More than 50 million Americans participate in freshwater, sea, or fly-fishing activities, demonstrating the continued popularity of fishing in this country. Even though people have been catching fish for food for thousands of years, why are so many still drawn to the pastime when humans no longer need to catch food to survive?
Fishing not only offers relief from the stress of modern life, but it also lets you spend time in nature, whether by yourself or with companions. Not to mention the excitement of feeling the line tug. While some people fish for fun, returning what they catch to the ocean, others choose to clean and bring their catch home for the ultimate fresh seafood meal.
Every state has good fishing opportunities. However, certain settings are ideal. From California's piers to New York's lakes and South Carolina's rivers, we've compiled a list of the 10 best fishing places in the United States. Before packing for your trip ensure you have the best fishing gear from Melton Tackle.
1. Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe is a popular skiing and hiking destination in Northern California and Nevada, and it also offers good fishing opportunities. Tahoe is North America's largest alpine lake and the second deepest, with stunning blue waters.
During the warm months, anglers come to capture Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and mackinaw, always restricting their total catch to five fish (two mackinaws each fisher) to keep the fishery healthy.
2. Thousand Islands, NY
Around 1,800 little islands with an endless supply of freshwater fish can be found in upstate New York, along the St. Lawrence River, which borders Lake Ontario on the east. It's easy to spend all day on the water catching bass, salmon, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge during the region's moderate summers.
Here, even inexperienced fishermen might strike it fortunate, particularly on one of the well-liked guided cruises. Only seasoned anglers should catch the enormous muskies, which can grow up to five feet long.
3. Colorado River, CO
Even though this 1,450-mile river flows through Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Mexico, it is significantly longer than Colorado. However, the best fishing is found in the Rocky Mountains near the river's beginnings.
Flyfishers should try to go up to the upper Colorado River in June when large trout are drawn to the area by the massive stonefly hatch. Enroll in a tour led by a knowledgeable local who can point out the ideal places for you to paddle or wade.
4. Bighorn River, MT
Fly fishing enthusiasts regard this big river as a must-see. The public access fishing sites are worth fighting the crowds, even if the river's access is restricted due to the majority of water passing through private property and Crow Tribal territory.
Most sport fishermen catch and release trout, experimenting with different methods and artificial flies along the way, because there are stringent catch limits in place to preserve the health of the fishery. Brown trout predominate in the river, but valued rainbows can also be caught there.
5. Lake Austin, TX
Although there are several lakes in Texas where you could catch a trophy largemouth bass weighing up to twenty pounds, Lake Austin offers the extra benefit of being located in one of the hippest towns in the Southwest. This reservoir, which is a lower portion of the Colorado River, was first created in 1939 and has since grown to be the city of Texas' main tourist destination. Fish at night in the summer to avoid the pleasure boats.
6. Florida Keys, FL
There is a fisherman's paradise off the Sunshine State's southern shore. Recreational fishermen should go to the “backcountry,” which is the area of waters between the Keys and the mainland of Florida, in the hopes of catching tarpon, redfish, permit, bonefish, or snook. The Atlantic Ocean's deep waters, which are heated by the Gulf Stream, are the true attraction for most tourists.
To capture some of the most sought-after species in the world, including sailfish, swordfish, and blue and white marlin, charter a boat in these waters.
7. Martha’s Vineyard, MA
This island is a great place to go fishing and is also one of New England's most picturesque beach attractions. Get your family or friends together and plan a charter boat excursion to chase False Albacore, often known as Albies, and bonito for some serious catching.
Do you crave a local vibe? Continue using surfcasting. You can catch striped bass quickly if you get a pole—or rent one—and locate a nice area on the rocky shoreline or sandy beach around dusk.
8. Columbia River, OR
Some of the largest smallmouth bass, salmon, sturgeons, and steelhead (rainbow trout) in the region can be found in the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. Although bites abound year-round, the best seasons to find trophy-caliber catches are spring and summer.
Even beginners can enjoy “plucking” with a rod from the river's beaches and sand bars, but experienced fishermen are best suited to negotiate the choppy, frequently congested waters aboard a boat.
9. California Delta, CA
Northern California has year-round mild weather, making it the perfect place to go fishing whenever the whim takes you. Anglers cast their lines from riverbanks, piers, and boats in this river and estuary, also known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, in hopes of catching salmon, striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, and black bass. Numerous boats gather for the popular competitive derbies, which are quite the spectacle to watch.
10. Kobuk River, AK
To try their hand at reeling in an uncommon catch, seasoned fishermen who are sick of hooking the same fish on every trip might venture north. The term “Kobuk” (which means “big river”) is more than 200 miles long and is home to arctic grayling, lake trout, arctic char, chum salmon, and northern pike, but sheefish are the real draw of the river.
Even experienced anglers hands can be easily torn off the rod by these salmon cousins, which can grow to reach over a yard in length and possess incredible strength and speed.