Fishing Lakes
By state, lake and fish species.
Fishing Lakes For All Species Of Fish
Bass Fishing Lakes
The USA boasts an array of top-tier lakes revered among anglers for their exceptional bass fishing opportunities. Clear Lake, Lake Guntersville, Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn Lake, Lake St Clair, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Fork and others are renowned for abundant largemouth bass population and hosting numerous tournaments. Additionally, Lake Erie, particularly around the Ohio and Pennsylvania shores, offers prime smallmouth bass fishing. For anglers seeking the challenge of spotted bass, Lake Lanier, Table Rock Lake, Lake Martin and others stands out for trophy-sized spots. Meanwhile, the rivers of Georgia and South Carolina offer excellent opportunities to target redeye bass. For those pursuing shoal bass, the Flint River in Georgia, which flows into Lake Blackshear presents an exciting challenge. These and many other top bass fishing lakes promises memorable experiences and the chance to reel in trophy bass
Crappie Fishing Lakes
Crappie enthusiasts flock to premier lakes renowned for both quality and quantity of catches. Grenada Lake, Lake D'Arbonne, and Lake Fork are among the top contenders, alongside Toledo Bend Reservoir and Ross Barnett Reservoir. Kentucky Lake, Santee Cooper Lakes, and Lake Eufaula also shine in the southeastern United States. With warm waters fueling prolific crappie populations, Sardis Lake and numerous others consistently rank at the pinnacle of crappie fishing lakes nationwide.
Walleye Fishing Lakes
The United States boasts an abundance of lakes renowned for exceptional walleye fishing. One standout destination is Lake Erie, particularly around the western basin, where you can find prolific walleye populations and trophy-sized catches. Additionally, Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota is also celebrated for its world-class walleye fishing. Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota is another top-tier walleye lake. Meanwhile, Green Bay in Wisconsin and Devils Lake in North Dakota are renowned for their consistent walleye action. Other notable lakes include Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin, Saginaw Bay in Michigan, Lake Oahe in South Dakota and other walleye lakes in your area..
Catfish Fishing Lakes
The USA offers a wealth of lakes renowned for exceptional catfish fishing opportunities. One standout is Lake Texoma, straddling the border between Texas and Oklahoma, famous for its abundant populations of blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Additionally, the Mississippi River, particularly stretches in states like Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas, provides prime catfishing grounds. Lake Wheeler in Alabama is another renowned catfish hotspot, known for its trophy-sized blue and channel catfish. Meanwhile, the Red River in Louisiana and Texas offers excellent opportunities for anglers targeting monster-sized blue catfish. Other notable lakes include Santee Cooper in South Carolina, Lake Fork in Texas, Lake Marion in South Carolina, and many other catfish fishing lakes near you.
Panfish Fishing
In the United States, many lakes are celebrated for their exceptional panfish fishing. One notable destination is Lake Okeechobee in Florida, renowned for its abundant populations of bluegill and sunfish. Similarly, Lake of the Woods in Minnesota offers excellent panfish fishing, with bluegill and perch abundant in its waters, providing anglers with great fishing year-round. Additionally, Lake Guntersville in Alabama stands out for its diverse panfish populations, including bluegill and redear sunfish. Other notable lakes for pan fishing include Lake Champlain in Vermont, Lake Fork in Texas, and Clear Lake in California. Virtually every state has multiple panfish fishing lakes.
Salmon Fishing Lakes
When it comes to salmon fishing lakes, several across the United States stand out as exceptional. Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, is renowned for its thriving salmon fishery, particularly for Chinook (king) salmon, especially during the annual spawning runs. Additionally, Lake Ontario, offers superb salmon fishing, with abundant Chinook and Coho (silver) salmon populations. In the Pacific Northwest, lakes like Lake Washington in Washington State and Shasta Lake in California also provide outstanding salmon fishing experiences, with opportunities to catch Chinook, Coho, and other salmon species. Check out salmon fishing lakes nearby you.
Striped Bass Fishing Lakes
For anglers seeking striped bass and hybrid striper fishing, several lakes offer exceptional opportunities. One standout destination is Lake Texoma, on the border between Texas and Oklahoma. Renowned for its prolific striped bass population, Lake Texoma provides anglers with thrilling fishing experiences year-round. Additionally, Lake Murray in South Carolina is celebrated for its impressive hybrid striper fishery. Another notable lake is Lake Lanier in Georgia, known for its trophy-sized striped bass and hybrid stripers. In the northeast, lakes like Lake Cumberland in Kentucky and Lake Ouachita in Arkansas also offer fantastic striped bass fishing opportunities. Many states have numerous lakes offering striper fishing.
Trout Fishing Lakes
Trout anglers have access to numerous lakes renowned for exceptional trout fishing. One such destination is Yellowstone Lake in Wyoming, offering fantastic trout fishing. Additionally, Lake Tahoe, straddling the border between California and Nevada, is celebrated for its clear waters and excellent trout fishing for rainbow, brown, and lake trout. Lake Washington in Washington State and Pyramid Lake in Nevada provide anglers with thrilling trout fishing experiences. These, and other top trout fishing lakes across the USA, promise unforgettable angling adventures and the chance to reel in trophy-sized trout.
Boat Rentals On Fishing Lakes
Fishing boat rentals on fishing lakes across the country offer anglers convenient access to prime fishing waters. Many lakes throughout the country provide rental services for various types of fishing boats, including aluminum boats, pontoons, bass boats, kayaks, and canoes. Whether you're targeting bass in the Midwest, trout in the Rockies, or walleye up north, renting a fishing boat provides flexibility and freedom to navigate the waters and seek out the best fishing locations. Check our the lakes offering fishing boats for rent at lakes near you.
Boat Ramps On Fishing Lakes
Boat ramps, launches, and landings are vital access points for anglers navigating the waters of fishing lakes across the USA. Typically, lakes with boat ramps are equipped with sturdy concrete or gravel surfaces and are strategically located around the lake. Additionally, many fishing lakes offer multiple ramps and launches, ensuring efficient access even during peak fishing seasons. These lakes often include amenities such as parking areas, restrooms, and fish cleaning stations, enhancing the overall fishing experience for anglers. Find convenient boat launch ramps at fishing lakes near you.
Marinas On Fishing Lakes
Lakes with marinas are often favored as marinas play a pivotal role in facilitating fishing excursions on lakes throughout the USA, offering a range of amenities and services to anglers and boaters alike. These facilities serve as hubs for boat storage, maintenance, and rental services, providing convenient access to the water for both seasoned anglers and recreational boaters. Many marinas on fishing lakes feature extensive options for docking and mooring. Additionally, marinas often offer fuel docks, boat ramps, and launch areas, streamlining the process of getting on and off the water. Choose from a list of lakes with marinas in your state.
Find Fishing Lakes Nearby
Choose a state below to find information about fresh-water fishing opportunities within that state. Each state-specific page provides information about major fishing lakes. Included information about each lake includes location, size, fish species, available amenities, weather, marinas, launch ramps, marinas, boat rentals, camping and more.
Select a state.
By clicking on a state above, you will be taken to a page offering more information about fishing opportunities and fish species - plus tips on how to catch them.
