From sprawling lakes teeming with Walleye and Salmon to reservoirs full of trophy Bass and Crappie, America is home to some of the most exciting freshwater fishing in the world. But even though there are thousands of places where you can cast your line, you’ll fare better in some than in others. So if you’re wondering what are the best fishing lakes in the US, here are our picks.
To compile the list, we searched for destinations that offer both excellent numbers and potential trophy catches – along with places that already have a proven track record when it comes to tournament fishing. Of course, we couldn’t include every amazing lake out there, but pick any of the following body of water, and you’re just about guaranteed to catch fish. So let’s get into it!
Lake Okeechobee, FL
Dubbed “The Big O,” Lake Okeechobee is not only Florida’s largest lake, it’s also widely considered the state’s premier freshwater fishery. Its shallow, expansive waters are interlaced with wetlands, marshes, and coastal vegetation, creating an ideal breeding ground that has helped shape the lake into one of the finest Bass fishing destinations in the country.
A magnet for anglers, Lake Okeechobee plays host to numerous Bass tournaments, owing in large part to its robust population of trophy-sized Largemouth Bass. Fish weighing between 7 and 10 pounds are a common sight, with some specimens tipping the scales at over 12 pounds. Beyond Largemouth Bass, the lake’s clear waters also teem with Crappie and Bluegill, providing some more variety to anglers.
Benefiting from Florida’s warm climate, Lake Okeechobee offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round. However, you’ll find that the best action takes place during the cooler months – from November through May. So if your local waters are quiet in winter, a trip to Lake Okeechobee might just provide the peak-season excitement you’re after.
Lake Fork, TX
Located about an hour and a half east of Dallas, Lake Fork is one of the top Bass lakes in the US. Its sprawling waters, dotted with aquatic vegetation and natural features provide the perfect habitat for these fish, allowing them to thrive and grow to trophy sizes.
And when we say you’ll be catching trophies, we mean it. Lake Fork, at the time of publishing this article, holds the Texas state record for Largemouth Bass, as well as the next five heaviest catches in the state! To add to that, there are also other types of Bass in the lake, as well as Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill.
Since it rarely gets too cold for Bass to stop biting, you can fish Lake Fork throughout the year. However, the period from fall through spring is typically more productive compared to summertime. Still, if you adapt to the patterns – meaning you fish deep or during nighttime – summer on Lake Fork can provide you with some amazing action.
Lake St. Clair, MI
Lake St. Clair‘s shores lie close to Detroit, right between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Even though it’s significantly smaller, it boasts a fishery on par with the Great Lakes, if you ask us. And the thousands of anglers who visit every year seem to agree!
The lake provides a habitat to a number of exciting fish species. First and foremost, there’s Smallmouth Bass. The Bass action on Lake St. Clair is so hot that it’s frequently ranked among the best Bass lakes in the US. If you’re looking for more variety, these waters are also home to massive Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Sturgeon. And on top of that, the nearby Detroit River features some of the hottest Walleye angling on the planet.
Generally, the fishing season on Lake St. Clair lasts from spring through fall. However, if you happen upon these parts in winter, you’ll get to try your hand at one of the favorite Midwestern cold weather pastimes – ice fishing.
Clear Lake, CA
Known as the “Bass Capital of the West,” Clear Lake is one of California’s most prolific Largemouth destinations. It’s a best-of-both-worlds type of fishery, because it produces excellent numbers of Bass and lunker-level specimens.
The great thing about fishing on Clear Lake is that the hottest spots typically lie close to shore. Bass weighing around 4 pounds are very common but you’ll have a very decent shot at catching bigger ones, too. To add a bit of diversity into the mix, you can also target Crappie and Catfish out here.
For the best angling, visit Clear Lake in spring or fall. Winter fishing is weather-dependent, as the lake can get very cold at times, while summer will be more productive if you pair up with a guide who knows where to go. This being said, summer is also the season when there might be toxic algae on the lake. Basically, check the conditions before you visit in summer to make sure the lake is fishable.
