From massive lakes jam-packed with Salmon, Trout, Walleye, and Northern Pike to smaller reservoirs filled with prize-winning Bass and much more, the United States of America is home to some of the world’s finest freshwater fishing lakes.
Despite most lakes in America holding fish, some will consistently deliver a much better fishing experience for anglers, so if you’ve been curious about the most popular and best fishing lakes in the United States, you’ve come to the right place.
To help create the list of the best fishing lakes in America, we looked at destinations with a history of delivering excellent catches, locations, amenities, and the variety and size of fish species.
In the following guide to the 20 best fishing lakes in the United States, we’ll cover:
If you’re interested in freshwater fishing in the United States, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide: Discovering the Best State for Bass Fishing Bliss, where we cover the best locations for catching big Bass and, most importantly, how to catch them!
Fishbox App is a premium Fishing Forecasting app that gives you access to advanced technology, including the best time to go fishing in New South Wales and when you’re better off relaxing at home with a good book or cleaning out your tackle box.
Expert Opinion on The Best Fishing Lakes in the US
Top 15 Best Fishing Lakes in the United States
1. Lake Erie | Great Lakes | Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York
Known throughout the United States as the ‘Walleye Capital of the World,’ Michigan, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania all have access to the amazing Lake Erie. With a diverse range of shoreline habitats, monster Walleye, and other popular species, including Perch and Smallmouth Bass, Lake Erie consistently delivers a fantastic angling experience. From spring to the early part of summer, before it gets too hot, is the best time to target Walleye, and the cooler fall months for Perch and Bass.
Tips for Fishing Locations On Lake Erie:
Lake Erie is a big lake, and one of its advantages over other lakes is its massive size and variety of locations, depending on where you put your boat into the water or where you’re starting from.
Below are some of the top spots on Lake Erie you should check out:
- Port Clinton – If you don’t have your boat or are just visiting town, many charters operate out of Port Clinton. Walleye and Yellow Perch are the favorites from this location.
- Erie – Erie is your best jump-off point for anglers starting in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle Bay is a local hotspot for Steelhead and Walleye fishing.
- Lakeside Marblehead – Close to Sandusky Bay, Lakeside offers many angler options. Local charters and plenty of fishing action around Catawba, Cedar Point, and Kelleys Island.
- Monroe – If you’re starting in Michigan, Monroe is an excellent jump-off point. Walleye, Bass, Perch, and Steelhead are all up for grabs.
- Buffalo – For New York anglers, Buffalo offers Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead, Salmon, Bass, Perch, and Walleye.
2. Lake Okeechobee | Florida
It’s easy to see why the biggest freshwater lake in Florida is a popular location for Bass anglers looking to take home a trophy-sized Bass. There’s a variety of popular Bass fishing tournaments held on the lake each year between winter and spring, so if you fancy your chances, get involved. Some of these tournaments include the Bassmaster Elite Series, the American Bass Anglers Professional League, and the very popular American Baitworks Open. Target species for anglers on Lake Okeechobee include Bluegill, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass, with the most popular months being winter to spring.
Tips for Fishing Lake Okeechobee:
To maximize your chances of catching fish on Lake Okeechobee, anglers must target shallow areas of the lake with firm, sandy bottoms and plenty of vegetation during the cooler months. Drop-offs are particularly productive areas as fish will wait in ambush for their prey to come to them.
During the warmer months, look for shady areas where fish will be avoiding the heat of the hot sun. Areas close to cover with the current close-by will be extremely productive. Deep-diving lures like crankbaits, flipping jigs, and Carolina rigs are extremely effective.
3. Lake Fork | Texas
Another prime Largemouth Bass location, Lake Fork in Texas, has produced several record-breaking Largemouth Bass over the years. Because of this, so many anglers flock here for competitions and tournaments. Many of the Largemouth Bass in Lake Fork average over 10 pounds, but that’s not all you can catch. There’s also abundant Channel Catfish and Crappie to keep you busy if the Bass aren’t biting. March through May are the best times for Bass, with summer being a prime time for big Channel Catfish.
Tips for Fishing Lake Fork:
When you’re fishing Lake Fork, TX, you need to pay close attention to the seasons, as they play a significant role in fish behavior.
Season and Fish Behavior:
- Spring – Largemouth Bass will congregate closer to shore in spring during their spawning season, February to April, making soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jigs effective options.
- Summer – In the hot summer months, night fishing with spinnerbaits, soft plastics, topwaters, and crankbaits is the most effective method used by local anglers.
- Fall – Early fall sees a lot of schooling fish action, making topwater lures and crankbaits the most effective method.
