Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area in Nebraska recommends private boat launch services from Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina as water levels drop to 2006 lows. Park Superintendent Patrick Schnell advises visitors to schedule services in advance and remain aware of changing water and shoreline conditions.

Pitman Creek Wholesale, the nation's largest fishing tackle distributor, broke ground on a 112,500-square-foot expansion at its Stanford, Kentucky headquarters. Led by president James Coffey and vice president Addison Coffey, the project will increase operational capacity and broaden product selection for the company's 4,000+ independent retailer customers, with completion expected Summer 2027.

MarineMax has agreed to be acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas, a Blackstone Infrastructure Portfolio Company, for $53.00 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion. The purchase price represents a 96% premium to MarineMax's closing share price on January 30, 2026, and is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder approval.

Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. completed its acquisition of Dakota Lithium's operating assets for $4.0 million, expanding into marine, outdoor recreation, and specialty battery markets. The acquisition is expected to contribute meaningful revenue by Q4 2026, with Dakota Lithium operating as a distinct brand alongside Battle Born Batteries.

CCA Florida's STAR Youth Competition presented by Yamaha runs through September 7th, offering $150,000 in scholarships and prizes. The Guy Harvey Foundation Scholarship Division presents $100,000 in scholarships for ages 6-17, while the Teen Challenge presented by Carolina Skiff offers boat and motor packages for ages 13-17.

The 2026 SPRO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain will take place August 13-16 in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Brandon Palaniuk notes that without forward-facing sonar, anglers must adapt strategies as smallmouth bass have become more nomadic, requiring different approaches than previous tournaments on the lake.

Independent research led by the Babine River Foundation reveals recreational steelhead angling in the Skeena watershed generates $33 million in annual economic output and 291 jobs across British Columbia. The study also documents ocean-based threats, including commercial fishery interceptions and potential impacts from pink salmon abundance on steelhead survival.

Idaho Fish and Game Director Jim Fredericks issued a conservation closure for sturgeon fishing on the Snake River arm of CJ Strike Reservoir from August 2 to September 25, 2026, due to abnormally low dissolved oxygen and high water temperatures. The closure aims to protect the population after 16 dead sturgeon were verified in the area, with State Fisheries Manager Joe Kozfkay noting the population has declined 15% since 2022.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and partners announced 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ results, with 907 participants from 30 states, Canada, and Vietnam removing 280 invasive Burmese pythons. Ultimate Grand Prize winner Tom Rahill removed 96 pythons, while Rahm Levinson caught the longest python at 16 feet, 5 inches from Everglades National Park.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources received $7.1 million in NRDA funds for oyster restoration, partnering with the University of South Alabama, Auburn University, Alabama Wildlife Federation, and local oyster catchers to rebuild oyster populations through reef connectivity and cultch planting projects.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Custer Gallatin National Forest will continue removing non-native brook trout from the upper Shields River watershed to protect native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Using rotenone, crews will treat Dugout Creek and other tributaries August 10-18, with the upper Shields River drainage closed to public access during treatment.

MDC will host a free Learn to Fly Fish introductory class on August 18 at Walther Park in DeSoto for ages 10 and up. Conservation educator Matt Murray will lead participants through fly-fishing basics, safety, rod selection, and casting fundamentals, with all equipment provided.

Power-Pole, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Skinny Water Culture, Ocean Aid 360, and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper are hosting the Tampa Bay Debris Derby on September 26th. Teams and individuals collect trash from Tampa Bay by water or land, earning raffle tickets for prizes. Registration is free and includes an event shirt.

NOAA Fisheries Southeast is hosting a virtual discussion on August 19 from 5:00-7:00 pm EST featuring Regional Administrator Andy Strelcheck. The event will address recreational fishing issues, industry future, and angler involvement in regulation-making in the Southeast U.S.

