Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Ready to plan the fishing trip of a lifetime in 2025? The U.S. is packed with incredible fishing spots, but a handful of states truly stand out from the rest. Whether you’re dreaming of battling giant salmon in the wilderness, chasing trophy bass in legendary lakes, or casting into rich coastal waters, this guide has you covered.
We’ve zeroed in on the top five states that offer world-class fishing for every type of angler. Forget the guesswork—here’s everything you need to know about where to go, what you’ll catch, and how to stay legal on the water.
1. Alaska: The Last Frontier for Wild Angling
For anglers seeking true adventure, Alaska is the undisputed champion. Its vast, untouched wilderness is home to some of the most powerful and sought-after fish on the planet. This isn’t just a fishing trip; it’s an epic journey into the wild.
Top Species to Target
- King Salmon (Chinook): Known for their size and strength, battling a king salmon in an Alaskan river is the stuff of legends.
- Sockeye Salmon: Famous for their massive runs, offering fast-paced, exciting fishing.
- Pacific Halibut: These deep-sea giants can weigh hundreds of pounds and make for an unforgettable offshore fight.
- Rainbow Trout: Pristine rivers are teeming with beautiful, hard-fighting wild rainbow trout and steelhead.
Prime Fishing Locations
- Kenai River: World-famous for its legendary king salmon runs.
- Bristol Bay: The heart of the world’s largest sockeye salmon run.
- Seward & Homer: Premier ports for chartering a boat to hunt for giant halibut.
2025 License & Regulations
Alaska’s fisheries are carefully managed. All non-resident anglers need a sport fishing license. If you’re chasing the king, you’ll also need a separate King Salmon Stamp. Limits and seasons vary greatly by region, so check the official Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) website before you go.
2. Florida: The Year-Round Fishing Paradise
With its endless sunshine and thousands of miles of coastline, Florida is a fishing paradise. From the vibrant coral reefs to the famous bass-filled lakes, the Sunshine State offers incredible diversity for every angler.
Top Species to Target
- Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish: The “inshore slam” is a classic Florida challenge, found in the state’s mangrove-lined coasts and flats.
- Largemouth Bass: Florida is a top destination for trophy bass, with giants over 10 pounds pulled from its lakes regularly.
- Peacock Bass: Head to the canals of South Florida for a unique chance to catch this beautiful and aggressive exotic species.
- Sailfish & Mahi-Mahi: Offshore anglers can venture into the Gulf Stream to battle these spectacular bluewater trophies.
Prime Fishing Locations
- The Florida Keys: A world-renowned chain of islands offering incredible flats fishing for tarpon, bonefish, and permit.
- Lake Okeechobee: Considered one of the best largemouth bass lakes on the planet.
- Everglades National Park: A unique ecosystem where you can target both saltwater and freshwater species in a stunning setting.
2025 License & Regulations
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requires separate licenses for saltwater and freshwater fishing. If you plan to keep snook or tarpon, you’ll need special permits. Unsure where to start? Check out our general guide on how to get a fishing license to learn the basics.
3. Michigan: The Great Lakes Freshwater Kingdom
Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is a freshwater fishing giant. It boasts more freshwater coastline than any state besides Alaska, offering endless opportunities for salmon, walleye, and bass anglers.
Top Species to Target
- Chinook & Coho Salmon: Lake Michigan hosts spectacular salmon runs in the summer and fall.
- Walleye: Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay are walleye factories, drawing anglers from all over the country.
- Smallmouth Bass: The state’s clear lakes and rivers are home to some of the biggest and most aggressive smallmouths in North America.
Prime Fishing Locations
- Lake St. Clair: A world-class fishery for smallmouth bass and musky.
- Saginaw Bay: A hotspot on Lake Huron famous for its incredible walleye fishing.
- Higgins Lake & Houghton Lake: These inland lakes become popular ice fishing destinations in the winter, packed with perch, pike, and walleye.
2025 License & Regulations
In Michigan, anglers aged 17 and older need a fishing license from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The license is good for all species. The state also offers two Free Fishing Weekends each year (one in February, one in June), which are perfect for introducing someone new to the sport.
4. Louisiana: The Sportsman’s Bayou Adventure
Louisiana’s rich coastal marshes and the fertile waters of the Gulf of Mexico create one of the most productive fisheries on Earth. Here, the sheer abundance of fish is astounding, and the vibrant Cajun culture makes every trip an unforgettable experience.
Top Species to Target
- Redfish (Red Drum): Louisiana is the #1 destination for giant “bull” redfish in the shallow marshes.
- Speckled Trout: A favorite among local anglers, these fish are plentiful throughout the state’s coastal estuaries.
- Yellowfin Tuna: The offshore rigs and waters near Venice offer some of the best yellowfin tuna fishing in the world.
Prime Fishing Locations
- Venice: Known as the “Tuna Coast,” this is the jumping-off point for epic offshore adventures.
- Atchafalaya Basin: The country’s largest river swamp offers fantastic freshwater fishing for bass and crappie.
- Grand Isle: A perfect base for exploring the state’s bountiful inshore marshes for redfish and trout.
2025 License & Regulations
A basic fishing license is required from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). If you’re fishing in saltwater, you’ll need a saltwater endorsement. Louisiana makes it easy for visitors with a 3-day charter passenger license.
5. Texas: Where Everything (Especially the Bass) Is Bigger
They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that definitely includes the fish. The state is world-famous for its trophy largemouth bass programs, but its massive coastline also offers incredible saltwater action.
Top Species to Target
- Largemouth Bass: Texas is the king of trophy bass. Lakes like Fork and Sam Rayburn are managed to produce true giants.
- Redfish: The Texas Gulf Coast offers year-round fishing for hard-pulling redfish along its jetties and shallow flats.
- Rainbow Trout: In a unique twist, the chilly Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake supports the southernmost trout fishery in the country.
Prime Fishing Locations
- Lake Fork: This East Texas lake is legendary for producing an incredible number of trophy-class bass.
- Sam Rayburn Reservoir: Another bass fishing paradise known for consistently producing big, healthy fish.
- Port O’Connor & Laguna Madre: These coastal areas offer some of the best shallow-water sight-fishing for redfish in the country.
2025 License & Regulations
A fishing license with either a freshwater or saltwater endorsement is required from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The “All-Water” package is a great deal if you want to fish both. Before you go, be sure to read up on the Texas fishing license requirements to make sure you have everything you need.
