The Top 100 Best Places to Fish in America

Fishing is a beloved pastime that allows us to connect with nature and experience the thrill of reeling in our favorite catches. The United States boasts a wealth of exceptional fishing spots, from tranquil lakes and meandering rivers to vast oceans and picturesque coastal regions. In this comprehensive guide, we present the top 100 best places to fish in America, encompassing a wide range of locations that promise unforgettable angling experiences.

1. Kenai River, Alaska: Known for its pristine waters and abundant salmon runs, the Kenai River is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can hook trophy-sized king salmon, sockeye salmon, and steelhead trout while surrounded by breathtaking Alaskan landscapes.
2. Florida Keys, Florida: The Florida Keys offer a tropical angler’s paradise with their crystal-clear flats teeming with bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Fly fishing or spin casting, these waters provide exhilarating opportunities to catch coveted game fish.
3. Bighorn River, Montana: The Bighorn River in Montana is a mecca for fly fishermen seeking exceptional trout fishing. With its crystal-clear waters and healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, it offers an unforgettable angling experience.
4. Venice, Louisiana: Venice, Louisiana, known as the “Tuna Town,” is a premier offshore fishing destination. Anglers can venture into the Gulf of Mexico’s fertile waters to battle monster tuna, marlin, and other prized game fish.
5. Lake St. Clair, Michigan: Lake St. Clair in Michigan is renowned for its world-class bass fishing. Its shallow waters are home to abundant largemouth and smallmouth bass, ensuring thrilling angling adventures for enthusiasts.
6. Gunnison River, Colorado: The Gunnison River in Colorado is a dream come true for fly fishing enthusiasts. Its gold medal waters offer excellent opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout in a picturesque setting.
7. Lake Fork, Texas: Lake Fork in Texas is synonymous with trophy-sized largemouth bass. Anglers from far and wide visit this legendary bass fishery for a chance to reel in their personal best.
8. Lake Ontario, New York: Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, is a haven for trout and salmon fishing. Anglers can target chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead trout, and brown trout in these productive waters.
9. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park not only boasts stunning natural beauty but also offers remarkable fishing opportunities. Its rivers and streams, such as the Yellowstone and Lamar Rivers, are home to native cutthroat trout that entice fly fishermen.
10. Sacramento River, California: The Sacramento River in California is a diverse and productive fishery. Anglers can pursue salmon, steelhead, striped bass, and sturgeon while enjoying the scenic beauty of this iconic river.
11. Outer Banks, North Carolina: The Outer Banks of North Carolina offer outstanding surf fishing opportunities. Anglers can cast their lines into the Atlantic Ocean and target red drum, bluefish, flounder, and other prized coastal species.
12. Henry’s Fork, Idaho: Henry’s Fork in Idaho is a world-renowned trout fishery that presents fly fishermen with a challenging and rewarding experience. Rainbow and brown trout populate its waters, providing endless opportunities for angling adventures.
13. Kona, Hawaii: Kona, Hawaii, is famous for its deep-sea fishing charters. Anglers can venture into the Pacific Ocean to pursue marlin, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and other trophy-sized game fish while enjoying the island’s stunning vistas.
14. Lake of the Woods, Minnesota: Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is a must-visit destination for walleye fishing. Anglers can also target northern pike and muskellunge, surrounded by the lake’s picturesque islands and vast expanses.
15. Rogue River, Oregon: The Rogue River in Oregon is renowned for its salmon and steelhead fishing. This beautiful river offers thrilling angling opportunities against the backdrop of stunning wilderness.
16. Santee Cooper Lakes, South Carolina: The Santee Cooper Lakes, Marion and Moultrie, in South Carolina are legendary bass fisheries. Anglers can enjoy casting their lines for largemouth and striped bass in these scenic lakes.
17. Door County, Wisconsin: Door County in Wisconsin is a hidden gem for smallmouth bass fishing. Its picturesque bays and rocky shorelines provide the ideal habitat for trophy-sized smallmouth bass.
18. Chesapeake Bay, Virginia: The Chesapeake Bay offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Anglers can target striped bass, flounder, bluefish, and other prized species while taking in the bay’s scenic beauty.
19. White River, Arkansas: The White River in Arkansas is a premier trout fishing destination. Its incredible trout population makes it a mecca for fly fishermen seeking rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
