The Best US Fishing States in 2025

Feb 24, 2025 | 9 minute read Comments
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Reading Time: 9 minutes

It’s no secret that one of America’s favorite pastimes is fishing. Well, for some it’s a pastime, for others, it’s a way of life. And it’s easy to see why. Some of the most productive fisheries on the planet are right here. Still, when faced with that many fantastic choices, anglers wrestle with the same question: Where to begin?

A man sitting on a boat in a straw hat, with his back turned to the camera, looking at trolling fishing rods in front of him and the wake of a boat on a sunny day

To answer this question, FishingBooker went on a quest to find out which are the best US fishing states – for the third year in a row. And look out, there are some real changes compared to last year!

We made use of our own data and paired that information with other public fishing-related sources. This helped us better understand which states not only have the most prolific angling but also support and develop their fisheries. In this article, we’ll explain the methodology behind the research and rank the US’s states according to their fishing potential. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s go through some key takeaways from our research:

  • The top 4 remained unchanged compared to 2024: Alaska, Florida, Delaware, and Michigan.
  • There are 4 newcomers in the top 10: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Rhode Island.
  • The states with the biggest ranking gains compared to 2024 are:
    • Minnesota (up 10 spots, from 15th to 5th)
    • Utah (up 10 spots, from 34th to 24th)
  • The states with the biggest ranking drops compared to 2024 are:
    • Kentucky (down 12 spots, from 20th to 32nd)
    • North Carolina (down 7 spots, from 10th to 17th)
    • New Jersey (down 7 spots, from 21st to 28th)
  • The top 10 contains:
    • 6 Atlantic states
    • 3 states neighboring the Great Lakes
    • 1 Pacific state
  • Out of the 25 bottom states, 15 are landlocked*. Meanwhile, of the top 25, just 6 are landlocked
    (*Great Lakes states are counted as not landlocked)
  • California ranks just 47th, despite having over 800 miles of coastline along with some of the most productive rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the country offering diverse fishing possibilities, from big game fishing to fly fishing.
  • Texas ranks just 30th, although it’s usually considered a top-tier fishing destination with access to the Gulf Coast and freshwater lakes, and with a big number of fishing tournaments throughout the year.

Methodology

Our extensive research of the US’s fishing opportunities was based on 17 different criteria. Out of these, five criteria were based on FishingBooker’s internal data from hundreds of thousands of fishing trips, reviews, and reports, as well as our industry research. The remaining 12 criteria come from publicly available data sources. 

Once we established the criteria, we grouped them into four separate categories – Community, Facilities, Financial, and Geography.

Using the accumulated data, each of the states received a score of between 1 and 10 for each criterion. Some of the criteria were considered of special significance and were given additional weight in the calculations. The maximum possible score a state could get was 210 points. Once the scores were calculated, weighted, and summed up, we got the ultimate list of US states with their fishing potential ranked from best to worst.

Now we’ll cover the top 10 fishing states on the list, highlighting what makes them the best of the best, as well as the categories in which they stand out in our research. Without further ado, here they are – the best US states to fish in 2025!

Top 10 Fishing States in the US

PositionStatePoints
1Alaska113
2Florida110.5
3Delaware106
4Michigan105.5
5Wisconsin99.5
Minnesota
7Maryland 98.5
8Rhode Island97.5
9Maine96
10Georgia95

1. Alaska – 113 points

Just like in 2024, Alaska is the best state for fishing in 2025.

When a state has the longest coastline in the country (almost 33,900 miles), you know that fishing will be off the hook. Prefer freshwater fishing? No problem, you’ve got over 94,000 square miles of freshwater at your disposal. According to our research, nearly 60% of Alaskans hold a valid fishing license, which speaks volumes about the amazing fishing locals and visitors enjoy.

Two smiling anglers standing on a fishing boat, holding a huge Salmon, with a river and greenery in the background on a cloudy day

In order to claim the top spot, Alaska clearly did well in all four categories. It stood out most in the Geography category, getting 23 out of 35 points, the top score (shared with Michigan). Its second-best category was Facilities, ending third with 18 out of 45 points.

Needless to say, the list of game fish you can target in the Last Frontier is phenomenal. This is a Salmon mecca, where you can chase all five species of Pacific Salmon, along with “Barndoor” Halibut and some of the biggest Rockfish you’ll find anywhere. Trout fishing is just as good, especially when it comes to Rainbow Trout. Spend a few days in a fishing lodge in the Alaskan wilderness, and your fishing horizons will be widened forever.

2. Florida – 110.5 points

Just like last year, Florida clinched second place and is synonymous with supreme saltwater fishing. The Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico/America hug over 8,400 miles of coastline, with more game fish in these crystal clear waters than we can count. 

A fisherman in a cap and sunglasses holding a King Mackerel and biting its dorsal fin, standing on a Florida fishing boat on a sunny day

The second spot is nothing to scoff at, and the Sunshine State performed better than any other in the Facilities category, with 25 points out of 45. For two categories, it ended as shared fourth: Geography with 17.5 points out of 35 and Community with 45.5 out of 65 points.

