In the United States, fishing is considered a sporting activity, and it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the thrills and beautiful scenarios. If you visit the same fishing spot quite often then it will become a boring activity. A change of fishing location means new water, new fish, a new challenge, and most importantly new adventure. However, many people don’t want to change the location because finding the ideal fishing spot with all the facilities is a daunting task. This is why we made a list of the best fishing spots in the USA. We have included a variety of locations to meet the anticipations of fishing lovers across the USA.
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Answer: The Best 20 Fishing Spots in the USA
01: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, is one of the best fishing spots in America to catch Bluefish and Striped Bass. In fact, it is the home of the oldest fishing tournament in the USA. Here you will find an abundant supply of various fish species such as false albacore, bunker, mackerel, bonito, etc. One of the best features of this place is; there are many tackle shops available in Martha’s Vineyard, so you don’t have to bring all your fishing gear with you.
02: Green River, Utah
If you love fly fishing and prefer to reel in trout then Green River, Utah will be the best fishing location for you. The green river of Utah is the home of rainbow trout. While fishing here you can also use the Rapalas and spinners, as they both do a great job. If you want to try your new spin-cast reel then you can also apply the bait casting technique. This place is also popular among fishing lovers because of the breathtaking views and budget-friendly lodging prices. This is a great place to spend some quality time with your friends and family.
03: Florida Keys, Florida
The Florida Keys is a very popular fishing spot in Florida. It is 125 miles of long arc islands, where you can catch fish all year long. Here you will find an abundant supply of various fish species such as bonefish, redfish, snook, tarpon, etc. If you are an experienced angler and know how to use your tackle, then there is a chance you can catch swordfish and white and blue marlin. The Sports Fishing Mag published an article where they have listed all the species you can target in the area.
04: Thousand Islands, New York
The name of this place is an indication that this place is packed with several species of fish. This area features species like muskies, northern pike, largemouth bass, and many more. While fishing you have to be alert as the muskies here can grow up to 60 inches in length. There is a chance you can end up angling in Lake Ontario while taking a different course in Thousand Islands. You must have a license while angling here. You can receive a license from the state of New York.
05: Montauk, New York
Montauk is considered one of the busiest tourist spots in East Hampton. Despite being a tourist spot, Montauk is a quite famous fishing location in America. Here in Montauk’s deep waters, you will find an abundant supply of various fish species like dolphin fish, marlin, tuna, shark, etc. You will also find fishes like cod, fluke, flounders, bluefish, mackerel, in the shallow waters of Montauk. There are some beautiful landmarks available in Montauk. The first lighthouse of New York is in Montauk. The motels in this area are cheap, so you can stay one or two nights here without spending too much money.
06: Charlotte Harbor, Florida
Charlotte Harbor of Florida is an amazing place for fishing. The saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico mixes with fresh water from the Peace Myakka and Caloosahatchee rivers and creates a unique blend here. You can catch fish like snook, groupers, redfish, and barracuda in this area. The most exciting aspect of Charlotte Harbor is, it offers a different types of fishing, from kayak fishing to deep-sea fishing.
07: Bighorn River, Montana
River fishing is considered an extremely great sport in Montana. Bighorn River is a great place to catch fish in Montana though this place is not as diverse as other locations in the USA. This place is packed with brown trout. Bighorn River is an excellent place to try laid-back fishing. You may be able to catch brown trout every now and then with this technique.
08: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a very popular fishing location among angler because of its diversity. This place gives you a chance to experience both shore fishing and sea fishing. You can catch flounder, redfish while shore fishing. Sea fishing gives you the opportunity to catch snapper, marlin, tuna, king mackerel, etc. Those who don’t know how to catch fish can enjoy the breathtaking views around the shores. There are a lot of restaurants available, and many of them are willing to cook the fishes that you catch for you.
09: Devils Lake, North Dakota
Devils Lake of North Dakota is also known as the ‘Perch Capital’ of the United States of America. This place is full of a variety of fish species like bass, northern pike, walleye, crappie, and many more. The water of this lake is salty thus making the hydrology of this location very unique. However, this place has become the home of common carp because of the steady salty water. Common carp are considered rough fish, and they can negatively affect the ecosystem. Experts said, with time this fish will pollute the lake by destroying the species and ecological balance of this lake. So if you have never visited this lake then try to pay a visit while it is possible.