The Ladies, Let's Go Fishing Foundation will host their Keys University and Fishing Fever Tournament Oct. 16-18, 2026, in Tavernier/Islamorada, FL. The weekend features educational sessions, hands-on skill stations, optional fishing charters, and tournament competition with instruction from Captains Lee Lavery, Jeanne Towne, Rob Modys, and Betty Bauman.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has expanded hoot-owl fishing restrictions on the lower Beaverhead River beginning August 5, prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight daily due to rising water temperatures. The restrictions aim to prevent fish mortality when water temperatures exceed safe levels for trout.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued an executive order setting the 2026 recreational gag grouper season in Gulf state waters from September 1-30, aligning with NOAA's federal waters season. Anglers fishing for gag grouper from private vessels must register for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation to participate in the State Reef Fish Survey.

The St. Martin Parish Government, following Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recommendations, has scheduled a drawdown for Henderson Lake to manage invasive aquatic vegetation and improve fisheries habitat. The drawdown will begin once water levels reach pool stage and conclude November 2, 2026, benefiting fish populations and spawning habitat.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued an executive order establishing a recreational greater amberjack season from September 1 through October 13, 2026 in Gulf state waters. The season aligns with NOAA's federal waters season to prevent quota overages and support stock rebuilding. Anglers fishing from private vessels must register for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation to participate in the State Reef Fish Survey.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will conduct a drawdown on Chicot Lake in Evangeline Parish beginning September 8, 2026, to improve fish habitat, reduce organic matter, and control aquatic vegetation. The lake will be lowered three feet and refilled January 4, 2027, to support springtime spawning.

The ASMFC Coastal Pelagics Management Board approved an 80,112 fish total harvest quota for Atlantic migratory cobia in 2027, maintaining status quo recreational measures. The quota includes a coastwide recreational quota of 76,908 fish and commercial quota of 73,116 pounds, based on the 2020 benchmark stock assessment.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a resolution supporting the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' application to NOAA Fisheries for an Exempted Fishing Permit to test state management of the recreational Greater Amberjack season using LA Creel harvest monitoring and collect biological data for stock assessment.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released a report analyzing 1,444 fish surveys across 908 Minnesota lakes from 2006-2025. The study found 77% of assessed lakes fully support aquatic life, while 23% are impaired, with healthier lakes showing lower phosphorus levels and better shoreline habitat quality.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a catch-and-release only rule for American shad to ensure sustainability of stocks in Florida waters, particularly in the St. Johns River where abundance has declined.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a final rule making American shad catch-and-release only in Florida waters. The decision aims to ensure sustainability of American shad stocks, particularly in the St. Johns River where abundance continues to decline.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is finalizing a statewide Black Bass Management Plan developed with a stakeholder advisory committee. Public input is invited through an online survey and five open-house meetings across Tennessee through September 4, 2026.

NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments through August 25, 2026, on exempted fishing permit applications from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and South Carolina Department of Natural and Resources for recreational red snapper harvest in the South Atlantic during 2026.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on ice fishing contests proposed for the 2026-2027 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, and the FWP Fisheries Division will approve, conditionally approve, or deny applications by August 24.

Justin Lucas secured his first Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour victory since 2020 at Lake Erie, defeating Jacob Wheeler by 19-6 pounds. Lucas caught 98-11 on 25 scorable bass during the Championship Round, including six smallmouth over 5 pounds and a 6-11 Berkley Big Bass, primarily using drop-shot techniques with Berkley PowerBait MaxScent baits on Abu Garcia equipment.

The Shark River Access Wildlife Management Area in Avon by the Sea, Monmouth County, offers one acre of Green Acres funded access for anglers. Anglers catch winter flounder, blowfish, tautog, bluefish, summer flounder, and striped bass from this site managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife.

Tennessee pro Banks Shaw won his second consecutive Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Angler of the Year title, joining a select group of back-to-back winners. At just 23 years old, Shaw relied on Rapala, CrushCity, VMC, Sufix, and 13 Fishing products, including the CrushCity CEO lure, to secure the championship.

Trevor Swisse of Sidney caught Montana's largest paddlefish in 2026, a 117-pound female that had evaded capture for 22 years since being tagged by North Dakota Fish & Game in 2004. Regional fisheries manager Mike Backes estimates the fish is 40-42 years old at minimum, with potential age reaching 52-62 years based on spawning maturity data.

The Association of Collegiate Anglers begins its 22nd season of the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series with four tournaments featuring no entry or membership fees and over $20,000 in prizes per event. Registration is open for the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley at Kentucky Lake (September 19-20) and the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open at Lake Dardanelle (October 10-11).

