Fishing Overview for United States

---

• Alabama

  Alabama offers diverse recreational fishing across rivers, lakes and the Gulf Coast, with excellent freshwater angling on big reservoirs like Lake Guntersville and the Tennessee River and productive saltwater trips in Mobile Bay and the Gulf. Anglers commonly target trophy largemouth bass, abundant crappie and panfish such as bluegill and bream, plus strong populations of channel catfish and flathead catfish and popular hybrid striped bass in reservoirs. Along the coast and in estuaries you can fish for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder and seasonal king mackerel, with good options for inshore, nearshore and pier fishing, while kayak and bank anglers find plentiful access on creeks and public ramps.

• Alaska

  Alaska offers some of the best recreational fishing in the United States, with vast rivers, lakes and coastline full of opportunities. Anglers commonly target salmon species—Chinook (King), Sockeye (Red), Coho (Silver), Pink and Chum—along with prized saltwater species like Pacific halibut, rockfish, lingcod and Pacific cod. Freshwater waters produce strong populations of rainbow trout, lake trout, Arctic char, Dolly Varden, grayling and northern pike. Popular methods include trolling and bait fishing in saltwater, and fly fishing or spin casting in rivers and lakes, making Alaska a top destination for varied recreational angling styles.

• Arizona

  Arizona offers varied recreational fishing across desert reservoirs, river stretches and high-country lakes, with options for both shore and boat anglers. Key species include largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in reservoirs such as Lake Havasu, Lake Powell and Roosevelt; rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout in mountain streams and alpine lakes; plentiful catfish and crappie in lowland waters; and colder-water species like kokanee salmon, walleye and striped bass in deeper impoundments. Popular techniques include bank fishing, trolling, spinning and fly fishing, and the mix of Sonoran desert shorelines and alpine scenery makes Arizona a year‑round recreational fishing destination.

• Arkansas

  Arkansas offers excellent year‑round fishing across clear rivers, large lakes and deep reservoirs, plus cool Ozark tailwaters for trout. Anglers target world‑class largemouth bass on impoundments, strong runs of white bass and striped bass in major river systems, and rocky stretches that hold quality smallmouth bass. Abundant panfish such as crappie and bluegill, popular catfish (channel and flathead), and seasonal walleye give anglers many options for shore, boat, or float trips. Whether you want topwater action for bass, jigging for crappie, or drifting tailwaters for trout, Arkansas has diverse waters and species for every recreational angler.

• California

  California offers diverse recreational fishing from mountain streams to the open Pacific, with opportunities year-round for anglers of all skill levels. Freshwater waters hold rainbow trout, steelhead, Chinook and Coho salmon, and warmwater species like largemouth bass, striped bass and channel catfish in rivers, reservoirs and the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.
  Along the coast anglers target nearshore and offshore species such as halibut, lingcod, rockfish, coastal pelagics like yellowtail and bonito, and larger tuna including bluefin, while bays and estuaries can produce trophy white sturgeon.
  Fishing methods span shore and pier casting, fly fishing, boat trolling and bottom fishing, making California a versatile destination for recreational anglers.

• Colorado

  Colorado offers excellent recreational fishing across mountain rivers, high alpine streams, productive lakes and large reservoirs; anglers commonly pursue rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and native cutthroat trout, while bigger waters hold kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and northern pike. Popular techniques include drifting and nymphing for trout, fly fishing on scenic tailwaters and freestone runs, spinning and topwater for bass, trolling for kokanee, and ice fishing when lakes freeze in winter.

• Connecticut

  Connecticut offers diverse recreational fishing across its coastal waters of Long Island Sound and numerous rivers and lakes. Anglers can target saltwater species like striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder (fluke), black sea bass, and tautog from shore, piers, or boats, while freshwater anglers pursue largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, and perch in waterways such as the Connecticut River and Candlewood Lake. Popular techniques include casting from a kayak or shore, boat trolling, and fly fishing for trout in cold streams, and the state's mix of estuaries, salt ponds and inland waters makes it a year-round destination for recreational anglers.

• Delaware

  Fishing in Delaware offers productive, year‑round recreational opportunities across bays, estuaries and the Atlantic coast. In saltwater, anglers commonly target striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, summer flounder, black drum, Spanish mackerel, Atlantic croaker and weakfish from piers, the surf, kayaks and charter boats in the Delaware Bay and nearshore waters. Freshwater options include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, stocked trout, channel catfish, yellow perch and crappie in rivers, reservoirs and ponds, giving anglers a wide mix of inshore, surf and inland recreational angling choices.