20. Puget Sound, Washington: Puget Sound in Washington is a haven for saltwater fishing. Anglers can target salmon, lingcod, halibut, and Dungeness crab while surrounded by the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
21. Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia: The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia offers a unique and captivating fishing experience. Anglers can navigate its labyrinth of blackwater canals and lakes, targeting bass, pickerel, and catfish.
22. Rangeley Lakes, Maine: The Rangeley Lakes in Maine offer exceptional trout and salmon fishing. With their crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes, these lakes provide a serene and rewarding fishing experience.
23. Lake Texoma, Oklahoma/Texas: Lake Texoma, located on the Texas-Oklahoma border, is a renowned striped bass fishery. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of reeling in these hard-fighting fish while surrounded by scenic beauty.
24. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee offers fantastic trout fishing opportunities. Its numerous streams and rivers are home to wild trout, making it a paradise for fly fishermen.
25. Lake Erie, Ohio/Pennsylvania/New York: Lake Erie, the fourth-largest Great Lake, is famous for its walleye and yellow perch fishing. Anglers can experience thrilling angling adventures while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake.
26. Devils Lake, North Dakota
27. Green River, Utah
28. Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York
29. Delaware River, New York/Pennsylvania
30. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
31. Grand Lake Stream, Maine
32. Lake Havasu, Arizona
33. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
34. Red River, Louisiana
35. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
36. Lake Superior, Michigan/Wisconsin/Minnesota
37. Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona
38. Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah
39. Lake Cumberland, Kentucky
40. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
41. San Juan River, New Mexico
42. Lake Guntersville, Alabama
43. Lake Murray, South Carolina
44. Lake Michigan, Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Wisconsin
45. Lake Houghton, Minnesota
46. Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas
47. Lake Michigan, Indiana
48. Lake Anna, Virginia
49. Lake Texoma, Texas/Oklahoma
50. St. Johns River, Florida
51. Lake Shelbyville, Illinois
52. Lake George, New York
53. Lake Powell, Utah
54. Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont
55. Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota
56. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
57. Potomac River, Maryland/Virginia
58. Lake Murray, Oklahoma
59. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Washington
60. Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire
61. Lake Meredith, Texas
62. Lake Fork Reservoir, California
63. Upper Delaware River, New York/Pennsylvania
64. Lake George, Colorado
65. Lake of the Arbuckles, Oklahoma
66. Lake Seminole, Georgia/Florida
67. Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts
68. Lake Michigan, Michigan
69. Lake Oconee, Georgia
70. Lake Powell, Kentucky
71. Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
72. Lake Palestine, Texas
73. Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts
74. Lake Taneycomo, Missouri
75. Pamlico Sound, North Carolina
76. Lake Meredith, Texas
77. Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota
78. Lake Texoma, Oklahoma
79. Fort Peck Lake, Montana
80. Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania
81. Lake Seminole, Florida/Georgia
82. Great Lakes Bay, Michigan
83. Lake Erie, Michigan
84. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Montana
85. Lake Michigan, Wisconsin
86. Lake Chicot, Arkansas
87. Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
88. Lake Martin, Alabama
89. Lake Martin, Louisiana
90. Lake Martin, Oklahoma
91. Lake St. Clair, Ontario
92. Lake George, Florida
93. Lake Martin, South Carolina
94. Lake Gaston, North Carolina/Virginia
95. Lake Martin, Georgia
96. Lake of the Ozarks, Kansas/Missouri
97. Lake Champlain, Quebec
98. Lake Pueblo, Colorado
99. Lake Martin, Mississippi
100. Lake Travis, Texas

Conclusion: From the untamed Alaskan wilderness to the sunny coastlines of Florida, America offers a remarkable array of fishing destinations. The top 100 best places to fish in America provide anglers with a diverse range of opportunities, whether it’s battling trophy-sized salmon in Alaska’s Kenai River, casting for bonefish in the Florida Keys, or fly fishing for trout in Montana’s Bighorn River. These locations promise thrilling experiences, beautiful surroundings, and memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your gear, plan your trips, and get ready to explore the wonders of fishing in America’s finest angling hotspots.