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Top 10 Best US States for Fishing

Welcome to the Best US States for Fishing!

The United States is home to some of the best fishing destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for freshwater or saltwater fishing, there’s a spot for you. So, let’s get started and enjoy the top 10 best US states for fishing!

There are many reasons why the United States is a good place for fishing. The country has a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, and there are many different types of fish that can be caught.

Best US States for Fishing

The United States also has many lakes, rivers, and streams, making it easy to find a good spot to fish. In addition, the United States has a number of organizations and businesses that offer fishing trips, equipment, and supplies.

Jump to any section or read the entire article about Fishing in the US.

10 Best US States for Fishing

Here are the top 10 best states for fishing:

1. Alaska 

Alaska, USA - Best US States for Fishing
Alaska, USA – Best US States for Fishing

Alaska is well-known for its excellent fishing and one of the best US state for fishing. The state is home to some of the world’s largest salmon, halibut, trout, and other fish. There are many charter companies that can take you out on the water to make the most of your Alaska fishing trip.

Some top fishing destinations in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Nushagak River, and the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

  • The Kenai River is one of the most popular destinations for fishing in Alaska, as it is home to a large number of salmon and trout.
  • The Nushagak River is another excellent destination for fishing, as it is home to a wide variety of fish, including arctic char, sheefish, and pike.
  • The Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is also a great place to fish, as it is home to a large number of salmon and trout.

When planning a trip to Alaska to go fishing, it is important to research the best times to fish in each of the above-mentioned locations.

The best time to fish in the Kenai River is from late May to early September, while the best time to fish in the Nushagak River is from mid-June to mid-August. The best time to fish in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is from late June to early September.

2. Florida 

Florida - Top 10 Best US States for Fishing
Florida, USA

Florida is another great state for fishing, with many different options depending on what you’re looking for. The Keys are a popular spot for saltwater fishing, while lakes and rivers offer good freshwater fishing. You can even fish for alligators in some parts of Florida! 

Here are some of the best places to fish in Florida:

The Keys:

The Keys offer some of the best saltwater fishing in the world, with a huge variety of species to be caught. Anglers can fish for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snapper, grouper, and more. The Keys are also home to a number of charter boats and guides, making it easy to get out on the water and start fishing.

Mosquito Lagoon:

Mosquito Lagoon is located just north of the Kennedy Space Center and is a great place to fish for redfish, trout, and snook. The lagoon is shallow and has a lot of vegetation, making it a great place to wade and fish.

Indian River Lagoon:

The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most productive estuaries in the United States and is home to a large variety of fish species. Anglers can fish for snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, and more. The lagoon is also a great place to go kayak fishing, as many kayak launches and rentals are available.

Lake Okeechobee:

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and is a popular destination for bass fishing. The lake is also home to a number of other fish species, including panfish, catfish and more. Lake Okeechobee is a great place to fish from a boat, as there are many marinas and boat ramps around the lake.

St. Johns River:

The St. Johns River is one of the longest rivers in Florida and is a great place to fish for bass, catfish and more. The river is also a popular destination for kayak fishing and is home to a number of kayak launches and rentals.

3. California 

Lake Tahoe, United States - Top 10 Best US States for Fishing
Lake Tahoe, USA

California offers some of the best saltwater fishing in the US, with options for both deep-sea fishing and fishing in more sheltered waters. The state is home to many different fish species, so you’re sure to find something to your liking.

Lake Tahoe:

Another great destination for fishing in California is Lake Tahoe (is one of the most popular fishing destinations). The lake is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon. The scenery is stunning, and the fishing is excellent.

There are a number of charter companies that offer fishing trips on Lake Tahoe. 

San Francisco Bay:

The San Francisco Bay is another great place to go fishing in California. There are a variety of fish to be caught in the bay, including striped bass, sturgeon, and halibut. The bay is also a great place to enjoy the scenery and take in the sights of the city. There are a number of charter companies that offer fishing trips in the San Francisco Bay. 

Monterey Bay:

The Monterey Bay is one of the most popular fishing destinations on the West Coast. The bay is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, rockfish and halibut. The scenery is beautiful, and the fishing is excellent. There are a number of charter companies that offer fishing trips in Monterey Bay. 