• District of Columbia

  In the United States District of Columbia, recreational fishing centers on the tidal Potomac River, the Anacostia River and urban streams, with anglers fishing from shore, piers and small boats. Popular species include largemouth bass, spring-run American shad, striped bass and hybrids, abundant white perch, hardy channel and blue catfish, panfish such as bluegill and crappie, and carp. Fishing is active year-round with spring and fall peaks for migratory fish, and many urban access points make it easy to target species with bait, light tackle or topwater lures.

• Florida

  Florida is a premier recreational fishing destination with access to freshwater lakes, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, offering diverse angling from flats and backcountry inshore trips to reef and offshore or deep‑sea excursions. Key inshore targets include snook, redfish, tarpon, spotted seatrout and bonefish; nearshore and surf fishing often yields pompano, sheepshead and various sharks. Offshore anglers chase pelagics and reef fish such as sailfish, marlin, mahi‑mahi, tuna, kingfish, cobia, snapper and grouper. Freshwater opportunities include excellent largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie, making Florida a versatile spot for almost every recreational angler.

• Georgia

  Georgia offers diverse freshwater and saltwater fishing from mountain streams to the Atlantic coast. Inland waters like the Chattahoochee River, Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee and the Okefenokee Swamp are known for largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill (bream) and channel/flathead catfish, while colder North Georgia streams hold rainbow trout and brown trout. Along the coast and in estuaries near Savannah, St. Simons and Brunswick, anglers chase red drum (redfish), spotted seatrout, flounder, Spanish mackerel and seasonal tarpon, with good inshore, nearshore and shore options. Whether you prefer lake bass fishing, mountain fly fishing or coastal flats and estuary trips, Georgia has varied fisheries and strong populations of popular game species.

• Hawaii

  Hawaii offers excellent year‑round recreational fishing from shore to offshore, with popular deep‑sea and sportfishing charter trips targeting big pelagics like blue marlin, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), bigeye tuna (aku), mahi‑mahi (dorado) and wahoo (ono). Nearshore and reef fishing produces species such as giant trevally (ulua) and various reef fish and snapper, while flats and estuaries are good for bonefish and fly fishing. Popular methods include trolling, bottom fishing, light‑tackle and shore casting, with clear waters and varied habitat making Hawaii a top recreational destination.

• Idaho

  In Idaho, United States, anglers find world-class fishing across clear mountain rivers, streams, high alpine lakes and large reservoirs; popular waters include the Snake, Salmon, Clearwater and Henry's Fork systems. The state is renowned for wild and stocked trout—especially rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout—plus seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon, and abundant lake species such as kokanee, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Anglers enjoy fly fishing on freestone streams, as well as bank and boat fishing for lake and reservoir species.

• Illinois

  Fishing in Illinois offers a wide variety of opportunities across Lake Michigan, major rivers and thousands of inland lakes and reservoirs; anglers commonly pursue largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and muskellunge, abundant channel and flathead catfish, panfish like crappie and bluegill, and Great Lakes salmonids such as Chinook, coho and steelhead; rivers like the Illinois River and Kankakee River and reservoirs such as Rend Lake and Lake Shelbyville provide varied water, structure and seasons suited to shore, boat and ice fishing.

• Indiana

  Indiana offers a wide range of freshwater fishing across its lakes, rivers and Lake Michigan shoreline, with top species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, channel catfish and panfish like bluegill and crappie. The Lake Michigan coast and tributaries produce seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon, while stocked southern streams and tailwaters hold rainbow trout and brown trout. Major reservoirs and rivers such as the Ohio and Wabash give anglers plenty of boat and bank options, making Indiana a versatile destination for recreational fishing.

• Iowa

  In Iowa, United States, recreational anglers can enjoy strong fisheries for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and muskellunge, abundant panfish like crappie and bluegill, and catfish species such as channel catfish and flathead catfish; cold water and tailwater areas also support stocked trout. Major waters include the Mississippi River, Missouri River and reservoirs like Rathbun Lake, Lake Red Rock, Saylorville Lake, Spirit Lake and Coralville Reservoir, plus many smaller lakes and ponds. Summer boat and shore fishing focuses on structure for warmwater species, spring and fall offer top walleye and pike action, and winter brings popular ice fishing for panfish and walleyes; common tactics include live bait, jigs, crankbaits and soft plastics.

