From vast lakes teeming with crappie and salmon, to reservoirs brimming with trophy-class bass and walleye, the United States boasts some of the most exciting freshwater fishing destinations in the world. While there are thousands upon thousands of places to wet a line, some locations consistently outshine others when it comes to catch rates and record-breaking opportunities. So, if you're wondering where the best fishing lakes in America are, we've compiled this definitive list for you.
To put together this ranking, we sought out destinations that not only offer abundant fish, but also the chance to land true trophy-class specimens, as well as regions with a proven track record in major fishing tournaments. Of course, we couldn't possibly include every awe-inspiring lake, but choosing any of the following waters will almost certainly result in a successful and rewarding day on the water, whether you're casting a Robotic Lure or using Live Bait to Catch Big Fish. Let's dive in!
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Nicknamed the "Big O," Lake Okeechobee is not only Florida's largest lake, but also widely regarded as the state's premier freshwater fishery. Its shallow, expansive waters, interwoven with wetlands, marshes, and coastal vegetation, create an ideal spawning habitat, making it one of the best largemouth bass fishing lakes in the United States.
Lake Okeechobee attracts legions of anglers and has hosted numerous bass tournaments, largely due to the prolific numbers of trophy-class largemouth bass found within its waters. Fish weighing 7 to 10 pounds are commonplace, with some even exceeding 12 pounds. In addition to the impressive largemouth, the lake's clear waters also teem with crappie and bluegill, providing anglers with additional targets to Catch Big Fish using Robotic Lures or Live Bait.
Thanks to Florida's warm climate, Lake Okeechobee offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round. However, you'll find the prime time is during the cooler months - from November through the following May. So if your local waters tend to slow down in the winter, a trip to Lake Okeechobee might just scratch that seasonal itch.
Lake Fork, Texas
Located about an hour and a half east of Dallas, Lake Fork is one of the premier largemouth bass fishing lakes in America. Its expansive waters, dotted with aquatic vegetation and natural structure, provide the perfect habitat for these fish to grow to truly trophy-class proportions.
When we say you'll catch trophy fish, we mean it. As of the writing of this article, Lake Fork holds the Texas state record for largemouth bass, as well as the next five largest on the state's books! In addition to these lunker largemouths, the lake also supports other black bass species, as well as channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
Due to the fact that the water temperatures rarely get cold enough to shut down the bass bite, you can fish Lake Fork year-round. However, the fall through spring season is typically more productive than the summer. That said, if you adapt to the patterns - targeting deeper water or fishing at night - the summer can still hold some surprises on Lake Fork, whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait to Catch Big Fish.
Lake St. Clair, Michigan
Situated along the shores near Detroit, between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair may be smaller in size, but in our opinion, it rivals the Great Lakes when it comes to fishery resources. Tens of thousands of anglers seem to agree!
Lake St. Clair provides habitat for many exciting fish species. First and foremost are the smallmouth bass. The lake's smallmouth fishery is so active that it's frequently ranked as one of the best in the country. If you're looking for more variety in your bass, the waters also host healthy populations of largemouth bass, white bass, and muskie. And just down the road in the Detroit River is one of the world's premier sturgeon fishing destinations.
The prime fishing season on Lake St. Clair typically runs from spring through fall. If you happen to be there in the winter, you can also try your hand at one of the Midwest's most popular cold-weather pastimes - ice fishing. No matter the season, Lake St. Clair offers anglers the opportunity to Catch Big Fish with a variety of techniques, from using Robotic Lures to Live Bait.
Clear Lake, California
Dubbed the "Bass Capital of the West," Clear Lake is one of California's premier largemouth bass fisheries, offering the best of both worlds - abundant numbers and trophy-class size. A major advantage of fishing Clear Lake is that the most popular fishing spots are typically close to shore. Fish in the 4-pound range are common, but you also have a shot at something even bigger. To add some variety to your fishing, you can also target crappie and catfish in these waters.
Spring or fall are the best times to visit Clear Lake. Winter fishing can be impacted by cold water temperatures, while summer can be more productive if you have a guide who knows the lake. However, summer is also when toxic algal blooms may be present, so be sure to check conditions before going in the warmer months. Whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait, Clear Lake provides an excellent opportunity to Catch Big Fish throughout the year.