Santa Cruz:

It is a great place to go fishing in California. The town is home to a number of charter companies that offer fishing trips. The town is also a great place to enjoy the scenery and take in the sights of the city. 

San Diego:

San Diego is one of the most popular fishing destinations in California. The city is home to several charter companies offering fishing trips. The city is also a great place to enjoy the scenery and take in the sights of the city.

4. Maine 

Kennebec River
Kennebec River, USA

Maine is a top destination for fishing for a variety of reasons. First, the state is home to a large number of freshwater lakes and ponds, which offer great opportunities for anglers of all levels of experience. In addition, Maine’s coastline is dotted with a number of excellent saltwater fishing spots, making it a great destination for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

The state’s relatively remote location means that it is not as crowded as other fishing destinations, making it a great place to enjoy a quiet and relaxed fishing trip.

Maine’s best fishing spots include the Kennebec River, the Androscoggin River, and Sebago Lake.

The Kennebec River is a great place to fish for trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass. While the Androscoggin River is a top spot for largemouth bass, pike and walleye. Sebago Lake is a great all-around fishing destination, offering good opportunities for a variety of fish, including trout, salmon, bass, and pike.

5. Montana 

Beaverhead River, Montana, USA
Beaverhead River, Montana, USA

Montana is another excellent state for freshwater fishing, with many different options depending on your desire. The state is also home to some of the best fly fishing in the world, so it’s a great destination for those who love this type of fishing.

Flathead Lake:

This massive lake is a haven for all kinds of fish, including trout, bass, and pike. Plenty of charter boats are available for hire so that you can explore the lake at your leisure. 

Bighorn River:

The Bighorn River is one of Montana’s most popular spots for fly fishing. It’s home to a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and pike. 

Yellowstone River:

The Yellowstone River is another excellent spot for trout fishing. The river is also home to a variety of other fish, including bass, pike and walleye. 

Glacier National Park:

Glacier National Park is a great place to fish for a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and pike. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, so you can enjoy the scenery as you fish. 

Beartooth Mountains:

The Beartooth Mountains are a great place to fish for trout. The mountains are also home to a variety of other fish, including bass, pike, and walleye.

6. Oregon 

Oregon, USA
Oregon, USA

Oregon is a great state for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. The state is home to many different fish species and some of the best crabbing in the US. 

  • The Columbia River – The Columbia River is one of Oregon’s most popular fishing spots. The river is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and bass. The river is also great to enjoy the scenery, with its beautiful mountains and forests. 
  • Crater Lake – Crater Lake is another great spot for fishing in Oregon. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and crappie. The lake is also great to enjoy the scenery, with its beautiful mountains and forests. 
  • The Willamette River – The Willamette River is another popular fishing spot in Oregon. It is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and bass. The river is also great to enjoy the scenery, with its beautiful mountains and forests. 
  • The Deschutes River – The Deschutes River is another great spot for fishing in Oregon. The river is home to a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and crappie.
  • The Rogue River – The Rogue River is another popular fishing spot in Oregon. It is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and bass. The river is also great to enjoy the scenery, with its beautiful mountains and forests.

7. Washington 

Puget Sound, USA
Puget Sound, USA

Washington is another excellent state for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. The state is home to many different fish species and some of the best crabbing in the US. 

Puget Sound:

The Puget Sound is one of the best places to go saltwater fishing in Washington. This large body of water is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, halibut, cod and more.

There are also many charter boats available for hire, so you can enjoy a day fishing without owning your own boat.

Cascade Mountains:

If you’re looking for a more freshwater fishing experience, the Cascade Mountains are home to some of the best trout fishing in the state. The rivers and streams of the Cascades are full of trout, and there are also many lakes where you can cast your line. In addition to trout, you can also find salmon, bass, and other fish in the Cascade waterways.

Washington State has something to offer no matter what type of fishing you’re looking for. With so many great destinations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy a day of fishing.

8. Idaho 

Idaho. USA - Top 10 Best US States for Fishing
Idaho, USA

Idaho is a great state for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. The state is home to many different fish species, as well as some of the best fly fishing in the world.

