16 Best Fishing Spots in America to Visit

America is a vast country with many different types of landscapes and waterways, making it an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts.

From the rocky coastline of Maine to the wide-open plains of Texas, there are plenty of great spots to wet a line and try to reel in a big one. Here are the best fishing spots in America to visit.

If you want to get away from your work and have some fun, you can go to a place where you can explore nature. You can catch fish on the seashore for your dinner.

Making the right decisions will help make your holiday trip a memorable one. There are many fishing spots all around the world that you can explore. You can find many different types of fish at these spots.

These locations provide plenty of activities for you to enjoy, in addition to fishing. They have a hilly backdrop and can be hiked, as well as boated, making them some of the most beautiful areas on earth.

So, if you are planning your summer vacation in America, make sure to explore the fishing spots too. This is why American restaurants serve some of the best and most delicious seafood in the world.

Best Fishing Spots in America

Let’s get into the best fishing spots in America you need to visit at least once in your lifetime.

Florida Keys, Florida

The Fisherman’s Paradise is the name given to the Florida Keys, which is recognized as one of the best fishing places on the Southern Coast of America. Bonefish, redfish, and snook are just a few of the fish that may be caught there.

The Gulf Stream of the Atlantic Ocean is a good place to find fish because the water here is somewhat warm. The finest method to catch fish out here is to charter a boat and explore the aqua blue sea via catching sailfish, blue and white marlin, and even swordfish. Apart from that, you may visit the restaurants in the Florida Keys that will serve you with the catches of the day. 

Outer Banks, North Carolina

If you’re a fishing fanatic who loves catching fish, the greater Outer Banks area and fishing spots are ideal for you. The various organizations located here will supply you with all of the basic equipment needed for fishing, such as hooks, baits, and licenses.

This is one of the best fishing spots which is extremely adventurous as you can try catching fish by charting a boat or try other options like flyfish, pier fishing, braking fishing, and even head boat fishing as well.

The varieties of fish that you may find here include trout, sea bass, flounder, and much more. You must visit this place with your family and try the delicious snacks at the local restaurants as well.

Kona, Hawaii

This is one of the Best Fishing Spots situated in Hawaii and is quite popular among tourists, especially those who come for sport fishing. The water of the Kona river situated on the western shore of the Big Island is extremely calm due to which it is considered one of the best fishing spots by the anglers.

The water depth out here is quite deep which is around 6000 feet which is why anglers have to do deep-sea fishing. You may find a wide variety of fish out there like tuna, mahi-mahi, and sharks as well. The scenery is otherworldly, and most people hire charter boats to fish out here.

If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Kona, Hawaii while on your fishing trip, look no further than Kona Shores. Their spacious condos offer all the amenities you need to make your stay comfortable, including a full kitchen, private lanai, and in-unit washer and dryer.

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Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

This is another one of New England’s best fishing spots with one of the most stunning views or backdrops imaginable. This place is best suitable for a family vacation as you can book a room at a hotel situated across the sea or just set up your own personalized tent to get a camping experience.

This region is notable for its fishing activities, which include bonito and albacore. When you want to catch some fish for supper, simply charter a boat. 

Bighorn River, Montana

Bighorn River situated in Montana is quite a large river and the best fishing spot to catch flying fish in America. Though the river is a bit difficult to access the fishing experience out here is far better than the other fishing spots which are quite easy to access. There is also a strict limit on fish catching as one can only catch the fish with a permit.

You may find here a variety of fish but the most common and sought-after are brown trout and rainbow trout. Beyond this, Montana is one of the best places in the world for fly fishing.

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the Bighorn River, Montana, there are a few options available. One option is the Bighorn River Ranch, which offers cabins and camping facilities as well as a lodge.

See Related: Best Things to do in Livingston, Montana

Thousand Islands, New York

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in the St. Lawrence River in New York, this place is a composition of around 1800 extremely tiny islands which have the best freshwater fish.

The best time to visit the place is the summer season as you may find one of the best varieties of fish like bass, salmon, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge during this season. You should only visit this place if you are an experienced angler or fisherman.

The Thousand Islands region of New York is a beautiful area to visit, and with so many islands there are plenty of places to stay. If you’re looking for a quiet and secluded spot to stay, the many Bed and Breakfasts in the area would be a great choice.

Or if you’re looking for something more luxurious, there is the Island Resort which is a private island resort that offers all the amenities you would expect.

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Kobuk River, Alaska

If you want your fishing experience to be a challenging one then instead of catching the usual freshwater fish you must explore the Kobuk River which is around 200 miles long and will give you the most amazing fishing experience for sure.

Here you will find the rarest of rare fish like the arctic grayling, lake trout, arctic char, chum salmon, northern pike, and even sheepish as well. The fish can and as long as a yard and are extremely active or fast which can easily trip your fishing rod.

This is why you should never try fishing here without a guide. For fly fishing enthusiasts, there will be no shortage of great options here.

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Lake St. Clair, Michigan

The Great Lakes State Park in St. Clair, Michigan, is also recognized as one of the finest fishing sites. A ton of muskies may be found there.

