Facebook-f Instagram
Prodigy Fishing Logo

Fishing Locations

Best Fishing In Nevada – 10 Places Cast A Line In The Silver State!

by

Fishing is regarded by many as a hobby but for the diehard enthusiast, it is a way of life. These fans of the activity are stringently meticulous when it comes to choosing the right equipment and spots for fishing. They are constantly in search of the next best thing in this regard and spare no expense when they do come across it.

Well, fortunately for them, the state of Nevada, USA has plenty to offer them in this regard. Nevada is home to many spots and locations where fishing lovers can have a phenomenally fantastic time. So, if you are interested in fishing and are thinking of going to Nevada, then allow us to assist you. We have enumerated the best spots for fishing in Nevada below for your convenience. See for yourself and decide which one matches your preference and

Picture of man fishing in Missouri

Nevada Fishing Regulations

Need To Fill Out

Since Oregon has such a wide range of natural features, you can Hunt, Fish, and try to catch SHellfish all in one state!  You can either get these licenses individually or bundle them together to save money based on what you will be going for!

You can only have one rod / line by law, unless you purchase a license to use a second one, and fishers under 12 are exempt from this bylaw.

There are also various limitations on how many fish and shellfish you can catch which can be found on the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations website.

1. Lake MacBride

Bighorn Lake Wyoming
Bighorn Lake Wyoming

Lake MacBride is one of the best spots for fishing in the state of Iowa. It is located at a distance of miles in the West of Solon and is spread across 940 acres. Its maximum depth is 45 feet and it is teeming with different species of fish. This is a spot that you really should check out when you are in Iowa for fishing. You can also indulge in a bit of hiking, camping, animal watching, etc. as well while you are here.

Lake MacBride Fishing Tips

The lakeside spots at Lake MacBride are the best when it comes to fishing and baiting numerous catches. However, it can get crowded on weekends and holidays as it is a well known spot. We advise you to consider camping at the lake’s shore if possible. Not only will you be able to enjoy the tranquil night at the Lake’s scenic surroundings but you will also be able to snag a good lakeside spot before any hoarders get to it. You should also bulk up on effective lures and equipment at the adjoining fishing shop for a more enjoyable experience.

Types of Fish in Lake MacBride

You can find species like bigmouth buffalo, Flathead and channel catfish, crappie, green and red ear sunfish, black and yellow bullhead, northern pike, various types of bass, bluegill, etc. at Lake MacBride.

2. Lake Anita

Flaming Gorge Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Wyoming

Lake Anita is an excellent spot for fishing and is located in the Lake Anita State Park. It is situated in Cass County at a distance of about 1.5 miles from the south of Anita. It is spread across 159 acres and possesses a maximum depth of about 33.2 feet. This area is very picturesque and there are many picnic spots located across the area as well. You can also engage in other activities besides fishing as well when you are here like camping, beaching, hiking, jogging, etc.

Lake Anita Fishing Tips

If you are going to be fishing at Lake Anita, there are a few pointers that you can follow for the best results. First, try casting your line in the jetties and reefs located at the upper end of the lake. Most fish move there frequently and if you are looking to catch bluegills then target the brush piles. You can catch black crappie pretty well if you use a minnow as lure under small jigs or a bobber in the area surrounding reefs and jetties.

Types of Fish in Lake Anita

You can find Largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, etc. in a considerable amount at Lake Anita.

3. Clear Lake, Iowa

Glendo Reservoir Wyoming
Glendo Reservoir Wyoming

Clear Lake is located in Cerro Gordo County and is spread across about 3684 acres. It is a superb spot for fishing and attracts visitors from across the country in its peak days. It possesses a depth of 19.2 feet and is located near to Clear Lake and McIntosh Woods State Parks. This lake has got plenty of modern facilities as well like boat access, a jetty for fishing, areas for picnic, a station for cleaning fish, hiking trails, etc.

Clear Lake Fishing Tips

You should head over to the Fishing Jetty located at this lake. It is a popular spot for fishing at Clear Lake and the odds of you catching a greater number of fish are pretty good here. You should also consider renting out a boat and heading deeper into the lake. Most fish are gathered in this area and you can catch them easily from this area.

Types of Fish in Lake Eufaula

You can find species like yellow bass, channel catfish, crappies, bullhead, walleye, bluegill, perch, northern pike, muskies, Flathead catfish, etc. at Clear Lake.

4. Lake Rathbun

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park

Lake Rathbun is a great spot for fishing in the state of Iowa. It is a part of Appanoose County and is located in the northwestern part of Centerville at a distance of 8 miles. It is spread across 11000 acres and evinces a maximum depth of 50 feet. There is a terrific pier located at this lake and many other facilities of the modern kind as well. These include awesome restrooms, shower areas, boat access, camping areas, convenience stores, etc.

Lake Rathbun Fishing Tips

If you want to fish effectively and productively at Lake Rathbun then you should try fishing from the banks. Target the upper banks frequently as many species converge here especially during the waning hours of the day. The chances for snagging larger catches are much greater if you venture into the deeper waters. Rent out a boat and try out your luck in the deeper areas of the lake as well.

Types of Fish in Lake Rathbun

You can find species like warmouth, white and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, walleye, Flathead catfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, etc. at Lake Rathbun.

5. Blackhawk Lake

Jackson Hole Wyoming
Jackson Hole Wyoming

Located in the Sac County, Blackhawk Lake is spectacular and offers much to fishing enthusiasts. It is one of the best spots for fishing in Iowa State and is part of the Blackhawk State Park. Blackhawk Lake is located relatively close to the town of Sac as it is at a distance of only about 8 miles from the latter. It is spread across an area of 92 acres and possesses a maximum depth of 15.1 feet. This lake has got an easily accessible pier, public restrooms, stations for cleaning fish, areas for excellent camping, a hard surface boat ramp, etc.

Blackhawk Lake Fishing Tips

The pier is an excellent spot for casting off at Blackhawk Lake. There is much fish that loiter in the waters below the pier. Use a minnow or any other appropriate lure to catch fish easily. The upper-shoreline is also a great spot to try out your luck at fishing.

Types of Fish in Broken Bow Lake

You can find species like crappie, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, perch, etc. at Blackhawk Lake.

6. Wapsipinicon River

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

The Wapsipinicon River is located in Jones County and is a popular area for fishing. It is located near to Central City just off Highway 13. It is located within Pinicon Ridge Park and possesses an area of 53 acres. This area is packed with many excellent facilities as well which include playgrounds, camping facilities, boat rentals, piers, etc. You should give this spot a chance when you are visiting Iowa for fishing.

Wapsipinicon River Fishing Tips

You really should consider renting out a boat when you are at Wapsipinicon River. You can head over to the inward area of the river where the fish are present in larger amounts. The chances of you snagging a larger and greater number of fish are much better in deeper water. The northern bank of the River also offers tremendous opportunities for catching a larger number of fish easily.

Types of Fish in Wapsipinicon River

You can find northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, bluegill, etc. at Wapsipinicon River.

7. Upper Iowa River

FIrehole River Wyoming

Fishing at Upper Iowa River is always a treat and sufficiently satisfying in terms of results. The river is located in Winneshiek County and is found amid Winneshiek and Howard County. This stretch is spread across 79 acres and in its northeast is situated Cresco at a distance of about 8 miles. This is a great spot for fishing, one that you really should check out if you are in Iowa for fishing purposes.

Upper Iowa River Fishing Tips

The best part for fishing at Upper Iowa River is the river bank located to the south. Crappies are often biting in this area and there is no reason why you shouldn’t check it out. You can take advantage of boat rentals in the area and head over to the more fecund deeper waters that are teeming with different species.

Types of Fish in Upper Iowa River

You can find species like the famous trout, different types of bass, channel catfish, perch, crappie, pike, etc. at Upper Iowa River.

7. Turkey River

FIrehole River Wyoming

The Turkey River is located in Clayton County and is at a distance of about 6 miles from the northwestern part of Elkader at Big Spring Hatchery. This river offers excellent fishing opportunities to visitors. There are other amazing amenities to benefit from as well which include boat rides, well-maintained restrooms, convenience stores, etc. Turkey River offers sublime opportunities for indulging in Camping as well.

Turkey River Fishing Tips

The shore area of Turkey River is the best when it comes to fishing. The fish are practically biting in this area so it is best to resort to a traditional method for catching fish at an improved rate. You can try your luck in the eastern portion of the river to improve your chances of catching the larger fish.

Types of Fish in Turkey River

You can find Brooke Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, bluegill, perch, bass, etc. when you are fishing at the Turkey River.

Heading To Iowa To Catch Some Fish? Visit These Great Cities!

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is a city located within the State of Iowa. It is the largest city of the state and is the County seat of Polk County as well. The city is located near to the Des Moines River and is named after it as well. The city has a total population of 216,853 and the city is ranked 89th in terms of the Metropolitan population in the United States.

The City of Des Moines is fantastic as such that it has plenty to offer for visitors. The nightlife is boisterous and lively, the clubs are booming, and the hotels and restaurants are amazing as well. The fishing scene in Des Moines isn’t bleak either. Some of the best fishing can be done in Des Moines and the areas surrounding it. The following spots are just some of the many attractions in fishing that Des Moines offers to visitors:

City Campus Pond

Fort Des Moines Pond

Yellow Banks Park Pond

Thomas Mitchell Pond

Big Creek State Park

Copper Creek Lake

Iowa City, Iowa

Iowa City is located in Johnson County and is a prominent city in the State of Iowa. It is the seat of its county and is also famous for being the hometown of the University of Iowa. The population of the city is about 72,290 which makes it the 5th largest city in the state of Iowa.

Iowa is home to many excellent areas and spots for recreation and relaxation. The urban area is a veritable metropolis that evinces all the modern facilities that you might expect. There are spectacular restaurants, hotels, bars, etc. in the city. However, the main attraction that this city offers is in fishing. The areas around Iowa City are full of spots where fishing enthusiasts can cut loose and enjoy themselves. Some of these spots are as follows:

Lake MacBride State Park

Wildcat Den State Park

Oakland Mills State Park

Big Hollow Recreation Area

Wapsipinicon State Park

Wrapping up the Best Fishing Spots in Iowa

We hope our article on the best fishing spots in Iowa will help you narrow down your choices for your next trip!  Whether you go check out the man made marvel Lake Rathbun, or take in all of Natures beauty at Blackhawk Lake, we think you can see some amazing sights, make some long lasting memories, and most important of all, catch some big fish in Iowa!

Best Fishing In Iowa – 10 Great Places To Cast A Line!

by

Fishing is a time-honored and relished of traditions. Its proponents are many and the number of those that indulge in said activity as a hobby is larger even. That is why fishing has gained such popularity all across the entire globe. The United States is home to many states that in turn exceptional opportunities for fishing. One such state is that of Iowa. Iowa is a splendid state and has much to offer to visitors. The aspect of fishing is profoundly prolific here and that is why it receives countless visitors each year. These visitors take full advantage of what Iowa offers with regard to fishing.

If you are a fishing enthusiast and are looking for the next best thing in your hobby, then head over to Iowa. We have listed the best spots for fishing in Iowa below. Peruse and see for yourself as to which one agrees to your sense in preference:

Picture of man fishing in Missouri

Iowa Fishing Regulations

Need To Fill Out

Since Oregon has such a wide range of natural features, you can Hunt, Fish, and try to catch SHellfish all in one state!  You can either get these licenses individually or bundle them together to save money based on what you will be going for!

You can only have one rod / line by law, unless you purchase a license to use a second one, and fishers under 12 are exempt from this bylaw.

There are also various limitations on how many fish and shellfish you can catch which can be found on the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations website.

1. Lake MacBride

Bighorn Lake Wyoming
Bighorn Lake Wyoming

Lake MacBride is one of the best spots for fishing in the state of Iowa. It is located at a distance of miles in the West of Solon and is spread across 940 acres. Its maximum depth is 45 feet and it is teeming with different species of fish. This is a spot that you really should check out when you are in Iowa for fishing. You can also indulge in a bit of hiking, camping, animal watching, etc. as well while you are here.

Lake MacBride Fishing Tips

The lakeside spots at Lake MacBride are the best when it comes to fishing and baiting numerous catches. However, it can get crowded on weekends and holidays as it is a well known spot. We advise you to consider camping at the lake’s shore if possible. Not only will you be able to enjoy the tranquil night at the Lake’s scenic surroundings but you will also be able to snag a good lakeside spot before any hoarders get to it. You should also bulk up on effective lures and equipment at the adjoining fishing shop for a more enjoyable experience.

Types of Fish in Lake MacBride

You can find species like bigmouth buffalo, Flathead and channel catfish, crappie, green and red ear sunfish, black and yellow bullhead, northern pike, various types of bass, bluegill, etc. at Lake MacBride.

2. Lake Anita

Flaming Gorge Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Wyoming

Lake Anita is an excellent spot for fishing and is located in the Lake Anita State Park. It is situated in Cass County at a distance of about 1.5 miles from the south of Anita. It is spread across 159 acres and possesses a maximum depth of about 33.2 feet. This area is very picturesque and there are many picnic spots located across the area as well. You can also engage in other activities besides fishing as well when you are here like camping, beaching, hiking, jogging, etc.

Lake Anita Fishing Tips

If you are going to be fishing at Lake Anita, there are a few pointers that you can follow for the best results. First, try casting your line in the jetties and reefs located at the upper end of the lake. Most fish move there frequently and if you are looking to catch bluegills then target the brush piles. You can catch black crappie pretty well if you use a minnow as lure under small jigs or a bobber in the area surrounding reefs and jetties.

Types of Fish in Lake Anita

You can find Largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, etc. in a considerable amount at Lake Anita.

3. Clear Lake, Iowa

Glendo Reservoir Wyoming
Glendo Reservoir Wyoming

Clear Lake is located in Cerro Gordo County and is spread across about 3684 acres. It is a superb spot for fishing and attracts visitors from across the country in its peak days. It possesses a depth of 19.2 feet and is located near to Clear Lake and McIntosh Woods State Parks. This lake has got plenty of modern facilities as well like boat access, a jetty for fishing, areas for picnic, a station for cleaning fish, hiking trails, etc.

Clear Lake Fishing Tips

You should head over to the Fishing Jetty located at this lake. It is a popular spot for fishing at Clear Lake and the odds of you catching a greater number of fish are pretty good here. You should also consider renting out a boat and heading deeper into the lake. Most fish are gathered in this area and you can catch them easily from this area.

Types of Fish in Lake Eufaula

You can find species like yellow bass, channel catfish, crappies, bullhead, walleye, bluegill, perch, northern pike, muskies, Flathead catfish, etc. at Clear Lake.

4. Lake Rathbun

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park

Lake Rathbun is a great spot for fishing in the state of Iowa. It is a part of Appanoose County and is located in the northwestern part of Centerville at a distance of 8 miles. It is spread across 11000 acres and evinces a maximum depth of 50 feet. There is a terrific pier located at this lake and many other facilities of the modern kind as well. These include awesome restrooms, shower areas, boat access, camping areas, convenience stores, etc.

