Here’s a list of ten great fishing spots in the United States, along with the pros and cons of each location, the types of fish you can catch, and some lodging options in each town:
- Key West, Florida
- Pros: Excellent saltwater fishing, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- Cons: Crowded during peak tourist season.
- Fish: Tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, redfish.
- Lodging: Casa Marina Key West, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.
- Kennebunkport, Maine
- Pros: Scenic coastal fishing, charming New England town, lobster fishing tours.
- Cons: Cold winters limit fishing options.
- Fish: Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, haddock.
- Lodging: The Colony Hotel, The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel.
- Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
- Pros: Stunning mountain views, crystal-clear waters, year-round fishing.
- Cons: Crowded in summer, cold in winter.
- Fish: Lake (Mackinaw) trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon.
- Lodging: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe.
- Homer, Alaska
- Pros: World-class salmon fishing, picturesque landscapes, wildlife viewing.
- Cons: Remote location, unpredictable weather.
- Fish: Salmon (king, silver, sockeye), halibut, lingcod.
- Lodging: Land’s End Resort, Ocean Shores.
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Pros: Variety of fishing experiences, beautiful beaches, historical sites.
- Cons: Hurricanes can disrupt plans.
- Fish: Red drum, speckled trout, flounder, tuna, mahi-mahi.
- Lodging: Sanderling Resort, The Inn on Pamlico Sound.
- Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
- Pros: Great bass fishing, family-friendly, boating activities.
- Cons: Crowded in summer, water quality can vary.
- Fish: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, walleye.
- Lodging: The Lodge of Four Seasons, Camden on the Lake Resort.
- Montauk, New York
- Pros: Renowned striped bass fishing, beautiful beaches, scenic lighthouse.
- Cons: Expensive, crowded during peak season.
- Fish: Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, sea bass.
- Lodging: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Montauk Manor.
- Lake Michigan, Wisconsin
- Pros: Diverse fishing options, beautiful shoreline, friendly locals.
- Cons: Weather can be unpredictable, water can be cold.
- Fish: Salmon (chinook, coho), trout (brown, rainbow, lake), perch.
- Lodging: Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center, The Osthoff Resort.
- Bend, Oregon
- Pros: World-class fly fishing, beautiful scenery, outdoor activities.
- Cons: Seasonal fishing, wildfires can affect air quality.
- Fish: Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, steelhead.
- Lodging: Tetherow Resort, The Oxford Hotel Bend.
- Galveston, Texas
- Pros: Gulf Coast fishing, mild winter weather, historic sites.
- Cons: Hot and humid in summer, hurricane risk.
- Fish: Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, snapper, kingfish.
- Lodging: The San Luis Resort, Hotel Galvez & Spa.
Remember that fishing conditions can change seasonally, so it’s a good idea to check with local fishing guides or outfitters for the most up-to-date information on fishing and accommodations in each area.