Weekly Fishing Report

Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest remains governed by a wet, progressive pattern, with frequent rain at lower elevations, mountain snow, and periodic wind. Rivers fluctuate with runoff, and lakes stay cold, stirred, and often stained. Fish behavior is conservative during active weather and opportunistic once conditions stabilize.

In rivers, trout and steelhead hold tight to soft water during rain and rising flows, feeding very little. The most reliable bite window opens 6 to 24 hours after rainfall tapers off, once water levels stop rising and begin to level or slowly fall. During this window, fish reposition into seams, tailouts, and inside bends. Eggs, beads, sand shrimp, flesh patterns, and small marabou jigs consistently produce in stained water. As clarity improves, spinners, spoons, and small plugs become effective, especially from late morning into early afternoon.

In lakes, cold water keeps fish deep and sluggish. The bite window is narrow and usually occurs late morning through early afternoon on calmer days. Small spoons, jigging leeches, tube jigs, blade baits, and live bait fished vertically near bottom outperform aggressive presentations.

California

California fishing conditions continue to vary north to south, but timing relative to precipitation remains the dominant driver statewide.

In Northern California rivers, rain increases flow and turbidity, redistributing trout and steelhead. The strongest bite consistently occurs the first full day after rain ends, when water begins to clear but remains slightly stained. Eggs, beads, worms, soft plastics, and small jigs work best during this phase. As clarity improves further, spinners, spoons, and small plugs become productive, particularly during midday.

In reservoirs and foothill lakes, bass and panfish hold deeper during cooler periods. The most consistent bite window opens midday on overcast days or the afternoon after rain, especially near inflow zones. Soft plastics, football jigs, drop-shot rigs, ned rigs, and live bait outperform fast reaction baits.

Southern California waters remain more stable. Bass bite windows tighten to early morning and late afternoon, expanding slightly on cloudy days. Finesse plastics, slow-rolled spinnerbaits, jigs, and live bait remain the most reliable producers.

Mountain West

Winter firmly controls the Mountain West. Cold water temperatures suppress metabolism, and fish feed in short, predictable bursts rather than extended windows.

In rivers, trout hold deep in pools, tailouts, and slow runs. The primary bite window occurs between late morning and early afternoon, when water temperatures peak for the day. Nymphing dominates success: midges, scuds, sowbugs, eggs, and small stonefly patterns fished deep and slow produce consistently. Streamers only become effective during brief warming trends or immediately after snowfall clears.

In lakes and reservoirs, fish remain deep and lethargic. The most productive bite window is midday during calm conditions, particularly after snowfall when skies clear. Jigging spoons, tube jigs, blade baits, and live minnows fished near bottom are the most consistent options.

Southwest

The Southwest offers more moderate conditions, but water temperature and recent rainfall still dictate fish behavior.

In rivers and streams, trout activity increases the morning after rainfall, especially when flows rise slightly without turning muddy. Worms, eggs, small nymphs, and soft plastics perform best during this period. As water clears, dry-dropper rigs, small spinners, and light spoons regain effectiveness, particularly midday.

In lakes and reservoirs, bass and panfish respond strongly to post-rain inflow areas. The best bite window typically runs mid-morning through early afternoon on cool, cloudy days. Soft plastics, jigs, crankbaits worked slowly, and live bait produce best results. During dry stretches, activity contracts to early morning and late evening.

Northern Plains

Fishing across the Northern Plains is shaped by cold temperatures, wind, and ice development. Open water opportunities remain limited but can be productive under the right timing.

In open water, the most reliable bite window occurs midday on calm days, especially after wind subsides. Fish seek sheltered areas and feed briefly once conditions stabilize. Live bait dominates success: minnows, leeches, and worms consistently outperform artificials. When lures work, slow-moving jigs, spoons, and blade baits fished near bottom are most effective.

Ice fishing improves during periods of stable cold. The strongest bite typically occurs mid-morning and just before dusk. Jigging spoons tipped with minnows, small jigs with waxworms, and dead-stick live bait setups produce best results.

Southern Plains

Milder conditions dominate the Southern Plains, with frequent frontal passages creating short but well-defined bite windows.

In rivers and reservoirs, fish activity increases immediately behind cold fronts, particularly during the first calm morning after passage. Bass and catfish respond well to jigs, soft plastics, slow-rolled crankbaits, and live bait. During warm, windy periods, the bite becomes scattered and inconsistent.

Ahead of incoming systems, falling pressure can trigger feeding. Live bait, natural-colored plastics, and slow presentations outperform flashy baits during these windows.

South Central

Warmth prevails across the South Central region, supported by intermittent Gulf moisture. Rain timing is the primary trigger for bite windows.

The most consistent fishing occurs the day ahead of rain and the first calm day after rain ends. Bass, crappie, and catfish respond strongly during these transitions. Jigs, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, crankbaits worked slowly, and live bait produce consistently. During extended warm periods, fish shift deeper and feed primarily early morning and evening.

Fresh sheet water following rain concentrates fish near inflow areas, often producing short but intense feeding bursts.

Midwest

Early chill gives way to moderation as systems move through. Wind and precipitation suppress feeding during active weather.

The most reliable bite window opens 12 to 24 hours after systems pass, once wind calms and temperatures stabilize. In rivers, live bait, jigs, and soft plastics fished slowly along current breaks perform well. In lakes, bass and panfish respond best to jigs, finesse plastics, and live bait during midday warming.

Ice fishing improves during stable cold, with late morning and dusk providing the strongest action. Jigging spoons, tungsten jigs, and live bait remain top producers.

Northeast

The Northeast experiences shifting conditions driven by wind, precipitation, and temperature moderation.

Fishing improves during mild afternoons following weather improvement. In rivers, trout respond to nymphs, eggs, worms, and small streamers fished deep and slow. In lakes, jigs, spoons, blade baits, and live bait produce best results during midday.

Coastal fishing responds more to wind than temperature. Calm conditions following storms often produce short but intense bite windows, with baitfish-imitating lures and natural baits performing best.

Southeast

The Southeast begins cooler before warming steadily, with rain chances increasing later.

Fishing improves ahead of rain and immediately after rainfall clears. Bass and panfish respond well to jigs, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and live bait. During warm spells, the bite shifts to early morning and late evening.

Catfish remain active throughout, particularly during falling pressure and post-rain conditions, with cut bait and live bait producing consistently.

Alaska

Cold dominates across Alaska, and fishing opportunities remain limited and highly timing-dependent.

The best bite windows occur midday during calmer wind conditions. Ice fishing dominates success, with jigging spoons, tube jigs, and live bait producing the most consistent results. Stability matters more than temperature extremes.

Hawaii

Hawaii maintains a steady trade-wind pattern with periodic shower bands.

Fishing improves after showers pass, particularly on leeward sides of the islands. Reef fish respond well to natural baits, while pelagic species feed more actively during calmer wind periods. Early morning and late afternoon remain the most consistent windows.

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