Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer – and for anglers across the US, it’s the perfect excuse to grab their gear and hit the water. With warm weather returning and fish becoming more active, this long weekend offers some of the best fishing opportunities of the year. Whether you’re chasing pelagic species offshore, casting in calm freshwater lakes, or exploring inshore marshes and bays, there’s something out there for every kind of angler.
Beyond the fishing, Memorial Day is a time to unwind, reconnect with nature, and maybe even turn your trip into a full-blown vacation. Many fishing hotspots also offer great food, history, and family-friendly attractions, making it easy to combine your love of the outdoors with a little sightseeing. From the Gulf of Mexico/America to the Great Lakes, here are 10 outstanding Memorial Day fishing destinations where you can make the most of your weekend.
Savannah, GA
Savannah is an ideal blend of Southern charm and coastal angling adventure – especially in late May. The inshore waters around the city and nearby Tybee Island are rich with Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder during this time of year. The marshes and tidal creeks create perfect ambush zones for game fish, particularly when the tides are moving. Light tackle and live bait work well, though artificial lures can be effective too.
Just a few miles offshore, the nearshore reefs start to come alive in late spring. Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, and Cobia become more active, offering action for anglers fishing structure with jigs or live bait. For boaters, the artificial reef system off the Georgia coast provides plenty of variety and is accessible from public boat ramps in Thunderbolt or Wilmington Island.
Off the water, Savannah is a feast for the senses. Explore cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and historic squares. Take a riverboat cruise, stroll through Forsyth Park, or sample Lowcountry cuisine at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants. Whether you’re exploring the nation’s coastal history, fishing from a skiff, offshore, or anywhere in between, Savannah makes for a memorable and well-rounded Memorial Day destination.
Crystal Coast, NC
The Crystal Coast, stretching from Emerald Isle to Cape Lookout, is a fishing paradise around Memorial Day. May marks the beginning of the area’s productive warm-weather season, with Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and even Pompano cruising the surf zones. Casting spoons or shrimp-tipped rigs from the sand often results in consistent action.
Inshore, the marshes and sounds near Beaufort and Morehead City hold Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. The inshore bite thrives on moving tides, and light spinning setups work great for fishing oyster beds, creek mouths, and grass edges. Meanwhile, offshore anglers heading past the barrier islands can target Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, and King Mackerel, to name a few.
When you’re ready to take a break, the Crystal Coast offers laid-back beach towns, fresh seafood, and attractions. These include the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores or the historic Fort Macon State Park. So, if you’re looking to combine your fishing trip with some delicious food and some time to unwind, Crystal Coast delivers big!
Erie, PA
Lake Erie’s namesake city is a top-tier Walleye destination and, by Memorial Day, the fishing is in full swing. As spring transitions to summer, Walleye migrate closer to shore and spread across the lake’s western basin. This is prime time for both quantity and quality fish, with 20- to 30-inchers not uncommon. Try trolling worm harnesses, crankbaits, or spoons near reef structures and ledges for consistent success!
Beyond Walleye, Smallmouth Bass are also heating up this time of year. These hard-fighting fish stage along rocky shorelines and submerged boulders, particularly near Presque Isle Bay and its surrounding breakwalls. Kayak anglers and shore fishers can do well casting tubes or drop shot rigs. Perch, another local favorite, are also active and perfect for a family-friendly outing.
After a day on the water, explore Erie’s other offerings. Presque Isle State Park has beautiful beaches, trails, and birdwatching, while the Erie Maritime Museum and local breweries add cultural flair. For anglers looking for fast-paced fishing with a small-town vibe, Erie is the place to be.
Finger Lakes, NY
New York’s Finger Lakes region is a freshwater angler’s dream come Memorial Day. Around the holiday, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and landlocked Salmon are actively feeding in the deep, cold waters of lakes like Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka. Trolling with spoons, stickbaits, or streamer flies is highly effective, especially in the early morning.
Tributaries and shallower areas also hold Rainbow Trout and Panfish, giving anglers a variety of targets. Kayakers and fly anglers will enjoy the quiet coves and inlet streams that wind through forested hills and farmland. The lakes have excellent public access, and boat rentals are easy to find in lakeside towns.
Off the water, the Finger Lakes are known for their scenic beauty, hiking trails, and award-winning wineries. Visit a local vineyard, take in the views from Watkins Glen State Park, or explore the charming shops in towns like Skaneateles and Geneva. For a weekend getaway, what more could you ask for?
Leech Lake, MN
Leech Lake falls among Minnesota’s top Walleye fisheries, and late May is one of the best times to fish it. Memorial Day weekend typically comes two weeks after the Walleye season opener, and hungry post-spawn fish are actively feeding along drop-offs, weed lines, and rocky points. Jig-and-minnow combos and live bait rigs are staples here, especially around Walker Bay and Pine Point.
In addition to Walleye, anglers can catch Northern Pike, Perch, and Crappie in the lake’s sprawling bays and channels. The calm waters are great for families and offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Kayakers and canoeists can also explore the quieter backwaters where Panfish are plentiful.
When you’re not fishing, the town of Walker offers inviting small-town vibes, local breweries, and scenic trails. Stay in a lakeside cabin or one of the area’s fishing resorts to make the most of your long weekend. For a true Northwoods experience filled with action and relaxation, Leech Lake is tough to top in late May.