The St. Johns River Water Management District is offering up to $60,000 in funding for K-12 schools to support hands-on water science learning through the Blue School Grant program. Individual awards up to $3,000 per teacher support STEAM curriculum including water quality testing, aquaponics, and watershed studies. Applications close September 15.

Murray Road Agency, a marketing firm serving the outdoor industry, is hiring a senior communications specialist for its Charleston, S.C. office. The role requires 3-5 years of PR/marketing experience, strong writing skills, and media relationship management. Knowledge of fishing, hunting, camping, shooting, and boating is preferred.

Murray Road Agency and Outdoor Life partnered to produce "Catching Em' Old School with The Griz," an original video series celebrating legendary Midwestern angler Dick Grzywinski. The series documents Grzywinski's fishing techniques, knowledge, and stories accumulated over six decades, with five episodes released and more in production for fall 2026.

Daiwa announces the 60th Anniversary Limited-Edition Tatula SV TW 100H/HL baitcaster, featuring liquid-silver cosmetics and advanced low-profile performance. The reel incorporates the SV Concept spool, SV Boost braking system, and Hyperdrive Digigear technology, with an MSRP of $349.99.

Van Staal introduces the VR II spinning reels with a new 25 size, featuring a fully machined 6061 aluminum body, stainless-steel spiral-bevel gear system, and standard Powergrip handle and drag knobs. The fully sealed design delivers enhanced control and durability for inshore anglers, with pricing from $639.95-$749.95 available in August 2026.

Strike Footwear, official footwear of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), announced the global launch of the Silvertip Drift boat shoe. The shoe features Strike's proprietary Aqua Sluice drainage system, non-marking slip-resistant outsole, and sustainable materials including SEAQUAL® YARN and recycled components.

Daiwa introduces 60th Anniversary Limited-Edition Tatula Bass Rods featuring SVF carbon construction and X45 Bias Construction in spinning (731MXS) and casting (731MHFB) models. The commemorative rods include sterling silver cosmetics and premium cork grips, with an MSRP of $229.99.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting on September 3 in Newberry to discuss the removal of three aging dams: Brockies Pond Dam, Millecoquins Pond Dam, and Silver Creek Pond Dam. Removal is expected in 2027, with estimated costs under $300,000 per dam.

Yamaha Rightwaters donated a 150-horsepower Yamaha outboard to the Jetty Rock Foundation to support oyster restoration and marine research in New Jersey waters. The engine will power the foundation's new 28-foot Henriksen skiff, expanding conservation efforts and partnerships with universities, state agencies, and local aquaculture operators.

World Fishing Network launches "Reel Coast Thursdays," a four-hour saltwater fishing programming block featuring shows hosted by Captain Jimmy Nelson, George Poveromo, Nick Honachefsky, Captain George Gozdz, Jon Brunson, Julie Higgs, and Peter Miller. The lineup showcases diverse fishing destinations and techniques available on MyOutdoorTV.

Outdoor Sportsman Group announced GAME & FISH TV's addition to Truth+ streaming platform, powered by Trump Media and Technology Group, reaching over 430 million monthly active users. The FAST channel offers hunting, fishing, cooking, and live Major League Fishing competitions alongside other outdoor programming.

Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour Stage 7 streams live on MyOutdoorTV from Lake Erie with 51 professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and $600,000 purse. The four-day event (August 6-9) hosted by Shores & Islands Ohio features competition for Fishing Clash Angler of the Year points and REDCREST 2027 qualification.

The Gerald Swindle Big Bass Classic presented by Marshall County Tourism and Sports returns to Lake Guntersville October 9-11, 2026, featuring $175,000 in guaranteed prizes including a $58,570 grand prize package with a 2026 NITRO Z18 bass boat powered by Mercury 150L Pro XS FourStroke. The three-day event is open to all skill levels with hourly cash awards, youth division, and entry fees ranging from $75 to $250.

Georgia DNR, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Lab collaborated to rescue an entangled manatee off St. Simons Island. The adult female was freed from crab trap lines after a fishing guide reported the first documented manatee entanglement in Georgia.