Lake of the Woods, MN
Found in the very north of Minnesota near the Canadian border, Lake of the Woods is a place of incredible natural beauty. Towering pine forests line the waters, while numerous islands in the lake add a mystical charm to an already stunning vista. But it’s not the scenery that’s earned the lake a spot on our list…
It’s the angling! To begin with, Lake of the Woods is one of the best Walleye fisheries in the US. In its waters, you’re just about guaranteed to reel in your limit of these delicious fish, and they come in pretty good sizes to boot. Their Sauger cousins are also widespread, so a typical trip will have you releasing a bunch of fish once you’ve hit your combined limit of six.
Muskellunge, Bass, and Northern Pike are also common catches in the lake, among others. In the Rainy River and near the spot where it enters Lake of the Woods, you’ll also encounter massive Sturgeon. But, truth be told, you’ll be in for the trip of a lifetime whichever area you hit up!
Guntersville Lake, AL
Guntersville Lake is a mecca for Bass anglers. It’s historically been one of the finest lakes across the US and, while the conditions have changed over time, it remains a fantastic Bass fishery today. This corner of Alabama is host to endless angling tournaments, with contests taking place nearly every weekend.
While catching really big Bass is less common nowadays than it used to be, Guntersville Lake is packed with fish. So if you’re looking for numbers, you’ll absolutely get it here. And, while we’ve talked the lake down a bit, fish weighing over 10 pounds are still present here – it’s just that you’ll need a bit of luck to catch them. That being said, Bass in the 5-pound range are still a fairly regular occurrence.
If you’re not only looking for Bass, Guntersville is also a fantastic Crappie lake. Both Bass and Crappie bite best in spring and fall, but it’s possible to fish here throughout the year. A few popular spots include North and South Sauty, both of the lake’s dams, and Browns Creek. Or you can simply head out with a guide and they’ll put you on the hottest bite.
Chickamauga Lake, TN
Stretching almost 60 miles from Chattanooga to about half way to Knoxville, Chickamauga Lake is one of the largest lakes in Tennessee. And when it comes to Bass fishing, it embodies the best of what the Volunteer State has to offer.
You’ll find evenly spread populations of Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass across Chickamauga. It’s a numbers lake, which means you’re not likely to find super big Bass but you’re sure to find bite after bite, after bite – time and time again!
That’s only if we’re talking about Black Bass, though. Chickamauga Lake is also home to Striped Bass, which grow pretty big here. There are also Crappie, Bluegill, and Catfish, giving anglers plenty of options to pick from. As is the case with most of the lakes we’ve mentioned so far, spring and fall are the prime fishing seasons, although summer is solid, too.
Devils Lake, ND
Let’s first get the joke out of the way… Devils Lake? More like fishing heaven! If that made you wince, count yourself lucky because we had a few more of those. But really, the “heaven” part is true, Devils Lake is nothing but amazing when it comes to casting your line.
The main species you’ll get to target here are Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike. Perch, in particular, grow big in these waters, and you can fish for them all year long. In fact, the ice fishing season is one of the best times to reel in jumbo Perch on Devils Lake. For Walleye, spring is the hottest season.
But that’s not all! Devils Lake is also regularly stocked with Lake Trout, and there are Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass swimming about, too. Angling for these species is generally solid throughout the open water season, making this ND hotspot a year-round favorite!
Lake Champlain, NY/VT
Straddling the New York-Vermont border for about 100 miles, Lake Champlain boasts beautiful scenery and a vibrant fishery. Its waters provide a home to an interesting variety of species, making the lake one of the best places to fish in either of the two states it borders.
To start with, you’ll get to chase after big Lake Trout, landlocked Atlantic Salmon, and Bass here. These are the most commonly targeted species, but the lake also holds Northern Pike and Musky, as well as Yellow Perch and Walleye.
Trout and Salmon fishing starts in early April, which is also an excellent time to reel in the rest of the lake’s most coveted game fish. Usually, the fish will be lurking close to shore in spring and fall and moving deep in summertime, but the fishing is great throughout the open water season. If you’re considering fishing the lake in winter, check the conditions first as it no longer freezes routinely.
Table Rock Lake, MO
With the striking Ozarks providing a backdrop to its crystal-clear waters, Table Rock falls among the most beautiful lakes in Missouri – and even the country. As a vacation destination, it offers a wonderful variety of things to do. You’ll have the choice between exploring Branson that sits on its shores or heading into the great outdoors. Among the many different activities, fishing is a very popular. And let us tell you – it’s absolutely thrilling.
