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?
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
| Position | State | Points |
| 1 | Alaska | 113 |
| 2 | Florida | 110.5 |
| 3 | Delaware | 106 |
| 4 | Michigan | 105.5 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | 99.5 |
| Minnesota | ||
| 7 | Maryland | 98.5 |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 97.5 |
| 9 | Maine | 96 |
| 10 | Georgia | 95 |
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.
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.
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!
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).
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