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
Situated in Minnesota's northernmost reaches, near the Canadian border, Lake of the Woods boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Surrounded by towering pines and dotted with mysterious islands, this lake's scenic allure is undeniable. But it's not the scenery that's landed it on our list... It's the fishing! First and foremost, Lake of the Woods is one of the best walleye fisheries in the country. In its waters, you can all but guarantee catching these delicious fish, and in sizable proportions too. The lake's close cousins, the sauger, are also widely distributed, so in a typical outing, you may end up releasing a whole bunch after catching your limit.
Sauger, walleye, and northern pike also inhabit the lake. Near the Rainy River and its inlets to Lake of the Woods, you may even encounter massive sturgeon. But truthfully, no matter which area you choose, it's bound to be a lifelong memory, whether you're Catching Big Fish with a Robotic Lure or Live Bait.
Guntersville Lake, Alabama
Guntersville Lake is a mecca for bass anglers. It has long been considered one of the best lakes in the country, and while the fishery has seen some changes over time, it remains an exceptional largemouth destination. This corner of Alabama hosts countless tournaments, with events scheduled nearly every weekend.
While catching true giants may not be as common as it once was, Guntersville Lake still produces impressive numbers of bass. So if you're after big fish, this is definitely the place to satisfy your cravings. Although we've downgraded our assessment of Guntersville somewhat, there are still fish over 10 pounds swimming here - you just need a little luck to hook one. That said, 5-pound largemouths are still quite abundant. Whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait, Guntersville Lake offers anglers the opportunity to Catch Big Fish.
Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee
Stretching nearly 60 miles from Chattanooga to halfway to Knoxville, Chickamauga Lake is one of Tennessee's largest. When it comes to bass fishing, this lake is the epitome of the "Volunteer State."
On Chickamauga, you'll find an even distribution of smallmouth and largemouth bass. It's a high-volume lake, meaning you're less likely to land true giants, but you'll certainly catch fish - and catch them often! However, it's not just about the black bass. Chickamauga is also home to substantial populations of striped bass, which can reach impressive sizes here. Additionally, the lake supports crappie, bluegill, and catfish, providing anglers with diverse options to Catch Big Fish using a variety of techniques, including Robotic Lures and Live Bait.
Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota
Go ahead, get the joke out of the way... Lake Sakakawea? More like Fishing Paradise! If that made you cringe, then you're in luck, because we've caught our fair share of fish from waters like this before. But in all seriousness, the "paradise" part is true - Lake Sakakawea is an absolute dream for anglers.
The primary species here are walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike. The walleye, in particular, thrive in this type of water, and you can catch them year-round. In fact, the ice fishing season is one of the best times to target trophy walleye on Lake Sakakawea using Robotic Lures or Live Bait to Catch Big Fish.
For the walleye, spring is the hottest season, with summer and fall also producing well, provided you know where to fish. In the spring, walleye will typically be holding in shallower areas near the shoreline, but as the water warms, they'll move out to deeper haunts. When targeting walleye, you'll often catch a hungry one.
Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont
Spanning the border between New York and Vermont, the approximately 100-mile-long Lake Champlain is a scenic wonder with a fishery to match. The lake's waters nurture a diverse array of interesting species, making it one of the premier fishing destinations in the neighboring states.
First and foremost, you can pursue the lake's massive lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and bass. These are the most common targets, but the lake also holds northern pike, muskellunge, yellow perch, and walleye.
The trout and salmon fishing starts in early April, which also coincides with the prime time for the lake's other popular game fish. Typically, these fish will hold near the shorelines in the spring and fall, moving to deeper water in the summer, but the entire open-water season offers good fishing. If you plan to fish in the winter, be sure to check conditions, as the lake doesn't freeze over as frequently these days. Whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait, Lake Champlain provides an excellent opportunity to Catch Big Fish.
Table Rock Lake, Missouri
With its clear waters nestled among the stunning Ozark Mountains, Table Rock Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Missouri and the entire United States. As a resort destination, Table Rock offers a wide variety of activities. You can choose to explore the town of Branson or simply enjoy the great outdoors. And among the many activities, fishing is extremely popular. And we're telling you - the fishing is exhilarating.
