Dedicated to honoring those who served, Veterans Day is a holiday to spend with the family. But it doesn’t mean you have to spend it inside! If you ask us, this extended weekend is the perfect chance to hit the waters and connect with nature. And if you’re wondering where to go, we’ve prepared a list of 10 fishing destinations for Veterans Day 2024.
From saltwater hotspots across the country to various rivers and lakes to cast your line in, we’ve included a bit of both in the hope of providing you with an inspiring list of locations to fish in. So let’s dive into it together!
Islamorada, FL
Early November is a quiet time in the Florida Keys, Islamorada included. But the lull only applies to the number of visitors. The fishing itself is as great as ever! If you pick it as your Veterans Day destination, you can expect lots of action with fewer crowds – an ideal scenario for every angler.
The action begins in the backcountry, where you’ll get to fish for Snook and Redfish. The local bridges and channels may still hold Tarpon, while Bonefish are likely to prowl the shallows. Sometimes, you’ll even find small Goliath Grouper close to shore!
When it comes to offshore fishing, Sailfish should start showing up consistently around Veterans Day. Snapper and Mackerel will also be biting along the reef edges, and you’ll even have the chance to hook into Mahi and Blackfin Tuna.
November brings cooler, more pleasant weather to Islamorada. And since there are usually fewer tourists at this time of year, you might be able to get a better deal when it comes to accommodation. So if you’re looking for a relaxing place to spend Veterans Day, rest assured Islamorada is an excellent choice.
Chesapeake Bay, MD/VA
You’ll often hear how “Rocktober” is the hottest month to fish the Chesapeake Bay. But early November features much of the same electric Striper fishing. With the water temps dropping, these fish will look to fatten up for the winter and they’ll bite with absolute fervor.
The best Striped Bass angling at this time of year typically takes place in the lower portions of Chesapeake Bay, and this is where you’ll also encounter Redfish. Meanwhile, in the middle and upper portions, you can expect to reel in Blue and Channel Catfish. These fish fight hard, taste delicious, and you’ll find them in good numbers in the bay.
If you’re wondering what else is there to do around here, it really all depends on where you go. To fish the lower Chesapeake Bay, you can launch from Hampton, Norfolk, or Cape Charles. For middle and upper bay fishing, look towards Annapolis, Solomons, or Baltimore. Each of these places offers something different in terms of experience, but they’ll all serve you well as starting points.
Bridgeport, CT
Veterans Day falls right around the end of Connecticut’s fishing season. However, this time of the year still features great angling if you want to explore the Long Island Sound. Bridgeport is positioned right in the middle of it, making it a convenient place to launch from. It’s also a fun city to visit, with plenty of attractions to enjoy.
The main species on the menu this Veterans Day will be Tautog. Around the beginning of November, the sound becomes a feeding ground for these prized fish. You’ll find Tautog close to shore, near piers, jetties, sunken wrecks, and rocky areas. Often enough, there’ll be Black Seabass prowling the same grounds, too.
You can also typically expect False Albacore to be in the area during the first part of November. Along with them, you could catch some leftover Stripers and Bluefish.
When it comes to the non-angling activities Bridgeport has to offer, there are many. Beautiful shoreline parks, various museums, and a lively downtown area will keep you entertained throughout the holiday. If you’re visiting with kids, there’s a great zoo that’ll keep them engaged for hours on end.
Salmon River, NY
A Lake Ontario tributary, the Salmon River is one of New York’s premier fall fisheries. It’s known among anglers for its Salmon and Trout runs, while tourists mostly visit to see the epic 110-foot falls and enjoy the surrounding nature. Between the awesome fishing and such a majestic backdrop, the Salmon River easily earns a spot as a top destination to visit on Veterans Day.
Despite the name, however, Salmon probably won’t be biting much if you fish the river in early November. Chinook and Coho mostly complete their runs by mid-October, though you might run into some Atlantic Salmon. But although Salmon won’t be the main focus, you can expect fantastic Brown Trout and Steelhead fishing.
There are two small villages positioned directly on the Salmon River – Pulaski and Altmar. However, if you’re itching for more of a city vibe during your stay, you can also base your trip out of Syracuse. It’s located only about 40 minutes south of the river, and it’ll satisfy all your touristy needs.
Pere Marquette River, MI
The beautiful state of Michigan is home to many top-class fishing rivers. But even among the many, the Pere Marquette River shines when it comes to the pure quality of angling opportunities. And although this year’s Veterans Day falls just outside the peak fishing season, you can still expect some sought-after fish to be biting.
Salmon runs on the popular “PM” usually end in October. Instead, November welcomes two other freshwater superstars – Steelhead and Brown Trout. If you’ve never fished for either of these, you should know that they’re tremendous fighters.
The Pere Marquette runs between Baldwin and Ludington – where it flows into Lake Michigan. Around Baldwin, you’ll find several fishing lodges offering accommodation close to the river. Ludington, on the other hand, is home to some of Lake Michigan’s best shoreline, including scenic dunes located within a state park. If you’re coming in for the weekend, it’ll give you just the right amount of activities to enjoy.