- Winter – The deeper water located near the dam attracts a lot of Crappie during the cooler winter months, and jigs, crankbaits, and jigging spoons are great on Bass.
4. Lake Tahoe | California & Nevada
Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada isn’t just a fishing destination, with millions of visitors visiting the lake yearly simply for its pristine water and beautiful scenery. For Trout anglers, Lake Tahoe is a prime destination, offering Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and large Mackinaw (Lake Trout). The best time for Salmon is during the cooler fall months, while the warm summer months are prime time for Mackinaw.
Tips for Fishing Lake Tahoe:
If your target species is Mackinaw at Lake Tahoe, the deeper water using jigging or trolling lures will be the most effective. If you’re shore-based, you’re not going to miss out on the action either, especially if you can find areas close to shore with steep drop-offs.
Mackinaw Trout prefers deep water, typically around 70-200 ft, so utilize your sounder to find those deeper holes in the lake.
5. Lake Guntersville | Alabama
Lake Guntersville in Alabama is another Largemouth Bass tournament location, and Bass anglers from across the United States regularly flock to this lake. The three most popular species caught in the lake include Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass. The Alabama Bass Trail, Big Bass Tour, and Major League Fishing tournaments are all held here, along with various smaller competitions. The best time for Bass is spring and fall for Crappie, so plan your fishing trip accordingly.
Tips for Fishing Lake Guntersville:
One of the biggest advantages anglers fishing on Lake Guntersville have is the truly diverse nature of the lake. It’s arguably one of the most diverse lake systems in the United States, with miles of ledges, grass flats, creeks, rocky outcrops, sloughs, and bluffs, so you can fish it any way you like.
You’ll find fish up close to the banks almost year-round, so even if you’re a shore-based angler without access to a boat or kayak, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to catch a big fish. There are plenty of campgrounds and accommodations around the lake, so bring your family along for a great fishing adventure.
6. Table Rock Lake | Missouri
Found high in the Ozark Mountains, Table Rock Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Known for its crystal-clear waters, Table Rock Lake offers freshwater anglers daily and nighttime fishing. The three most popular species anglers target are Spotted Bass, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass. If you’re chasing big Bass, spring and fall are the best times, with the cooler winter months great for Crappie.
Tips for Fishing Table Rock Lake:
If your target species is Bass, you need to adapt to different seasons and fish according to where the fish are when you’re fishing. They won’t always be in the same place from one month to the next.
- Spring – Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Smallmouth Bass will be spawning in the lake’s shallow areas closer to shore, particularly in areas with rocks or wood cover. Target them with swimbaits, jigs, and suspending jerkbaits.
- Summer – The Bass will have moved to deeper water to avoid the heat, so try fishing in drop-offs and deep water close to channels using drop-shot rigs, crankbaits, and jigs.
- Fall – The larger Bass will have started to move out of their deep-water hideouts, so try your luck around smaller creeks feeding into the lake, cover closer to shore, and use spinnerbaits, football jigs, and crankbaits.
- Winter – You’ll want to get your sonar skills on point in winter and utilize that sonar to locate the schools of fish the Bass are feeding on. Drop-shot rigs, blade baits, and spoons will all be effective.
7. Lake Champlain | Vermont & New York
Lake Champlain borders two states, New York and Vermont, and offers freshwater anglers a variety of options when it comes to not only target species but also fishing techniques. Some of the most popular ways to catch fish on Lake Champlain include fly fishing, trolling, and lure fishing from the shore or lake itself. Some of the most popular species anglers target include Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout. If you want to catch some big Bass or Trout, try fishing in Spring; the warmer summer months are best for Northern Pike.
Tips for Fishing Lake Champlain:
The pre-spawn period in spring for Bass anglers is the best time to land yourself a trophy-sized Bass. Luckily, there are also various ways to catch yourself a big Bass. Before spawning, during early spring, Bass are schooling up close to shore. Look for areas around shorelines where the water is warming up, especially south of Chimney Point, where the water gets a couple of degrees warmer sooner than other lake areas. The best way to hook into a Bass during this period is by using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs.
8. Lake of the Woods | Minnesota
Winter is the best time of the year to visit Lake of Woods in Minnesota, thanks to its spectacular winter ice fishing. If you’ve never been ice fishing and want to, Lake of the Woods is one of the best places in the United States to see what it’s all about. The three most popular fish species anglers target are Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Walleye, with the cooler winter months the best time to visit. If you don’t like cold-weather fishing, there’s plenty of angling action to be had in the warmer months, too.