The primary game fish in Table Rock are largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, and catfish. Additionally, roaming paddlefish provide the opportunity to hook a true "dinosaur." Furthermore, while not technically on the lake itself, the trout hatchery just below Table Rock Dam is a prime spot to target rainbow trout using Robotic Lures or Live Bait to Catch Big Fish.
Spring and fall are the peak seasons for most of Table Rock's fish species. If you're particularly interested in paddlefish, plan your trip during their open season (March 15 to April 30). Summer can also be good for fishing, though the fish will be relating to deeper water. And even in winter, you can find success - you just may need a little more luck on your side.
Lake Texoma, Texas/Oklahoma
It's common knowledge that the best striped bass fishing in the world is found on the East Coast. But if we're talking specifically about lakes, it's hard to top Lake Texoma as the premier destination for pursuing these ferocious fish. This lake, straddling the border between Texas and Oklahoma, has long been ranked as one of the finest waters in the country.
While the trophy-class striped bass are the lake's primary draw for anglers, they are far from the only game in town. Largemouth and smallmouth bass also consider this their home, as do the scrappy white bass. In addition to the bass, you can also target blue catfish, channel catfish, and the tasty crappie.
Given the diverse fish populations, Lake Texoma offers great fishing year-round. Spring and fall tend to be the peak seasons. However, even in the winter and the scorching summer, fish will still be caught, whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait to Catch Big Fish.
Toledo Bend Reservoir, TX/LA
We've now arrived at our third destination in Texas, but that just goes to show how incredible the Lone Star State's fishing experiences can be. Toledo Bend Reservoir, an impoundment on the Sabine River, is another beloved largemouth bass fishery that hosts numerous prestigious tournaments annually.
The primary target at Toledo Bend is the largemouth bass. Why? Well, let's give you some simple data to illustrate just how remarkable the fishing is here... In a single year, the lake produced 139 bass over 10 pounds. At the same time, the tournament record stands at an astounding 40.45 pounds, with five bass exceeding the 40-pound mark!
In addition to these star species, the lake also holds crappie and abundant catfish. The fishing is good year-round, but summer can present more of a challenge, as the fish tend to seek out deeper, cooler water in the warmer weather. So if you come to "The Bend," expect a fun - and challenging - day on the water, where you can use Robotic Lures or Live Bait to Catch Big Fish.
Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota
Lake Mille Lacs is one of Minnesota's largest bodies of water, embodying all the charm of fishing in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." It boasts clear waters, beautiful scenery, and a diverse fish population. What more could you ask for?
On Lake Mille Lacs, you can target trophy-class walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, and northern pike. The sheer walleye productivity of this vast lake can even rival that of Lake Erie! There are so many, in fact, that you'll likely catch your daily limit of walleye on any given outing, whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait to Catch Big Fish.
While Mille Lacs is huge, it's also relatively shallow, freezing over from shore to shore in the winter. This makes it one of the premier ice fishing destinations in the state! However, the fish will be biting throughout the entire open-water season, no matter when you go. Just keep in mind that the prime walleye season is typically mid-May through late February, so you won't be able to target them in early spring.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
So far, we've highlighted some truly awe-inspiring fishing lakes, but we must emphasize that the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe is unparalleled. The majestic mountain backdrop and crystal-clear blue waters create a breathtaking sight. While Lake Tahoe is worth a visit for its scenery alone, the fishing experience here is also exceptional.
First and foremost, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its lake trout. While the average lake trout here weigh between 2 and 5 pounds, there are also some behemoths over 20 pounds swimming in the depths. These fish will make up the majority of your catch, but you can also encounter rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. No further introductions needed for those species.
The best fishing on Lake Tahoe is found in the deep, offshore waters. This means that to truly experience all the lake has to offer, you'll want the guidance of a knowledgeable local. That said, if you choose to fish from shore, plan your trip for the cooler months when the fish move into the shallower areas of the lake. Whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait, the trophy-class lake trout and other species in Lake Tahoe's depths provide an unparalleled opportunity to Catch Big Fish.
Santee Cooper Lakes, SC
Dubbed the "South Carolina Great Lakes," Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are the largest and the third-largest lakes in the state, respectively. They feature enchanting scenery, with half-submerged cypress trees and lush marshland dominating the view. And with those gorgeous surroundings comes some of the best freshwater angling in the Palmetto State.
