Fishing is more than just a pastime; it’s a tradition that connects people to the water, the outdoors, and the thrill of the catch. Across the United States, each state offers unique opportunities, whether it’s trophy bass in the South, salmon runs in the North, or offshore battles along the coasts. In 2025, some destinations stand out for their balance of accessibility, biodiversity, and angling culture. Here are the 20 best states to cast a line and why they deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Alaska
Alaska is often the first name anglers think of for epic fishing, and for good reason. Its rivers and coasts hold salmon, halibut, trout, and steelhead in numbers that seem endless. The Kenai and Bristol Bay systems are world famous, while remote streams offer solitude and trophy catches. Charter services help with logistics, but wilderness fishing here also rewards independent explorers. With its raw beauty and unspoiled waters, Alaska continues to be the gold standard for anglers seeking the ultimate adventure.
2. Florida
Florida earns its reputation as the “Fishing Capital of the World” by offering both quantity and variety. Anglers can stalk tarpon, snook, and redfish inshore, or chase sailfish, tuna, and mahi offshore. Inland, Lake Okeechobee and countless smaller lakes provide year-round bass action. Warm weather makes the sport accessible every month of the year. Add in a vast network of guides, outfitters, and fishing tournaments, and it’s easy to see why Florida consistently ranks as a top destination for anglers in 2025.
3. Delaware
Delaware may be small in size, but it is mighty in fishing potential. Its coastal waters are rich with species like striped bass, flounder, and bluefish. The state’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices ensures that both recreational and commercial anglers can enjoy bountiful catches. Delaware’s blend of freshwater ponds and tidal rivers offers diverse fishing experiences, making it a hidden gem for enthusiasts..
4. Minnesota
Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is freshwater heaven. Walleye is the state fish and a favorite target, but anglers also enjoy northern pike, muskie, and bass. Mille Lacs, Lake Vermilion, and countless smaller lakes provide year-round opportunities, including excellent ice fishing in winter. The state’s fishing heritage is celebrated in tournaments, festivals, and family traditions passed down through generations. Whether fishing a city lake in Minneapolis or a secluded wilderness spot, Minnesota offers both accessibility and adventure.
5. Texas
Texas blends Southern charm with diverse fishing options. The Gulf Coast provides incredible saltwater action for redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon, while freshwater reservoirs like Lake Fork and Toledo Bend are known for producing monster largemouth bass. River fishing is also excellent, with catfish and striped bass adding variety. Texas’s sheer size means anglers can find almost any type of fishing within its borders. Combined with a warm climate, affordable licenses, and strong angling culture, Texas is a must fish state in 2025.
6. Michigan
Michigan’s waters are defined by the Great Lakes, where salmon, trout, and walleye attract anglers year after year. Lake Michigan’s charter scene thrives with king salmon, while inland lakes deliver steady action for bass and panfish. The Upper Peninsula offers pristine rivers with steelhead and brook trout, making it a diverse fishing region. Ice fishing on frozen lakes is a winter highlight. With its balance of urban access and wilderness escapes, Michigan offers year-round fishing for every level of angler.
7. Louisiana
Louisiana is a sportsman’s paradise where the bayous and marshes provide endless opportunities. Redfish and speckled trout dominate inshore waters, while offshore anglers pursue tuna and snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Freshwater fishing is equally strong, with largemouth bass and catfish filling local lakes and rivers. The state’s culture is deeply tied to fishing, with countless outfitters, festivals, and fresh seafood markets celebrating the catch. Few places mix rich culture, great food, and phenomenal fishing as seamlessly as Louisiana.
8. North Carolina
North Carolina offers anglers a rare mix of mountain streams and coastal waters. In the West, the Smoky Mountains host excellent trout fishing in cool rivers and creeks. Moving east, vast reservoirs like Lake Norman and Kerr Lake provide bass and catfish opportunities. The Outer Banks are famous for surf fishing and offshore trips targeting marlin, tuna, and mahi. With this wide variety, North Carolina appeals to both freshwater and saltwater anglers, making it one of the most well-rounded states for fishing in 2025.
9. Maine
Maine’s rugged coastlines and forested lakes make it a dream for anglers who crave natural beauty alongside great fishing. Striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel are common catches in saltwater, while inland waters are known for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. Moosehead Lake is a favorite spot, offering both size and variety. The short summer season creates a sense of urgency, but dedicated anglers know the rewards are worth it. Maine’s wild landscapes and fishing culture set it apart.
10. Georgia
Georgia is often overlooked, but in 2025, it shines as a diverse fishing state. Lake Lanier and Lake Oconee are hotspots for striped bass, spotted bass, and catfish. In the south, anglers enjoy swampy waters filled with panfish and largemouth. Along the coast, redfish, tarpon, and sea trout keep saltwater anglers busy. The mild climate extends the fishing season nearly year-round. With welcoming towns, excellent access, and a strong tradition of outdoor recreation, Georgia has become a hidden gem for fishermen.
