Ultimate Guide to the Best Fishing Locations in the US & Worldwide
Fishing isn’t just a hobby; it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Maybe you’re after the heart‑pounding tug of a trophy blue marlin. Or you seek the quiet thrill of reeling in a trout at sunrise. The world is full of incredible spots to cast your line. In this guide, we’ll explore the best fishing locations across the US and around the globe. You’ll see everything from hidden rivers to iconic deep‑sea waters. Use this advice to plan your next angling escape like a pro.
In the US alone, 49 million people take part in recreational fishing each year, contributing $115 billion to the economy and supporting over 800,000 jobs (ASA/Southwick, 2023).
Best Fishing Locations in the US
America is a fishing paradise. Its landscapes offer every type of angling you could want. Try the best trout fishing locations in the Rockies. Or head to Florida for deep-sea fishing. The choices can be overwhelming — in the best possible way.
Globally, recreational fishing is valued at more than $14 billion and continues to grow as travelers seek outdoor and nature-based activities (WorldMetrics, 2025).
Northeast: Lakes, Rivers & Striped Bass Runs
The Northeast has a mix of serene lakes and roaring rivers. You can go fly fishing in Vermont, chase salmon in upstate New York, or catch striped bass along the rocky coast of Maine.
Angler surveys in coastal states show that striped bass fishing sees peak participation during tidal swings, which directly boosts tourism and local spending in small waterfront towns.
- Best time: Late spring through early fall.
- Hot tip: Look for tidal changes to find active striped bass.
Southeast: Saltwater Adventures & Gulf Coast Gems
If tarpon, redfish, or snapper are on your list, the Southeast is where you want to be.
Florida alone accounts for one of the highest fishing participation rates in the US, driven by both residents and traveling anglers (NOAA, 2024).
- Florida Keys – Famous for tarpon fishing locations and clear waters perfect for sight casting. Local tagging programs here collect migration data and support conservation funding through licensing fees.
- Outer Banks, NC – Legendary for surf fishing and seasonal runs of big drum.
- Mobile Bay, Alabama – A mix of brackish and saltwater species in one location.
Midwest: Freshwater Fishing Royalty
For those who live for bass, walleye, and pike, the Midwest is a treasure trove.
- Minnesota’s Walleye Lakes – Known for big catches and scenic surroundings. Walleye tournaments here contribute millions in visitor spending and raise funds for fisheries management.
- Great Lakes – Salmon and steelhead thrive here. NOAA reports continued growth in participation rates for Midwest freshwater fisheries, especially in states with easy public access.
- Lake St. Clair – Consistently ranked among the best bass fishing locations.
West: Trout Streams to Pacific Giants
The West has a fishing personality all its own. You’ll find a mix of alpine lakes, glacial rivers, and offshore deep-sea fishing locations.
- Colorado – Best Colorado fishing locations for trout are found in the Gunnison and Fryingpan Rivers.
- Alaska – Go for halibut, salmon, or giant lingcod. Fishing tourism in Alaska has some of the highest per-trip spending in the nation. Anglers often travel thousands of miles for trophy species.
- Pacific Coast – Prime territory for tuna, lingcod, and rockfish.
Best Fishing Locations Worldwide
North & Central America
- British Columbia, Canada – Salmon fishing that draws pros from everywhere.
- Nova Scotia – Hunt massive bluefin tuna. Bluefin tuna draws have led to seasonal tourism spikes of up to 25% in key fishing towns.
- Belize Barrier Reef – Flats fishing for bonefish and permit. Catch-and-release fly fishing in Belize supports marine reserve funding and reef conservation (FAO, 2023).
South America
- Patagonia, Argentina – Crystal‑clear streams and monster brown trout.
- Amazon Basin – Peacock bass that will crush surface lures. Brazil’s Amazon fishing lodges report rising demand from overseas anglers, with trips often booked a year in advance.
Europe
- Scotland – Salmon rivers steeped in history.
- Norway – Cod and halibut in Arctic waters. Fishing festivals in Norway’s Lofoten Islands attract international anglers and provide a major boost to regional economies.
- UK – Well‑managed best fishing locations for carp, pike, and zander.
Asia-Pacific
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia – A mecca for marlin fishing locations. Tourism research estimates that reef-related fishing and diving add billions to the Queensland economy annually.
- New Zealand – World‑class fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout.
- Maldives – Tuna and reef species galore. Fishing packages in the Maldives are increasingly marketed alongside eco‑friendly tourism. This contributes to sustainable income for island communities.
Species-Specific Hotspots
Travel behavior studies (Lake Tisza, Port Phillip Bay) show anglers often travel beyond their local waters when chasing specific trophy species like snapper, marlin, or bonefish.
| Blue Marlin | Great Barrier Reef, Bermuda, Hawaii |
| Bluefin Tuna | Nova Scotia, Mediterranean Sea |
| Tarpon | Florida Keys, Belize |
| Carp | UK Lakes, France’s River Lot |
| Bass | Lake St. Clair, California Delta |
| Trout | Colorado, Patagonia |
Beginner-Friendly Fishing Spots
- Piers & Docks – Many coastal cities have public piers with built-in amenities.
- Stocked Lakes – Found across the US, offering a mix of panfish, trout, and catfish.
- Urban Fishing Programs – Cities like Chicago and Austin offer seasonal fishing in local waterways. Urban fishing programs often double as conservation education platforms for youth and families.
Seasonal & Type-Based Fishing
Market trends show anglers plan trips around peak species activity, which directly affects travel flows and booking patterns (Credence Research, 2024).
- Spring – Best for bass and walleye.
- Summer – Prime time for offshore tuna and marlin.
- Fall – Salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest.
- Winter – Ice fishing in the Great Lakes or chasing bonefish in the tropics.
Tips for Maximizing Your Fishing Trip
- Match gear to the target species.
- Research local regulations. Fishing license sales remain a key funding source for conservation nationwide (NOAA, 2024).
- Hire a guide.
- Watch the weather.
- Blend in with the surroundings in clear water.
Conclusion
Fishing is more than just catching fish — it’s about the places you explore, the people you meet, and the moments you’ll never forget. From the best fishing locations in the US to the most exotic fishing destinations worldwide, there’s always another adventure waiting for you out on the water.
With global fishing tourism expected to grow from $72.5B in 2024 to $168.3B by 2032 (Credence Research), this is the perfect time to plan your next angling journey.
FAQs
Q1: What are the best deep-sea fishing locations in the US?
The Florida Keys, Outer Banks, and Pacific Coast offer exceptional big‑game opportunities.
Q2: Which states have the best bass fishing locations?
Minnesota, Michigan, and California consistently rank at the top.
Q3: Where can I find the best bluefin tuna fishing locations?
Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and parts of the Mediterranean Sea.
Q4: What’s the easiest way for beginners to start fishing?
Visit stocked lakes, join urban fishing programs, or fish from public piers.
Q5: What are the best fishing locations in Canada?
British Columbia for salmon, and Ontario for freshwater species.
Q6: Where is the best place for tarpon fishing?
The Florida Keys and Belize offer world‑class tarpon action.
Q7: Which fishing destinations are ideal for families?
Lake resorts in the Midwest, coastal towns with piers, and guided boat tours.
Q8: Are there seasonal patterns for marlin fishing?
Yes — the Great Barrier Reef is prime from September to December.
Q9: How do I choose the right fishing gear?
Match your rod, reel, and line strength to your target species and fishing method.
Q10: What’s the top fishing location in South America?
Patagonia is hard to beat for trout fishing, while the Amazon Basin shines for peacock bass.