While Thanksgiving usually revolves around homemade meals and loved ones gathered under one roof, it doesn’t have to be celebrated indoors each year. Have you ever considered going fishing instead? Take a look at the nine Thanksgiving fishing locations we’ve handpicked for you, and let us know how you feel about creating new family traditions out on the water!
There’s something truly special about fishing around Thanksgiving. The air is crisp, the scenery breathtaking, and fishing on fire. Just picture yourself surrounded by your friends and family, snapping photos, comparing catches, and retelling your favorite fishing stories. Casting lines on Thanksgiving is more than just fishing – it’s an opportunity to create long-lasting memories you’ll forever be thankful for.
If this sounds alluring, pick one of the following Thanksgiving destinations and land those family memories this holiday season!
Myrtle Beach, SC
We’ll kick off this year’s Thanksgiving fishing locations list with coastal gems, the first of which is Myrtle Beach. This South Carolinian beauty is famous for being a major tourist destination and an angling epicenter. With 60 miles of shoreline, pristine beaches, and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no wonder countless anglers flock to Myrtle Beach each year. But why should you go to Myrtle Beach this Thanksgiving?
First and foremost, Myrtle Beach is not as crowded as it is in summer. This means free parking in Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Secondly, the temperatures are mild, the weather is pleasant, and fishing is as productive as it gets. Last but not least, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to Thanksgiving-inspired events.
If you decide to focus solely on angling, Thanksgiving will bless you with various species, from Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder to Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Amberjack. November announces the arrival of migratory fish such as Bluefish and King Mackerel, too, so you can also expect to cross paths with these underwater celebrities. All in all, there are plenty of brag-worthy catches in the waters of Myrtle Beach this month.
As for Thanksgiving events, you have everything from turkey trot competitions to dining specials at your disposal. Should you crave more activities besides Thanksgiving celebrations and fishing, Myrtle Beach has more than 100 things you can do.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Our second recommendation for your Thanksgiving fishing adventure is designed to awaken all your senses. Fort Lauderdale guarantees a quintessential Florida experience – warm weather, white sand beaches, blue waters, tall palm trees, numerous entertainment venues, boating, and, of course, fishing. It’s as good as it gets.
Fort Lauderdale will really put your angling skills to the test! Deep sea fishing is the name of the game here. Come November, you’ll clash with titans like Sailfish and Swordfish. Stay longer, and you’ll be in for a treat with trophy-sized specimens. But these bluewater royals aren’t the only superstars patrolling the area. Thanksgiving brings Kingfish, Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper, too.
Star-struck by these deep sea residents? Just wait to be dazzled by Fort Lauderdale’s holiday glow and culinary festivities. The entire region lights up with attractions such as the Holiday Fantasy of Lights and food-abundant evenings at Food in Motion or MAASS.
But that’s not all. Segway sightseeing, paddleboarding, jet ski rentals, airboat adventures, helicopter rides, alligator tours, parks, and natural wonders – Fort Lauderdale has it all!
Naples, FL
Want to fish in Florida but you’d rather explore the Gulf side? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Another spectacular Thanksgiving fishing location in the Sunshine State on this list is Naples. Located on the aptly-named “Paradise Coast,” Naples promises stunning views, mesmerizing sunsets, and heavenly beaches. Add first-class angling to the mix, and it becomes clear why Naples ranks high on this list.
Fishing in Naples around Thanksgiving equals tight lines and screaming reels. This time of year, it’s the inshore bite that will wow you. The weather is cooler and drier, so fish move closer to the shore. The shallows teem with Snook, Reds, and Pompano, while nearshore waters brim with Snappers, Groupers, King Mackerel, and Cobia.
As far as land-based attractions go, there are plenty of places to visit in Naples around Thanksgiving. From the Children’s Museum and Revs Institute to the zoo and swamp sanctuary, your kids will have a blast here. The town is also huge on golf, so naturally, you can’t be here without giving it a swing or two. There are even golf courses designed for your little ones.
