons and jigging produce consistent catches.
Trout Season Opens Strong on the Delaware
Opening week of trout season seeing heavy pressure but good catches. Stocked rainbows and browns eager to eat in the upper Delaware tributaries.
Herring Run Drawing Stripers into the Hudson
River herring pushing upstream, bringing striped bass with them. Bank anglers catching quality fish near tributary mouths.
Crappie Spawn Firing at Falls Lake
White and black crappie are on beds in the upper reaches. Spider rigging and dock shooting producing limits for patient anglers.
Yellowtail Running at the Coronado Islands
Long-range and half-day boats finding yellowtail at the Coronados. Iron jigs and surface poppers producing fish to 30 lbs.
Pontchartrain Speckled Trout Run is ON
Specks schooling along the Causeway pilings and north shore points. Wade fishermen and boaters both getting into quality fish.
Early Season White Perch Run in the Thames
White perch are staging in the lower Thames in good numbers. Bloodworms and small jigs working well from shore.