Despite the fact that the river isn’t particularly huge, it is well-known among fishermen because of its tremendous game fishing opportunity and they also get to discover new and uncommon species of fish, such as smallmouth bass, perch, walleye, and crappie. Simply hire a charter boat and you’re good to go.

This is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the Midwest to visit.

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Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

Lake of Woods, also known as the capital of walleye is huge in size and is situated on the Northern side of Minnesota. The lake is mostly famous for ice fishing which means you have to brave the cold in order to enjoy the fishing experience.

The ice fishing here is unparalleled and you can find a number of species of fish like northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and trout. But the walleye is the main attraction for most anglers as it is one of the most sought-after fish in North America.

When fishing in Lake of the Woods, you’ll want to find a place to stay nearby. There are plenty of campgrounds and resorts in the area that will make your fishing trip a lot more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a place to stay near Lake of the Woods, check out the Northwest Angle Campground. They have plenty of campsites with electric outlets. If you are looking for something more luxurious consider the classic timber lodges and resorts on the Gunflint Trail or book a stay at the exclusive Angle Inn Resort.

If you want to make your trip to Lake of the Woods an extended one, make sure you visit the king of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior during your trip to the North Star State.

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Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

There are several world-class fishing locations in the Chesapeake Bay, including this one. You may find a variety of fish and other sea creatures such as crabs from Maryland. Famous for the variety of striped bass, the Chesapeake Bay is situated on the Eastern Coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Apart from that, you may also find rockfish, bluefish, speckled trout, and flounder.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can stay in a campground, a hotel, or even a bed and breakfast. If you’re looking for a campground, the Chestertown KOA is a great option, or book a room at one of these nearby resorts and hotels.

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California Delta, California

The California Delta is a world-renowned fishing spot, thanks to its abundance of bass, catfish, crappie, and other desirable species. The area offers plenty of sheltered coves, backwaters, and sloughs that make for perfect ambush spots for predators.

Anglers can also find plenty of open water to test their fishing in America can be found in the Golden State of California. The fertile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California is a fisherman’s paradise.

The finest time to visit this breathtaking fishing beach is during mild summers, when you may catch the fish of your choice.

Fishermen and anglers mostly explore this place by boats and piers moving along the river banks to catch the amazing varieties of fish like striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, black bass, and salmon.

Colorado River, Colorado

The Colorado River has a length of more than 1,450 kilometers and runs through the cities of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.

The backdrop along the river is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains which makes the view breathtaking. The best time to catch fish is in the summer season i.e the month of June and the varieties include flyfish, salmon, and trout.

There are a number of different areas along the Colorado River where fishermen can find good fishing. One popular spot is the section near Glenwood Springs, where the river widens and provides plenty of space for anglers to cast their lines. There are also several campsites and RV parks located in this area, making it a convenient place to stay. 

Columbia River, Oregon, and Washington

The Columbia River is one of the Pacific Ocean’s largest rivers and is located on the northwest coast of the United States. Smallmouth bass, salmon, sturgeons, and steelheads are among the species that may be found here.

The best time to fish in this area is in late spring and early summer when the water is at its hottest. Hire a charter boat that will be mostly occupied or simply sit on the beach and catch fish if you don’t want to take a charter boat.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while fishing in the Columbia River, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can stay in a campground, a hotel, or even a bed and breakfast.

If you’re looking for a campground, the Stevenson Dam Campground is a great option, or book a room at one of the many great hotels in the area.

Lake Shelbyville, Illinois

This one is basically a man-made reservoir that is built over around 11,000 acres of land. The best time to visit this place for fishing is in the summer season and it is the most crowded during that team. You can plan a camping trip as well or just book a wooden cottage at the nearby resort.

You may find yellow bass, walleye, freshwater drum, flathead catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. There are a few places to stay near Lake Shelbyville that will give you easy access to the fishing spots. If you want to be right on the water, the Lake Shelbyville Resort is a great option.

Lake Austin, Texas

There are many lakes in Texas but as far as fishing is concerned, Lake Austin will actually give you the best experience for sure. It is situated in one of the coolest cities in America, Austin, Texas, and basically, it is a reservoir that was formed in the year 1939. The best time to catch fish is in summer and also at night.

There are many places to stay near Lake Austin, Texas. If you’re looking for a place with easy access to the lake, I recommend Hyatt House Austin, which is located right near the river in Austin. It’s also a short walk to downtown Austin and all the great entertainment that this city has to offer.

Kenai River-Moose River Confluence, Alaska

The Kenai River-Moose River Confluence is an excellent spot to fish for King Salmon and Rainbow trout. The junction is at mile marker 85.2 of Camp Izaak Walton.

You must be skilled in your tackle to fish at this spot, but if you are then you can expect to catch bites from these fish. However, pink salmon is more common and more prevalent.

The Kenai River-Moose River Confluence is located in Soldotna, Alaska. To get to the confluence, take the Sterling Highway south from Anchorage and turn onto Funny River Road.

If you’re looking to stay near the Kenai River-Moose River Confluence, there are plenty of options. The closest town is Soldotna, which has a variety of hotels and motels to choose from. If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, there are also campgrounds located near the confluence.

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