And if all that excitement works up your appetite, head to one of the many dining spots serving traditional Thanksgiving dinners. There isn’t a better way to wrap up a family holiday than to gather around the table and share stories from the trip while savoring a finger-licking good meal.
San Francisco, CA
It’s high time we tapped into the Pacific. The following Thanksgiving fishing location is none other than the Golden City! Not even the fog can dim its festive glow! San Francisco is buzzing with Thanksgiving activities, and the same energy goes into fishing. So, if you’re in doubt about where to spend the upcoming holiday, head to this California favorite, as there’s something for everyone.
The bite is strong in late fall in San Francisco. The most famous residents, such as Rockfish and Lingcod, are pretty active and up for grabs. The ultimate stars this time of the year are Dungeness Crabs, though. Their season is a long-awaited event in California, and it happens to open in November. If you’re visiting this Thanksgiving – well, lucky you!
When we said that San Francisco caters to every type of visitor and angler, we meant it. Besides saltwater, you can go freshwater fishing as well. Lake Merced is open year-round for angling and has multiple fishing piers you can cast from. Late fall can yield some decent Largemouth Bass and Trout.
As for events around Thanksgiving, you can do anything from signing up for the 22nd Annual Turkey Trot and exploring the vast culinary scene to cheering on the Warriors and discovering light art exhibitions. There are no limits to what you can do here!
Tacoma, WA
Next up, we present you Tacoma, a city whose name origin can be interpreted as the “Mother of Waters.” Now that you know the secret meaning behind its world-famous name, Tacoma might not need an extensive introduction. Situated on the Puget Sound, Tacoma is home to one of the largest ports in the country and boasts excellent angling opportunities. So, its place on our Thanksgiving fishing locations list has been rightfully earned.
Top catches in Tacoma around Thanksgiving include, among others, Trout, Cabezon, and Dungeness Crab. Almost all fish species in Tacoma follow a season, so Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to go after Cabezon before their season closes on November 30 or to take advantage of the just-opened Dungeness Crab season.
Tacoma in late fall can be cooler than you think – we’re talking about the weather and metaphorically! While warm clothes and fishing will get you going, they might not warm you up enough. The Tacoma Turkey Trot, however, will most certainly have you on fire.
Should you need more sparks, rekindle your holiday spirit with the city’s famous festive lights. Stay for the weekend, and light up your experience with the Tacoma Concert Band and the Tacoma Holiday Tree glow-up. Thank us later!
Plymouth, MA
For our last coastal Thanksgiving fishing location, we’re taking you back to where it all began – Plymouth, Massachusets. From the oldest public museum in the country to a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower ship, Plymouth is dotted with historical sites. As such, it’s the ideal place to dig deeper into the Thanksgiving tradition.
If you want to go back to our roots and origins, look no further than Plimoth Patuxet Museum. The museum offers an immersive experience and options for visitors that range from interactive exhibitions and learning about the Wampanoag culture to entering the Pilgrims’ farming community and stepping on the Mayflower II.
That’s far from all. If you crave even more history lessons, Plymouth’s got you covered. The entire week of Thanksgiving is packed with events and, on November 28 you can expect everything from a reenactment of the Pilgrims’ Sabbath to the commemoration of the National Day of Mourning. So, if you truly want to understand what Thanksgiving is all about, head to its birthplace.
But what about fishing? Gear up for both freshwater and saltwater action. Late fall is the season when the lakes and ponds are being stocked with Trout, while the saltwater shallows are dominated by Tautog. Head to the deeper waters and you’ll encounter Cod and Haddock. Don’t forget, though, when gearing up for an adventure, make sure to bundle up, too!
Lake Buchanan, TX
With Lake Buchanan, we’re moving inland and taking you with us to the first and the largest of the Texas Highland Lakes. Surrounded by inns with panoramic views, rich in places that offer home-style cooking, and tailor-made for boating and fishing, Lake Buchanan is our top location pick for your 2024 Thanksgiving getaway.