Basically, if you want to go saltwater fishing on the US mainland, there’s no better place for it than Florida. Whether it’s inshore royalty like Redfish, Tarpon, and Snook, or offshore giants like King Mackerel, Grouper, Snapper, and Sailfish, Florida will blow your mind with its year-round action.

3. Delaware – 106 points

Delaware shows consistency and comes in third in our research for the third year in a row. If you want to fish in a state that has equally good freshwater and saltwater action, Delaware might be the perfect fit. You might be surprised as Delaware isn’t necessarily the first place you think of for a fishing adventure. But we’re here to change that and tell you it’s an angling gem!

A person proudly holds a large Drum fish on a boat in open water, wearing sunglasses and a cap, embodying the thrill of fishing in one of the best US fishing states.

That’s clearly mirrored in our rankings. In fact, when it comes to the Community category, Delaware is first in the nation. Because of the fact that this small state has 380 miles of shoreline, amazing fishing is never far away.

But what makes fishing in Delaware so special? Whether you cast your line in one of the numerous inland watersheds, the productive Delaware Bay, or the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, you won’t be disappointed. Bass, Crappie, and Muskellunge are the most common freshwater catches. In the saltwater realm, Striped Bass, Flounder, Black Seabass, Sharks, and Bluefin Tuna are on the menu. Not bad, eh?

4. Michigan – 105.5 points

Michigan repeats its success of last year and ends as the fourth best state to fish in. The Great Lake State boasts easy access to four of the five Great Lakes, which makes it the nation’s epicenter of freshwater fishing. In our rankings, Michigan takes the cake in the Geography category, with 23 out of 35 points (shared with overall #1 Alaska). 

A man proudly holds a large Salmon on a boat, showcasing the bounty of one of the best US fishing states, with the ocean and sunset painting a stunning backdrop.

Over 40% of the state is covered in water (spanning more than 40,000 square miles) and those waters are well used. Where do we start with so many fishing opportunities? In case Lakes Michigan, Superior, Erie, and Huron aren’t enough, you can pick one of the other 11,000 lakes or 3,000 rivers. Another nickname for Michigan is “Water Winter Wonderland” – a hint at its excellent ice fishing scene. The state’s favorite catches are Walleye, Trout, Salmon, Bass, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge, among others.

5. Wisconsin – 99.5 points

With Lake Superior to its north, Lake Michigan to the east, and thousands of lakes and streams in between, Wisconsin is easily one of the best fishing states in the country. Freshwater anglers love coming to The Badger State, be it in the warmer months or during the hard-water season. This is clear from its solid performance in each category, without leading the pack in any one category. Wisconsin got its best ranking in the Financial category. Awesome fishing at a good price, what’s not to love?

A teenager golding a large Salmon on a boat in one of the best US fishing states, with fishing rods visible in the background.

If you’re wondering what you can target in America’s Dairyland, how do all the freshwater game fish sound? Whether you’re in the mood for Trout or Salmon, Walleye or Pike, Bass or Perch, you’re in the right place. Coho Salmon is a particular favorite here, along with Rainbow Trout – both of which make for the tastiest table fare. Ice fishing will put you on Crappie, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, and many more, so the fishing is red hot all year round.

5. Minnesota – 99.5 points

The biggest climber in this year’s ranking, Minnesota scored especially well in the Financial category. Earning 51.5 out of 65 points, it leads the field. This earned the North Star State shared fifth place on this year’s list – 10 up from last year.

Two people on a boat, both in jackets and glasses. One is proudly holding a large fish horizontally—it's a quintessential scene from one of the best US fishing states, with a lake and houses behind them.

If you live in Minnesota, chances are you already know how good the state’s angling is. If not, it’s about time you found out. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is one of the best places in the world for targeting Muskellunge, Walleye, and Northern Pike. Although summer and fall are the best seasons for catching these, Minnesota is also one of the very best ice fishing destinations in the nation, making it another year-round angling playground.

7. Maryland – 98.5 points

If you’re wondering why The Free State made the top 10, the answer is simple – the Chesapeake Bay. Add to the fact that a fifth of the state’s surface is covered by water, and you know that both freshwater and saltwater anglers have a lot to do here. This is confirmed by Maryland having its best score in the Geography category, with 15 out of 35 points.

A young person in sunglasses, holding a Flatfish on a boat, while sitting on a bench. With water and buildings visible, they're enjoying one of the best US fishing states.

It’s easy to fall in love with Maryland’s rich waters, and the fact that the state’s other best category is Community (40 out of 65 points) shows that many do. The Chesapeake Bay is a famous angling destination, both for its variety of species and great numbers of fish. This is one of the places for Striped Bass fishing on the East Coast, and there’s also a lot of Black Seabass, Flounder, Tautog, Mackerel, Cobia, and Black Drum. The biggest catches offshore are Tuna and White Marlin, while, in the state’s many rivers, lakes, and creeks, Catfish, Perch, and Bass await.