Lake Rathbun Fishing Tips

If you want to fish effectively and productively at Lake Rathbun then you should try fishing from the banks. Target the upper banks frequently as many species converge here especially during the waning hours of the day. The chances for snagging larger catches are much greater if you venture into the deeper waters. Rent out a boat and try out your luck in the deeper areas of the lake as well.

Types of Fish in Lake Rathbun

You can find species like warmouth, white and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, walleye, Flathead catfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, etc. at Lake Rathbun.

5. Blackhawk Lake

Jackson Hole Wyoming
Jackson Hole Wyoming

Located in the Sac County, Blackhawk Lake is spectacular and offers much to fishing enthusiasts. It is one of the best spots for fishing in Iowa State and is part of the Blackhawk State Park. Blackhawk Lake is located relatively close to the town of Sac as it is at a distance of only about 8 miles from the latter. It is spread across an area of 92 acres and possesses a maximum depth of 15.1 feet. This lake has got an easily accessible pier, public restrooms, stations for cleaning fish, areas for excellent camping, a hard surface boat ramp, etc.

Blackhawk Lake Fishing Tips

The pier is an excellent spot for casting off at Blackhawk Lake. There is much fish that loiter in the waters below the pier. Use a minnow or any other appropriate lure to catch fish easily. The upper-shoreline is also a great spot to try out your luck at fishing.

Types of Fish in Broken Bow Lake

You can find species like crappie, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, perch, etc. at Blackhawk Lake.

6. Wapsipinicon River

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

The Wapsipinicon River is located in Jones County and is a popular area for fishing. It is located near to Central City just off Highway 13. It is located within Pinicon Ridge Park and possesses an area of 53 acres. This area is packed with many excellent facilities as well which include playgrounds, camping facilities, boat rentals, piers, etc. You should give this spot a chance when you are visiting Iowa for fishing.

Wapsipinicon River Fishing Tips

You really should consider renting out a boat when you are at Wapsipinicon River. You can head over to the inward area of the river where the fish are present in larger amounts. The chances of you snagging a larger and greater number of fish are much better in deeper water. The northern bank of the River also offers tremendous opportunities for catching a larger number of fish easily.

Types of Fish in Wapsipinicon River

You can find northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, bluegill, etc. at Wapsipinicon River.

7. Upper Iowa River

FIrehole River Wyoming

Fishing at Upper Iowa River is always a treat and sufficiently satisfying in terms of results. The river is located in Winneshiek County and is found amid Winneshiek and Howard County. This stretch is spread across 79 acres and in its northeast is situated Cresco at a distance of about 8 miles. This is a great spot for fishing, one that you really should check out if you are in Iowa for fishing purposes.

Upper Iowa River Fishing Tips

The best part for fishing at Upper Iowa River is the river bank located to the south. Crappies are often biting in this area and there is no reason why you shouldn’t check it out. You can take advantage of boat rentals in the area and head over to the more fecund deeper waters that are teeming with different species.

Types of Fish in Upper Iowa River

You can find species like the famous trout, different types of bass, channel catfish, perch, crappie, pike, etc. at Upper Iowa River.

7. Turkey River

FIrehole River Wyoming

The Turkey River is located in Clayton County and is at a distance of about 6 miles from the northwestern part of Elkader at Big Spring Hatchery. This river offers excellent fishing opportunities to visitors. There are other amazing amenities to benefit from as well which include boat rides, well-maintained restrooms, convenience stores, etc. Turkey River offers sublime opportunities for indulging in Camping as well.

Turkey River Fishing Tips

The shore area of Turkey River is the best when it comes to fishing. The fish are practically biting in this area so it is best to resort to a traditional method for catching fish at an improved rate. You can try your luck in the eastern portion of the river to improve your chances of catching the larger fish.

Types of Fish in Turkey River

You can find Brooke Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, bluegill, perch, bass, etc. when you are fishing at the Turkey River.

Heading To Iowa To Catch Some Fish? Visit These Great Cities!

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is a city located within the State of Iowa. It is the largest city of the state and is the County seat of Polk County as well. The city is located near to the Des Moines River and is named after it as well. The city has a total population of 216,853 and the city is ranked 89th in terms of the Metropolitan population in the United States.

The City of Des Moines is fantastic as such that it has plenty to offer for visitors. The nightlife is boisterous and lively, the clubs are booming, and the hotels and restaurants are amazing as well. The fishing scene in Des Moines isn’t bleak either. Some of the best fishing can be done in Des Moines and the areas surrounding it. The following spots are just some of the many attractions in fishing that Des Moines offers to visitors:

City Campus Pond

Fort Des Moines Pond

Yellow Banks Park Pond

Thomas Mitchell Pond

Big Creek State Park

Copper Creek Lake

Iowa City, Iowa

Iowa City is located in Johnson County and is a prominent city in the State of Iowa. It is the seat of its county and is also famous for being the hometown of the University of Iowa. The population of the city is about 72,290 which makes it the 5th largest city in the state of Iowa.

Iowa is home to many excellent areas and spots for recreation and relaxation. The urban area is a veritable metropolis that evinces all the modern facilities that you might expect. There are spectacular restaurants, hotels, bars, etc. in the city. However, the main attraction that this city offers is in fishing. The areas around Iowa City are full of spots where fishing enthusiasts can cut loose and enjoy themselves. Some of these spots are as follows:

Lake MacBride State Park

Wildcat Den State Park

Oakland Mills State Park

Big Hollow Recreation Area

Wapsipinicon State Park

Wrapping up the Best Fishing Spots in Iowa

We hope our article on the best fishing spots in Iowa will help you narrow down your choices for your next trip!  Whether you go check out the man made marvel Lake Rathbun, or take in all of Natures beauty at Blackhawk Lake, we think you can see some amazing sights, make some long lasting memories, and most important of all, catch some big fish in Iowa!

Best Fishing In Oklahoma – 10 Best Spots To Fish In The Sooner State!

by

Fishing in Oklahoma is filled with promises and plenty of superb experiences. This state delivers completely in all nuances of fishing. You will have a blast when you come to Oklahoma and fish in the spectacular and fantastic fishing locations that it evinces. That is precisely the reason why Oklahoma receives so many fishing enthusiasts on an annual basis. The experiences that the State of Oklahoma accords are so sublime that you will keep coming back again and again.

Picture of man fishing in Missouri

Oregon Fishing Regulations

Since Oregon has such a wide range of natural features, you can Hunt, Fish, and try to catch SHellfish all in one state!  You can either get these licenses individually or bundle them together to save money based on what you will be going for!

You can only have one rod / line by law, unless you purchase a license to use a second one, and fishers under 12 are exempt from this bylaw.

There are also various limitations on how many fish and shellfish you can catch which can be found on the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations website.

1. Deep Fork River

Bighorn Lake Wyoming
Bighorn Lake Wyoming

The Deep Fork River is located in Oklahoma and is one of the best spots for fishing in the region. It is a tranquil and scenically resplendent area where fishing lovers will certainly feel at home. Fishing is allowed all year long at the Deep Fork River and the latter is filled with many amazing species for you to catch. You can also engage in camping, hunting (provided you come to this area during the permitted season), hiking on trails, etc.

Deep Fork River Fishing Tips

If you are going to the Deep Fork River for fishing then remember to move away from the refuge while fishing. There are no boat ramps in the refuge area and you will have to move towards the Deep Fork River Bridge that’s located on Highway 66. Do use a boat as it allows you to access the deeper and more fecund fishing areas. Just keep away from the refuge in general as the water is shallow, is filled with submerged stumps and the river currents are unpredictably dangerous here.

Types of Fish in Deep Fork River

You can find fish like channel catfish, Flathead catfish, crappie, white bass, blue catfish, large mouth bass, etc. at Deep Fork River.

2. Grand Lake

Flaming Gorge Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Wyoming

Grand Lake is an excellent fishing spot that is located in Oklahoma. It is spread over a total surface acre area of 41,749 acres and evinces a shoreline of about 460 miles. The maximum depth of Grand Lake is about 133 feet. There are many additional facilities available at Grand Lake that includes public restrooms, convenience stores, boat ramps, camping facilities, etc.

Grand Lake Fishing Tips

If you are going to be fishing at Grand Lake then remember to hire a guide. There are various fish species available at Grand Lake, and they can be caught frequently under different conditions and in different seasons. A proper guide can assist you in finding the best spots, using the best techniques, and determining the right conditions when you fish at Grand Lake.

Types of Fish in John Day River

You can find fish species like Largemouth bass, Paddle fish, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, White and Black Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Channel Catfish.

3. Lake Eufaula

Glendo Reservoir Wyoming
Glendo Reservoir Wyoming

Lake Eufaula is the largest lake in the state of Oklahoma and receives hordes of visitors each year for fishing purposes. The ambiance is relaxing and the conditions amazing. The lake itself possesses a total area of 100,000 surface acres and is located conveniently off the interstate 40. There are campgrounds for RVs, boating ramps, marinas, restaurants, lodges, etc. located around Lake Eufaula which makes coming here even more enjoyable.

Lake Eufaula Fishing Tips

When you are at Lake Eufaula, make sure you target the northern shoreline as the chances of catching Sauger at that area are particularly better than anywhere else. Also, get up early in the morning if you want to secure the best spots before the crowds arrive and horde them. Use a boat for getting to the deeper areas where the bass is plenty and biting like crazy.

Types of Fish in Lake Eufaula

You can find fish like Large mouth and small mouth bass, channel and blue catfish, sauger, black and white crappie, walleye, green and red ear sunfish, white bass

4. Lake Texoma

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park

It would be an understatement if we said that fishing at Lake Texoma is great. It is perhaps one of the best experiences in fishing that you are bound to experience in your life. The fishing at this awesome location is profoundly impressive and Lake Texoma delivers on all notes perfectly. The lake is filled with plenty of species; the vicinities contain a host of other facilities as well. You will never be bored if you come to Lake Texoma for fishing.

Lake Texoma Fishing Tips

You should go to the bait and tackle shops located around the lake and stock up on equipment before heading over to the fishing spots. Also, you probably should hire a guide if you want the easiest route to excellent fishing at Lake Texoma. These guides can take you the best spots, hook you up with nice discounts on purchasing equipment, and are very helpful in general.

Types of Fish in Lake Texoma

You can find Black and small mouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, Striped bass, etc. at Lake Texoma.

5. Broken Bow Lake

Jackson Hole Wyoming
Jackson Hole Wyoming

Broken Bow Lake is one of the most productive spots for fishing that you can find in Oklahoma. It is located near Broken Bow town. The Lake evinces a depth of about 180 feet and covers a surface area of about 14,200 acres. The average depth of the lake is 65 feet. The lake is serene and home to many desirable species of fish. You are bound to have a good time when you come to Broken Bow Lake.

Broken Bow Lake Fishing Tips

When you are fishing at Broken Bow Lake, make sure you search for long points that extend to the channels of the river in the deeper waters. Once you have located one, cast your line and start fishing at a slow pace. This will increase your chances of baiting a large mouth bass that is big and weights 14lbs or more. You can also try accessing the deeper waters for a better chance at catching crappie.

Types of Fish in Broken Bow Lake

You can find fish species like Sunfish, large mouth bass, small mouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, walleye, Flathead catfish, etc. at Broken Bow Lake.

6. Lake Tenkiller

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Lake Tenkiller is one of the best spots for fishing in the state of Oklahoma. It is the Clearwater lake of Oklahoma state and is spread across 12,500 acres along with a shoreline that is about 130 miles in length. The scope for recreation and relaxation at this lake is amazing and you will truly have a great time when you come to this lake for fishing.

Lake Tenkiller Fishing Tips

There are several boating ramps and marinas located across Tenkiller Lake. We highly recommend that you utilize this opportunity and hire an able boat that can take you to the middle of the lake. Here the waters are calmer and much clearer. You can easily catch bass in this area as they spawn here in a large number. Use good bait for this purpose.

Types of Fish in Lake Tenkiller

You can find fish species like Large mouth bass, white bass, small mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, freshwater drum, etc. at Lake Tenkiller.

7. Medicine Creek

FIrehole River Wyoming

Medicine Creek is a modest fishing point located within Oklahoma. It is a scenic setting and an excellent vacationing point for families. The sidewalks here seem to fuse into the granite rock-based surroundings which in turn encompass the creek. They provide excellent points of access for fishing. There are several other points of interest available at Medicine Creek as well. These include restaurants, shops, bars, etc. Lake Lawtonka and the Wichita Wildlife refuge are also situated in proximity to Medicine Creek. You can also head over there.

Medicine Creek Fishing Tips

When you come to Medicine Creek, you need to follow a few guidelines. The first one is that always go for the deeper water. Medicine Creek isn’t that deep, with the average depth being 5 feet and maximum being 8 feet. It is very rare for fish to come so near to shallow water, though it isn’t unheard of. Most fish are present in the deeper waters. So, you should head that way. Also, try using a minnow or live worm as bait as they have proven to work very well against bass at Medicine Creek.

Types of Fish in Medicine Creek

You can find Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Large Mouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout

Gone' Fishing In The Sooner State? Best Cities To Visit

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa is a city located in Oklahoma and is the second-largest city of the state. It is the 45th most populated city in the USA and boasts a population of about 401,190 individuals. Tulsa is also the County seat of Tulsa County and holds the distinction of being the currently most densely populated city in the state of Oklahoma.

Tulsa has got plenty to offer visitors when it comes to nightlife, restaurants, bars, casinos, discos, etc. To be concise, it offers one of the most exciting experiences in enjoyment within Oklahoma. The profundity that Tulsa evinces in regard to Fishing is also very high. There are plenty of spots in, and around, Tulsa that can cater to all the demands of an avid fisherman. So, allow us to enumerate some of them for your information:  Yahola Reservoir, Mohawk Pond, MS6 Pond, Metcalf Pond, Lynn Lane Reservoir 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, often called OKC for short, is a city located in the state of Oklahoma in the USA. It is the largest city of the state and is also the county seat of Oklahoma County. It possesses a total population of 655,057 people and is the 25th largest city in the USA from a population-based perspective.

Oklahoma City is a large metropolis and offers much in the way of social life and fun-filled distractions. There is something for everyone in Oklahoma City and it never seems to disappoint no matter how many times you visit it. The fishing scene is also very productive in this city as Oklahoma City has got plenty of great fishing spots in proximate locations around it. Some of the more prominent spots are as follows:  Oklahoma River, Lake Overholser, Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, Lake Stanley Draper, Lake Hefner

Medicine Park, Oklahoma

Medicine Park is a gorgeous and scenic little town located in the state of Oklahoma. The area of Medicine Park is a quiet and tranquil oasis that has plenty to offer for any visitor. This is the spot for you if you are looking for a quaint experience unlike any other. This area was originally a settlement for Plains Indians and is currently an attraction for politicians, celebrities and visitors from all circles of life. The area is famous for cobblestones and these are an indigenous phenomenon of the geological sort that is present in abundance all over the Park. These cobblestones imbue the town with a quaint and distinct appearance.