• Kansas

  Kansas offers productive recreational fishing across its many reservoirs, rivers and smaller ponds, with top targets including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and seasonal runs of white bass. Anglers also find plentiful crappie and bluegill for panfish action, while robust channel catfish and trophy-minded flathead catfish patrol deeper waters. Many larger reservoirs and tailwaters support walleye and sauger, and a number of tailwaters and urban lakes are stocked with trout in cooler months for winter fishing. Good boat ramps and extensive shoreline access make Kansas attractive for anglers using live bait, lures or fly gear.

• Kentucky

  In Kentucky, recreational fishing centers on large lakes and flowing rivers—notably Lake Cumberland, Kentucky Lake and the Ohio River—where anglers target popular species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, channel catfish and panfish such as bluegill; stocked streams and tailraces also produce trout for fly and light-tackle anglers. Boat fishing, bank fishing and wading in creeks or tailwaters all offer good opportunities, with spring and fall often best for bass and walleye while spring into summer brings peak crappie and catfish action.

• Louisiana

  Louisiana is a top destination for fishing, offering everything from tidal marsh and winding bayou estuarys to nearshore and offshore Gulf waters; anglers can enjoy boat trips or shore and pier outings across diverse habitats. Key species include redfish (red drum), spotted seatrout (speckled trout), flounder, largemouth bass, various catfish, sheepshead, tripletail, seasonal tarpon, and offshore targets like red snapper, grouper and amberjack. Popular approaches range from inshore light-tackle and fly fishing in the marshes and bayous to live-bait and jigging techniques offshore, making it easy for anglers of all skill levels to find productive water and match the hatch.

• Maine

  Maine offers excellent fishing from rocky coastlines to inland lakes and rivers, with rich options for both saltwater and freshwater anglers. Coastal trips target species like striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, pollock, haddock and bottom fish such as tautog and flounder, while lakes and streams are home to brook trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown trout and lake trout. Anglers enjoy shore, pier and boat trips, including deep-sea excursions, fly fishing in rivers and streams, and trolling on larger lakes, making Maine a versatile destination for recreational fishing.

• Maryland

  In Maryland, recreational fishing centers on the tidal Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic coast and inland rivers and reservoirs, offering year‑round opportunities from shore, piers and boats. Popular saltwater targets include spring and fall striped bass (rockfish), hard‑fighting bluefish, summertime summer flounder (fluke), weakfish, white perch and croaker, with occasional red drum along the coast. Freshwater anglers pursue strong populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie and stocked trout in streams and reservoirs. Techniques range from fly fishing and light tackle for bass and trout to baitcasting, trolling and bottom fishing for bay species, making Maryland a versatile destination for recreational anglers.

• Massachusetts

  Massachusetts offers varied coastal and inland fishing opportunities from tidal rivers and Cape Cod bays to offshore canyons and freshwater lakes. In saltwater you can catch striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder (fluke), tautog, black sea bass, scup, migratory pelagics like false albacore and bonito, and seasonal giants such as bluefin tuna, with groundfish like cod and haddock available in cooler months. Freshwater anglers find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel and stocked or wild trout across ponds, streams and reservoirs. Whether fishing from shore, a pier, a kayak or an offshore charter, Massachusetts supports a wide range of recreational fishing experiences year-round.

• Michigan

  Michigan is a top destination for recreational fishing, offering productive waters from the Great Lakes to thousands of inland lakes and rivers. Anglers chase big walleye, hard-fighting smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, and trophy northern pike and muskie, while the Great Lakes and tributaries produce abundant salmon (Chinook, coho), steelhead and trout (lake, brown, brook). Expect excellent panfish (bluegill, crappie) and perch fishing, occasional lake sturgeon, and year-round opportunities from shore, boat, and ice fishing.

• Minnesota

  In Minnesota, anglers enjoy abundant lake and river fishing across thousands of waters from the Boundary Waters and Lake of the Woods to Lake Superior; key species include walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, trout like brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout, plus plentiful panfish such as bluegill and crappie and yellow perch; popular techniques are trolling, casting, fly fishing and winter ice fishing, offering great recreational opportunities year-round.

• Mississippi

  Mississippi offers rich recreational fishing across rivers, lakes, bayous and the Gulf Coast, with easy access to the Mississippi River and reservoirs like Ross Barnett, Arkabutla and Sardis. Freshwater anglers commonly target largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill (bream), channel catfish and flathead catfish, plus seasonal runs of white bass. Along the coast and inshore bays you can catch redfish (red drum), spotted seatrout (speckled trout), flounder, cobia, sheepshead and offshore species like king mackerel. Anglers use a mix of casting, jigging, trolling, live bait and fly fishing to find fish in different habitats.