Mille Lacs Lake, MN
Minnesota gets chilly around Veterans Day. But the state’s waters are still a treasure trove of fish. Mille Lacs Lake, in particular, hides some pretty nice prizes this time of year. All you need to do is bundle up a little and you’ll be ready for your very own adventure in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Funnily enough, your primary target on Mille Lacs around Veterans Day will be the “fish of 10,000 casts” – Muskellunge. Early November is when Tullibee typically spawn, a species that Muskies love to feast on. That makes this period your best shot at landing the biggest specimens out there.
Depending on the water temperature, you’ll likely also get to fish for Smallmouth Bass and Walleye. The main challenge with these is finding where they’re hiding, because both species begin retreating to deeper waters around this time. Your best bet is to pair up with a guide – they’re out on the lake most days, meaning they’ll have an idea of where the fish are.
If you visit the lake, make sure to stop by Garrison and view the giant Walleye statue. For more sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, and other attractions, head 20 minutes west to Brainerd. The city is very tourist-friendly, and many use it as their starting point for any adventures in the area.
Madison River, MT
Peaceful, slow-flowing, and surrounded by soft grass, the Madison River and the nature around it are breathtaking. But, scenery aside, the river also frequently ranks among the best fly fishing spots in the world. Although Veterans Day falls right at the end of the traditional fishing season, the Madison River is still a fantastic destination to cast your line in.
The river’s waters are rich with some of the most beautiful Trout you’ll ever see. In particular, you’ll get to reel in big Rainbow and Brown Trout. The weather in Montana can be a bit unpredictable in early November, but as long as it’s not too windy, you should be good to fish.
The Madison River is within road trip distance from Helena. Alternatively, you can base your trip out of Bozeman or Ennis which are located closer to the river. We recommend tackling the river with a guide as they’ll be able to clue you in on which portion of the river offers the best bite, as well as what weather conditions to prepare for.
Tillamook County, OR
Located in Northwest Oregon, Tillamook County is home to some of the most productive rivers in the state. Whether it’s the Wilson, Trask, Tillamook, Nestucca, or Nehalem River, they all offer terrific action. And while many fisheries out there slow down around Veterans Day, you’ll still find plenty of fish swimming in Tillamook County’s bodies of water.
Most of the waters we’ve mentioned above will still be holding Chinook Salmon around Veterans Day. Specifically, the Wilson and Trask Rivers are excellent bets, as well as the neighboring Kilchis and Miami.
The Steelhead season in this part of Oregon also kicks off in mid-November. While it might still be a bit early to experience great Steelhead fishing on Veterans Day, you might have some luck if you head to the Nestucca River.
There aren’t any big cities in Tillamook County, so it’s the ideal place to spend a weekend if you’re looking for a laidback, small-town experience. Most of the towns are located close to the Atlantic coast, including the biggest one – Tillamook – which lies on its namesake bay. The county features numerous parks, trails, and lush forests. If you’re a nature buff, you’re guaranteed to love it.
Klamath River, CA
Del Norte County, located in the very north of California, is far removed from the hustle and bustle you’d find further down the West Coast. It’s a sparsely populated region blessed with incredible scenery. And it’s also home to one of the best fishing rivers in the state – the Klamath.
Flowing from Oregon, through Northern California and into the Pacific Ocean, the Klamath River is renowned for its Salmon and Steelhead angling. And while the bite in November is typically good when it comes to both of these species there is a caveat. Chinook Salmon is closed for retention this year, meaning that you’ll have to release any that you hook into. Steelhead regulations are a bit more favorable, allowing anglers to keep two hatchery fish in most portions of the river.
While you’re in the area, pay a visit to the epic Redwood Natural Park, home to some truly gigantic trees. Among them, a coast redwood named Hyperion currently holds the record for the tallest living tree on the planet, towering at 380 feet. To put it in perspective, the tree is around 75 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty!
Venice, LA
Situated at the mouth of the Great Mississippi, where it finally meets the Gulf of Mexico, Venice is the go-to spot if you want to experience the legendary saltwater fishing on offer in Louisiana. Whether you want to explore the famous bayous or hit the distant offshore oil rigs, this is where it all begins.
November is an excellent time to visit this part of the Gulf Coast. Inshore, the shallow marshes will be bustling with slot-size Redfish and Speckled Trout. They’ll be looking to bulk up for the winter, which means you can expect them to bite ravenously.
Deep sea fishing is productive as well, and Yellowfin Tuna can sometimes be caught as little as 10 miles offshore, though the best action is usually further out. For some more variety, you can expect Swordfish and Wahoo to start biting with more consistency. Really, the only thing that can get in your way this time of year is the weather. But with some luck, you should be able to fish your heart out.
Venice itself will mostly serve you as an excellent kickoff point for fishing. For other activities and attractions, we’d recommend heading to New Orleans. The Big Easy is only an hour and a half from Venice, and it’s where you’ll get to experience everything Louisiana is famous for. Tour the French Quarter, grab a bite at one of the local Cajun eateries, catch a jazz show, and much, much more.
Veterans Day: A Holiday to Spend Fishing
And there it is! We’ve come to the end of our list. If you’re an angler, you likely know that November can be a quiet time for many fisheries out there. So we’ve worked hard to provide you with some safe bets when it comes to picking your perfect Veterans Day fishing destination. It’s truly a great holiday to spend out in nature, so we hope some of the spots we’ve featured can serve as an inspiration for you. See you on the water!
How did you enjoy our rundown of the 10 best Veterans Day fishing destinations? Is there a place you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for more similar destinations, check out the article from last year.