There is plenty to do when you come to Medicine Park like for instance, you could go for a walk on the picturesque trails. You can dine in any of the many amazing restaurants in the area, or you can watch the beautifully poignant scene of the sun setting over the Wichita Mountains. The point is, Medicine Park is wonderful and is well worth your time.

The scene for fishing is very potent and satisfying at Medicine Park. It is home to Medicine Creek, Medicine Creek Trout Area, Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area that lies in proximity to Medicine Park, and the nearby Cache Road ice Dock. So, do give ample consideration to Medicine Park when you are deciding on a place for fishing in Oklahoma.

Wrapping up the Best Fishing in Oklahoma

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best fishing spots in Oklahoma.  Honestly the state has so many amazing locations, we couldn’t name them all.  Whether you set a base up in the big city like Tulsa and make day trips, or rough it in the wild and camp at one of our amazing locations, you will undoubtedly find an amazing adventure filled with fish awaiting you in the Sooner State!

Best Fishing In Oregon – 10 Best Spots To Fish On The West Coast!

by

Oregon is an amazing spot for fly-fishers and ice fishers alike! A awesome destination for your next angling experience and home to some of the best waterways in the United States of America. This pacific northwest is one of the most diverse states in the USA from both a geographical and fishing perspective!  Lakes, streams, and rivers are abundant in Oregon and offer many unique and fun fishing options.

The best time for ice fishing in this iconic US state is in January / February when winter is in full force and  ice thickness on most lakes surpasses 10 inches.  If you prefer fishing in warmth and sunshine then spring through fall also offer tons of options for the avid angler. 

In this article, we will tell you why Oregon is a fantastic choice for your next fishing trip, and try to give you some great locations to visit where your experience will be enjoyable and the fish plentiful!  Oregon has such an amazing diversity of lakes, culture, and fishing spots that it is almost impossible to not enjoy your trip here.

Picture of man fishing in Missouri

Oregon Fishing Regulations

Since Oregon has such a wide range of natural features, you can Hunt, Fish, and try to catch SHellfish all in one state!  You can either get these licenses individually or bundle them together to save money based on what you will be going for!

You can only have one rod / line by law, unless you purchase a license to use a second one, and fishers under 12 are exempt from this bylaw.

There are also various limitations on how many fish and shellfish you can catch which can be found on the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations website.

1. Diamond Lake

Bighorn Lake Wyoming
Bighorn Lake Wyoming

Diamond  lake has a very diverse set of aquatic inhabitants and it’s forest views are a feast for the eyes.  The lake is stocked with Rainbow trout and they feast all summer long on the diverse insect population found around the lake. 

The Diamond lake located near the center of the state, and is named after John Diamond who first hiked the mountain and saw the lake below him.  The peak on top of the mountain is also named after him (Diamond Peak)

Diamond Lake Fishing Tips

  • January to February are best (no big revelation here) for ice fishing in order to allow the ice to thicken
  • Late April to May after the winter snow has melted and run off is the best time to catch Rainbow Trout
  • An Attractor or a moving boat will help attract fish, using a little bit of bait will help even more!

Types of Fish in Diamond Lake

Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout

2. John Day River

Flaming Gorge Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Wyoming

The John Day River is surrounded by scenic mountains and forests as it traverses through Strawberry and Blue Mountains. The John Day river is the second longest free flowing river in the continental United States.  It is also a unique river in that it is also protected by two acts, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Oregon Scenic Waterways Act – meaning its natural beauty and charm will be forever preserved.

This great river is host to one of the few remaining wild fish runs in the North West USA, where Steelhead and Chinook Salmon come back to spawn and create the next generation of fish.

John Day River Fishing Tips

  • Fishing is allowed all year round in the John Day River, try to go when there is light or no rainfall to ensure the water conditions are best 
  • One of only three undammed rivers in the entire United States of America, flows can be all over the place so don’t over think when to go other than avoiding massive rainfall days
  • Surface flies should allow to to have some serious success with the Smallmouth Bass as they are abundant in the river

Types of Fish in John Day River

Chinook Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Red Band Trout

3. McKenzie River

Glendo Reservoir Wyoming
Glendo Reservoir Wyoming

A magnificent tributary of the Willamette River in western Oregon is the McKenzie River which becomes part of Eugene and flows to the west in the Willamette Valley. There are many cities near the embankment of McKenzie River throughout its course, some of which are Springfield, Eugene, Albany, Redmond and many more.

McKenzie river has a beautiful waterfall trail to see many unique waterfalls, has naturally fed hot spring pools, and the area is 96 percent forested land so you know you will be surrounded by nature in all its glory.

Fly fishing as with many rivers is the most popular fishing activity, and you may even see some white water rafters cruising down the river past you!

McKenzie River Fishing Tips

  • Usually, the environment for most of the year in the areas of McKenzie River is characterized by dry, cold air flowing towards the south from the high arctic in winter. But during summer months this spell of dry cold air is broken down periodically with warm air conditions coming from the pacific. 
  • This humongous river encompasses an area of 1300 sq. ft. and gives off many tributaries in the form of streams and lakes, so you will have ample opportunities to find your own little fishing paradise!

Types of Fish in McKenzie River

There are many natural fish in this river available for anglers, and over the years new fish have also been introduced to the system.  Here are some of the most common fish you will find: Wild Trout, Hatchery trout, Spring Chinook, Sturgeon, Sculpin, Whitefish, Lamprey, Summer Steelhead

4. Deschutes River

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park

The Deschutes River is a major tributary of the Columbia river and supplies most of the drier southern areas of Oregon. It is located in central Oregon, descending from mountains. The major source of this river is the little Lava lake. The closest cities to this river are Redmond, Sunriver, and Bend, all of which have distinct cultural sites to visit.

Yellowstone National Park Fishing Tips

  • Rivers will be your best bet for fly fishing.  The rivers are naturally insect rich so whether you are new to fly fishing or a seasoned veteran the odds are in your favor!
  • You can fish unlimited non-native species of fish from Yellowstone, as the park works to un-do damage done by previous fish stocking operations
  • Crank Baits are the most often used fishing technique in Yellowstone National Park
  • You can purchase either a Yearly, Week long, or Three day weekend pass for your fishing trip

Types of Fish in Yellowstone National Park

This is by no means an all inclusive list, but these are a few of the more abundant fish you will find in the park – Brook trout, Brown Trout, lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Chub

5. Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Wyoming
Jackson Hole Wyoming

Mood for fishing in the shadow of several world class mountains? Jackson’s Hole, as called by mountain men, is the answer. It is a valley situated between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range in Wyoming. It is home to glacier fed rivers and streams, covering an area of 55 miles Jackson hole has become a very popular tourist attraction anglers, hikers, and winter sports lovers! 

As far as the weather conditions of Jackson Hole are concerned, Winters are cold and snowy. It is an amazing ski destination, with the Jackson Hole mountain resort, Snow King mountain resort, and Grand Targhee resort all within a short drive of each other.  It is usually because of the mountain region that allows cold breezes. The mercury level gets as low as 5°F in January. Summers are generally warm and mild with average temperature measured to be around 80°F in July. 

Because of the mountain ranges and longer winters, Ice fishing is a very popular activity in the Jackson hole area. It is also known as a hotspot for ice fishing and a fishing paradise for anglers. Anglers love fishing here because of the extreme winters that offer ice fishing with all types of trout. 

Jackson Hole Fishing Tips

  • Lake Taneycomo is known around the globe for its Trout. Rainbow and Brown Trout can be caught on spinning tackle and micro jigs. These jigs range from 1/100 to 1/8 ounce in weight.
  • Ice fishing starts in mid January as the lakes being to freeze over and become safe to travel on
  • Fly fishing is best attempted in mid March to April before the spring runoff hits, and if you miss that window then head down after June when the runoff slows down and the rivers are crystal clear

Types of Fish in Jackson Hole

Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout

6. Grant Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Next on our list is another famous American National Park- Grand Teton National Park. Situated in northwestern Wyoming, this park offers a massive variety of different flora and fauna. Located a mere 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, don’t forego a trip here thinking it’s not worth it after visiting Yellowstone!. Grand Teton has made it to the bucket list of tourists for camping, hiking, fishing, recreation and mountaineering for good reason! 

Before you book your trip to Grand Teton, make sure you have an idea of the weather conditions there. Summers are warm and pleasant. July is the hottest month of the year with the temperature reaching around 80°F. Winters are cold and chilly due to the parks elevation and the wind that can rip off the mountain tops. January is said to be the coldest month of the year where mercury gets to as low as 14°F. For our money Mid May to late September are the best times of the year for fishing and other activities.

Fly and Ice fishing both are famous here. Grand Teton has many different lakes, some of the most popular being Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, and Phelps Lake where anglers from worldwide flock to for trout fishing.

Grand Teton Fishing Tips

  • Fishing in Grand Teton National Park offers an all-round fishing year, making this location feast for the sore eyes. 
  • If we take the fishing techniques under consideration, artificial flies and lures are mostly used by anglers.
  • You can fish, catch, and take home a decent amount of fish – 6 trout per day in lakes and 3 trout per day in streams!
  • In Rivers and Streams you can only use artificial flies and lures – No live bait!
  • On Lakes in general you can use a few different types of dead, non-game fish as bait, check out the Grand Teton website for all the details! 

Types of Fish in Grand Teton National Park

Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout

7. Firehole River

FIrehole River Wyoming

Getting its primary inflows from Madison River, Firehole River is another great fishing option in northwestern Wyoming. This river shares its connection with the Missouri River System. National Park Service has allotted this lake for fly fishing, and spring is the best time of the year to visit here. 

As far as the water in the Firehole River is concerned, the temperature can get and stay as high as 30 degrees, creating a unique ecosystem.  This is due to geothermal features from Yellowstone that feed the river.  The warm waters create many diverse insect hatcheries, which is why fly fishing is so popular as insects are abundant in the river! 

Fly Fishing is performed in the Firehole River more than any other type of fishing. Anglers love coming here in May to fish their favourites.

Firehole River Fishing Tips

  • For Firehole River (as with many fishing locations) the best time to fish is Spring and Fall. You can pack relatively light and have a great fishing adventure!
  • Crank Baits and Spinners are the best methods to lure fish in. Most Anglers suggest that it is better to fish from the shore 
  • Near the bottom of Firehole river, it disappears into a canyon that can offer some truly unique and beautiful fishing opportunities at the bottom!
  • Rainbow and Brown trout are catch and release only!  Up to five brook trout can be harvested per day
  • During summertime fishing may be shut down due to high water temperatures

Types of Fish in Firehole River

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout

Cities To Stay In During Your Wyoming Fishing Trip

Casper, Wyoming

Located in the county of Natrona and the second-largest city in Wyoming, Casper Oregon is sometimes called the “The Oil City” due to the oil reserves it sits upon. It is situated in east-central Wyoming and the north end of North Platte River. Casper has many fantastic fishing spots, golf courses, baseball diamond, and hosts many concerts throughout the year. 

Ice fishermen congregate in Casper in the winter to head to the various lakes that surround the city.  Hotels are abundant in the town and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room.

Pinedale, Wyoming

Pinedale Oregon is a western town very famous among adventurous travellers. It is about 61 miles south of Jackson Hole and offers all types of recreational and fun activities. Pinedale is literally at the foot of all the amazing National Parks in Wyoming such as Shoshone, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone, making it the perfect gateway to your adventures!

Wrapping up the Best Fishing in Wyoming

We hope our article will help you narrow down where to head in Wyoming for your next trip.  It is a huge state and home to some of the most amazing national parks in the United States.  Whether you are fly fishing in June on a unique river that is piping hot from natural geysers, or ice fishing on top of a mountain lake in January, there is something in Wyoming for everyone!  Let us know below if you have a specific fishing spot in Wyoming you’d like us to add to the list!

Best Fishing In Wyoming – 10 Top Spots To Cast A Line!

by

Looking to take a well deserved break from work and get out to some amazing fishing spots in the American West?  You’ve come to the right place! Wyoming might not be in some peoples top fishing destinations, but our list will prove to you the this landlocked state does indeed have some unreal fishing destinations

Being the 10th largest state and located in the mountainous region of western United States, Wyoming has a variety of mountain fed rivers and lakes that are home to more than 22 different fish species. 

Time of year is an important factor you should consider when planning your Wyoming fishing trip. In the summers, early mornings are the best time to fish, whereas, in spring and Fall, it is preferred to go around dusk. However, If you are looking to just get out and enjoy the outdoors, then in our opinion any time spent on the lake is a perfect time to  fish!

If you prefer lake and river fishing to the wide open ocean, you are in luck.  Wyoming is obviously land locked, but its proximity to the Rocky Mountains help supply it with some of the best rivers and lakes mother nature has to offer!  Read on to start planning your next great fishing adventure!

Picture of man fishing in Missouri

Wyoming Fishing Regulations

In order to legally fish in Wyoming, there are a few things to consider.  For residents, anyone over the age of 14 requires a fishing license, which can be purchased for a day ($6 as of the time of writing) or for the year ($27 as of the time of writing).  As you can see an annual license is quite cheap, and if you are under 14 you do not need one at all!

For non residents, you must also purchase a fishing license and the fees are higher than for residents.  Non resident youth may fish for free as long as they are with a permit holder.

Free Lifetime Licenses are also available if you are a resident or honorably discharged veteran over the age of 65 and have lived in Wyoming for at least 30 years before your license application!

1. Bighorn Lake

Bighorn Lake Wyoming
Bighorn Lake Wyoming

Located in Carbon counties in the south of Montana and north of Wyoming, Bighorn Lake is 40 miles south of Billings. It is situated behind Yellowtail Dam and covers an area of 72 miles. It is an eye-catching lake abundant with various fish species that attracts the attention of tourists and anglers from all over the country. 

Bighorn Lake has relatively mild summer conditions and you shouldn’t worry about overheating.  February is the coldest month of the year with the temperature getting as low as 0°F and July is the hottest month in which the temperature reaches new mercury levels to 88°F. This lake receives about 6-10 inches of rainfall annually. 

Ice ad Fly fishing are both popular here as the fish species find their way onto the surface of the water throughout the year. Anglers that fish the lake are especially fond of that many different species of trout that reside in the lake.

Bighorn Lake Fishing Tips

  • Fishing is offered in Bighorn Lake throughout the year. However, if you are a fly fisher then August is your best bet
  • During the warmer months, scorpions and rattlesnakes can find their way to the shore; so please take proper precautions.
  • When Baitcasting it is ideal to use a lighter rig equipped with crankbaits, spinners, minnows or artificial baits.

Types of Fish in Bighorn Lake

Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Cat, Ling, Yellow perch, Black Crappie

2. Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Flaming Gorge Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Wyoming

Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Wyoming and thanks to its size and variety of locations, it is a go to for fishers in the area. The Green River is the primary inflows of this reservoir. Located in northeastern Utah and southwest Wyoming, Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers the full spectrum of activities on top of fishing and boating such as hiking, camping, backpacking and even cross country skiing in the winter! 

For Flaming Gorge, the hottest month is typically July where the temperature becomes as high as 85°F. The coldest month is January, where the mercury can drop as low as 22°F. There is snowfall during winter months and the chilly temps mean the snow sticks around so make sure to brush up on your snowball throwing technique! 