Along about now, a lot of us across the South are wishing we had moved to Maine—or British Columbia.

August, let’s face it, is not prime time for bass fishing. But, the bass don’t just up and disappear or float up parboiled—they’re still out there somewhere, and they have to eat at least occasionally. It ain’t easy, usually, but it’s doable—and much better than sitting on the porch with an ice tea—except from about 1 to 5 every day, when I’d much rather sit on the porch with an ice tea.

Long and often painful experience has left me with a few late summer lessons which I feel obliged to pass on, before I pass on.

This time of your, one of the best bets is to start before sunrise. During the night, bass move shallow to hunt bluegills, shad, frogs and anything else they can corner. The first hour of daylight—starting about 45 minutes before sunrise-- often produces the fastest action of the day, especially around grass edges, docks, seawalls, laydown trees and shallow points.

That's the time to keep a topwater rod in your hand. Walking plugs, buzzbaits, poppers and frogs can all produce strikes. While the “walk-the-dog” retrieve can be a fast way to locate fish, a slower presentation may be the ticket once you’re on ‘em. I like a count of 10 when the lure lands, then a couple of twitches, then another pause, and so on. If there are fish below, they’ll usually eat with that approach.

The Z-Man GOAT ToadZ is my personal favorite for this, but there are dozens of good frog lures that work well for this, and they come through late summer weeds without picking up debris. Treble hook lures can be impossible to fish at this time of year on some lakes due to the floating moss and weeds.

As the sun climbs, expect the fish to slide away from the bank. Sometimes they move only to the first drop-off. On deeper lakes, they may head for ledges, creek channels, brush piles or offshore humps where they can spend the day in more comfortable water.

That doesn't necessarily mean fishing 30 feet deep. On many Florida lakes, 8 to 12 feet may be all the depth available, but it can still be enough to make a difference. The important thing is finding the coolest water with adequate oxygen, especially if it's close to baitfish.

Forward-facing live sonar has made offshore fishing much easier, but it’s pricey, and plenty of anglers still catch lots of fish without it. Long points, submerged roadbeds, channel bends and underwater high spots have held summer bass for generations. A contour map and a little patience will still put you on fish.

Once you locate them, slow down.

Big worms rigged Texas-style remain one of the most dependable summer lures. A 10-inch ribbon-tail worm crawled slowly across a ledge has accounted for countless trophy bass. Football jigs, shaky heads and drop-shot rigs all produce when bass are glued to the bottom, while deep-diving crankbaits and blade baits like the Chatterbait can trigger strikes from fish that won't touch a slower presentation.

Current changes everything.

Below dams, summer bass often feed all day because moving water keeps oxygen levels high while sweeping baitfish directly to them. They set up behind rocks, bridge pilings and other current breaks, darting out to grab passing shad. If the turbines start generating, fishing can improve almost immediately.

Springs flowing into lakes and rivers create pockets of cooler water that attract baitfish, panfish and bass alike. Some spring runs are obvious. Others are little more than a patch of clear water or a spot where the temperature drops a few degrees. Either can be worth investigating.

Shade is another summertime magnet.

Boat docks, pontoon boats, bridge pilings, overhanging trees and thick vegetation all provide relief from the sun. The farther back beneath a dock you can skip a soft plastic, the better your chances of finding a bass that's been ignored by everyone else.

Don't overlook heavy hydrilla or topped-out vegetation. While the surface may be baking in the sun, the water underneath can be noticeably cooler. Bass often spend hours beneath those mats, moving out only briefly to feed. A heavy Texas rig punched through the cover can reach fish that never see conventional lures.

The last hour before dark is often as good as the first hour after sunrise. Bass become active again as light fades, and on many lakes they'll move right back to the same shallow areas they abandoned that morning.

Better yet, stay after sunset.

Boat traffic disappears, the air cools, and big bass sometimes move up shallow. Slow-rolling a black spinnerbait, waking a buzzbait across a point or dragging a dark-colored worm along the edge of a grass line can produce some nice fish.

Beat the heat by fishing the low-light hours, looking for deep water, current, springs and shade and you'll find that bass are still very much on the feed—they've simply shifted to a summer schedule.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire