7 Perfect Fishing Destinations in the U.S. to Cast Your Line

Looking for your next angling destination? Whether you’re a saltwater devotee or a freshwater fan, the scenery can make or break your fishing trip — why not enjoy the best locations the U.S. has to offer while you wait for a bite?

In this guide, we’re breaking down seven of the top fishing locations in the U.S. for both fresh and saltwater angling. We’ll explore some pros and cons of each location and what you can expect to catch. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or book a cross-country trek, you’re sure to find your perfect destination on this list.

#1 Marathon, Florida

If you’re ready to dust off your saltwater fishing gear, Marathon in the Florida Keys is one of the country’s most premier angling destinations.

Fishing in Marathon has numerous advantages:

• There are countless lodging options
• It’s easy to find a boat rental in the area
• The Keys boast abundant nightlife and activities for landlubbers

But, there are certainly some challenges when it comes to Keys travel:

• Lodging and boat rentals can be expensive
• The Keys aren’t very centrally located
• Crowds are common — you’ll likely have to book well in advance

Marathon is a perfect port of call for fishing around the entire Keys island chain, where you can expect to catch:

• Snapper varieties, including: Yellowtail snapper, Mangrove snapper, and Mutton snapper
• Hogfish
• Grouper, particularly: Red grouper, Black grouper, and Gag grouper

#2 Mississippi River

If you’ve been curating your collection of carp-angling tools for years, the Mississippi River should be at the top of your list of fishing destinations.

Fishing in the Mississippi is fantastic:

• The river is long and full of excellent fishing spots
• There are multiple species to chase, not just carp
• Some cities along the Mississippi are particularly affordable

But the Mississippi can also be a challenging destination:

• Seasonal changes can significantly impact fishing opportunities
• Boat rentals can be more difficult to find in rural areas
• Brown water can pose a challenge for anglers used to crystal-clear visibility

While you fish Ol’ Man River, expect to hook:

• Catfish
• Walleye
• Carp
• Bass
• Crappie

#3 Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair is a small fishery connected to Lake Erie — one of the U.S.’s Great Lakes. The premier waterfront of the Detroit metro area (an up-and-coming tourist destination in its own right), Lake St. Clair offers:

• A central location — it’s easy to travel to the Detroit area
• Abundant fishing opportunities and numerous species
• Clear waters and rocky bottoms

But Lake St. Clair also poses challenges for potential anglers:

• Lake-cleaning efforts to improve visibility have impacted some species, like walleye
• The Detroit area can feature extreme weather conditions, especially in the winter
• Lake St. Clair can be crowded during peak seasons

If you venture to Lake St. Clair, you can expect to catch:

• Walleye
• Muskies
• Bass
• Yellow perch
• Lake sturgeon

#4 Upper Rio Grande, Colorado

If you’re looking for a picturesque fishing destination, look no further than the Upper Rio Grande in Colorado. With numerous thriving fisheries to choose from, anglers can enjoy the snowy peaks of nearby mountains and cool breezes while they fish from the bank or float down the river.

The Upper Rio Grande is:

• Easily accessible for travelers
• Expansive — there are nearly countless fishing spots to visit
• One of the healthiest fisheries in the U.S., with abundant species

But the area can pose challenges like:

• Remote fishing spots that require long walks
• Elevation changes (which can be difficult for people who are not accustomed to altitude)
• Expensive lodging

When you cast your line in the Upper Rio Grande, you might pull up:

• Trout species, like: Rainbow trout, Brook trout, and Brown trout

• Kokanee salmon
• Smallmouth bass
• Carp
• Pike

#5 Lake Tahoe, California

Another mountainous destination for high-altitude adventurers is Lake Tahoe, California. A renowned skiing, hiking, and backpacking destination, Lake Tahoe offers:

• Unbeatable views
• Accessible travel
• A large land-based activities docket

But, visitors to Lake Tahoe should remember that:

• Winters can bring stiff winds, bitter cold, and substantial snowfall to the area
• Lodging and activities can be pricey
• The area is a well-known tourist attraction

If you opt to fish in the clear, alpine waters of Lake Tahoe, pack tackle for:

• Catfish
• Sculpin
• Mackinaw
• Brown trout
• Crappie

#6 Venice, Louisiana

To return to compelling destinations for saltwater anglers, let’s turn to Venice, Louisiana — one of the country’s premiere Gulf of Mexico fishing hubs.

Venice offers:

• Easy access to the Gulf of Mexico
• A wide variety of saltwater species
• Multiple fishing options, including charters, guided trips, and boat rentals

But Venice can pose challenges like:

• Limited lodging — the town is very small
• Long travel times
• Highly variable coastal weather

Despite potential drawbacks, anglers keep coming back to Venice to chase:

• Yellowfin tuna
• Reef fish, like: Red snapper, Red grouper, and Gag grouper
• Inshore species, like: Redfish, Spotted trout, and Flounder

#7 Weber River, Utah

If you’re looking for a Blue Ribbon Fishery with abundant freshwater fishing opportunities, head to the Weber River in Utah.

The Weber River is an outstanding destination for freshwater anglers:

• It’s surrounded by scenic mountain vistas
• Much of the river is walk-able
• It’s a spawning destination for a wide variety of species

But, some elements of fishing the Weber River can be difficult:

• Many sections of the river flow through private land
• The terrain can be challenging for people without hiking experience
• Nearby Salt Lake City can be crowded during peak skiing seasons

Anglers traversing the Weber River are likely to pull up:

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Cutthroat trout
• Brook trout

Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing: Destinations are Limitless

Whether you’re looking for a scenic saltwater destination or a freshwater locale with pristine views, the fisheries on this list offer abundant opportunities for fishermen. All of the destinations above offer opportunities to experience the best fishing in the U.S. — visit one to discover your next big bite.