The sound of fluttering golden leaves often marks the beginning of indoor coziness. But before you tuck yourself in your blanket and embrace the colder weather with a hot beverage in your hands, grab your rod and hit the water one more time! If fall fishing sounds like your cup of tea, take a look at the best fall fishing destinations we handpicked for you.
Each season has its own perks, but fall holds a special place in the hearts of many anglers. And for a good reason! Not only does it promise trophy catches, but it also guarantees pleasant temperatures after the summer heatwave, idyllic scenery, and memorable stories. What more could you ask for?
The exact locations, perhaps? We’ve gotcha! This year’s list has something for everyone’s taste. The locations range from well-known hotspots to remote corners. Needless to say, each place has excellent fishing opportunities this fall. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Cape Canaveral, FL
The first world-renowned fishing destination on this list is Cape Canaveral. This Florida beauty goes by the motto of “Sun, Space, and Sea” which perfectly captures the essence of the place. This iconic city will bless you with rays of sun during fall, share the mysteries of space with you, and treat you to endless water-based activities (with fishing being a local favorite).
Fishing in Cape Canaveral means epic battles and brag-worthy catches. But fishing in fall, in particular, is known for enviable inshore and offshore specimens. This is the season when Reds, Specks, and Flounder dominate the shallows, while big game fish like Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, and Tuna rule the deep blue. Whether you’re exploring Banana River Park via kayak or you’re deep sea fishing in the Atlantic, the odds are in your favor.
While fishing is the main reason we recommend Cape Canaveral this fall, it’s far from being the only one. Besides various festivities such as Friday Fest and the exciting Halloween Party, Cape Canaveral has something no other place on this list has – rocket launches! There are already two events scheduled for September 24 and October 10!
If you miss out on them, don’t worry! Cape Canaveral will make it up for you with plenty of space-inspired exhibitions at the Kennedy Space Center and Space Force Museum. And if you seek more out-of-this-world adventures, there’s the Wizard of Oz Museum. All in all, you won’t lack things to do in Cape Canaveral.
Jersey Shore, NJ
Before we move away from the East Coast, we have to share this spectacular fall fishing destination with you – the Jersey Shore. Besides angling, this heaven on earth is famous for its stretches of white sand beaches, its magical dune-like landscape, beautiful boardwalks tapping into the ocean, numerous entertainment spots, and, yes, TV history. But why should you visit in fall?
Fall is widely regarded as the best season to fish along the Jersey Shore. First of all, the temperatures are mild and perfect for spending the day out on the water. And the ocean can even be warmer than the air! Secondly, fall is the peak season for Striped Bass and Black Bass inshore, and Tuna offshore. And as if that’s not enough, you’ll have Tautog and Seatrout at your disposal as they enter the angling scene, too.
But that’s not all. Fall on the Jersey Shore coincides with the migration of many other magnificent creatures. You can witness birds, Striped Bass, and even catch a glimpse of the whale migration. Not to mention that there’s an entire list of events in September, October, and November that you can choose from. You’ll be spoilt for choice on the Jersey Shore during fall.
Anna Maria Island, FL
Back to Florida, we’re heading to the Gulf for the next spot on our list. Anna Maria Island is a picturesque barrier island with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, the Anna Maria Sound, and Tampa Bay. This charming town boasts a rich history, numerous attractions, and endless angling possibilities, and has the power to become your favorite fall destination.
We aren’t exaggerating when we say that Anna Maria Island can become a fishing location you’ll forever hold dear in your heart. Saltwater, freshwater, surf casting, wading, pier fishing, kayak angling, and an enviable charter offer – Anna Maria Island has it all! And fall is the season to try it all. Wherever and however you wet your line, fall will reward you with excellent angling conditions and trophy catches. The most popular saltwater species you can expect are Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Kingfish in the sea, while Bass star in freshwater.
Besides fishing, the island is brimming with other activities you can take advantage of. Anna Maria Island can treat you to everything from fine dining, beach-going, and sunset cruises to watersports, dolphin-watching, nature tours, and museums. We recommend spending a day at Robinson Preserve and aligning your visit with the 23rd Annual Bayfest.
Lake Charles, LA
This next spot started as a small sawmill town and grew quickly to become Louisiana’s fifth most populous city. Meet Lake Charles, another must-visit fall fishing destination this year. Lake Charles boasts a chain of waterways that flow into the Gulf, including Calcasieu Lake, the Calcasieu River, Prien Lake, and the town’s namesake lake. This alone should be enough to convince anyone to come fishing in Lake Charles. But let’s swoon over its angling opportunities a bit more…
Fall is probably the last chance for you to see what fishing in Lake Charles is all about before the winter slumber takes over. Don’t get us wrong, you can still fish during the cold, but it’s not as productive as in fall. The hot bite during fall revolves mostly around Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. Bulls Reds – impressively big Redfish – are the main targets, however. And the shallows are brimming with these brutes in October and November.
Fall in Lake Charles is also your ticket to experiencing true, authentic southwest Louisiana. Kick off your getaway with the annual Wine Festival and pair it up with a traditional dish, such as gumbo. Invigorating drinks and heartwarming meals should give you the courage then to proceed with the Living History Cemetery Tour. If jazz and blues make you tick, reserve your spot for one of many upcoming Lake Charles musical concerts.
Table Rock Lake, MO
Now, for a change of scenery, we’re taking you inland to a cool-looking, fish-filled body of water. With more than 42,000 acres, Table Rock Lake spans two states, but most of the lake is in Missouri. This man-made reservoir is a nationally-recognized fishery and a regular Bass fishing tournament host.