Because of the hot and cold extremes the Gorge can reach, both ice fishing and fly fishing take place on the lake throughout the year. Most anglers suggest that fly fishing is more renowned here. The reservoir is fills up with people during summer months for fishing and boating. 

Flaming Gorge Reservoir Fishing Tips

  • If you are a Trout lover, we advise that you make your trip to the Gorge in the summer months. By May and Early June, you will find abundant trout in the lake 
  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir will allow you to test a number of different techniques for your fishing trip including Long lining, Down Rigging, Vertical jigging and more!

Types of Fish in Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Burbot, Lake Trout, Curbow, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout

3. Glendo Reservoir

Glendo Reservoir Wyoming
Glendo Reservoir Wyoming

Located in the massive and beautiful Glendo State Park, the Glendo Reservoir is located on the North Platte River in Converse and Platte County. A power producing reservoir, Glendo is an amazing location for camping, fishing, and outdoor activities of all types!

Glendo has your typical Wyoming weather, with a warm but not too warm summer and a winter where the temperature dips below freezing.  Mid spring will be the earliest you will want to get out on the lake and can fish well into the fall!   Glendo averages rainfall of 15 inches annually, whereas snowfall is 52 inches on average. This means during the warmer months the odds are definitely in your favor that you will be staying dry (As long as you don’t fall in!)

Ice fishing is super popular at Glendo, and for good reason. Yellow perch and Walleye are a few of the main targets for ice fishing. Keep in mind in recent years Glendo’s ice thickness in January has been around 5-8 inches.  While this is a decent sheet, you need 12″ or more to safely bring a truck onto the ice, so make sure to do a quick google of the conditions before you bring all your gear out!  Fly fishing is popular but not as much so as Ice fishing. 

As you can see Glendo is a fantastic spot to set up for a few days of Angling, whether it be in the summer or winter.  The size of the reservoir means you likely will have a little nook or area to yourself and won’t have to be shoulder to shoulder with other fishers!

Glendo Reservoir Fishing Tips

  • If you have your vacation line up anywhere in March to May, Glendo Reservoir will be a fantastic place to visit.  The weather is great and the crowds aren’t overwhelming!
  • As far as the fishing techniques are concerned, Lindy rigs and bottom bouncers are mostly used by anglers. Crankbaits are less common but also used from time to time.

Types of Fish in Glendo Reservoir

Walleye, White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Yellow perch, Black Crappie, Panfish

4. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, the American icon, is known worldwide for its amazing natural beauty and of course the natural geysers. What many don’t know however, is that there are fantastic fishing opportunities in the park!  Located in the western United States with parts in Idaho and Montana, Yellowstone covers an area of almost 3500  square miles. Tourists from all over the world venture to the park to partake in boating, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and camping. 

Yellowstone National Park really shines during its beautiful summer season. The weather is pleasant and allows for hiking, picnicking, and viewing wildlife. The park is visited by travellers and anglers from all over the world, especially in July and August. July is the warmest month of the year with the temperature reaching to above 72°F. The temperatures are a bit lower than most of Wyoming due to Yellowstone’s elevation.  Being at such a high elevation Yellowstone’s weather can get nasty in the winter with temperatures getting as low as 5°F and the park seeing 20-30 feet of snow! 

Fly fishing is by far the most popular fishing style in Yellowstone National Park. Seven different fish species can be caught in the various lakes and rivers that dot the park. 

Yellowstone National Park Fishing Tips

  • Rivers will be your best bet for fly fishing.  The rivers are naturally insect rich so whether you are new to fly fishing or a seasoned veteran the odds are in your favor!
  • You can fish unlimited non-native species of fish from Yellowstone, as the park works to un-do damage done by previous fish stocking operations
  • Crank Baits are the most often used fishing technique in Yellowstone National Park
  • You can purchase either a Yearly, Week long, or Three day weekend pass for your fishing trip

Types of Fish in Yellowstone National Park

This is by no means an all inclusive list, but these are a few of the more abundant fish you will find in the park – Brook trout, Brown Trout, lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Chub

5. Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Wyoming
Jackson Hole Wyoming

Mood for fishing in the shadow of several world class mountains? Jackson’s Hole, as called by mountain men, is the answer. It is a valley situated between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range in Wyoming. It is home to glacier fed rivers and streams, covering an area of 55 miles Jackson hole has become a very popular tourist attraction anglers, hikers, and winter sports lovers! 

As far as the weather conditions of Jackson Hole are concerned, Winters are cold and snowy. It is an amazing ski destination, with the Jackson Hole mountain resort, Snow King mountain resort, and Grand Targhee resort all within a short drive of each other.  It is usually because of the mountain region that allows cold breezes. The mercury level gets as low as 5°F in January. Summers are generally warm and mild with average temperature measured to be around 80°F in July. 

Because of the mountain ranges and longer winters, Ice fishing is a very popular activity in the Jackson hole area. It is also known as a hotspot for ice fishing and a fishing paradise for anglers. Anglers love fishing here because of the extreme winters that offer ice fishing with all types of trout. 

Jackson Hole Fishing Tips

  • Lake Taneycomo is known around the globe for its Trout. Rainbow and Brown Trout can be caught on spinning tackle and micro jigs. These jigs range from 1/100 to 1/8 ounce in weight.
  • Ice fishing starts in mid January as the lakes being to freeze over and become safe to travel on
  • Fly fishing is best attempted in mid March to April before the spring runoff hits, and if you miss that window then head down after June when the runoff slows down and the rivers are crystal clear

Types of Fish in Jackson Hole

Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout

6. Grant Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Next on our list is another famous American National Park- Grand Teton National Park. Situated in northwestern Wyoming, this park offers a massive variety of different flora and fauna. Located a mere 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, don’t forego a trip here thinking it’s not worth it after visiting Yellowstone!. Grand Teton has made it to the bucket list of tourists for camping, hiking, fishing, recreation and mountaineering for good reason! 

Before you book your trip to Grand Teton, make sure you have an idea of the weather conditions there. Summers are warm and pleasant. July is the hottest month of the year with the temperature reaching around 80°F. Winters are cold and chilly due to the parks elevation and the wind that can rip off the mountain tops. January is said to be the coldest month of the year where mercury gets to as low as 14°F. For our money Mid May to late September are the best times of the year for fishing and other activities.

Fly and Ice fishing both are famous here. Grand Teton has many different lakes, some of the most popular being Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, and Phelps Lake where anglers from worldwide flock to for trout fishing.

Grand Teton Fishing Tips

  • Fishing in Grand Teton National Park offers an all-round fishing year, making this location feast for the sore eyes. 
  • If we take the fishing techniques under consideration, artificial flies and lures are mostly used by anglers.
  • You can fish, catch, and take home a decent amount of fish – 6 trout per day in lakes and 3 trout per day in streams!
  • In Rivers and Streams you can only use artificial flies and lures – No live bait!
  • On Lakes in general you can use a few different types of dead, non-game fish as bait, check out the Grand Teton website for all the details! 

Types of Fish in Grand Teton National Park

Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout

7. Firehole River

FIrehole River Wyoming

Getting its primary inflows from Madison River, Firehole River is another great fishing option in northwestern Wyoming. This river shares its connection with the Missouri River System. National Park Service has allotted this lake for fly fishing, and spring is the best time of the year to visit here. 

As far as the water in the Firehole River is concerned, the temperature can get and stay as high as 30 degrees, creating a unique ecosystem.  This is due to geothermal features from Yellowstone that feed the river.  The warm waters create many diverse insect hatcheries, which is why fly fishing is so popular as insects are abundant in the river! 

Fly Fishing is performed in the Firehole River more than any other type of fishing. Anglers love coming here in May to fish their favourites.

Firehole River Fishing Tips

  • For Firehole River (as with many fishing locations) the best time to fish is Spring and Fall. You can pack relatively light and have a great fishing adventure!
  • Crank Baits and Spinners are the best methods to lure fish in. Most Anglers suggest that it is better to fish from the shore 
  • Near the bottom of Firehole river, it disappears into a canyon that can offer some truly unique and beautiful fishing opportunities at the bottom!
  • Rainbow and Brown trout are catch and release only!  Up to five brook trout can be harvested per day
  • During summertime fishing may be shut down due to high water temperatures

Types of Fish in Firehole River

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout

Cities To Stay In During Your Wyoming Fishing Trip

Casper, Wyoming

Located in the county of Natrona and the second-largest city in Wyoming, Casper Oregon is sometimes called the “The Oil City” due to the oil reserves it sits upon. It is situated in east-central Wyoming and the north end of North Platte River. Casper has many fantastic fishing spots, golf courses, baseball diamond, and hosts many concerts throughout the year. 

Ice fishermen congregate in Casper in the winter to head to the various lakes that surround the city.  Hotels are abundant in the town and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room.

Pinedale, Wyoming

Pinedale Oregon is a western town very famous among adventurous travellers. It is about 61 miles south of Jackson Hole and offers all types of recreational and fun activities. Pinedale is literally at the foot of all the amazing National Parks in Wyoming such as Shoshone, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone, making it the perfect gateway to your adventures!

Wrapping up the Best Fishing in Wyoming

We hope our article will help you narrow down where to head in Wyoming for your next trip.  It is a huge state and home to some of the most amazing national parks in the United States.  Whether you are fly fishing in June on a unique river that is piping hot from natural geysers, or ice fishing on top of a mountain lake in January, there is something in Wyoming for everyone!  Let us know below if you have a specific fishing spot in Wyoming you’d like us to add to the list!

Best Fishing In Missouri – 10 Spots You Can’t Miss

by

If you’re looking for a relaxing sport that lets you take in nature away from the city or people, fishing is your best option! Missouri is a state that has made its way on to the bucket list of anglers across the United States for its endless rivers and lakes teeming with fish! The best thing about the lakes and rivers in Missouri is most are accessible by boat but all of them have endless shoreline to fish or cast from land.

One of the best things about fishing in Missouri is the huge variety of fish you can catch from large and smallmouth bass, Trout, flahead catfish, bluegill, Walleye, Crappie and tons more! It offers a variety of options for beginner fisherman to expert anglers, and the dense wooded forests give you the feeling of pure isolation! We’ve broken down the details on all the best rivers and lakes to fish in Missouri, and also the best cities to stay in to launch your fishing campaign from!

If you want to know some of the best places to fish in Missouri, then read our guide below!

Picture of man fishing in Missouri

In order to legally fish in Missouri, everyone under the age of 65 will require a fishing license, including youth! These can be anything from daily passes or even lifetime if you’re a resident or fish in Missouri frequently.

1. Lake of the Ozarks

Image of Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks is a massive lake located in the central port of Missouri which has an endless amount of shoreline to fish from. The primary rivers that flow to the Lake of the Ozarks are the Niangua river, Osage River and Grandglaize Creek. The lake shares its boundaries with Benton, Camden, Miller and Morgan Counties in Missouri.

June is considered to be the best fishing month for the Lake of the Ozarks and anglers love fishing here because of the wide variety of Bass and excellent fishing amenities. Ice and fly fishing are also hugely popular at the Lake of the Ozarks. This is truly a must visit spot when fishing in Missouri and it takes our vote for number one place to fish!

Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Tips

  • The big fish in the summers have been caught on spinnerbaits. Talking about worms and jigs in winter and spring, they are caught on the Alabama rig and creature baits.
  • Crank Bait is considered to be the best technique for locating and catching fish in this particular lake.

Types of Fish in Lake of the Ozarks

Spoonbil, Gizzard Shad, Flathead Catfish, White Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass

2. Table Rock Lake

image of table rock lake fishing

Situated in Northwestern Arkansas and Southwestern Missouri, Table Rock Lake is a popular destination among anglers from all over the world. The three primary rivers that flow into this reservoir are the White River, James River, and Kings River. 

If you’re planning to fish in Missouri, this stunning lake definitely has to be taken into consideration! Table Rock Lake has made it to the list of tourists as well as anglers for its extraordinary fishing, swimming, hiking, scuba dive, picnic area, amphitheater, and biking.

Late May and early June have been reviewed to be the best months for fishing. Serious fisherman love it here because of the location of the calmness of Table Rock Lake and abundant species of fish found even in the shallowest regions of the lake. 

Table Rock Lake Fishing Tips

  • March and May are reviewed to be the best months for the catching and of three types of Bass (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass). Spinnerbaits and plastic worms are the two popular fishing techniques for Table Rock Lake.

Types of Fish in Grand Lake

Green sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, White Bass, Longear sunfish, Flathead Catfish, Spotted Bass

3. Truman Lake

image of Truman Lake Fishing

Truman lake is a key Missouri fishing location for its easy boat accessibility and stunning views on the lake! Truman Lake gets its primary inflow from the Osage River. Located between Clinton and Warsaw, Truman extends itself to the south of Osceola.

Summer and Winter both seasons offer excellent fishing conditions in Truman Lake, making it one of the most visited lakes by anglers in Missouri as well as tourists.

Ice, as well as Fly fishing, are both done in huge popularity on this lake. Its perfect for families as there are tons of activities to do while you’re on the water landing Crappies!

Truman Lake Fishing Tips

  • Fall is said to be the time of transition where fish start moving from summer to winter patterns. You can have Crappie in the open water of Truman Lake.
  • CrankBaits are the most popular fishing lure and have found great success especially if you’re fishing for Bass

Types of Fish in Truman Lake

Walleye, Striped Bass, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Black Bass

4. Smithville Lake

image of fishing in smithville lake

Let’s find out about another lake in Missouri called Smithville Lake, located on the Little Platte branch in Clay county. It covers an area of 5000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for some of the best fishing in Missouri. This lake is a tourist attraction for people all around America for its beautiful scenery and landscape and not to forget, great fishing quality.

In Smithville lake, summers are mostly hot and can be unpleasantly humid. The winters are cold, dry, and windy but offer up the perfect chance for ice fishing. From May to September, anglers flock to Smithville Lake to satisfy their fishing itch. These are considered to be the best fishing months at this Lake, with February coming in as the top winter month for ice fishing!

Fly fishing in Missouri wouldn’t be quite complete without wading in for a few casts in the shallower parts of Smithville Lake. There are some great opportunities to catch White Bass in some areas along the shore, and Smithville Lake is a perfect spot for beginner fly fisherman!

Smithville Lake Fishing Tips

  • The use of shallow crankbaits works perfectly for fishing in Smithville Lake.
  • Summers are reviewed to be the best fishing months in this particular lake.

Types of Fish in Smithville Lake

Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, White Bass, Tiger Muskellunge

5.Bennett Springs State Park

image of bennett springs park

Bennett Springs park covers an area of 3216 acres and has made its way onto the bucket list of tourists visiting Missouri and anglers from all over the United States. It not only provides facilities for fishing but also for swimming, hiking, and camping. This is one of the best recreational parks to bring the family for a day or weekend trip, and get some high quality fishing in!

Fly fishing is definitely the most popular thing to do at this lake, and with the huge variety of species it can be a challenge! It requires some thinking about lures to use and which fish you’re trying to land, but it’s an awesome experience!