With more than 120 miles of shoreline, Lake Buchanan boasts multiple access points for boat and shore fishing. Pair this up with famous species, such as Largemouth Bass, White Bass, and Striped Bass, along with excellent angling conditions in late fall, and you’ll be in for a treat. Stripers, in particular, are eager to bite and fight during this time of the year. So, pack live bait and hit Lake Buchanan for some serious action this Thanksgiving.
If you’re not fishing, unwind in one of the beautiful nearby lodges, feast on local flavors, and explore the lake’s many attractions. From Longhorn Cavern State Park and the Vintage Motorcycle Museum to Spider Mountain Bike Park and remote waterfalls, Lake Buchanan’s mission is to make you fall in love with it.
The charm of Lake Buchanan is undeniable and before you know it, you’ll be under its spell. Enjoy your Thanksgiving on this gorgeous lake. It may be off the beaten path, but it’s worth the trek!
Lake Shelbyville, IL
Nestled in the heart of Illinois, Lake Shelbyville dominates the central part of the Prairie State. It’s considered to be one of the most popular watersheds for boating in summer and fishing year-round. That’s no surprise, as it’s home to numerous fish species and is a hub for angling tournaments. Naturally, it had to find a place on our Thanksgiving fishing locations list.
Lake Shelbyville is an 11,100-acre playground for Walleye, White Bass, Muskellunge, and Sauger. Crappie, however, are the lake’s superstars. They rule these waters in November, so if you head to Lake Shelbyville around Thanksgiving, you’ll enter the Crappie domain. Tasty and feisty, Crappie are the perfect dinner material and promise fun fishing rivals for the entire family.
If you thought boating and fishing were the only activities on Lake Shelbyville, think again. The entire region is a match made in heaven for nature adventures. The most scenic route you can take is the General Dacey National Recreation Trail. This 6-mile multi-purpose trail is a must for all nature lovers.
For holiday enthusiasts, we recommend checking out the Shelbyville Festival of Lights. Theme-inspired shapes and colorful displays aren’t only for the little ones. This radiating tradition is a sight to behold for the entire family.
Silverthorne, CO
We saved the best for last. While this heaven on earth can be anyone’s cup of tea, this final location is geared toward fly fishing aficionados. Just an hour’s drive from Denver lies the picturesque mountain town of Silverthorne. And Silverthorne is right on the Blue River, a Gold Medal fishery and fly fishing paradise. This cements its place on this list. But let’s see what else awaits you here…
Should you opt for Silverthorne as your angling headquarters, expect breathtaking foliage, stunning mountain views, and prime Trout streams. Late November usually means ice-covered fisheries in Colorado. However, that’s not the case with the Blue River that flows through the town. The Blue River remains a fly fishing hotspot even when all other streams are covered with ice and snow.
In addition to prolific casting, Silverthorne promises unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. This elevated oasis with lush evergreen forests, along with nearby Lake Dillon, and the legendary Continental Divide in the neighborhood, guarantees spectacular views, challenging hikes, and epic trails.
Last but not least, when in Silverthorne, do as the locals do and pop to The Mint. Their hot drinks and hearty steaks are bound to cheer you up after a hike. Bear in mind that this isn’t an ordinary restaurant. It’s one of the oldest eating establishments in the country, with a long-running tradition of making excellent food and a cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to wrap up your Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Fishing Locations: Something for Everyone
We’ve come to the end of our 2024 Thanksgiving fishing locations list. From the warmth of the Sunshine State to a frost-covered elevated oasis, we found a corner for every type of angler. Be it deep sea fishing or fly fishing, there’s something for everyone on this list.
And should you crave more Thanksgiving fishing destinations, take a look at our top picks for 2022. Those candidates can provide some additional inspiration when deciding where to fish this month. We hope you found your gem. Happy Thanksgiving!
Have you ever been fishing in one of these Thanksgiving locations? Which destination is your favorite angling hotspot? Do you have any tips and tricks on how to go about casting in these places around Thanksgiving? Hit the comment button below and share your thoughts with us.