8. Rhode Island – 97.5 points

That Rhode Island is a great place to fish is immediately evident from its fourth-place ranking in the Geography category, which it owes to 33% of its area being water. This is also reflected in the state’s official nickname – The Ocean State.

A person proudly holding a large Striped Bass on a boat, showcasing their angling skills in one of the best US fishing states, with gear visible nearby.

There’s a good number of charter businesses here for a state of this size, plus, buying a fishing license won’t be overly expensive! Rhode Island also has an excellent rating in the Facilities category, thanks to its high number of marinas. There’s a lot to chase, but Stripers (Striped Bass) are the king of the angling world around here.

9. Maine – 96 points

Although Maine dropped three places compared to last year, it held on to its top-10 position for the third year in a row, an impressive achievement. The Pine Tree State performed strongest in the Facilities category. With 21.5 out of 45 points, it’s second only to Florida in this category.

A person proudly displays a large Cod on a boat in one of the best US fishing states, sporting sunglasses and a cap, with fishing rods ready in the background.

Get a taste of Maine’s fisheries and it will be clear why it’s one of the best US fishing states. On the saltwater front, anything from massive Striped Bass, Pollock, Haddock, and Sharks to magnificent Bluefin Tuna is in the cards. And don’t forget about the amazing Maine Lobster! Freshwater aficionados will have plenty of fun going after Bass, Trout, Perch, and Pike, too. You can also go ice fishing for these species for a change of pace, so the sky’s the limit!

10. Georgia – 95 points

Dropping one spot compared to last year, Georgia comes in tenth. What’s mostly to thank for this success is the Peach State’s third place in the Community category.

A person’s holding a Redfish on a boat with a calm ocean in the background, showcasing one of the best US fishing states for enthusiasts.

Not as popular among out-of-state anglers as its neighbor, Florida, Georgia allows you to explore its amazing fishing opportunities in relative peace and quiet. And the fishing here is varied. You can chase Kingfish or Red Snapper in the Atlantic, go after Redfish in the amazing inshore channels and swamps, or explore lakes filled with Bass and mountain streams full of Trout.

The Full Ranking

Finding the very best states to fish in the US is no small feat, and a significant amount of research went into this ranking. Now that you’ve got this list to inspire you, which state is your first bucket list destination?

Sources: FishingBooker, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Outdoor Foundation / Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Statista, World Population View, Marinas.com, Bait Shops Near Me, Wikipedia, Hooked in Fishing, American Sportfishing Association, Hey It’s Free, United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Author profile picture

Andriana has been in love with nature since before she could walk, and she lives to explore the great outdoors whenever she has the chance. Be it traveling to far-off lands, hiking, or mountain climbing, Andriana loves discovering new places and writing about them. The first time she went fishing with her dad she insisted on returning all the catch into the water. Dad was not pleased. Her curiosity about fishing only grew from there, and she’s been writing and learning about it for years. Andriana’s favorite fish to catch is Mahi Mahi.

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Roger

Mar 28, 2025

How is nc so low I’ve fished alot of places but the verity of fresh water fish like 3 kinds of trout, small mouth and large mouth so many salt water fish like plenty of bill fish and different tuna tuatog, blackbass, redfish snapper grouper seabass I belive it’s the most diverse fishing state I could be wrong of course but to me it’s probably one of the most gorgeous places to go aswell

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  • Tanja Dedijer

    Mar 31, 2025

    Hey Roger, you’re definitely not wrong — North Carolina has always been and has remained an incredible destination for a wide range of anglers. The ranking in the article, however, considered a variety of broader factors beyond just fishing itself. Things like accessibility, affordability, and overall angler sentiment all played a role. We also took licenses, facilities, and reviews into considerations. While the quality of NC’s fishery is still strong, shifts in a few of these areas have impacted its standing this time around. Especially the accessibility and affordability of the trips, suggesting that price increases have outpaced income growth of anglers, making fishing charters less accessible to them. Hope this helped with clarifying the reason behind NC’s drop. Let me know if you have more questions.

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Paul Gaskill

Jan 24, 2025

Have fished all over the country and lived in 12 different states. For variety and opportunity no state matches Washington. Please leave it ranked where you have because it seems to be a well kept secret to all but avid fishermen (and ladies)

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  • Marko

    Jan 27, 2025

    Hi Paul,

    Fair enough, haha! We know Washington is awesome, of course, it’s just that our methodology includes things such as facilities, marinas, etc. which may not be as common in some states compared to others.

    Here’s hoping them steelhead make a recovery in the years to come, it’ll make Washington even better!

    Tight lines,

    Marko

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Wayne

Aug 5, 2024

California, Washington and Idaho are some of The best fishing states in the country. Not sue about this list.

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  • Rhys

    Aug 5, 2024

    Hi Wayne,

    Rhys here from FishingBooker. Thanks for your comment. I absolutely agree that those three states boast incredible fishing but, as you can see from our methodology, they were pipped to the top 10 by many states on the East Coast. Is there some other factor you think we should maybe take into consideration next year?

    Tight lines,

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