President Trump announced the "Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation" Executive Order, establishing national policy to elevate marine recreational fishing through modernized data collection, strengthened state-federal partnerships, and innovative management approaches.
Jay Anglin explains how anglers can capitalize on salmon spawning runs by targeting trout and steelhead feeding on dislodged eggs and insects downstream. The article provides techniques for locating redds, finding feeding fish, and selecting appropriate tackle for peak action during salmon runs.
Outdoor Sportsman Group launches "Backcountry Angler," a 6-part video series presented by Bass Pro Shops and featuring hosts Mike Carney, Pat Hogan, and Derek Mleynek exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. The series documents a family fishing expedition with partners including Lew's, Alps Mountaineering, Northstar Canoes, and other outdoor brands, now streaming on In-Fisherman.com, YouTube, MOTV, and Game & Fish TV.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife reports that fall brings exceptional fishing conditions as water temperatures drop and fish feed heavily. Fisheries biologist Shawn Good highlights that bass, pike, walleye, trout, and salmon become more active in autumn, with Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River offering prime opportunities for anglers seeking reduced competition.
Jeff Kolodzinski completed the 20th annual Marathon Man event, catching 1,981 fish in 24 hours despite 108-degree heat and an algae bloom at Camp Dallas near Spring Bay, Illinois. The event raised over $30,000 for the camp, which served 700+ kids this summer. Fishing legends Hank Parker, Kevin VanDam, Al Lindner, and Mark Zona provided support, while U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood toured the facility.
As temperatures drop, migratory trout and salmon will enter Lake Ontario tributaries in New York, attracting thousands of anglers. The NYS Canal Corporation's Fall Fishing Program releases water into tributaries like Eighteenmile, Oak Orchard, Johnson, and Sandy creeks to enhance fishing opportunities for Chinook, coho, steelhead, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame's online auction, presented by Major League Fishing, features historic memorabilia, custom crankbaits honoring 2026 inductees Mike Whitaker and Bob Cobb, and fishing trips with Brandon Palaniuk and Skeet Reese. Bidding closes September 24, with proceeds supporting conservation, scholarships, and fisheries programs.
B.A.S.S. announced the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series nine-event schedule, featuring stops at Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Lake Hartwell for the Bassmaster Classic, Sabine River, Lake Fork, Lake Seminole, and northern destinations. The schedule tests angler versatility across diverse fisheries from Florida largemouth waters to northern smallmouth destinations.
Lake Thunderbird, covering over 5,000 acres near Norman, offers excellent fall fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. The cooler water temperatures and aggressive feeding patterns make it an ideal time to visit this publicly accessible lake.
Captain Nick Stanczyk of Bud 'N Mary's Marina in Islamorada shares swordfishing techniques including using Garmin 3KW Transducers, Penn Electric reels, and Mustad Swordfish #7691S DeltaPoint hooks with strip baits to target 1000-pound swordfish in deepwater shelf depths off the Florida Keys.
September brings large redfish moving to deep water to spawn around Texas jetties and coastal passes, with peak numbers in October. The catch-and-release record of 60.5" is held by Wendy Covey. Size limits are 20"-28", with tagging requirements for oversized fish.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is sponsoring a free fishing day for women on September 26 at Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon. No license or daily tag fee is required, and volunteers plus the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group will provide assistance and live fly-tying demonstrations throughout the day.
Jeff "Kolo" Kolodzinski, known as Marathon Man, returns to the water this week for a 24-hour fishing marathon at Camp Dallas in Spring Bay, Illinois, targeting 2,500 fish to honor America's 250th year. The event, now partnering with Fishing Chaos for a national challenge, supports military families and first responders through the nonprofit Camp Dallas.
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to a pond-to-plate fishing event on September 17 at McKay Park Lake in Jefferson City. Participants ages 15 and older will fish for carp, then learn to clean and cook their catch, with all gear provided.
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's R3 Fishing Program offers free beginner fishing workshops covering fish biology, equipment setup, safety, casting, and regulations. Three workshops are scheduled: First Catch Center Family Fishing Workshop on September 13 at Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, and two "Let's Go Fishing!" sessions on September 23 at Echo Lake and October 7 at Willingboro Lakes County Park.
Tyler Harmon of Ravenswood, West Virginia set a state record by catching a 72.75-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River on August 29. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources certified the new weight record, which was caught using cut bait on 40-pound test line.
Franklin County offers diverse fall fishing opportunities for Redfish, Speckled Trout, and other species. The Apalachicola Artificial Reef Association and Tallahassee's Organization for Artificial Reefs received $60,000 grants each from FWC for new reef deployments scheduled for summer 2027, including a memorial structure dedicated to Gregg Stanton.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife invites licensed anglers to mentor up to four unlicensed adults aged 15+ during Free Mentored Fishing Weekend, September 5-7. Commissioner Jason Batchelder encourages experienced anglers to share their passion and help newcomers discover the sport.
NOAA Fisheries Southeast invites recreational anglers to a virtual discussion on September 2 about fishing's future in the Southeast U.S. Regional Administrator Andy Strelcheck will lead remarks on regulations, data collection, and maximizing fishing opportunities while conserving species.
21-year-old Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Illinois caught the heaviest single-day bag of smallmouth bass in Bassmaster history with 30-11 and became the youngest-ever Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year at the 2026 Elite finale on St. Lawrence River.