10 Must Visit Fishing Spots

10 Must Visit Fishing Spots

Home » Blog » 10 Must Visit Fishing Spots

The United States offers diverse fishing experiences in every state, with serene lakes and rugged coastal regions. However, for a keen angler, finding and fishing new spots is always a fun adventure. Below are ten of the must-visit fishing spots across the US that you should go to in your lifetime. 

1. Bristol Bay, Alaska

The pristine waters and amazing landscapes make for an unforgettable fishing trip. The most popular fish in Bristol Bay is salmon, in particular sockeye salmon, with almost 60% of the world’s salmon being caught here. Anglers can also frequently catch other types of salmon, rainbow trout, pike, Arctic char, and Dolly Varden. Be aware there are limits to how many of each fish you can catch and keep per day, and you must follow size regulations. 

2. Thousand Islands, New York

New York State has over 7,000 lakes, which makes it an angler’s dream. The Thousand Islands area is almost 50 miles of coastline in the Saint Lawrence River. This idyllic river is home to many species of fish, including small and largemouth bass, walleye, pike, and panfish. Just be aware that this fishing location is in the river marking the border between the US and Canada and requires a New York or Ontario fishing license.

3. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

This is one of the most productive estuaries in the US and is famous for rockfish or striped bass. The varied habitats throughout the bay support a diverse range of fish making it an exciting adventure for any angler. Some of the other popular catches include Spanish mackerel, bluefish, redfish, flounder, and cobia. Be sure to follow the minimum size limits for any fish and any daily limits. 

4. Port Clinton, Ohio

You can find Port Clinton on the northern shore of Lake Erie, and it is a fishing haven. The entire town revolves around fishing, and there is no better place to catch walleye. After all, this is the walleye capital of the world. The best time to visit is Spring through Fall, making it one of the longest fishing seasons, and there is also a range of bass, trout, and salmon in the area. 

5. Outer Banks, North Carolina

This area offers a range of inshore and offshore fishing opportunities around the three islands. The Outer Banks offers a variety of potential catches, from blue marlin and tuna to snapper and grouper. All anglers looking to fish here must obtain a Coastal Recreational Fishing Licence for the duration of their trip. 

6. Lake Okeechobee, Florida

This is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the US. It is extremely popular for its largemouth bass and is known as the bass capital of the world. The marshes and grassy flats of Lake Okeechobee allow the bass to thrive and grow. This, combined with strict limits, ensures there is always a healthy population of bass. Other popular catches in the lake include panfish and black crappie. 

7. Clear Lake, California

The clear water and abundant vegetation make this an idyllic freshwater fishing location. With multiple fishing tournaments being held each year, it is always a good idea to check the local fishing calendar before booking your trip. The most popular catch here is largemouth bass, and all anglers will of course require a local fishing license. 

8. Lake St. Clair, Michigan

Located on the US/Canada border, this lake offers amazing fishing opportunities. The shallow waters and extensive aquatic weeds make it the ideal habitat for smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, and perch. Keen anglers can also try their luck at catching sturgeon. As the lake borders both the US and Canada, anglers must have a Michigan fishing license, and an Ontario fishing license is also recommended. Remember to also carry your passport if planning to dock on the other side.

9. Lake Austin, Texas

This 1,600-arce water reservoir offers year-round fishing opportunities. It is home to catfish, crappie, sunfish, largemouth bass, and longnose gar. Be aware that during the height of summer, this is a popular destination for water sports, which means fishing opportunities are limited unless you stick to the edges of the reservoir.

10. Montauk, New York

This is a premier destination for saltwater fishing, with strong currents and rich marine life, making each trip a different adventure. Anglers can expect to catch striped bass, tuna, shark, and bluefish. Note the strong current and rugged coastline means things can change quickly, so make sure to pay attention to the weather and head in the minute it starts to get rough.  

Put these 10 must-visit fishing spots on your bucket list and see the country while making amazing memories. 

With G3 boats, you can always find the ideal solution for your boating needs. As an award-winning leader in the fishing industry, G3 sets the standard for quality and service. Find the best boat for your needs and a local dealer by visiting the G3 website today.