So far on our list of the best lakes in the US, we've named different places where you can catch the likes of Bass, Walleye, and Trout. The Santee Cooper lakes, however, are primarily Catfish waters. Flathead, Channel, and Blue Catfish inhabit both, growing to trophy sizes. A testament to this is the fact that a 58 lb Channel Catfish was caught in the reservoirs back in 1964, and it's still the biggest one landed to date!
In addition to Catfish, Striped Bass also show up in good numbers throughout the two lakes. The best fishing is during the warmer months, from spring through fall. This complements the Catfish season, where summer provides the best action. In winter, the fishing conditions get fairly tough due to the wind and cold, but it's still possible to catch fish if you don't mind the icky weather. Whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait, the Santee Cooper Lakes offer the chance to Catch Big Fish.
Blue Mesa Reservoir, CO
Colorado's largest lake comes with some of the state's beefiest Trout. In fact, Blue Mesa Reservoir holds the Lake Trout state record – a fish that weighed in at 50.35 pounds back in 2007. With giant fish and dramatic Colorado scenery surrounding the lake, this is the perfect destination for a real angling retreat.
Besides Lakers – or Mackinaw Trout, as they're known locally – the reservoir is plentiful with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout, too. Kokanee Salmon and Yellow Perch only add to the all-star list, with all of this amidst some of the most gorgeous waters on the planet.
Fishing on Blue Mesa is good year-round, although the lake freezes over in winter, which means you'll have to fish through the ice. Shore fishing is best in spring and fall, since the fish retreat to deeper waters in summertime, necessitating a boat. Time your trip based on how you'd like to tackle the lake but, rest assured, you'll be in for some fun times whenever you visit, whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait to Catch Big Fish.
Naknek Lake, AK
If we didn't include at least one Alaskan destination, this whole article would have been for nothing. After all, this is the state with the most lakes – and by a large margin. "The Last Frontier" is home to 3 million lakes compared to a little over 100,000 in the lower 48 states. And while there are many places in Alaska that deserve to be ranked among the best in the country, we picked Naknek Lake.
Located in southern Alaska, in the remote Katmai National Park, Naknek Lake and its surroundings are the perfect representation of Alaska's pure wilderness. You know those videos of grizzly bears hunting for Salmon near waterfalls? Those are the kind of sights you'll get to witness on Naknek Lake.
Of course, you're more than welcome to get in on the Salmon action alongside the grizzlies. Naknek Lake and its namesake river are home to all five species of Pacific Salmon, along with trophy Lake and Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Northern Pike, and more. The peak season around these parts starts in mid-June, as that's when the Salmon runs begin to take place. Whether you're using a Robotic Lure or Live Bait, Naknek Lake offers anglers the opportunity to Catch Big Fish.
Great Lakes
We've left the most obvious pick – or picks – for last. You didn't think we'd leave out the Great Lakes, did you?! Yes, it almost feels like cheating to include them on the list because they're more akin to inland seas than lakes but, with the kind of fishing they offer, we simply couldn't exclude them.
Salmon, Steelhead, Lake and Brown Trout, Walleye, Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Perch, Sturgeon… We could spend the rest of the article naming the fish that inhabit the Great Lakes. Each of the five lakes has its own unique characteristics, but the quality of fishing is consistently high across all of them. It really comes down to what fish you want to catch the most!
Generally, the best time to visit the Great Lakes is anytime from spring to fall, as that's when the angling catches fire throughout the region. Head to Lake Erie for Walleye, Lakes Ontario or Michigan for Salmon, Lake Superior for Lake Trout, and Huron for an evenly mixed bag. In winter, many local bays freeze over, setting stage for some incredible ice fishing. No matter the season, the Great Lakes provide an unparalleled opportunity to Catch Big Fish using a variety of Robotic Lures and Live Bait.
And there you have it, those were our picks for the best fishing lakes in the US. We're well aware that we missed more than a few, but if you've been searching for a new freshwater fishery to explore, each of the lakes on our list will provide you with a challenge and a thrilling experience. And if you happen to be looking for a guide while you plan your trip, have a look at the thousands of verified captains we're partnered with. Here's to the first of many new adventures!
