The Best Fishing Spots in the US
The Best Fishing Spots in the US
1. Key West, Florida
Key West offers a fishing experience like no other. The diverse marine life and clear blue waters make it ideal for various fishing styles. Anglers can target tarpon, bonefish, redfish, and permit in the flats. Offshore opportunities include sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna. Multiple charters are available, providing both inshore and offshore options.
2. Lake Fork, Texas
Lake Fork is renowned for bass fishing. Located roughly 65 miles east of Dallas, it’s known for producing largemouth bass of record-breaking size. The lake spans over 27,000 acres with submerged vegetation and timber, perfect habitat for fish. Anglers flock to this spot for both quantity and quality catches.
3. Kenai River, Alaska
The Kenai River stands out for its salmon fishing. With distinct runs of king, silver, and sockeye salmon, it attracts anglers from around the globe. This river provides stunning scenery and significant fishing action. It’s recommended to visit between May and September for the peak of salmon runs.
4. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan offers diverse fishing opportunities from four different states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Charter boats and shore fishing provide access to lake trout, steelhead, chinook salmon, and yellow perch. The Great Lake’s expansive waters provide both the challenge and reward sought by anglers.
5. Bighorn River, Montana
Fly fishing enthusiasts will find the Bighorn River to be a top destination. Known for its sizeable brown and rainbow trout, the river features consistent flows and abundant hatches. The tailwater section below the Yellowtail Dam offers year-round fishing with plentiful access points for wading and boating.
6. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland/Virginia
Chesapeake Bay’s vast waters are home to a variety of fish species. Known for its striped bass (rockfish), it also harbors bluefish, croaker, and flounder. The bay’s diverse ecosystems, from estuaries to open waters, offer ample opportunity for different fishing techniques including trolling, casting, and bottom fishing.
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a prime location for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Striped bass, bluefish, and tuna are commonly sought in the ocean, while freshwater bodies provide opportunities for trout, bass, and other species. Various access points, including piers, beaches, and chartered trips, make it convenient for anglers of all experience levels.
8. Lake Guntersville, Alabama
Lake Guntersville is known for its largemouth bass. Situated along the Tennessee River, it spans 75 miles and includes numerous coves and creeks. The lake’s fertile waters support healthy bass populations, drawing anglers for both competition and recreation. Spring and fall are particularly productive times for fishing here.
9. Green River, Utah
The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is a trout enthusiast’s dream. This blue-ribbon fishery boasts prolific hatches and clear waters. Anglers often target brown and rainbow trout using various fly fishing techniques. The picturesque canyons and reliable fish activity make it a favorite spot for anglers across the western US.
10. San Juan River, New Mexico
The San Juan River is internationally recognized for its trout fishing. The Quality Waters section below Navajo Dam is known for its large trout and high fish densities. Detailed insect hatches and clear waters make it a fly fishing hotspot. Accessible year-round, this fishery consistently yields successful outings for dedicated anglers.
11. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks provide exceptional surf, inshore, and offshore fishing. Species like red drum, bluefish, and flounder are common targets from the shore, while offshore anglers seek marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. The mix of piers, beaches, and fishing charters ensure options for all preferences and skill levels.
12. Everglades, Florida
The Everglades is a unique ecosystem offering unparalleled fishing experiences. Its labyrinth of mangroves, flats, and channels supports tarpon, snook, and redfish. The scenery is as captivating as the fishing. Trips often include wildlife sightings, adding an extra layer to the fishing adventure.
13. Columbia River, Washington/Oregon
The Columbia River is a powerhouse fishery for salmon and steelhead. Flowing between Washington and Oregon, it provides ample access for both boat and shore fishing. The river is also home to sturgeon, bass, and walleye. Seasonal salmon runs are a major draw, attracting anglers eager to land hefty fish.
14. Devils Lake, North Dakota
Devils Lake is a premier destination for walleye and perch fishing. Its expansive and ever-changing waters provide diverse habitats for fish. Summer offers excellent open water fishing, while winter transforms it into an ice fishing haven. Anglers appreciate the lake’s plentiful fish populations and scenic surroundings.
15. Colorado River, Arizona
The Colorado River below Lake Powell offers outstanding trout fishing. The cold, clear waters are ideal for rainbow and brown trout. Anglers typically find success with fly and spin fishing. Below the Hoover Dam, the river also supports largemouth bass and catfish, providing varied fishing experiences along its course.
16. Lake St. Clair, Michigan
Lake St. Clair is celebrated for its smallmouth bass and muskie fishing. Situated between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, it features shallow waters that are rich in vegetation. This environment supports a healthy population of game fish, drawing anglers who seek both action and trophy catches.
17. Suwannee River, Florida
The Suwannee River offers a mix of freshwater and brackish fishing opportunities. Known for its largemouth bass and panfish, it also supports species like Gulf sturgeon and striped bass near its delta. The river’s natural beauty and relatively undeveloped surroundings add to the charm of fishing in this area.
18. Thousand Islands, New York
The Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River provides diverse fishing. Anglers can target northern pike, smallmouth bass, and muskellunge in between the scenic islands. The region also offers excellent opportunities for walleye and perch fishing, making it a versatile spot for various angling pursuits.
19. Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
Lake of the Woods is famed for its walleye population. This massive lake, with over 14,000 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline, offers an angling paradise. Summer is ideal for open water fishing, while winter provides exceptional ice fishing experiences. The lake’s diverse habitats support a wide range of species.
20. Sacramento River, California
The Sacramento River is a hotspot for salmon and steelhead fishing. Its extensive runs of chinook salmon attract anglers seeking a challenge. The river also hosts striped bass and sturgeon, offering a broader array of fishing opportunities. Access points throughout the river make it convenient for both boat and shore anglers.
21. Galveston Bay, Texas
Galveston Bay provides rich inshore fishing grounds. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are commonly pursued within the bay’s complex network of channels and marshes. The proximity to Gulf waters also allows for easy transition to offshore fishing, targeting species like snapper, kingfish, and cobia.
22. Henry’s Fork, Idaho
Henry’s Fork is a legendary fly fishing river. Known for its large rainbow trout, it offers a mix of slow and fast waters ideal for different fishing techniques. The river’s various sections, from the flat waters near Island Park to the rapid-filled areas of Box Canyon, provide a dynamic fishing experience.
23. San Diego, California
San Diego offers exceptional saltwater fishing. Its coastal waters teem with trophy species like yellowtail, tuna, and dorado. Proximity to kelp forests and offshore banks enhances the variety of the fishing experience. Anglers can engage in deep sea fishing or take trips to the nearby Coronado Islands for more challenging pursuits.
24. Gunpowder Falls, Maryland
Gunpowder Falls is a notable trout fishing river. Below the Prettyboy Reservoir dam, the tailwater section offers cold, clear waters perfect for brown and rainbow trout. The region’s lush forests and serene environment enhance the appeal of fishing in these waters. Seasonal hatches provide excellent fly fishing opportunities.
25. Puget Sound, Washington
Puget Sound’s protected waters provide rich fishing grounds for salmon, Lingcod and halibut. The Sound’s complex system of inlets and estuaries create diverse habitats. Local charters offer guided trips, enhancing the chances of a successful catch. Salmon runs from July through October are particularly popular times to fish here.