Bass, Crappie, Walleye, and Catfish are the main attractions in Table Rock Lake. There are also Paddlefish prowling about, giving you a shot at catching a true dinosaur. Also, while it’s technically not on the lake itself, the fish hatchery that stocks Trout in the White River is located right below the Table Rock Lake Dam. So all you need to do is fish below the dam if you’re looking for good Trout action!
Spring and fall are the peak times to target most fish in Table Rock Lake. If you’re looking for Paddlefish specifically, plan your trip during their open season, between March 15 and April 30. Summer also offers good action, although the fish will be deep, while the lake can be fished in winter, too – you’ll just be relying a little more on Lady Luck showing up.
Lake Texoma TX/OK
The best Striped Bass fishing in the world is on the East Coast – everyone knows that. But if we’re talking about lakes specifically, then you’d have a hard time finding a better place for these brutes than Lake Texoma. Located on the border between Texas and Oklahoma, this lake is always ranked among best bodies of water in the US.
While big Stripers are the number one target on the lake, they’re far from the only fish you’ll catch. Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass both call these waters their home, as well as the small but feisty White Bass. Other than Bass, you’ll get to fish for Blue and Channel Catfish, as well as delicious Crappie.
Thanks to the different species that swim here, Lake Texoma offers year-round fishing. Spring and fall are the overall best seasons. However, there’ll be fish biting even in wintertime and during the dog days of summer.
Toledo Bend Reservoir TX/LO
We’re on our third Texan destination by now, but that just speaks to how good the angling is in the Lone Star State. A reservoir on the Sabine River, Toledo Bend is another site that’s incredibly popular among Bass anglers, hosting numerous prestigious tournaments every year.
The most dominant sport fish in Toledo Bend Reservoir is Largemouth Bass. Why? Well, let us just give you a couple of quick stats to illustrate just how good the action is… 139 fish weighing over 10 pounds were reeled in in just a single year on the lake. Meanwhile, the tournament record stands at an impressive 40.45 pounds for a five-Bass limit!
Besides these stars, there are also Crappie and plenty of Catfish on offer. The fishing is solid throughout the year but summer presents a bit of a challenge, since the fish tend to retreat deep in warmer weather. So if you’re visiting “The Bend,” look forward to an extremely fun – and taxing – day on the water.
Mille Lacs Lake, MN
Falling among the largest bodies of water in Minnesota, Mille Lacs embodies everything that’s great about fishing in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” It boasts clean waters, beautiful surroundings, and it’s absolutely packed with fish. What more could you ask for?
Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge, and Northern Pike all come in trophy sizes in Mille Lacs Lake. This sizeable lake boasts catch rates that rival even Lake Erie when it comes to Walleye! So much so, that you’re likely to reel in your limit of Walleye on any given day.
Even though it’s a large lake, Mille Lacs is shallow, so it can freeze from coast to coast in winter. This turns it into one of the finest ice fishing spots in the state! Either side of that, though, the fish will bite throughout the open water season. Just keep in mind that the Walleye season runs usually from mid-May to late February, which means you won’t be able to keep them in early spring.
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
We’ve named some amazing fishing lakes so far, but we’ll go ahead and say it – Lake Tahoe beats them all when it comes to natural beauty. The majestic alpine backdrop and blue, see-through waters create what we can only call a sight for sore eyes. But although Lake Tahoe is worth visiting for the views alone, it also fishes exceptionally well.
For starters, Lake Tahoe is full of Lake Trout. While the average Laker here weighs between 2 and 5 pounds, there are jumbo specimens exceeding 20 pounds swimming about too. These fish will make up most of your catch but you can also hook into Rainbow and Brown Trout, as well as Kokanee Salmon. None of these fish need an introduction, so we’ll leave that there.
The best fishing on Lake Tahoe takes place in deep waters, away from shore. That means, to experience everything the lake has on offer, you’ll need to pair up with a guide. That being said, if you’re determined to fish from shore, come in the colder months. This is when the fish move to the shallower portions of the lake.