Bennett Springs Fishing Tips

  • The use of game fish for bait is prohibited in Bennett Spring State Park; however, chumming is not forbidden.
  • Summer is reviewed to be the best fishing month in this particular area; hence, get your tickets accordingly.

Types of Fish in Bennett Springs

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Black Bullhead, Redfin Shiner, Creek Chub, Ozark Minnow, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish

6. Lake Taneycomo

image of Lake Tanneycomo Fishing

It is a man-made reservoir just off the White River that snakes through the Ozark Mountains. Because of the cold water, Lake Taneycomo is considered to be the best trout fishing lake in all lakes in America, and definitely the best in Missouri. It offers not only fishing but also great amenities for boating, swimming, skiing, sunning, sightseeing, hunting, shopping, and several restaurants for all travelers. So, if you’re looking to get some epic fishing in Missouri with the family, this is definitely a can’t miss spot!

January and February are reviewed to be the best fishing months in this particular lake, mainly because of the prolific ice fishing but also the spectacular mountain views you get! This is one of the top lakes in Missouri for fishing trout, and fly fisherman will have a blast here.

Lake Taneycomo Fishing Tips

  • Lake Taneycomo is known around the globe for its Trout. Rainbow and Brown Trout can be caught on spinning tackle and micro jigs. These jigs range from 1/100 to 1/8 ounce in weight.
  • Winters are said to be the best time to fish in this particular lake.

Types of Fish in Lake Taneycomo

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, German Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout

7. Roubidoux Creek

image of roubidoux creek

Situated in the Ozarks of south-central Missouri, Roubidoux Creek is a tributary to Gasconade River. It covers an area of 57.4 miles. Due to its cold water, it is one of the popular Trout fishing streams in Missouri! Fly fishing in Roubidoux Creek attracts visitors from all over to try their luck for some big game trout! 

One of the coolest things about Roubidoux Creek is that the water flows out of a submerged cave system which is super popular for diving!

This is a perfect creek to fish with young kids that are just learning as it flows quite slowly and access to a good spot on the shore is easy to find.

Rubidoux Creek Fishing Tips

  • Jugg fishing and gigging are two of the best fishing techniques practiced here throughout the year.
  • Late Winter and early Spring are officially known as the fishing seasons in this lake.

Types of Fish in Lake Taneycomo

Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Trout, Rock Bass

8. Current River

image of current river fishing

Located in the southeastern portion of Ozarks, Current River is 184 miles long and ends in northeastern Arkansas where it becomes the tributary of Black River. Fishing current river is especially favorable in the summer, with a huge variety of fish to catch and tons of easily accessible shoreline!

May till June is said to be the best fishing months in Current River, but July and August offer up some of the best weather and solid fishing as well! 

Anglers love to fish Current River because of its teeming bass and trout populations, two extremely fun fish to catch. 

Current River Fishing Tips

  • Keeping in view the type of fish in Current River, Live Bait is responsible for catching fish here. Live bait includes nightcrawlers and leeches.
  • Late Spring and Early Summer are evaluated to be the best fishing seasons in this lake.

Types of Fish in Current River

Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Trout

9. Eleven Point River

image of Eleven point River Fishing

Located in the northern Arkansas and the south part of Missouri, Eleven Point River gets its primary inflow from Willow Springs. It is 138 miles in length and is popular among travelers of all sorts for some of the best fishing in Missouri. It offers excellent fishing opportunities to all the anglers out there with plentiful numbers for Bass and Walleye.

As the weather conditions are also crucial before planning a visit as Eleven Point River is hot and muggy in summers, and the winters are freezing here. The best times to fish are definitely in the summer, as the river also is a perfect spot for swimming after landing your limit! 

The shoreline access along Eleven Point river is ideal for fishing, with tons of locations so you won’t be shoulder to shoulder with other anglers. Its also a great spot for beginner fly fisherman, as the water is relatively calm and offers a great opportunity to hone your skills. 

Eleven Point River Fishing Tips

  • Live Baits are mostly used in Eleven Point River for exhibiting the perfect fishing adventure. Soft plastic lures, Hard lures, grasshoppers cheese are all utilized for chumming.
  • Starting from October till March, Eleven Point River offers great fishing months.

Types of Fish in Eleven Point River

Chain Pickerel, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Longear Sunfish

10. Roaring River State Park

image of roaring river park fishing

Roaring River State Park is a recreational park in Missouri situated about 8 miles south of Cassville in Barry County. Roaring River offers excellent trout fishing and competes with some of the other top rivers in Missouri for fishing on this list. It also offers great scenary for hiking, so if you want to take a detour you will surely find some spectacular views on your way to a secluded fishing spot on the Roaring River. 

The summer is the best time for fishing here, as the trout tend to bite aggressively and you’ll have a hard time keeping them off your hook! Fly fishing is the most popular way to fish here, with tons of calm pools and currents to navigate and land some trout!

Roaring River Fishing Tips

  • Live Baits are mostly used in Eleven Point River for exhibiting the perfect fishing adventure. Soft plastic lures, Hard lures, grasshoppers cheese are all utilized for chumming.
  • Starting from October till March, Eleven Point River offers great fishing months.

Types of Fish in Roaring River

Chain Pickerel, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Longear Sunfish

Wrapping up the Best Fishing in Missouri

If you’re looking to plan an unforgettable fishing trip with the family or a group of friends, Missouri is a hugely underrated state and offers some of the best lakes and rivers for fishing in the country. After reading this article, you shouldn’t wait any longer if you’re looking to catch a big brown trout or Smallmouth bass as your next meal. Missouri doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fishing, with an endless amount of stunning rivers and lakes to dip your hook into!

If you have any comments or thoughts on other locations that shout be included on this list, feel free to drop us a comment below!

Best Fishing In Illinois – 10 Spots You Must Fish

by

Why Illinois is a Top Fishing Destination

If you’re really looking to scratch your angling itch it is time to start planning your exciting fishing getaway to Illinois. The landlocked state of Illinois may not come to mind as a top fishing destination so you might be asking yourself, why fish in Illinois? Illinois offers a ton of variety in terms of pleasant lakes, calm rivers, breath-taking resorts, and excellent weather conditions. There are places for beginners and expert level anglers and no matter what your experience level is, you’ll have an unforgettable fishing trip in Illinois!

The best fishing season can be both spring and fall, if you’re going ice fishing one critical fishing tip is plan for the weather, as Illinois can be prone to extreme winter storms. In summer, early mornings are the best time to fish, whereas, in spring and fall, you’ll have better luck going around dusk.

In the following article, you’ll get our thoughts on the top 10 best locations to fish in Illinois. This article will prove to be your thorough guide of what sites can offer great fish and will not disappoint you. Fasten your seat belts! Here we go.

Mississippi River Image
Mississippi River, Illinois
Lake Michigan Image
Lake Michigan, Illinois

List Of The Top 10 Places To Fish In Illinois

  1. Lake Michigan
  2. Rend Lake
  3. Mississippi River
  4. Lake Springfield
  5. Lake Shelbyville
  6. Devils Kitchen Lake
  7. Lake of Egypt
  8. Little Grassy Lake
  9. Fox Chain of Lakes
  10. The Kankakee River

10 Best Rivers and Lakes To Fish In Illinois

1. Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan Image
Lake Michigan is one of the great lakes and is shared by US states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Lake Michigan is known to have the coldest water of all lakes in Illinois. Summers around Lake Michigan are short, lasting for just over three months starting from June to September. In July, the temperature gets as high as 82°F and is definitely the most popular time of the year to fish out on Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is famous for ice fishing, fly fishing, boat fishing, and even fishing from piers. The endless amount of fishing opportunities on this lake alone make Illinois a great spot to check out on your next fishing trip. Bluegill and perch are angler’s main target through ice fishing, while trout and bass are a popular choice for fly fisherman.

Lake Michigan Fishing Tips

  • The best months for fishing Lake Michigan are mid-April to the end of June. There is a ton of fish activity around this time and it is the perfect opportunity to spend a day landing a ton of fish
  • With the size of Lake Michigan, there are a bunch of places to fish from piers, and can be a great activity with the family

Types of Fish in Lake Michigan

Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Bowfin, Smallmouth Bass

2. Rend Lake

Rend Lake is one of the largest lakes of the state of Illinois being 13 miles long and just over 3 miles long, with an average depth around 10 ft. Rend Lake is home for a significant number of amazing opportunities to land some trophy sized fish with over 37,000 acres of fishing waters! The temperature in summer ranges from 50-63°F, whereas the temperature gets as low as 16°F in the winters. 

One of the things that makes fishing Rend Lake so great, is the hard fighting fish you’ll get to try and land. There is everything from huge bass to catfish and fishing here will open to your eyes to how good the fishing is in Illinois. Since this lake is located in southern Illinois, the fish tend to grow faster in Rend Lake making it almost a sure thing to land a picture worthy fish here!

Rend Lake Fishing Tips

  • It is a good idea to consult with locals and people that know the lake before fishing here, as there is some underwater hazards around the lake that should be avoided
  • Spinner baits and other surface baits have given anglers some huge bass catches from the shores 
  • Leeches in moving water have had huge success catching some monster catfish, including in some of the creeks around Rend Lake

Types of Fish in Rend Lake

Catfish, Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, White Bass

3. Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is the fourth largest river in the world and it shares its boundaries with Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Kentucky. The best time to go fishing in the Mississippi river is the summer months as the fish are way more active than trying to fish in the winter. 

The length along the border of Illinois is massive, at 593 miles it is impossible for us to break down one spot to fish, as there are literally an endless amount of opportunities in this river. Depending where you decide to fish on the Mississippi River, that will impact what you’re fishing for in a big way as there is a huge variety of different fish in this river. There is even the possibility of landing a massive sturgeon, although these aren’t typically fished in the Mississippi river for sport. 

Mississippi River Fishing Tips

  • In the upper sections of the river, anglers are able to troll and catch a ton of walley, especially in the spring and fall months
  • The southern section of the river in Illinois offers your best shot at landing a trophy sized catfish, as there is over 150 miles where you can typically find them
  • The northern pike are caught almost everywhere on this river, so if you’re looking for a pike you’ll have a shot no matter where you choose to drop your line

Types of Fish in the Mississippi River

Walleye, White Bass, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Sauger

4. Lake Springfield

Lake Springfield, Illinois image

Lake Springfield is located on the southeastern edge of the city of Springfield. This lake is known for warm water fish and is a great destination for anglers with its availability for shore fishing, pier fishing, and boat fishing!

People prefer visiting this lake from June till September when some of the top-ranked Channel Catfish are present and biting especially well! With an average depth of 13.6 feet this isn’t a super deep lake, but the shallow and warm waters of Lake Springfield are perfect for breeding massive catfish. Anglers also talk about lake Springfield as a top fishing spot in Illinois because it offers a wide span of different fish like redear sunfish, white bass, crappie, flathead catfish, and rich species of bluegill.

Lake Springfield Fishing Tips

  • If your fishing for Channel Catfish in Lake Springfield, night crawlers combined with bottom fishing techniques are your best bet
  • Blue Catfish are best caught in Lake Springfield using stinkbait, crayfish, or shrimp along the edges of lake near submerged logs or along grassy areas
  • If you’re looking for largemouth bass in Lake Springfield, you’ll have a ton of luck with any of the following; spinners, crankbaits, crayfish, jigs, worms

Types of Fish in Lake Springfield

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Fathead Catfish

5. Lake Shelbyville

Lake Shelbyville Fishing

Lake Shelbyville is another renowned reservoir situated in Illinois and is a famous lake among tourists and travelers as it offers marinas, resorts, and parks, and unreal fishing! A recreational atmosphere for the family and anglers alike give this a high rating for our best fishing spots in Illinois!

Weather is always an important factor that you must look at before booking your tickets, the temperature all over the year varies from 30°F to 89°F. Summers are warm and humid, whereas winters are chilly and wet so it all depends if you’re looking to get out on the boat or do some ice fishing! Crappie fishing is the most popular in May and June and is the time you’ll find the lake busiest with people fishing at all hours of the day and night.

Ice fishing is very famous in this location and anglers from all over the world visit Lake Shelbyville for ice fishing the Crappie and Bass. Boat fishing and fishing from piers are also a popular choice among anglers in the summer at Lake Shelbyville.

Lake Shelbyville Fishing Tips

  • If you’re looking to load up on Walleye or Crappie, using a spinner with a minnow so you’ll catch less perch and yellow bass

Types of Fish in Lake Shelbyville

White Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Muskie

6. Devils Kitchen Lake

Devils Kitchen Lake Fishing

Devils Kitchen Lake is a reservoir in the south of Illinois and it covers an area of 810 acres. Devils Kitchen Lake is famous for fishing Rainbow Trout this draws anglers from all around the world to one of the best spots in Illinois for fishing trout!

The weather conditions in this lake are extreme. The winter season makes the water freeze and is easily cold enough to sustain a long ice fishing season. Ice fishing is extremely popular here and you can usually catch a ton of perch and crappie without a ton of effort. There is also a lot of shoreline and creeks around the lake that are perfect for fly fisherman looking to land some trophy sized largemouth bass!

Devils Kitchen lake is also up to 90 feet deep, so you can catch some beast rainbow trout that you’ll be able to brag about to all your friends. 

Devils Kitchen Lake Fishing Tips

  • Unlike normal, the best bass are caught in the deeper waters at Devils Kitchen lake and act similar to the rainbow trout
  • Crappies respond well to using minnows that are jigged a foot or two below surface

Types of Fish in Devils Kitchen Lake

Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Yellow Perch

7. Lake of Egypt

Lake of Egypt Fishing Illinois

Lake of Egypt is a reservoir located on the southern side of Illinois about 5 miles south of Marion, Illinois. This is a super popular place among anglers in Illinois as there are a ton of different fishing expeditions and resorts to stay in the area!

Summers at Lake of Egypt are hot, and winters are cold and ugly with the coldest month of the year being January, with a temperature of 48°F. The best fishing months are mid-October to the end of January unless you’re looking to do some intense ice fishing and brave the winter storms!

Fly Fishing Lake of Egypt is a great opportunity to target the Nile Perch and land some of these hard fighting, monsters of the lake. If you’re looking to cruise around with the family in the boat or even fish off a pier, Lake of Egypt offers some great spots to do both of these with a high probability of catching a fish!

Lake of Egypt Fishing Tips

  • The best strategy in this lake is to fish parrallel to the grassy areas to land bass, spinners work the best and jerkbait has also been known to land bass with high success rates
  • Carolina rigs with green pumpkins lures are great for bass in shallow water, and have been known to yield trophy fish without needing to go into deep water

Types of Fish in Lake of Egypt

Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Nile Perch

8. Little Grassy Lake

Little Grassy Lake is a huge reservoir on the southern edge of Illinois covering an area of 1200 acres! Summers at Little Grassy Lake are warm and muggy, with July being the hottest month of the year. The best fishing months are from April to May to fish the hard fighting Northern Pike, Walleye and Sauger.