• Missouri

  Missouri is a great destination for freshwater fishing, offering rivers, lakes and clear Ozark streams where anglers can find a wide variety of species. Popular targets include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish like bluegill and crappie, stocked trout in coldwater streams and parks, river channel catfish and flathead catfish, seasonal walleye and sauger, and occasional muskellunge in select reservoirs. Prime waters include the Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Lake, Mark Twain Lake, the Missouri River and the Mississippi River.

• Montana

  Montana offers world-class recreational fishing across clear mountain rivers and large lakes, with famous trout water on the Missouri, Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin and many smaller streams; fly fishing is a popular way to chase trout. Key species include cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout, plus federally important char like bull trout and deep-water lake trout. Many lakes and reservoirs also produce kokanee salmon, northern pike, walleye and smallmouth bass, making Montana a varied destination for anglers seeking everything from delicate dry-fly action to aggressive lure fishing.

• Nebraska

  Nebraska offers varied recreational fishing across its rivers, reservoirs and sandhills, from big-water boat angling on the Missouri, Platte and Lake McConaughy to quiet fly fishing and wading on tailwaters and smaller streams. Popular targets include walleye, white bass and hybrid striped bass in larger reservoirs, both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in rivers and rocky shorelines, along with northern pike, channel catfish and flathead catfish for summer boat or bank trips. Anglers also find plentiful panfish such as bluegill and crappie, and well-regarded trout fishing for rainbow and brown trout in cooler tailwaters and western streams, making Nebraska a diverse destination for recreational angling.

• Nevada

  Nevada offers surprising fishing across desert valleys, alpine lakes and large reservoirs, with top spots including Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead, the Truckee River and numerous state reservoirs. Anglers can target native and trophy Lahontan cutthroat trout at Pyramid Lake and in high mountain lakes, while rainbow trout, brown trout and deep-water lake trout are common in Tahoe and cold, high-elevation waters. Warmwater fisheries in reservoirs and lower rivers produce solid largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass, along with catfish, kokanee salmon, crappie and panfish. Popular methods range from fly fishing and light tackle for trout to boat fishing and shore fishing for bass and stripers, and some high lakes offer ice fishing in winter, making Nevada a diverse recreational fishing destination.

• New Hampshire

  New Hampshire offers excellent fishing across clear lakes and fast rivers, with active ice fishing in winter and warm-season opportunities from spring through fall. Anglers commonly target native and stocked brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, plus landlocked salmon and lake trout in deeper waters. Warmwater species include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, and plentiful yellow perch, making New Hampshire a versatile destination for both fly fishing and conventional boat or shore anglers.

• New Jersey

  New Jersey offers diverse fishing from the long Atlantic coast and bays to inland rivers and lakes, with productive saltwater and freshwater opportunities year-round. Along the Jersey Shore and in bays like Barnegat and Delaware Bay, anglers target spring and fall migratory striped bass, aggressive bluefish, summer fluke (summer flounder), weakfish and structure-loving tautog by surfcasting, from piers or on boats. Inland waters and reservoirs produce largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, stocked trout, catfish, walleye and panfish like bluegill and crappie, making New Jersey a well-rounded recreational fishing destination for anglers of all styles.

• New Mexico

  New Mexico offers diverse fishing from high-elevation streams and alpine lakes to warm lowland reservoirs and slow rivers. Anglers chase wild and stocked trout—notably rainbow trout, brown trout and native cutthroat trout—in tailwaters, creeks and mountain lakes, while larger waterbodies produce strong bass fisheries with largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, plus plentiful catfish (including channel catfish) and select reservoirs holding kokanee and walleye. You’ll find excellent fly-fishing in cool streams and lake edges, and productive shore and boat angling for warmwater species in the big lakes.

• New York

  In New York anglers enjoy varied fishing from the Great Lakes and Lake Ontario to the Atlantic coast, Long Island, the Hudson River, Finger Lakes and Adirondack waters; key species include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, rainbow trout, brown trout, Chinook and coho salmon, plus plenty of perch, crappie and other panfish and coastal runs of striped bass, with popular methods being boat and shore angling, fly fishing for trout and winter ice fishing on many inland lakes.