Tips for Fishing Lake of the Woods:
If you’re chasing big Walleye in the Lake of the Woods, you need to target them on or around structures such as deep basins, rocky points, and underwater humps. If you’re after Smallmouth Bass, try focusing on shallow rocky structures or areas that transition from rock to sand and vice versa. If you want to try your hand at Largemouth Bass, look in the shallower areas, inlets, and bays around the Sioux Narrows area.
9. Lake Powell | Utah & Arizona
Lake Powell borders Arizona and Utah, with the lake located within Glen Canyon. A popular pastime in Lake Powell is fishing at night during summer when the day’s heat has largely dissipated. Spring and fall are the best seasons to fish Lake Powell, with popular species including Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, and Channel Catfish.
Tips for Fishing Lake Powell:
The time of year, weather, and season play a big role in when and where you fish on Lake Powell. After the main spawn period, fish will disperse throughout the lake, which makes finding them a little more difficult but not impossible.
- After the Spawn – Look for areas with shaded walls, broken rock, and main lake entry or feed points.
- Midsummer – You’ll need to fish early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid the heat, with jerkbaits or topwater lures being the most effective.
- Fall – Look for areas around the lake with a concentration of shads and use crankbaits, topwater, jerkbaits, and small soft plastics.
- Winter – Look for fish hiding in deep-water drop-offs and target them using spider jigs, tube baits, and plastic grubs.
10. Caddo Lake | Texas & Louisiana
Cypress trees covered in Spanish moss surround the shoreline of Caddo Lake, giving anglers lucky enough to fish the shoreline a beautiful scenic backdrop. With small backwaters and bayous littering the foreshore, Caddo Lake is one of the only natural lakes in Texas. The three most popular species include Catfish, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass, with the period between spring and fall being the most popular time to go fishing.
Tips for Fishing Caddo Lake:
If you want to maximize your opportunities on Caddo Lake, look for areas where the cypress trees grow close to shallow water, especially in spring. Any areas with much submerged vegetation, such as weed beds, will be productive during the spring spawn.
The Bass are primarily active during light wind conditions, with winds from the south or west creating enough disturbance to bring the Bass up and allow them to feed more aggressively.
11. Lake Michigan | Great Lakes
Another of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, close to both Milwaukee and Chicago, offers anglers some fantastic freshwater fishing with all the amenities you’d expect close to the city. Some popular species on offer include Steelhead, Lake Trout, and Chinook Salmon, with summer being the best time for Salmon and Trout.
Tips for Fishing Lake Michigan:
One of the most popular fish species to target in Lake Michigan is the annual Salmon run, which occurs during the fall. The most popular way to catch Salmon is by trolling, but you’ll need to get down to where the Salmon are. Other popular species include Steelhead, Coho, and Brown Trout. To get your lure down deeper in the water, you can use downriggers and planer boards, forcing the lure to swim deeper in the water column. A depth sounder or fish finder is one piece of equipment you need if you truly want to maximize your time on the water.
12. Kentucky Lake | Kentucky & Tennessee
The large expanse of Kentucky Lake is ideal for anglers seeking abundant fishing opportunities and plenty of space away from other anglers to enjoy a day of fishing by themselves. Known by many anglers as one of the best Crappie lakes in the United States, other species include Bass and Catfish. If you’re chasing Crappie, spring is the best time to plan your trip, and for Catfish, you want to try your luck during the warmer summer months.
Tips for Fishing Kentucky Lake:
If you want to maximize your time on Kentucky Lake, look for areas around structures such as creek channels, ledges, banks, rocky points, and any outcrops. These areas will be highly productive during spring and summer when Bass have pushed up closer to the shore. If you’re bait fishing, try to match the hatch and use bait such as shads and crawfish, which are abundant in the area. Dawn and dusk are typically the most productive times of the day, as Bass feel more confident pushing closer to shore.
13. Clear Lake | California
Clear Lake is California’s oldest natural lake and a favorite destination for Largemouth Bass anglers, with several famous tournaments held annually While the fishing for Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill is spectacular, historical mining in the area has led to high levels of mercury in some fish species, so there are warnings in place. Spring and summer are the best times for Largemouth Bass, while the cooler months in fall are ideal for anyone chasing large Catfish.
Tips for Fishing Clear Lake, California:
Anglers fishing Clear Lake should focus on areas with structure, such as underwater humps and mounds, drop-offs, channels leading into the lake, and rocky outcrops and sloping points. Some of the best spots to fish on Clear Lake include Redbud Park, Soda Bay, Rattlesnake Island, and Clear Lake State Park.