Fly fishing is excellent here when compared to ice fishing, just because of the endless shoreline and the ease of catching some nice bass hiding in the weeds. If you plan on boat fishing in Little Grassy Lake, there are a ton of amenities including numerous boat launches, and places to gas up for a day on the water. This is a top lake to fish in Illinois because year round the fishing are constantly biting, doesn’t matter if you’re fishing from the shore, on a boat, or on the ice!

Little Grassy Lake Fishing Tips

  • The best strategy in this lake is to fish parrallel to the grassy areas to land bass, spinners work the best and jerkbait has also been known to land bass with high success rates
  • Carolina rigs with green pumpkins lures are great for bass in shallow water, and have been known to yield trophy fish without needing to go into deep water

Types of Fish in Little Grassy Lake

Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sauger

9. Fox Chain of Lakes

This group of lakes is situated on the northeastern side of Illinois and it constitutes 15 different lakes that are all connected by the Fox River. Why is it such a great fishing spot, because it gives you a ton of variety on different spots to fish. You can pick your spot on a dock, shoreline, or take the boat out and troll for some walleye!

Fox Chain of Lakes in Illinois is a great place for a family fishing trip, as there are tons of campgrounds and recreational activities around if they aren’t as interested in going hard catching fish. This is a really ideal location for fly fishing as well, with all the cool shoreline to wander and different waterways you can always find a great spot to drop a lure in. Be warned, being so close to Chicago this lake draws almost 30,000 visitors in the summer months.

Fox Chain of Lakes Fishing Tips

  • The ice usually thaws around March, and the best walley and crappie fishing taking place early spring with a small jig and minnow, combined with a float as the preferred tackle
  • As the water starts to warm, you can catch walleye along the shoreline in the shallower water, and during the summer they’ll like to hang out in the deeper water around 15-20 feet. 

Types of Fish in Fox Chain of Lakes

Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Catfish

10. The Kankakee River

Kankanee River Fishing

The Kankakee River is a tributary of the Illinois River and covers a massive amount of distance with a length of 133 miles. Anglers can fish this river is a bunch of different ways from wading in, shore fishing, or even launching a boat in one of the many towns along this waterway. 

So whats the main reason anglers love fishing in the Kankakee River? It is teeming with smallmouth bass to catch, and the fishing season is quite long here as there are opportunities to fish into the winter months as well! A lot of angler love to fly fish, but there is something about floating a boat down a river and catching fish all day that is really appealing and popular on the Kankakee River. This is a truly underrated fishing spot in Illinois and one that you should definitely check out if you’re in the area.

Kankanee River Fishing Tips

  • The best smallmouth bass fishing season is early in the spring or fall, with spinners, crank baits, and jigs are a great choice to increase your odds
  • If you’re looking to fish for a hard fighting pike, look for tributaries or islands that create quiet spots in the river and target these for fishing northern pike

Types of Fish in Kankanee River

Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Rock Bass, Northern Pike

Wrapping Up Our Best Fishing in Illinois Article

The first word that pops in our mind when hearing the state of Illinois is Fishing! It will never let you down by offering a wide span of fishing opportunities and amenities to its visitors. If you feel messed up by your daily grind, you can home here and blow off some steam. It not only offers fishing but swimming, sports, and all types of fun that you are looking for in one state that can do it all!

This article has covered the top 10 best locations for fishing in Illinois. These lakes and rivers will never disappoint you with the heavy load of fish that are carrying in their depths. Trout, Crappie, Bass, Catfish, and Yellow Perch are found abundantly. Make sure to visit these lakes and have the best fishing experience of your life.

Best Fishing In Arizona – 10 Spots You Can’t Miss

by

Why Fish in Arizona?

When you think of Arizona you probably think of golfing in the desert, but the abundance of lakes and rivers throughout the state make this a can’t miss fishing destination! The landscape is truly breathtaking and the opportunities for fishing are endless, and this is a place commonly overlooked but we’re going to lay out how good the fishing can be in the amazing state of Arizona!

Arizona is a great spot for fishing as it offers you pleasant lakes, calm rivers, breath-taking resorts, and excellent weather conditions both in the summer and winter. Fishing in Arizona will give you a lasting memory as there is something truly special about fishing along a river deep in the red rock canyons!

Since Arizona is located in a desert, there are only a few spots you can go Ice fishing such as Lake of the Woods, Devil’s Lake, Lake Michigan, and Chambers Lake. You can catch the following fish while you are out ice fishing: Walleye, Perch, Kokanee salmon, trout, and plenty of other cold-water fish.

The best fishing season in Arizona can be both spring and fall. An important fishing tip is to avoid it during extreme weather conditions. In summer, early mornings are the best time to fish, whereas, in spring and fall, it is preferred to go around dusk.

Best Fishing in Arizona image

Best Lakes and Rivers to Fish In Arizona

Arizona has over 120 different lakes and multiple huge rivers that offer a wide range of fishing opportunities and will be sure to never leave you empty-handed. We’ve rounded up the top fishing spots in Arizona so you can easily plan your next fishing trip to Arizona!

1. Alamo Lake Fishing

Alamo Lake Fishing

Alamo Lake is located in the Alamo State Park, on the western edge of Arizona. Alamo Lake is fed by the Colorado River and Bill Williams River and is about 308 miles from the capital of Arizona, Phoenix. You can find a great variety of following fish species in Alamo Lake. It includes Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Tilapia.

The weather conditions here are mostly sunny throughout the year. January is the coldest month of the year, with the temperature getting as low as 43°F. July is the hottest month of the year, with the temperature getting as high as 100°F. You can fish this lake year round, and the conditions and views make this some of the best fishing in Arizona!

The big draw to this lake is definitely the largemouth Bass, with a teeming population in the lake it isn’t uncommon to see Bass fishing tournaments going on almost every weekend in the summer. This just tells you how good the fishing really is in Lake Alamo, and the chances of catching a trophy Bass are high!

Fishing for crappie is also very popular, as there are huge schools and you can use bait to get these bad boys on your hook! This is a great choice for beginner anglers as they give quite the fight and you can catch them in huge numbers if you find the right fishing spot!

Alamo Lake Fishing Tips

  • For those anglers looking to hook largemouth Bass, Crankbaits, Spinnerbaits, and flip Senkos have been known to have a high chance of success in this lake
  • If you’re fishing from a boat for Crappie, roadrunners and minnows while slow trolling in 30ft of water gives you great odds of catching 5+ crappie per day!
  • Night fishing is popular at this lake especially for Crappie, and works great with underwater fishing lights!

Types of Fish in Alamo Lake

Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Crappie

2. Marble Canyon Fishing

Marble Canyon Fishing

In the northern region of Arizona you will find a great place to quench your thirst for fishing, Marble Canyon. It is the only place that offers access to the Colorado River on both sides and fishing in this deep canyon is an experience of a lifetime. There are a ton of fish to go after including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, bluegill, and striped bass. There are a ton of different trout species as well, and this is top of the list for best fishing in Arizona as the landscape of the canyons is truly remarkable! You won’t know whether to pay attention to the water or look around at the jaw dropping scenery!

Weather conditions around Marble Canyon gets really hot in the summers because well, its in the desert. During the summer fishing season, its really your best bet to do the majority of your fishing in early in the mornings or evenings. Winters are surprisingly cold with below-freezing temperatures, and in December and January it can drop down to 0°F. Both early spring and late fall offer some of the best times to go fishing in Marble Canyon on the Colorado River because of the nice and mild temperatures. 

Marble Canyon Fishing Tips

  • There is no closed season for fishing in Marble Canyon, but anglers are only allowed to keep up to four trout, under 12 inches long
  • The best bet for tackle is to bring a combination of black and red jigs
  • Wading in this area is the best bet to really take in the scenery while still land a few huge trout fishing in Marble Canyon

Types of Fish in Marble Canyon

Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Striped Bass

3. Big Lake Fishing

Big Lake Fishing Arizona

Big Lake is situated on the northern edge of the White Mountains in Arizona. As far as this mountain range goes, Big Lake is considered one of the best spots to fish in Arizona. You get prolific trout fishing at an astounding 9,000 ft. 

In Big Lake, the summers are long and humid, with the temperature getting as high as 70 degrees. Being so high in the mountains, the winters get quite cold with the temperature dropping as low as 6°F. The one positive to this is that Big Lake is one of the top ice fishing spots in Arizona! Summers last for 4-5 months while winters last for 3 months, so its quite a short ice fishing season.

Trout fishing is the particular thing that grasps the attention of anglers from all parts of the United States to come fish at Big Lake. The scenary being surrounded by mountains at over 9,000 ft elevation is something that not many places can offer, and you’ll get to experience some of the best trout fishing in Arizona!

Big Lake Fishing Tips

  • Trolling lures in the thermoclines show a lot of success as this lake is quite cold
  • Fish in this lake tend to be a bit deeper than your average lake trout, typically 10 ft deep you’ll find bigger trout that are 12-16 inches
  • A 9.5′ fly fishing rod with a 9 foot leader will work perfectly to fish the shores around Big Lake

Types of Fish in Big Lake

Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout – It’s Trout Central!

4. Salt River Fishing

Salt River Fishing

Salt River is located in Mesa, Arizona about 19 miles west to the capital Phoenix. Salt River is the largest tributary to the Gila River. Lower Salt River in particular is home to a ton of different fish species including Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish Channel catfish. The fishing is at its peak during the summers as the temperature reaches 100°F, and you can often find the fish swimming just below the surface of the water.

Salt river is over 200 miles long and offers some great fishing close to the city in Arizona, and a ton of other recreational activities such as tubing. One of the reasons it is considered some of the best fishing in Arizona is the seemingly infinite amount of shoreline you can fly fish from. There are endless opportunities to catch trout just standing on the shore or even wading in some spots. 

Salt River Fishing Tips

  • Fishing with bait is your best bet in this stocked river, worms are the best but you can use corn to try and get a few carp on the hook as well
  • The green pumpkin color is a popular choice and the majority of fisherman have the best luck using this in Salt River

Types of Fish in Salt River

Largemouth Bass, Roundtail Chub, Rainbow Trout, Sunfish, Catfish

5. Parker Canyon Lake Fishing

On the southeastern edge of Arizona, you will find the Parker Canyon Lake which is a tributary to the Santa Cruz River. Parker Canyon Lake is 28 miles to the southwest of Sierra Vista, which is a city in Cochise County, Arizona. One thing that makes this lake unique for Arizona is the 

Parker Canyon Lake is filled with largemouth bass, rainbow trout, green sunfish, bluegill, black bullhead, yellow bullhead, black bullhead, and mosquito fish. Another fish, the Northern Pike, was in abundance here but in the past couple of years the Pike has literally vanished. 

 

Parker Canyon Lake Fishing Tips

  • If you’re fishing for Kokanee salmon, the best tactic to land these beauties is trolling from a boat with a down-rigger, and testing out colorful lures
  • Lake trout can be caught in abundance with a number of methods, casting from shore or trolling the deep parts of the lakes all give you a great shot at landing a big lake trout
  • If you’re looking to do some fly fishing at Blue Mesa reservoir, the Gunnison river gives you a great shot at landing rainbow or brown trout 

Types of Fish in Parker Canyon Lake

Rainbow Trout, Bass Sunfish, Catfish

Best Cities for Fishing in Arizona

Arizona has a ton of cities that serve as a great jumping point to hit a ton of different fishing locations in Arizona! All the cities we’re going to talk about will be perfect for a family fishing trip or a trip with a group of hardcore anglers looking for some of the best fishing in Arizona.

1. Phoenix, Arizona Fishing

Pheonix Arizona

Phoenix is the capital city of the state of Arizona and is located on the southwestern edge of Arizona. It is the largest city in the state and offers a ton of activities that don’t involve fishing such as professional sports, museums, and hiking. There is also a booming food and fine arts culture in Phoenix with world class restaurants and performances.

The great place about staying in Phoenix for your next fishing trip is the access to Tonto National forest, its to the North of the city so it offers an advantage over places like Scottsdale or Mesa. This is a must visit fishing spot in Arizona, as it has some breathtaking scenary as well as a ton of fishing lakes that have a huge variety of fish to chase! Everything from small / large mouth bass, trout, catfish, crappie, and even more! The city of Phoenix itself doesn’t come up often as a fishing spot, but with its access to ton of fishing locations and excellent amenities its a perfect spot for a few day fishing trips in Arizona!

Fishing Spots near Phoenix, Arizona

  • Apache Lake
  • Encanto River
  • Saguaro Lake
  • Horseshoe Lake

2. Tuscon, Arizona Fishing

Tucson Arizona

Tucson is another famous city in the state of Arizona, located just over 100 miles south of Phoenix and second in the state with a population of 520,116. Tucson is the second most populated city in the state and offers a diverse amount of fishing opportunities in and around the city. You probably don’t think about Tucson being a spot for fishing, but it has great access to a ton of amazing rivers, lakes, and canyons that are perfect for an Arizona fishing trip!

Tucson has also done a great job of setting up urban fishing lakes and parks that are perfect for getting the kids into fishing! There are many places around Tucson where you can camp out and fish for a whole weekend, or just pack a picnic and hit up one of the many city parks that offer fishing for the day! This is a place you don’t want to leave off the list when considering your next fishing trip to Arizona!

Fishing Spots near Tucson, Arizona

  • Parker Canyon Lake
  • Silverbell Lake
  • Rose Canyon Lake
  • East Verde River
  • Pena Blanca Lake

3. Mesa, Arizona Fishing

Mesa is south of Phoenix and Scottsdale, and is essentially considered a suburb of Phoenix but offers some better access to some of the best fishing spots in Arizona just to the south! There is also a plethora of lakes and fishing areas within the city itself, which is a truly progressive move that more Arizona cities are starting to follow. This really opens up fishing as a family friendly activity, since you don’t have to drives hours if you’re just looking for a day activity. 

For the hardcore anglers looking to do some serious fishing, there are a ton of different rivers and lakes that offer some epic fishing opportunities in Arizona! There are some great opportunities to fly fish in the Salt River or if you’re looking to get on a boat and do some trolling, Roosevelt lake is a perfect place to launch a boat and go for some trophy bass or catfish!

Fishing Spots near Mesa, Arizona

  • Salt River
  • Canyon Lake
  • Granite Reef
  • Dobson Ranch Park
  • Roosevelt Lake

4. Page, Arizona Fishing

Page is located in Coconino County and is basically on the shoreline of Glen Canyon Lake. This isn’t a huge city by any means, but offers some of the best fishing in Arizona with fast access to Glen Canyon National Park. If you’re looking to do some serious fly fishing, there are a ton of spots along the Colorado River that are only minutes drive from Page. This is one of the premier rivers to fish in the United States, so its not a surprise this is one of the top cities to visit for your fishing trip in Arizona!

The city of Page is also right beside Powell Lake, which offers ton of boating recreational activities and beaches for the whole family! Fishing Lake Powell gives you some of the top trout fishing in the state and has enough shoreline to keep any fly fisherman busy for weeks. This is a great city for fishing as there are a ton of different fishing guide services and excursions that basically guarantee you’ll be landing fish all day long.