10: Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, and it is the second deepest one. There are various fish species available. Some of the common fishes you can target in this area are brown trout, salmon, mackinaw, etc. The rules in Lake Tahoe are very strict. Anyone can catch fish there but not more than five fish. Everyone must abide by this rule in order to keep the health of this lake in good shape.
11: Lake Austin, Texas
If you love catching bass, then Lake Austin of Texas is the best fishing spot for you. In America, Lake Austin is one of the few fishing locations where you can catch a 20-pound largemouth! This place is much cooler than in other regions of Texas. So you must prepare yourself accordingly. Don’t forget to bring a pair of reliable fishing shoes as the lake might be filled with recreational boaters during the day. So you might enjoy fishing at night in Lake Austin.
12: Lake Fork Reservoir, Texas
Lake Fork Reservoir is situated approximately 5 miles north of Quitman Texas. Here you will find a plentiful supply of various fish species such as channel catfish, bream, sunfish, black and white perch, and many more. Although, like other places in Texas Lake Fork Reservoir is famous for bass fishing. So if you are planning for a trip to this lake then make sure you bring the right tackle with you. The water of this lake is so clear that you can use anything from live bait to small colorful lures.
13: Columbia River, Oregon & Washington
Spring and the summer is the best time to visit the Columbia River if you are planning for fishing there. There are verities of fishes out there from salmon to steelhead and smallmouth bass. You might catch sturgeon, though the chances are very rare. The water of the Columbia River is not calm so you might find it difficult to navigate in the water. Therefore it will be best for you to shore fishing rather than go out in the water.
14: Colorado River, Colorado
Colorado River is another great fishing spot in America. Colorado River covers an area of over 1,400 miles, so there are plenty of spots to do your angling in for a specific type of fish you like. Spots near the Rocky Mountains are perfect for catching salmon in the month of June. During this time of the year, salmon fly hatches, so you can take advantage of this occasion to reel in some big trout.
15: California Delta, California
The northern part of California is the perfect place where you can go fishing all year. The weather of California always remains warm, mild and Delta is filled with piers and river banks. So you will get plenty of opportunities to catch fishes like striped bass, black bass, sturgeon, salmon, catfish and many more. Some anglers might find the weather of Delta a bit hot, so it is best to carry enough sunscreen and a fisherman hat while fishing at Delta, California.
16: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
Love fishing bass then comes and visits Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. More than seventy percent of striped bass that is found on the Atlantic Coast originates from the Chesapeake Bay. Though the Chesapeake Bay doesn’t offer only one species; there are other fishes available like speckled trout, croaked, bluefish, etc. to choose from if you’re not a fan of striped bass.
17: Lake St. Clair, Michigan
Lake St. Clair of Michigan is a less known fishing place compared to other fishing spots in the USA. The place is full of different fish species like walleye, crappie, muskie, smallmouth bass, etc. If you are looking for a calm place for angling then this is the best place to pay a visit. In the summer season angling with a charter boat will allow you to reel in more bass within just six hours than spending a whole day doing this in less friendly waters.
18: Kobuk River, Alaska
If you are looking for something different for a change, then you must go for an angling trip on the Kobuk River of Alaska. The river is 200 miles long and fills with different fishes like chum salmon, lake trout, arctic char, northern pike, and shellfish. Selfish is very strong and can put on a serious fight. Many anglers like this challenge, and it definitely brings more excitement to fishing.
19: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras of North Carolina is one of the most valued fishing spots in the USA. This is because of the diverse species that you will find hare. You will find fishes like wahoo, marlin, and sailfish while offshore fishing and fishes like speckled trout, flounder, red drum, and striped bass while inshore fishing. Some areas of Cape Hatteras are a bit dangerous because of the high number of shipwrecks that have happened here. So if you are not familiar with this place then it’s best to hire a local guide.
20: Lake Mead, Nevada
The last on our list is Lake Mead of Nevada. This is a huge lake, and you can catch fish all year round. However, July through December is the best time for the angel in Lake Mead. The chance of catching fish is very high at night, so anglers like to relax and enjoy some nighttime fishing in Lake Mead. Here you will find an abundant supply of various fish species such as trout, crappie, catfish, etc. Though, the main attraction of Lake Mead is the striped bass. Here in Lake Mead, striped bass can get to a weight of forty pounds.
Bottom Line
There are countless other fishing locations available in the USA that offer waters packed with fish. The best way to pick a fishing location is to organize a get-together with your friends or family, share opinions and expertise and see which location suits you. You can also follow online fishing forums where other anglers share their experiences and recommend locations for others to try.