Table Rock Lake is a premier angling destination for Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. How could it not be with the James River, Long Creek, Kings River, and White River feeding into it? Above all other places, the White River is the great starting point for Bass and Crappie during fall. But that’s not all! This is also an insanely popular season for fishing tournaments due to the favorable angling conditions and trophy catches this time of year. Fishing is so good that there are already more than two dozen events scheduled for September, October, and November!
Since Table Rock Lake is engulfed in greenery and beautiful nature, this is not only a great fishing destination but also the ultimate outdoor paradise. You can hike in the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, explore the cave formations of Talking Rocks Cavern, go mountain biking at Two Rivers Bike Park, or feel the thrill of the coaster and zipline rides at the nearby Branson Mountain Adventure Park. You won’t go wrong with Table Rock Lake as your vacation destination this fall.
Door County, WI
If you’re a freshwater fishing fan, the following destination must not only find its place on your fall fishing agenda but also secure a spot on your bucket list! Door County is Wisconsin’s easternmost region, tapping into some of the most prolific freshwater fisheries in the country. With Green Bay and Lake Michigan under its belt, casting in Door Country will have you hooked. Not to mention that fall fishing here comes with magnificent foliage displays.
As fall kicks in, the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, but that doesn’t mean the fishing slows down. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The fish start to feed aggressively to prepare for winter, and you end up with the largest specimens of the year. The main targets during this time of the year are Smallmouth Bass. But along with trophy-sizes Smallies, you can expect Perch, Brown Trout, Musky, Pike, and Walleye.
Door County is home to two dozen parks, 11 lighthouses, more than 50 beaches, and enchanting wilderness, so this destination is tailored for an unplugged vacation. Wherever you go, you’ll be welcomed by incredible sights, charming towns, and vibrant communities. But if you have to pick one attraction, choose to try a fish boil. This one-of-a-kind tradition dates back to the late 1800s and is an integral part of Door County’s way of life.
Clear Lake, IA
Moving from Wisconsin to the neighboring state of Iowa, you’ll come across Clear Lake. The town of the same name has cemented itself in history as a rock ‘n’ roll venue. Meanwhile, the lake has earned its place on this fall fishing list as a prime Walleye destination. So, if good tunes and even better fishing are on your radar, Clear Lake is your go-to place this year!
Clear Lake used to be a Bullhead hotspot. But nowadays, the lake is the proud owner of healthy and thriving Walleye, Muskie, and Crappie populations. Walleye, however, are the top targets here. Fall is the best season to fish for them from the shore, especially during the full moon in October. Quite intentionally, October is also the month when the Walleye Classic tournament is held.
After a long day of being out on the water, how about exploring Clear Lake’s rock ‘n’ roll roots? Surf Ballroom is a must-see music and dance hall that’s been dedicated a National Historic Landmark for its contribution to the history of American music. Don’t forget to check out all the concerts that are already scheduled for September, October, and November to make the most of your visit!
Flathead Lake, MT
We’re slowly but surely wrapping up this year’s list. But before you pick a place and decide where to go fishing this fall, we have two more gems for you. The first hidden treasure is cozily tucked among northwest Montana‘s greenery. We’re talking about Flathead Lake. But what makes this location so special to share the best fall fishing destination title with the other fisheries on this list?
Flathead Lake is not only the largest natural lake in the western US, but it’s also one of the cleanest lakes on the planet. As such, it can brag about having a vibrant underwater world and healthy fish populations – especially Lake Trout. And fall is the best time to go after them! During their spawning season in October and November, Lake Trout patrol the shallows, so you’ll be able to fish for them from shore.
October is also an ideal month to pair up your shore fishing with camping. Flathead Lake State Park offers more than 140 campsites throughout the region and fall is the last chance to enjoy the nice weather outside. Besides that, you can explore Glacier National Park. The park is abundant with wildlife and spectacular views in fall. The main attraction, Going-to-the-Sun Road, is open in October as long as the weather allows it. And, last but not least, if you want to spend more days in Flathead Lake’s area, stay in one of many lodges for a truly authentic experience!
Clear Lake, CA
Believe it or not, we’re never out of clear lakes to suggest. The final fall fishing destination for 2024 is another Clear Lake – this time, an elevated oasis situated next to the namesake city of Clearlake in California. What sets this location apart from the other spots on this list is its enviable Bass offer in fall, along with its excellent kayak angling opportunities. So, kayak anglers and Bass aficionados, this one goes out to you.
Clear Lake is so blessed with Largemouth Bass that local anglers call it the “Bass Capital of the West” or “Bass Factory.” The secret to an impressive number of trophy catches could be in the grass that’s common throughout this fishery, especially at the upper end of the lake. Due to being moderately shallow, you’ll easily conquer the lake via kayak. Kayak fishing allows you to reach the remote patches without spooking your target, too.
Fall’s advantage over other seasons lies in its mild temperatures. Unlike the unbearable summer scorch, the weather in fall is pleasant. So, whether you want to stroll on the beach, hike in Clear Lake State Park, paddle board on the lake, or sightsee, September, October, and November are the months for exploring Clear Lake. If you decide to visit Clear Lake this September, don’t miss out on the Kelseyville Pear Festival, which is traditionally held on the last Saturday of the month. Thank us later!
Fall Fishing: Angling at Its Best
The East Coast, West Coast, the Gulf, saltwater spots, and freshwater fisheries… We made sure there’s a spot for every type of angler on our 2024 fall fishing destinations list. Now it’s your turn to pick a place and make the most out of your fall fishing getaway. If you crave more locations, you can always find inspiration in last year’s suggestions. Tight lines!
What fall fishing destination from the list is your favorite? Have you ever fished in any of these locations? Feel free to get in touch with us in the comments section below!