Santee Cooper Lakes, SC
Dubbed the “South Carolina Great Lakes,” Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are the largest and the third-largest lakes in the state, respectively. They feature enchanting scenery, with half-submerged cypress trees and lush marshland dominating the view. And with those gorgeous surroundings comes some of the best freshwater angling in the Palmetto State.
So far on our list of the best lakes in the US, we’ve named different places where you can catch the likes of Bass, Walleye, and Trout. The Santee Cooper lakes, however, are primarily Catfish waters. Flathead, Channel, and Blue Catfish inhabit both, growing to trophy sizes. A testament to this is the fact that a 58 lb Channel Catfish was caught in the reservoirs back in 1964, and it’s still the biggest one landed to date!
In addition to Catfish, Striped Bass also show up in good numbers throughout the two lakes. The best fishing is during the warmer months, from spring through fall. This complements the Catfish season, where summer provides the best action. In winter, the fishing conditions get fairly tough due to the wind and cold, but it’s still possible to catch fish if you don’t mind the icky weather.
Blue Mesa Reservoir, CO
Colorado’s largest lake comes with some of the state’s beefiest Trout. In fact, Blue Mesa Reservoir holds the Lake Trout state record – a fish that weighed in at 50.35 pounds back in 2007. With giant fish and dramatic Colorado scenery surrounding the lake, this is the perfect destination for a real angling retreat.
Besides Lakers – or Mackinaw Trout, as they’re known locally – the reservoir is plentiful with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout, too. Kokanee Salmon and Yellow Perch only add to the all-star list, with all of this amidst some of the most gorgeous waters on the planet.
Fishing on Blue Mesa is good year-round, although the lake freezes over in winter, which means you’ll have to fish through the ice. Shore fishing is best in spring and fall, since the fish retreat to deeper waters in summertime, necessitating a boat. Time your trip based on how you’d like to tackle the lake but, rest assured, you’ll be in for some fun times whenever you visit!
Naknek Lake, AK
If we didn’t include at least one Alaskan destination, this whole article would have been for nothing. After all, this is the state with the most lakes – and by a large margin. “The Last Frontier” is home to 3 million lakes compared to a little over 100,000 in the lower 48 states. And while there are many places in Alaska that deserve to be ranked among the best in the country, we picked Naknek Lake.
Located in southern Alaska, in the remote Katmai National Park, Naknek Lake and its surroundings are the perfect representation of Alaska’s pure wilderness. You know those videos of grizzly bears hunting for Salmon near waterfalls? Those are the kind of sights you’ll get to witness on Naknek Lake.
Of course, you’re more than welcome to get in on the Salmon action alongside the grizzlies. Naknek Lake and its namesake river are home to all five species of Pacific Salmon, along with trophy Lake and Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Northern Pike, and more. The peak season around these parts starts in mid-June, as that’s when the Salmon runs begin to take place.
Great Lakes
We’ve left the most obvious pick – or picks – for last. You didn’t think we’d leave out the Great Lakes, did you?! Yes, it almost feels like cheating to include them on the list because they’re more akin to inland seas than lakes but, with the kind of fishing they offer, we simply couldn’t exclude them.
Salmon, Steelhead, Lake and Brown Trout, Walleye, Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Perch, Sturgeon… We could spend the rest of the article naming the fish that inhabit the Great Lakes. Each of the five lakes has its own unique characteristics, but the quality of fishing is consistently high across all of them. It really comes down to what fish you want to catch the most!
Generally, the best time to visit the Great Lakes is anytime from spring to fall, as that’s when the angling catches fire throughout the region. Head to Lake Erie for Walleye, Lakes Ontario or Michigan for Salmon, Lake Superior for Lake Trout, and Huron for an evenly mixed bag. In winter, many local bays freeze over, setting stage for some incredible ice fishing.
Many of the World’s Best Fishing Lakes Are on Your Doorstep!
And there you have it, those were our picks for the best fishing lakes in the US. We’re well aware that we missed more than a few, but if you’ve been searching for a new freshwater fishery to explore, each of the lakes on our list will provide you with a challenge and a thrilling experience. And if you happen to be looking for a guide while you plan your trip, have a look at the thousands of verified captains we’re partnered with. Here’s to the first of many new adventures!
How did you enjoy the article? Is there a lake you really feel should’ve made the list? Let us know in the comments below!