• North Carolina

  North Carolina offers varied recreational fishing from mountain streams to a long Atlantic coast. In coastal waters and sounds anglers pursue red drum, speckled trout, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, cobia and offshore species like tuna and king mackerel, with common approaches including inshore light tackle, nearshore trolling and surf or pier fishing. Freshwater opportunities include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish and stocked trout in rivers and reservoirs. Whether you prefer fly fishing in mountain streams, casting from the shore, or boat-based offshore trips, North Carolina has something for every recreational angler.

• North Dakota

  North Dakota offers excellent recreational fishing on prairie lakes, big reservoirs and the Missouri River, with top targets including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass; anglers also find trout in some streams and ponds and catfish in larger waters like Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake. Summer boat and shore fishing are productive for casting and jigging, while winter ice fishing opens up many shallow lakes for panfish and walleye, making the state a year‑round destination for recreational anglers.

• Ohio

  Ohio offers diverse recreational fishing across Lake Erie, the Ohio River, reservoirs and trout streams, with top catches including walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and trophy species like muskie and northern pike. In coastal Lake Erie areas anglers chase spring and fall runs of steelhead and lake‑run salmon (chinook and coho), while inland rivers and streams hold brown trout and stocked trout. Fishing is productive from shore, by boat, or during winter ice fishing, making Ohio a year‑round recreational destination for many anglers.

• Oklahoma

  Oklahoma offers great recreational fishing across clear lakes, flowing rivers and large reservoirs, with something for shore anglers and boaters alike. Popular targets include trophy largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass, plus strong fisheries for striped bass/hybrid striped bass (notably on Lake Texoma), abundant white bass, and plentiful crappie and bluegill. Catfish anglers will find healthy runs of channel catfish and flathead catfish, and northern reservoirs and river systems produce walleye. In southeast Oklahoma the clear tailwaters and mountain streams around Broken Bow and the Mountain Fork can hold stocked trout, while areas like Grand Lake, Eufaula and Keystone are well known for bass and panfish action.

• Oregon

  Oregon offers excellent recreational fishing across its coast, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, with highlights including Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout and other trout, kokanee, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and big white sturgeon, while the Pacific coast supports lingcod, rockfish, Pacific halibut and offshore albacore tuna. Popular places to fish are the Columbia River and coastal rivers for salmon and steelhead, high mountain streams and alpine lakes for trout and kokanee, reservoirs for bass, and the ocean for shore, boat, and offshore trips. Techniques range from fly fishing and spin casting in freshwater to trolling and bottom fishing in saltwater, with strong seasonal runs in spring and fall and year‑round options depending on water and species.

• Pennsylvania

  Pennsylvania offers diverse recreational fishing across mountain streams, larger rivers, inland lakes and the Lake Erie shoreline. Anglers can find coldwater trout (brook, brown, rainbow) in many streams, and warmwater species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, northern pike and catfish in rivers, reservoirs and lakes; panfish such as bluegill and crappie offer easy action, while steelhead run in Lake Erie tributaries. Fishable opportunities include fly fishing, spin casting, trolling and ice fishing, with shore, wading and boat options available throughout the state.

• Rhode Island

  In the United States, Rhode Island offers excellent recreational fishing from shore, piers and boats in coastal waters like Narragansett Bay and around Block Island. Anglers commonly target key species such as striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder (fluke), black sea bass, tautog and scup in saltwater, with seasonal trips for cod and tuna offshore. Inland ponds and rivers also produce largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and various panfish, making Rhode Island a versatile destination for shore, boat and fly anglers.

• South Carolina

  South Carolina offers diverse recreational fishing from tidal marshes and coastal inlets to offshore reefs and inland lakes and rivers. Anglers commonly target red drum, spotted seatrout, flounder and occasional tarpon inshore, while offshore trips pursue cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Freshwater anglers find excellent action for largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and other panfish. Popular approaches include kayak, pier, surf, fly and baitcasting fishing, with tides and seasonal movements often shaping success.

• South Dakota

  South Dakota offers diverse fishing across prairie lakes, big reservoirs and mountain streams. The Missouri River system and large reservoirs like Lake Oahe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis and Clark Lake are famous for trophy walleye, plentiful sauger and large northern pike, while many eastern glacial lakes and farm ponds hold healthy largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and other panfish. In the Black Hills, cold clear streams and reservoirs such as Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek produce good trout (rainbow and brown) fishing and occasional kokanee, and warm-water tailwaters and backwaters offer reliable catfish angling. Overall, South Dakota provides a wide range of angler opportunities by water type and season.