11. Washington
Washington offers a blend of Pacific Ocean saltwater action and inland freshwater adventures. The state is renowned for salmon runs on rivers like the Columbia and Snake, while steelhead draw fly anglers from around the globe. Puget Sound provides year-round opportunities for halibut, lingcod, and crab. Inland, lakes and reservoirs host trout, bass, and walleye. The combination of lush forests, mountain scenery, and abundant waterways makes Washington a scenic and productive destination for anglers seeking both variety and beauty.
12. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is another Midwestern powerhouse with a strong fishing culture and endless water access. The Great Lakes, particularly Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, offer salmon, steelhead, and walleye action. Inland, the state’s thousands of lakes and rivers support muskie, bass, and panfish. Ice fishing is almost a rite of passage here, drawing communities onto frozen lakes each winter. Anglers appreciate the accessibility, with public access points and family-friendly lakes everywhere. Wisconsin combines variety, tradition, and affordability for an outstanding fishing experience.
13. California
California’s vast geography provides nearly every type of fishing imaginable. Anglers along the Pacific coast chase tuna, halibut, and rockfish, while inland rivers like the Sacramento are famous for salmon and steelhead. The Sierra Nevada holds countless alpine lakes full of trout, and Southern California reservoirs host excellent bass fishing. Year-round mild weather means there’s always a season for something. Whether you’re chartering offshore, hiking into mountain lakes, or fishing city piers, California offers unmatched diversity for anglers of all interests.
14. New York
New York may surprise some, but it is a top fishing state with a variety of opportunities. The Great Lakes offer salmon and lake trout, while the Finger Lakes are prime spots for bass and walleye. The Adirondacks host remote streams filled with brook trout, rewarding adventurous anglers. The Hudson River supports striped bass runs in spring, making it a seasonal highlight. With both rural and urban fishing options, New York provides a balance of wilderness escapes and easy access near big cities.
15. Alabama
Alabama blends southern hospitality with outstanding freshwater and saltwater fishing. The Tennessee River system produces some of the best bass in the country, while reservoirs like Lake Guntersville are legendary tournament destinations. Along the Gulf Coast, anglers pursue redfish, speckled trout, and offshore species. The mild climate keeps fishing opportunities open nearly year-round. Alabama’s community-driven approach, with local guides and tournaments, ensures both beginners and seasoned anglers can find rewarding experiences throughout the state in 2025.
16. Tennessee
Tennessee’s rivers and lakes provide endless opportunities for anglers, with the Tennessee River system leading the way. Tailwaters below dams produce excellent trout fishing, especially near the Clinch and South Holston rivers. Reservoirs like Dale Hollow and Chickamauga are bass fishing hotspots, producing trophy-sized catches regularly. Scenic mountain streams in the Smokies add diversity, offering brook and rainbow trout in pristine settings. Tennessee’s balance of natural beauty, strong fisheries management, and accessibility makes it one of the best inland fishing states in the country.
17. Oregon
Oregon is an angler’s playground, offering both freshwater and saltwater opportunities. Its rivers are legendary for salmon and steelhead runs, with the Rogue and Deschutes standing out as bucket list destinations. Along the coast, halibut, lingcod, and crabbing are major attractions. High mountain lakes hold trout and provide serene fishing experiences far from crowds. Oregon’s angling culture is deeply rooted, and with strict conservation practices, the state continues to maintain its rich resources. In 2025, Oregon is a standout choice for adventurous anglers.
18. Colorado
Colorado’s high altitude lakes and rivers make it a haven for trout fishermen. The state is especially famous for rainbow and brown trout, with rivers like the Gunnison, Colorado, and South Platte leading the way. Alpine lakes require a hike, but the payoff is stunning scenery and excellent fishing. Warmwater reservoirs add variety with bass and walleye opportunities. Colorado’s strong fly fishing tradition and breathtaking mountain backdrops make every trip feel like a true wilderness adventure, blending sport and natural beauty seamlessly.
19. South Carolina
South Carolina blends freshwater lakes with coastal estuaries, giving anglers options year-round. Lake Murray and Santee Cooper are bass fishing powerhouses, with catfish and crappie adding variety. On the coast, inshore anglers target redfish, flounder, and speckled trout, while offshore waters hold mahi, king mackerel, and more. The state’s pleasant climate ensures consistent opportunities, while its welcoming culture makes fishing trips enjoyable beyond the catch. South Carolina’s diversity and accessibility make it one of the best destinations for anglers in 2025.
20. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is often overlooked, but it offers outstanding fishing across rivers, lakes, and streams. The Susquehanna River is a top destination for smallmouth bass, while Lake Erie delivers trophy walleye and steelhead runs. The Pocono Mountains add remote trout waters, appealing to fly anglers seeking quiet escapes. The state’s extensive stocking programs ensure healthy populations, keeping fishing consistent throughout the year. With strong outdoor traditions and accessible fishing spots close to urban centers, Pennsylvania is a rewarding state for anglers of all skill levels.