5. Scottsdale, Arizona Fishing

Scottsdale is a city in Arizona just on the east of Phoenix and is known as the desert city of Arizona. Scottsdale stretches to about 31 miles long and one of the top fishing spots in Arizona, the Salt River basically runs right through Scottsdale. It’s safe to say the there are a ton of different fishing opportunities near Scottsdale, and the nightlight and culture are a great reason to set up camp here for your fishing trip in Arizona!

One thing that makes it super easy to fish in Scottsdale, there are an endless list of fishing tours that are based out of Scottsdale so you don’t even have to drive to get the best fishing in Arizona, they’ll do all the work for you! You can also do overnight trips and camp to really get your fill of fishing! You may be thinking that Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Mesa are all in such close proximity to each other what difference does it make where you stay for a better fishing trip? The only real answer is that it can save you driving time depending on where you’re planning to fish, so picking the fishing spots is key on deciding where you want to stay!

Fishing Spots near Scottsdale, Arizona

  • Lake Pleasant
  • Chaparral Lake
  • Eldorado North Lake
  • Lake Pleasant

Wrapping Up The Best Fishing in Arizona

The first word the pops in our mind on hearing the state of Arizona is Fishing! It will never let you down by offering a wide span of fishing opportunities and amenities to its visitors. If you feel messed up by your daily grind, you can come here and blow off some steam. It not only offers exotic fishing locations but swimming, sports, and all types of fun that you are looking for under one roof.

For all types of Bass, be sure to visit Alamo Lake! For the fondness of Fish trout, visit Lee’s Ferry at Grand Canyon, have a glance at Big Lake for Rainbow and Apache trout, for the love of Catfish and Sunfish don’t forget to visit Salt River and be sure to go to Parker Canyon Lake for yellow perch and bluegill.

Recommended Articles

Best Fishing In California – 10 Spots You Have To See!

by

Fishing is one of the few activities that can provide almost anything someone is searching for in a hobby – Peace, and Tranquility, but also Excitement and Thrills!  Getting out on the lake with family and friends, having a beer and casting a line, there’s really nothing better. However, if you pick the wrong area to fish, you might miss out on all those aforementioned experiences!  A lake that is too busy, low on fish, or is a bit of an eyesore can really toss a wrench in your fishing experience.

With that in mind, you need to be in the know about the best fishing spots in a region prior to embarking on a fishing trip. If you are living in the area of California, or are planning a fishing trip there then you don’t have to worry one bit – California is home to many unique species of fish, found in amazing locations all across the state!

There are many fishing spots in California but some stand out, so we have broken some of our favorites down into an easy to digest list to make planning your next trip a breeze.  So, without further ado, let’s dive in:

Photo of the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
Photo of Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park

1. Clear Lake

Photo of Clear Lake California

If you are looking for an excellent fishing and vacation spot within California, then Clear Lake is the spot for you. This is a terrific fishing and vacationing destination and is located within the North-Central region of California. More specifically, it is located within Lake County and is the largest freshwater lake in California. It is serene, beautiful and totally moving. You can really lose yourself in the environment here when you are surrounded and immersed in its natural beauty. 

Clear Lake is a great spot for those of you who are looking for freshwater fishing in this region. We honestly don’t think we are exaggerating when we say that Clear Lake is one of the best spots for fishing in California, which is why it is #1 on our list.

Clear Lake is also a real hot spot if you are fishing for bass. The weather here is warm and there are plenty of baitfish to be found. The weather and abundance of baitfish make it the ideal spot for the breeding of large fish including bass, so if you are a big bass fisher, this is your place!

Types of Fish in Clear Lake: Rainbow Trout, Sacramento Blackfish, Clear Lake Hitch, Clear Lake Tule Perch, Sacramento Perch

2. Santa Monica Pier

Photo of the Santa Monica Pier

Another marvelous spot for fishing that you can take full advantage of when you are in California is the Santa Monica Pier. This is an excellent spot for fishing and hosts many avid fishers each year. The weather is pleasant, the wind is typically light, and the fish bite all day long. If you know what you are doing, the odds of you catching here are really in your favor.  You will be presented with the opportunity of exploring and being privy to the wonders that exist within the waters of the Pacific Ocean when you come to Santa Monica Pier.  

You can also engage in sports fishing and surf fishing as well. The variety of fish species that can be found in this area is quite diverse, offering a lot of different challenges! You will be able to find different species like croaker, leopard shark halibut, mackerel, surfperch, and white seabass when you fish at the Santa Monica Pier.  As an added bonus there are also plenty of other activities available here as well that can be engaged in such as surfing, walking,  people watching, and of course the ferris wheel located on the pier itself is a must do!

Types of Fish at the Santa Monica Pier: Croaker, Halibut, Mackerel, White Seabass, Surf Perch

3. Yosemite National Park

No fishing roundup of California hot spots would be complete without a mention of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite boasts extremely lush and fertile lakes for fishing which is one of the many reasons it receives hordes of visitors each year. Despite the volume of people coming in and out of the park, it is still pretty spacious and filled with tranquility and serenity if you look off the beaten path a little bit.  You should have a truly memorable fishing experience here due to the combination of natural beauty, how untouched by humanity it is, and of course, the geysers!  The Yosemite National Park is located roughly 150 miles East of San Francisco – trust us: this journey is well worth it! 

Yosemite is a fantastic spot for fishing as it has many fishing locations and also offers the opportunity to fish for different varieties of fish species as well.  Fans of fishing will be able to find Bluegill, trout and Smallmouth Bass when they fish in Yosemite National Park. Also, if you want to take a break from fishing then you can spend it adventuring around this gorgeous park. There are waterfalls to see, mountains to climb and wildlife to photograph. You can also participate in other fun-filled activities like rock climbing, backpacking, rafting in the river, sightseeing, hiking, etc!  Yosemite will bring you for the fishing, but keep you here for the plethora of activities and sights it offers!

Types of Fish in Yosemite National Park: Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish

4. Bodega Bay

Photo of Bodega Bay California

Bodega Bay is another excellent spot for fishing that can be found within the region of California. One thing that really attracts visitors to this spot is the scenic views and absolutely amazing weather.  Being right on the ocean keeps the bay temperate all year round, never getting unbearably hot or cold. Bodega Bay should check all the boxes when it comes to scoping out an area for a fishing trip as well . Bodega Bay is located in the Northern part of California about 50 miles north of San Fran and is definitely worth checking out. The best aspect of this spot is that you will not have to fret about a shortage of fishing opportunities as it is full to the brim with fishing spots that are literally teeming with fish.

Bodega Bay makes our list as it is one of the best spots in California for engaging in saltwater fishing. There are various species of fish available in this region such as Pacific Mackerel, Surfperch, and Rockfish. Amazing view, tons of locations to fish, great fish to go after, and decent proximity to San Francisco are a few of the reasons we think Bodega Bay should definitely be on your California fishing trip list!

Types of Fish in Bodega Bay: Salmon, Rockfish, Ling Cod, Albacore Tuna, Trout, Crabs, Squids, and even Sharks!

5. Lake Shasta

Photo of Shasta Lake California

Lake Shasta is a very prominent fishing destination for the fish in its lake and a unique and attractive bridge in its midst. This is a favorite spot for the locals and receives many visitors from all across the country each year. This is one of the best places in all of California to fish and enjoy.  The fish in Lake Shasta are plentiful and there is a wide variety of species as well. Lake Shasta is found in Northern California about 80 miles south of the California Oregon border. The Lake is home to many different species of fish but is especially famous for Bass fishing. If you are looking to catch Bass, then this is a must visit spot, however you can still catch fish such as Salmon, King Salmon, Catfish, Sunfish, and Rainbow trout.

Another important factor that sets Lake Shasta apart from other fishing spots is its ease of accessibility.  As it is a bit more remote it is not exceedingly busy, and is conveniently located right along the #5 interstate.  Lake Shasta offers fishing all year long so you can choose whichever season suits you best!

Fun Fact: Lake Shasta is actually a reservoir that was created when the river was dammed in 1944, and is the ninth tallest dam in the USA!

Types of Fish in Lake Shasta Reservoir: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, White Sturgeon

6. Smith River

Photo of Smith River California

Smith River is located in the northwestern area of California and is a great spot for Steelhead fishing.  It is located on the northern reaches of Route 101, just south of Oregon. You can potentially catch 20lb Steelhead fish when you fish in this area. If you want to up your chance of catching Steelhead then make sure you go between December and April as this is when the fish enter the water system after the Salmons fall run is complete.  

If you prefer to go for Salmon, visit the area in the fall or during the first big rain storms in the spring. The largest recorded Smith River salmon caught to date is a massive 86 pounds, so make sure to do some weightlifting in the offseason!  

Must Do: If you want to take your fishing experience to the next level, find one of Smith River’s many clear waters and deep pools and swim with the fish!  You might want a wet suit as the river is rather cold even in the summer, but this gives you a deep sea snorkeling like experience inland!

Types of Fish in Smith River: Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat, Steelhead Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon

7. McCloud River

Photo of the McCloud River

This is one of the best fisheries that can be found in California. It runs off the renowned Mount Shasta, is located in the Shasta Trinity National Forest, and is one of the best spots for trout fishing in California. You can find Brook Trout, Brown trout, and the areas of Hat creek, and Burney falls in this area.

The McCloud River originates from the highest elevation point in Mount Shasta’s glaciers. The turquoise color of this river is due to these glacial waters. There are miles of trout accessible water available in the lower McCloud River. Fishing enthusiasts will be able to fish for browns and rainbows. These fish usually weigh around 10 pounds and measure at 14 inches minimum! 

You can fish in this river from April to November 15th. The best conditions for fishing start in spring when the river is flowing and at its highest point. The summer months in the area start from July to September. These days are bright, illuminated and hot. The river experiences a large scale caddis hatching which brings big browns searching for a buffet of sorts. 

Take your fishing experience to the next level by hiring the services of a local guide.  There are several available in the area and they will update you about the best spots and flies to be used for fishing.

Types of Fish in the McCloud River: Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat, Steelhead Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon

Best Cities for Fishing in California

If you are planning to visit California for a few days, you’ll want to stay in a city that gives you good access to these great fishing spots!  The following three cities are tourist hubs with tons of things to do on top of fishing, so you will never run out of activities!


1. San Diego, California

San Diego California

San Diego Bay is a large port city located in Southern California, or SoCal. It is one of the best harbors within the state of California. There are plenty of fishing spots in San Diego that affords visitors the chance to partake in freshwater, saltwater, and pier fishing. Fishing enthusiasts will be able to fish for leopard sharks, bonito, halibut, barracuda and more when they cast a line off the pier in San Diego bay. If you are more of a saltwater fishing fan then you will be able to fish by boat and have a shot at halibut, croaker, yellowfin, calico bass, or even a massive marlin!

There are also several spots spread around San Diego for freshwater fishing. Fish that can be found in lakes and rivers around Sand Diego are catfish, crappie, carp, bluegill, and trout. 

In short, San Diego is a fantastic spot for fishing whether it be fresh or saltwater. It is full of various fish species and numerous fishing opportunities as well.  If you have a specific fish in mind, there is a good chance you can find it in and around San Diego! Our top spots to head to fish in and around San Diego are Coronado Island, South Bay, and the Sweetwater Channel.

Fishing Spots near San Diego California

  • Santee Lakes
  • Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
  • Lake Murray Reservoir
  • Lake Cuyamaca
  • Harbor Island Park


2. San Francisco California

San Francisco California

San Francisco is a city located in Northern California and is admirably referred to as San Fran by locals and visitors. It is a bustling and beautiful city that has had a serious cultural revival in the last decade due to the tech boom and its proximity to silicon valley.  Major offices of Google, Facebook, Pinterest, and Mozilla can all be found here! Of course the reason you are here – It is also a terrific spots for fishing in its harbors and lakes outside of the city. Perhaps the most prominent and visited of spots when it comes to San Francisco is the San Francisco Bay. This bay is situated adjacent to the city of San Francisco and ranges in depth from roughly 10 to 35 feet.  The muddy bay floor is a perfect breeding spot for Halibut, and you have a great shot at catching one in the bay area!

Fishing season around here starts from May and then carries on throughout the entire summer. visitors will be able to take full benefit of Halibut fishing. Outside of spring and summer, the winds can really pick up in the bay, making fishing trips a little less ideal, but if you are a bit tougher and some cold doesn’t bother you, there is really no bad time to get out there!

Fishing Spots near San Francisco California

  • Oyster Point Pier
  • China Beach
  • San Francisco Bay
  • Bon Tempe lake
  • Candlestick Park


3. Santa Monica California

Santa Monica California

Santa Monica is a coastal city located within the metropolis of Los Angeles. It is a beautiful beachfront city with outdoor gyms, bike paths, and beaches as far as the eye can see.  Santa Monica offers great fishing opportunities either from the pier, or by taking a boat out into the ocean. Don’t get distracted when you are out there though! The amount of wealth in the area is sure to have you seeing some amazing yachts during your trip.  Santa Monica is also a terrific tourist spot with plenty of hotels, attractions, and activities. So, if you want to enjoy fishing and have a great time, add Santa Monica to your list of cities to visit and cast a line in!

Fishing Spots near Estes Park, Colorado

  • Echo Park Lake
  • Venice Fishing Pier
  • Dockweiler State Park
  • Legg Lake
  • Lincoln Park Lake

Wrapping Up Our Best Fishing in California Article

If you are a fan of fishing (We assume you are if you are in this page) and want have the trip of a lifetime, opt for California as your next fishing trip destination. The State of California has a large number of exceptional spots for fishing. Beaches, Piers, Lakes, and Glacier Fed Rivers mean the only limit here is your imagination!  As California is a worldwide tourist hub, you can get your fishing fix all while being offered some of the food and entertainment the USA has to offer. So treat yourself and make California your next destination for fishing and vacationing in general.

Best Fishing In Colorado – 10 Spots You Can’t Miss

by

Fishing is an outdoor sport that is easily accessible, fun and can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their experience level. All you need is some fishing gear and a good place to fish, and Colorado has an endless supply of epic fishing spots. That’s all you need and you are good to relax your mind and enjoy th great outdoors and landscape of Colorado!

Fatty fishes like salmon and trout are considered some of the healthiest fishes to eat, they’re also some of best fish to catch because of the fight they both put up. And in Colorado you can find both types of fish, including bass in an abundance of lakes and rivers! There are 8000 miles of rivers and approximately 2000 lakes which gives anglers, fly-fishers, pure rod-and-reelers, and ice-fisherman alike a massive variety of fishing opportunities. The western state of Colorado is a terrific place to fly fish, shore fish, or fish from a  boat and enjoy a wonderful evening with friends or family.

If you want to know some of the best places to visit in Colorado to fish, then read on below!

Best Fishing In Colorado

To fish in Colorado, you need a fishing license. One day and five-day passes are also permitted through purchase from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Some of the fish that you will find in the ever-blue water of Colorado’s lakes, rivers and streams are Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Quillback, Razorback Suck Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Lake Trout. And this isn’t even half of the fishes you will find dropping your hook into Colorado fishing!

