The Best States for a Fishing Trip That’s Actually Worth Your Time
Some fishing spots are good, and some are legendary. Whether you’re looking for deep-sea adventures, trophy-sized bass, or fly fishing in untouched waters, the U.S. has fishing destinations that are worth the trip. Some states stand out—not just for the fish, but for the experience, scenery, and accessibility.
Alaska – The Ultimate Fishing Destination
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Fishing in Alaska feels less like a hobby and more like an expedition. The sheer variety—salmon runs, halibut fishing in the ocean, pristine trout rivers—makes it one of the best fishing destinations in the world. Whether you’re battling king salmon in the Kenai River or heading offshore for massive halibut in Homer, Alaska, is peak fishing.
Florida – A Saltwater and Freshwater Paradise
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From the Everglades to the Keys, Florida has fishing opportunities year-round. Deep-sea anglers chase marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi, while inshore waters hold redfish, tarpon, and snook. If freshwater is more your style, Florida’s lakes and rivers are full of trophy bass. No matter your preference, Florida doesn’t disappoint.
Texas – Big Fish, Big Variety
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Fishing in Texas is as diverse as the state itself. The Gulf Coast delivers red snapper, kingfish, and speckled trout, while lakes like Lake Fork are bass fishing meccas. The massive Trinity River even has an alligator gar that looks straight out of prehistoric times. Whether you’re casting from a pier or heading offshore, Texas has a fishing spot for everyone.
Montana – The Heart of Fly Fishing
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Montana isn’t just a beautiful place to fish—it’s the ultimate fly-fishing state. The Madison, Yellowstone, and Bighorn Rivers are legendary for huge brown and rainbow trout. With crystal-clear waters, towering mountains, and endless space, fishing in Montana is as much about the setting as it is about the catch.
California – Freshwater, Saltwater, and Everything in Between
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California gives anglers the best of both worlds. Offshore, you’ll find yellowtail, tuna, and halibut. Inland, the Sacramento River holds monster salmon, and Lake Tahoe offers deep-water trout. If variety is what you’re after, California’s waters will keep you busy.
Minnesota – The Land of 10,000 Fishing Spots
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Minnesota’s lakes aren’t just for show. The state is one of the best places in the U.S. for walleye fishing, with places like Lake Mille Lacs producing giants. Northern pike, muskie, and smallmouth bass are also abundant. With fishing this good, it’s no wonder Minnesota has so many die-hard anglers.
Louisiana – Where the Fishing Culture is as Rich as the Food
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The bayous, marshes, and Gulf waters of Louisiana hold some of the best fishing in the country. Redfish and speckled trout are the stars, but you can also find huge tuna offshore and catfish in freshwater rivers. Whether you’re casting from a kayak or heading out into the Gulf, Louisiana is serious about its fishing.
Michigan – A Freshwater Fishing Powerhouse
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Michigan’s claim to fishing fame comes from the Great Lakes, but that’s just the start. The state is loaded with prime spots for steelhead, salmon, smallmouth bass, and pike. Whether you’re trolling Lake Michigan for trophy trout or casting for bass in an inland lake, Michigan is one of the best states for freshwater anglers.
Colorado – High-Altitude Fishing with Unreal Scenery
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Colorado’s mountain lakes and rivers are packed with trout, pike, and kokanee salmon. Whether you’re fly fishing the Arkansas River or ice fishing on Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado offers year-round fishing in some of the most scenic locations in the U.S.
North Carolina – A Hidden Gem for Every Kind of Angler
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With its mix of mountain streams, large lakes, and a long coastline, North Carolina is one of the most underrated fishing states. Cape Hatteras is famous for red drum and offshore sport fishing, while inland lakes hold trophy bass and catfish. If you’re looking for variety, North Carolina quietly delivers.
Tennessee – The South’s Freshwater Fishing Capital
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Tennessee has some of the best bass fishing in the country, thanks to lakes like Chickamauga and Dale Hollow. The Tennessee River is also legendary for monster catfish. Whether you’re into smallmouth bass, stripers, or crappie, Tennessee’s waters never run dry on opportunities.
Oregon – Salmon, Steelhead, and More
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If you want to chase wild salmon and steelhead, Oregon is one of the best places to do it. The Columbia River is world-famous for its salmon runs, while smaller rivers like the Rogue and Deschutes are perfect for fly fishing. And if you want to head offshore, Oregon’s coast holds halibut, rockfish, and lingcod.
South Carolina – A Southern Fishing Haven
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Between Lake Marion’s trophy catfish, the bass in Santee Cooper, and saltwater fishing off Charleston, South Carolina offers some of the most diverse fishing in the South. In the fall, the bull redfish runs along the coast, bringing in some of the biggest fish of the year.
Wisconsin – Walleye, Muskie, and More
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If you’re after huge walleye and muskie, Wisconsin is one of the best states in the U.S. Green Bay, Lake Winnebago, and the countless lakes in the Northwoods region offer some of the best freshwater fishing in the Midwest. And with its Great Lakes access, salmon and trout are also on the menu.
Idaho – The West’s Best-Kept Fishing Secret
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Idaho isn’t talked about as much as its neighbors, but its fishing is just as impressive. The Snake River, Henry’s Fork, and Silver Creek are packed with huge trout, while reservoirs hold trophy bass and sturgeon. If you want incredible fishing without the Montana crowds, Idaho is the place to be.