Here are some of the top destinations for fishing in Idaho:

  • Henrys Lake – This lake is located in the eastern part of the state and is a popular destination for fly fishing. The lake is home to cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout. 
  • Salmon River – The Salmon River is located in central Idaho and is a popular spot for trout fishing. The river is also home to steelhead, salmon, and sturgeon. 
  • Coeur d’Alene Lake – This lake is located in the northern part of the state and is a popular destination for bass fishing. The lake is also home to northern pike, walleye, and perch. 
  • Priest Lake – This lake is located in the northern part of the state and is a popular destination for trout fishing. The lake is also home to kokanee salmon, whitefish, and grayling
  • Payette Lake is located in the central part of the state and is a popular destination for trout fishing. The lake is also home to bass, perch, and catfish.

9. Wyoming 

Wyoming, USA - Best US States for Fishing
Wyoming, USA – Best US States for Fishing

Wyoming is in our list of the best US states for fishing because of it’s saltwater and freshwater fisheries. The state is home to many different fish species and some of the best fly fishing in the world. 

Here are just a few of the top destinations for fishing in the state:

The Snake River:

The Snake River is one of the most popular destinations for fly fishing in Wyoming. It is home to a large variety of fish, including trout, bass, and walleye. The river winds through the beautiful Snake River Canyon, making it a scenic spot for a day of fishing.

Yellowstone National Park:

Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places in the world to fish for trout. The park is home to several large and well-stocked lakes and countless streams and rivers. In addition to the fishing, Yellowstone is also home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

Jackson Lake:

Jackson Lake is a large lake located in Grand Teton National Park. The lake is known for its large population of cutthroat trout. In addition to the trout, Jackson Lake is also home to a variety of other fish, including bass, walleye, and pike.

The Green River:

The Green River is one of the premier trout streams in Wyoming. It is home to a large number of rainbow trout, as well as brown trout and cutthroat trout. The river winds through the beautiful Wind River Canyon, making it a scenic spot for a day of fishing.

The Laramie River:

The Laramie River is another excellent trout stream in Wyoming. It is home to a large number of rainbow trout and brown trout. The river also winds through the scenic Laramie Plains, making it a beautiful spot for a day of fishing.

10. Colorado

Emerald Lake, United States - Best US States for Fishing
Emerald Lake, USA – Best US States for Fishing

Colorado is one of the best US state for fishing for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. The state is home to many different fish species and some of the best fly fishing in the world.

There are many different destinations in Colorado that are worth traveling to for fishing, and each one has its own unique benefits. 

Estes Park:

One of the best destinations for fishing in Colorado is the town of Estes Park. This town is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park and is known for its great trout fishing. The area has many different lakes and streams that are perfect for fishing, and the scenery is breathtaking. Estes Park is also a great place to stay if you want to explore the Rocky Mountain National Park, as there are many different hiking trails and other attractions in the area. 

Boulder:

Another great destination for fishing in Colorado is the city of Boulder.

Boulder is located in the Rocky Mountains’ foothills and is known for its great fly fishing. The area has many different rivers and streams that are perfect for fishing, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Boulder is also a great place to stay if you want to explore the Rocky Mountain National Park, as there are many different hiking trails and other attractions in the area. 

Durango:

If you are looking for a more remote destination for fishing in Colorado, then the town of Durango is a great option. Durango is located in the San Juan Mountains and is known for its great trout fishing. There are many different lakes and streams in the area that are perfect for fishing.

The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Durango is also a great place to stay if you want to explore the San Juan Mountains, as there are many different hiking trails and other attractions in the area. 

Summary – Best US States for Fishing

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Top 10 Fishing destinations in the USA

No matter where you choose to fish in the United States, you are sure to have a great time. The United States is home to some of the best fishing in the world.

There are many different destinations in the United States that are worth traveling to for fishing, and each has its own unique benefits, and we have featured just a few of them.

We hope you enjoyed the Top 10 Best US States for Fishing! Here you can find more blogs on North America and the beautiful United States.

Marcel Kuhn