• Tennessee

  In Tennessee anglers enjoy year‑round fishing across mountain streams, spring-fed tailwaters, big rivers and large reservoirs and lakes; popular targets include warmwater bass species such as largemouth and smallmouth, coldwater trout like rainbow and brown in Appalachian waters, and robust catfish (channel, blue and flathead), plus plentiful crappie and occasional walleye; anglers use lures, live bait, and fly fishing techniques depending on water and species, making Tennessee a diverse and productive recreational fishing destination.

• Texas

  Texas is a premier fishing destination with productive freshwater lakes and rivers and rich saltwater bays and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers chase trophy largemouth bass on impoundments like Lake Fork and Toledo Bend, and pursue white bass, striped bass, crappie and bluegill in lakes and rivers, while big catfish—channel, blue and flathead—are common in reservoirs and the lower Rio Grande. Along the coast, popular targets include redfish (red drum), speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead and offshore gamefish such as tarpon, sailfish and marlin around Galveston, Port Aransas and South Padre Island. Whether fishing from shore, piers or a boat, Texas offers diverse opportunities year‑round for recreational anglers.

• Utah

  Utah is a top destination for recreational fishing, with a mix of high-country mountain lakes, freestone rivers and large reservoirs that suit many styles of angling. Anglers commonly target coldwater trout species — especially rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and native cutthroat trout — as well as lake-run kokanee salmon and warmwater species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and catfish. Signature waters include Flaming Gorge and the Green River for big trout, Strawberry Reservoir and the Provo River for consistent trout action, and Bear Lake for unique lake fisheries. Both fly fishing and conventional tackle are productive across the state, with opportunities year-round depending on elevation and water temperature.

• Vermont

  Vermont offers excellent recreational fishing across clear mountain streams, ponds, lakes and reservoirs, with famous opportunities for fly fishing in coldwater streams and riverbanks and for boat and shore fishing on larger waters; key species include wild brook trout, stocked brown trout and rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, plus walleye, northern pike and panfish such as yellow perch and sunfish, and many anglers also enjoy ice fishing in winter on frozen lakes.

• Virginia

  Virginia offers diverse recreational fishing across the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic coast, inland rivers, mountain streams, and reservoirs. Anglers target coastal favorites like striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, red drum, summer flounder, black sea bass, tautog, and occasional cobia, while freshwater fishermen pursue largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout (brook, brown, rainbow), crappie, bluegill, and various catfish. Whether you prefer shore or pier fishing, inshore bay trips, or offshore charters, Virginia delivers year‑round opportunities for many skill levels and techniques.

• Washington

  Washington offers world-class recreational fishing across the Pacific coast, the Puget Sound, the Columbia River and thousands of lakes and reservoirs. Freshwater anglers target rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, steelhead, Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, Sockeye salmon, kokanee, lake trout and smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. In saltwater, popular catches include Pacific halibut, lingcod, rockfish and multiple salmon species, while the Columbia and coastal estuaries also produce white sturgeon. Fishing methods range from fly fishing and shore/pier casting to boat trolling and bottom-fishing, giving anglers options year-round.

• West Virginia

  West Virginia offers diverse recreational fishing across mountain streams, fast rivers and scenic lakes, with something for every angler. The state is famous for excellent smallmouth bass fishing on rivers like the New and Gauley, while largemouth bass, walleye and both channel and flathead catfish populate larger reservoirs. Coldwater brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout thrive in high-elevation streams, making the state a favorite for fly fishing. Anglers also find plentiful crappie, bluegill and carp, and select lakes hold muskellunge for those targeting trophy fish.

• Wisconsin

  Wisconsin offers diverse recreational fishing across its Great Lakes, thousands of inland lakes and winding rivers, with year‑round opportunities including popular ice fishing in winter and open-water angling in summer. Anglers commonly target walleye, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, as well as northern pike, trophy muskellunge and plentiful panfish such as bluegill and crappie; coldwater streams and tributaries produce brook, brown and rainbow trout, while the Great Lakes and larger inland waters offer chinook and coho salmon, steelhead and lake trout, with channel catfish found in warmer rivers.

• Wyoming

  Wyoming offers world-class fishing across high mountain streams, freestone rivers, and large lakes and reservoirs. Anglers commonly target trout — especially rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout (including Yellowstone cutthroat), and brook trout — as well as lake trout and kokanee, with warmwater species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike in lower-elevation waters. Popular methods include fly fishing on tailwaters and mountain creeks, spin fishing from shore or boat, and trolling on larger lakes. Key fisheries include the Snake River, Green River, North Platte, and the high-country waters around Yellowstone and Grand Teton for scenic, productive angling.