14. Lake St. Clair | Michigan
With trophy-sized Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge, and Walleye, it’s understandable that thousands of anglers journey to Lake St. Clair every year to try their luck. The fishing environment around the lake is diverse, with rocky structures, weed beds, and drop-offs, making it a challenging but fun environment to fish in. The best time to try your luck is late spring to early summer.
Tips for Fishing Lake St. Clair:
If you have access to a boat, you’ll be able to cover a lot more territory when fishing on Lake St. Clair and significantly improve your chances of landing a fish, but shore-based anglers still do very well. Look for any weed beds, especially weed beds of cabbage in shallow water, and then target fish using shallow lures like jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and spoons.
15. Lake Winnipesaukee | New Hampshire
The New England backdrop for Lake Winnipesaukee makes it a relaxing vibe for anglers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of bigger, more crowded fisheries. Spring is prime time for anyone looking to take advantage of large Salmon feeding near the surface. Other popular species on offer include Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass.
Tips for Fishing Lake Winnipesaukee:
Live bait is an extremely popular method with local anglers, especially those chasing Smallmouth Bass and the larger Lake Trout. When you fish, it largely depends on your target species. Below, we’ve broken down the best times to catch the most popular species:
- Lake Trout – Early spring, April through to October, is the best time to target Lake Trout on Lake Winnipesaukee. They’ll be hanging around in deep water, so use a deep diving lure or downriggers to get your lure in the target area.
- Smallmouth Bass – When the water gets warmer, Smallmouth Bass will move into the shallow areas around the lake’s shoreline.
- Largemouth Bass – While you can catch Largemouth Bass in Summer, spring, and fall, they are also very productive. Largemouth will be found close to weed beds and other areas that offer them cover while they feed.
5 Hidden Gem Local Fishing Lakes (By Region)
If you live in a specific region and you’re looking for good fishing lakes near you or local fishing lakes close by, then you’ll find them in this section, where we’ve broken down the most popular lakes in the USA by region.
Popular Midwest Region Lakes
- The Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie. Other popular lakes include Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, West Lake Okoboji in Iowa, Bull Shoal Lake in Arkansas, Table Rock Lake in Missouri and Arkansas, Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota, Lake Vermillion in Minnesota, and Lake McConaughy in Nebraska.
Popular Northeast Region Lakes
- Lake Champlain in New York and Vermont, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, Cobbosseecontee Lake in Maine, Moosehead Lake in New England, Great Pond in Maine, Onondaga Lake in New York, Chautauqua Lake in New York, and Candlewood Lake in Connecticut.
Popular South Region Lakes
- Lake Lure in North Carolina, Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana, Lake Santeetlah in North Carolina, Lake Oconee in Georgia, Lake Okeechobee in Florida, Lake Guntersville in Alabama, and Lake Rabun in Georgia.
Popular West Region Lakes
- Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada, Crater Lake in Oregon, Lake Chelan in Washington, Mirror Lake in California, Redfish Lake in Idaho, and Shasta Lake in California.
Popular Pacific Northeast Region Lakes
- Wallowa Lake in Oregon, Lake Crescent in Washington, and Colchuck Lake in Washington.
Top 20 Best Fishing Lakes in the United States | Conclusion
From Lake Fork (TX) through to Lake of the Woods (MN), Clear Lake (CA), Lake Okeechobee (FL), Lake Erie, Lake Tahoe, and many others, the lakes of the United States have long been a highly prized freshwater fishing location for the abundant variety of prized freshwater species.
Regardless of which state you find yourself in, your number one priority should be checking in with the local state fish and wildlife department to ensure you’re up to date with season, size, and bag limits, along with grabbing all necessary fishing licenses, permits, or stamps. When you purchase a fishing license, you’re directly contributing to the ongoing health and wellness of the local fishery by supporting research, studies, stocking, disease prevention, access improvements, habitat management, and many other activities undertaken by state fish and game agencies.
The premium fish forecasting application, Fishbox App, will put you in the perfect position to catch some great fish by analyzing local weather and water conditions and input from local anglers. The Fishbox App utilizes accurate weather, tide, and fishing conditions to predict the best time to get out on the water to catch your target species.
Be sure to complete the quick Fishbox App quiz to generate your personalized fishing guide, which includes local hot spots and fishing locations based on your destination or location.
Have you had a lot of experience fishing in any of the United States lakes we mentioned, or do you have a lake that you’d like to recommend that wasn’t covered in the 20 best fishing lakes above? Drop a comment below! We love hearing your thoughts and feedback, and we’re sure new anglers will appreciate it.