Morro Bay, CA
Tucked along California’s Central Coast, Morro Bay offers a unique blend of saltwater fishing, picturesque beauty, and coastal charm, making it a fantastic Memorial Day getaway. Around this holiday, Rockfish season is in full swing. Anglers head out to the nearshore reefs and rocky bottoms in their numbers to catch a variety of tasty bottom dwellers. The bite tends to be solid this time of year, with many charters running half- and full-day trips into the Pacific.
Inshore, the protected bay provides solid light tackle action for Halibut, Surf Perch, and the occasional Shark or Ray. It’s also a great option for kayaking anglers or families looking for a calmer day on the water. Cast from land or hop on a charter, and you’ll have fish dangling from your line in no time!
After fishing, Morro Bay invites visitors to slow down and explore. Take a walk along the Embarcadero, visit the iconic Morro Rock, or check out the local sea otters lounging by the docks. With a relaxed pace, productive waters, and stunning ocean views, Morro Bay delivers a peaceful yet rewarding fishing experience for your Memorial Day weekend.
Kenosha, WI
On the western shore of Lake Michigan, Kenosha is a hidden gem in the Great Lakes. As the big lake warms, Coho Salmon move in nearshore in large numbers. Troll small spoons or peanut flies, and your limit can come quickly on a good day!
Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, and Steelhead also become more active as summer approaches. Anglers launching from Kenosha Harbor have quick access to productive water just a short boat ride away. Shore fishing along piers and breakwaters can also be fruitful, especially during low-light hours.
Outside of fishing, Kenosha offers an enchanting lakefront scene with a vintage electric streetcar, local museums like the Civil War Museum, and a farmers’ market worth checking out. It’s a family-friendly town with plenty to do between fishing sessions. If you’re looking for big-water adventure without the big-city hustle, Kenosha is an excellent destination to fish in this Memorial Day.
Portland, OR
Spring fishing hits its stride in Portland by late May, especially for river anglers. The Willamette and Columbia Rivers are prime locations for targeting spring Chinook, which are known for their powerful runs and excellent table fare.
If Salmon isn’t your focus, nearby lakes like Henry Hagg and St. Louis Ponds are well-stocked with Rainbow Trout and warmwater species. These waters are ideal for beginners and families looking to cast from the bank or a small boat. Bass fishing also starts to warm up in the region’s smaller reservoirs and backwaters, making Memorial Day weekend the perfect time for you to kick off the fishing season!
For something aside from fishing, Portland really needs no introduction. You can explore Powell’s Books, grab a bite at one of the city’s famous food trucks, or hike through Forest Park. And that’s just the start. With its vibrant urban core and easy access to world-class fisheries, “Rose City” offers the perfect blend of nature and culture.
St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg is a premier angling destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and Memorial Day marks the beginning of its peak fishing season. Inshore, Tampa Bay and its surrounding grass flats come alive with Redfish, Snook, and Speckled Trout. The nearby mangroves and bridges also hold Tarpon, which migrate through the area in large numbers by late May.
Offshore, the Gulf offers fantastic opportunities for Grouper, Snapper, and King Mackerel. Deep sea charters often target reefs 20–40 miles out, where these species school around structure. Nearshore reefs and ledges closer to shore can also produce excellent bottom fishing for those with limited time.
When the rods are stowed, there’s plenty more to explore. St. Pete is home to the Salvador Dalí Museum, bustling beach bars on Treasure Island, and the scenic St. Pete Pier. With a vibrant downtown, world-class fishing, and easy access to both inshore and offshore action, St. Petersburg delivers a full package for a sunny, saltwater-filled Memorial Day weekend.
Venice, LA
Known as the “Tuna Capital of the Gulf,” Venice is a bucket-list destination for serious anglers. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, Venice offers unmatched access to both inshore marshes and deepwater oil rigs teeming with life. Come Memorial Day, inshore anglers will find Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum cruising the nutrient-rich waters, especially around cuts and passes with strong current.
Offshore, May is a fantastic time to fish for Yellowfin Tuna. Boats head out to the Gulf’s blue water, often chumming near rigs to draw in 50–100+ pound Yellows. Mahi Mahi and Wahoo are also in the mix, and you’ll often catch multiple species in a single trip. If you haven’t quite got your sea legs, bottom fishing for Grouper and Amberjack near underwater structure is also a solid option this time of year.
Though Venice is more about fishing than frills, its rustic charm and deep connection to the sport make it a special place. Grab a bite of fresh seafood at a local marina, swap stories with fellow anglers, and soak in the wild, untamed scenery. For hardcore fishing enthusiasts, very few destinations beat Venice.
Memorial Day: The Perfect Holiday to Spend Fishing
No matter where you’re located or how you like to fish, there’s a Memorial Day destination out there calling your name. Whether you’re casting for Walleye in a northern lake, trolling for Mahi off the coast, or sight fishing on a sunny flat, late May is one of the most rewarding times to be on the water. The bite is strong, the weather is cooperative, and the options are nearly endless.
Each of these 10 locations offers not just great fishing, but also numerous memorable experiences – from lush parks and historic towns to lively boardwalks and coastal cuisine. Memorial Day is the ideal time to blend adventure with relaxation, and maybe start a new family tradition in the process! So pack your tackle, plan your trip, and celebrate the start of summer the best way possible – by wetting a line in one of the country’s top fishing spots.
How did you enjoy our list of the best Memorial Day fishing destinations? Is there a spot you’d like to see us write about? Let us know in the comments below or check out last year’s article for more inspiration!