1. Rocky Mountain National Park Fishing

Residing in Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its Trail Ridge Road, The Old Fall River Road and exuberant drives through the aspen trees and the rivers. The park contains not only the protected mountains but also Alpine Tundra and forests. With exceptional views and landscape, this is truly one of the can’t miss places to fish in Colorado. I know its hard to call this one fishing “spot”, but there are so many amazing places to fish in Colorado we needed to group this into one!

The Cutthroat Trout is one of the most popular fish caught by anglers fishing in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain park. Other than that, you will find Greenback Cutthroat, Suckers, Sculpins and Colorado River Cutthroat which are considered as native species to the park. Rocky Mountain National park yields some of the best trout fishing in Colorado and is a place that has to be at the top of your bucket list!

The park is open for a visit throughout the year. Though, due to warm sunny days and chilly nights, summers have frequent visitors as compared to other seasons. In winter, tourists come to the park for cross-country skiing and snow. Spring brings with it loads of wildflower blooms which make the whole park vibrant and colorful.

Top Trout Fishing Spots in Rocky Mountain National Park

Spirit Lake

If you’re a hardcore angler and you’re looking for a remote spot that you need to hike into, this is a great place to check out. You’ll have to make an overnight trip out of it, but this lake off the East Inlet Trail is an epic place for trout fishing.

Onahu Creek

This is a favorite river to fish in Colorado among anglers due to its accessibility and stunning views you get. This is well known in Colorado as a river you can easily fish for Brown, Brook, and Colorado River trout. 

Lock Lake

A protected lake with a ton of coves that give you a little bit of shelter from the elements, Loch Lake is a perfect fly fishing spot for all skill levels and it is loaded with greenback trout and brook trout so your hook will stay busy!

Roaring River

A fast moving lake with plenty of challenges for experienced fly fisherman, this gives way to some of the great spots to wade in and catch a huge variety of trout including rainbow, greenback, brook, and brown!

Types of Fish in Rocky Mountain Park

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Colorado River Trout, Greenback Trout

2. Grand Lake Fishing

Grand Lake Fishing Colorado

Grand Lake is the deepest and largest lake in the state of Colorado. It is situated on the North shore of the statutory town of Grand Lake in Grand County. Grand Lake has a surface water length of over sixty miles, with a ton of amazing boat or shore fishing spots along the shoreline! The lake is the end result of runoff from the Pinedale Glaciations, the lake also has another name –The Spirit Lake, given to it by the Ute Tribe. They believe that the cold water of the lake is the resting place of many departed souls.

When it comes to having fun, Grand Lake offers a number of fun activities like boating and hiking to its visitors in addition to the countless fishing opportunities. The lake is near to restaurants that serve delicious food and shops that offer many aritisan and hand crafted products! Grand Lake is an ideal fishing spot in Colorado and a must visit if you’re looking for a great family trip!

The lake gives its visitors the best fishing experiences in Colorado one could ask for. You will be able to find a number of fish in the deep waters of the lake. Some of the fishes include Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw, and the German Brown Trout.

Winters are particularly popular for the world class ice fishing Grand Lake offers, with tons of opportunities to do it yourself or find a fishing company. Spirit Lake Outfitters is a company that gives guided fishing trips on the lake from fly-fishing to ice-fishing, they have the experience and the equipment to help you get a big, juicy trout.

Grand Lake Fishing Tips

  • With the depths of Grand Lake, it is a great opportunity to troll with down riggers and lures to land some monster lake trout over 20 lbs!
  • For anglers looking to fish from the shore, crank baits are hugely successful especially if you’re looking to land Brown Trout
  • Fishing with spinners near the east inlet of Grand Lake is a highly touted spot to catch rainbows in abundance

Types of Fish in Grand Lake

Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw

Lake San Cristobal Fishing

The second largest lake in the state of Colorado, Lake San Cristobal is located in the San Juan Mountains at the height of 9,003 feet above sea level. The freshwater lake is close to 90 feet deep in some spots and only 2.1 miles long, giving you a nice, isolated fishing experience high up in the mountains! The lake was formed as a result of a natural landslide around 700 years ago.

Lake San Cristobal gives you fishing opportunities year round with ice fishing in the winter and fly fishing or casting in the summer! Fishing, boating, and last but not the least camping are some of the most popular activities people enjoy at this amazing mountain lake. The abundance of trout and the breathtaking views of lake San Cristobal make this one of the best fishing spots in Colorado!

Some of the fish you will find in lake San Cristobal are rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon and brown trout. You can catch these fish from any of the publicly accessible areas on the shore or you can take a boat out and try to land a nice 20 lb trophy trout!

The best time to fish according to the veteran anglers is late April or early May. Thus, if you are planning a spring fishing trip in Colorado, lake San Cristobal should definitely be considered in your options!

Lake San Cristobal Fishing Tips

  • There are tons of opportunities for baitcasting, fly fishing, or trolling on this lake so anglers can pick their favorite technique and let fly in lake San Cristobal
  • There are tons of small creeks and rivers that drain into lake San Cristobal that are perfect for fly fishing, make sure to check for public access as there is quite a bit of private property around the area

Types of Fish in Lake San Cristobal

Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Lake Trout, Cutthroat Trout

Dillon Reservoir Fishing

Fishing in Lake San Cristobal

Dillon Reservoir resides in Summit County, Colorado and it is a freshwater reservoir that is also known as Lake Dillon. Some of the activities that will make your visit a memorable one include hiking trails, kite-surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, skiing and some of the best fishing in Colorado. Therefore, if you are looking for a small getaway from the daily stresses of city life, Lake Dillon is the perfect place to embrace the natural beauty that Colorado has to offer. 

The lake homes the mighty Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, and Brown Trout along with ome smallmouth bass. Typically, trout love the cold and clear waters and their presence in the Dillon reservoir has been the major reason this place tops some of the best fishing spots to visit in Colorado. The Dillon Reservoir is one of only two lakes in the lower 48 that you can fish Arctic Char!

The fishing ecosystem has gradually improved over the years which has contributed to the growing popularity of the Dillon Reservoir as a fishing and vacation destination. The most popular time to come and fish is definitely the summer due to the numerous other outdoor activities you can take in, but ice fishing is still a great time to catch some fish!

Dillon Reservoir Fishing Tips

  • Lake Dillon is stocked annually with rainbow trout, and the chances of catching one of these glorious fish are really high
  • If you want to try and catch an Arctic char, fishing from a boat is the best option as your lures need to be quite deep to attract some bites
  • Using Brown or Rainbow trout imitation lures have been found effective to landing trout on this lake

Types of Fish in Dillon Reservoir

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Arctic Char, Smallmouth Bass

Blue Mesa Reservoir Fishing

The upper reaches of the Gunnison River which is in Gunnison County in Colorado is home to an artificial reservoir named Blue Mesa Reservoir. Holding the title of being the largest lake completely in the state, the Reservoir came into being as a result of the construction of the Blue Mesa Dam which is a 390-feet tall and a great sight to check out.

It also holds the title of being the largest fishery particularly for Kokanee Salmon and the Lake Trout in the state of Colorado. Apart from being an exceptional fishing paradise for anglers, it offers a number of activities such as boating, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and boating.

The lake has Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and the Yellow Perch swimming in its clear blue water. It has a 96 miles long shoreline and runs 20 miles long with many access points to some of the best fishing spots in Colorado!

Blue Mesa Reservoir is frozen during the winter season till late spring which is considered the best time for ice-fishing. Furthermore, Rainbow and Brown Trouts can be fished throughout the year but the best time to catch them is mid-April till early June and then again, in October till November.

If you are an angler and want an action-filled adventure, you will love fishing the Blue Mesa reservoir, especially in December till March when you won’t be able to keep up with the bites you’re getting!

Blue Mesa Reservoir Fishing Tips

  • If you’re fishing for Kokanee salmon, the best tactic to land these beauties is trolling from a boat with a down-rigger, and testing out colorful lures
  • Lake trout can be caught in abundance with a number of methods, casting from shore or trolling the deep parts of the lakes all give you a great shot at landing a big lake trout
  • If you’re looking to do some fly fishing at Blue Mesa reservoir, the Gunnison river gives you a great shot at landing rainbow or brown trout 

Types of Fish in Blue Mesa Reservoir

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch

Best Cities for Fishing in Colorado

If you are planning to visit Colorado for a few days, you need to stay at places that give you close access to some of the best fishing spots in Colorado. The following five places offer good fishing sites, ample recreation activities, and an array of restaurants with mouth-watering food!

1. Gunnison, Colorado Fishing

Gunnison city currently has a population of 5854 people and is a very popular fishing destination due to the easy access to tons of different rivers and lakes. The Crystal Mill, Gunnison National Forest, Pioneer Museum, Blue Mesa Fishing, and the Curecanti National Recreation Area are some of the most renowned places in the municipality when it comes to tourists and visitors.

The Gunnison Valley has beautiful brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and the kokanee salmon. The valley has many lakes, river, and streams which offer some of the best fishing opportunities in Colorado. The biggest water body in the state, the Blue Mesa Reservoir, resides just 10 minutes from this particular city and hence, is one of the most visited places by anglers from all around the world. The Taylor River and the East River are also close by which gives you abundant opportunities for fly fishing and landing some huge trout!

The residents of the city experience cold, chilly winds at night while the days are moderately hot. This is due to the fact that the city resides at the bottom of a valley which also makes it one of the coldest places in the U.S, perfect for trout! Gunnison also has moderate snowfalls per year even in early autumn and late spring and can remain on the ground from November till April.

Fishing Spots near Gunnison, Colorado

  • Blue Mesa Reservoir
  • Taylor River
  • East River
  • Crystal Reservoir
  • Cochetopa Creek

2. Durango, Colorado Fishing

Durango is a city located in the Southwest part of the Colorado state, near the border of New Mexico. The city is famous for its 19th-century heritage railroad steam train that passes through the canyons and the mountains. The city also homes a railroad museum that displays many kinds of locomotives and aircraft. 

Some other attractions in the city include the Animas River Valley which offers fly fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, boating and canoeing. The Purgatory Resort is also a great option for lodging, ski rentals, dining, shopping, and the Music in the Mountains festival in the summers.

You can find rainbow trout, Walleye, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon and the Cutthroat Trout in the many rivers, lakes, and streams of Durango. If you’re looking to catch some monster Norther Pike, the spot to fish is Vallecito Lake. One of the best fly fishing opportunities in Colorado is only accessible from Durango in the summer, High-Country streams has a ton of different options and is widely considered some of the best trout fly fishing in Colorado. 

The most frequent time to visit the city is the summers when the weather is warm and pleasant whereas early springs are famous for skiing opportunities.

Fishing Spots near Durango, Colorado

  • Animas River
  • Electra Lake
  • Pine River
  • Piedra River
  • Vallecito Lake

3. Estes Park, Colorado Fishing

The Este Park is a town in the Northern portion of Colorado and it is famous for its easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park and its many trails with scenic views and exotic wildlife. The Trail Ridge Road of the park passes through many mountainous peaks, tundra, and forests which makes it an ideal location for hiking and camping.

The city only has a population of 6339 but offers literally millions of outdoor activities that will keep your vacation as lively and fun as possible. In the city of Este Park, you can take a ride on the Aerial Tramway, visit the famous Stanley Hotel, or take a kayak out on Lake Estes to catch a ton of trout! If you’re looking for some of the best fly fishing in Colorado, Estes Park has tons of options for fishing in rivers or streams at different altitudes. There are a lot of opportunities to hike to rivers and streams, but the higher you go the fish typically get smaller in size!

Fishes like the brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, Greenback Cutthroat, and Colorado River Cutthroat are common in the area.

Fishing Spots near Estes Park, Colorado

  • Mills Lake
  • Clacier Creek
  • Dream Lake
  • Roaring River
  • Upper Thompson River

4. Vail, Colorado Fishing

The city of Vail is famous for different events throughout the year. In summers, it is the perfect getaway for hiking, fishing, golfing and various cultural festivals whereas in the winter, people come from all over to experience the world class skiing. Gore Creek, a tributary of the Eagle River, runs through the town’s center and offers some of the best opportunities to do some fly fishing in Colorado. 

Vail is a small town that is present at the bottom of the great Vail Mountain with a population of only 5450 people. The economy of the town depends heavily upon tourism and more particularly on winter sports. Though it offers an array of recreational activities to its visitors, it is also evolving as a cultural center and culinary center of Colorado. 

When it comes to fishing in Vail, you will find natural lakes and rivers surrounded by mountains providing you with not only an amazing fishing spot but also a beautiful view that relaxes your mind as well as your eyes. This is widely considered one of the best cities for fishing in Colorado, with two of the most popular places being the Dillon Reservoir and the Colorado River. Some of the fish you will find are a huge variety of trout like the brook, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout but also the extremely rare Arctic Char. 

The most popular season estimated by the influx of tourists is the cold, chilly and snow-filled winters till March. Summers are also quite busy as it provides many opportunities for rafting, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Fishing Spots near Vail, Colorado

  • Blue River
  • Colorado River
  • Eagle River
  • Ten Mile Creek
  • Dillon Reservoir

5. Basalt, Colorado Fishing

The town of Basalt began as a railroad town and has now become one of the best spots for fly fishing in Colorado, due to its close access to three amazing gold medal streams! Located between the Aspen and the Glenwood Springs, Basalt offers a myriad of recreational and fun activities all the while maintaining its quintessential charm. It is widely considered as a ‘Fishing Paradise’, especially for experienced anglers. 

Basalt is famous for its Gold Medal Trout Fishing in the rivers of ‘Frying Pan’ and ‘Roaring Fork’. The town also has a number of trails which makes it a perfect place for a hiking or a camping trip with the whole family, when you’re taking a break from the epic Colorado fishing.

You will find an endless number of fish depending on the location and river you choose to fish in. In warm waters, you will find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and channel catfish whereas the coldwater accommodate the cutthroat, brown, lake and the rainbow trout and as well as the kokanee salmon. This is a can’t miss fishing destination, and if you’re a hardcore fly fisherman this offers some of the best rivers and fishing in Colorado. 

Fishing Spots near Basalt, Colorado

  • Roaring Fork River
  • Frying Pan River
  • Colorado River
  • Crystal River

Wrapping Up The Best Fishing in Colorado

Fishing is one of the most tranquil yet exhilarating sports out there, there is something about being in the middle of the wilderness catching wild fish that is really enhanced when fishing in Colorado. If you talk to any angler, Colorado will come up as one of the top states for fishing in the US and especially fly fishing, due to its abundance of mountain lakes teeming with trout and kokanee salmon. It is also has one of two lakes in the lower 48 of the United States that you can fish Arctic Char, which attracts anglers from all over the world to fish the Dillon Reservoir. 

We hope this article was insightful in providing you some of the top locations and cities in the state, to give you the best fishing spots in Colorado!

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please review our Privacy Policy and contact us if you have any questions. All rights reserved 

STAY IN TOUCH!

Drop your email below in order to have us send you all the latest article updates and sales from the biggest stores and brands directly!