Introduction
Here’s the thing: the United States is massive and every region offers a different kind of fishing thrill. If you want a short list of the best fishing places in the United States, spots that deliver unforgettable fish, scenery, and clear reasons to book a trip, this is it. These seven destinations cover saltwater battles, high-desert trout streams, urban trophy bass, and everything between. Use this as a starting point for your next trip and for picking the best fishing spots in the United States that fit your style.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is famous for surfcasting and inshore action, especially striped bass and bluefish. Fall is prime time when migrating stripers move close to shore and the bite can get intense. Beyond the species, the island’s structure, rocky points, coves, and long beaches, creates predictable feed lanes where fish concentrate.
If you fish here, bring heavier spinning gear or a 7–8 weight fly outfit for bigger stripers. Expect shore anglers and charter boats to be focused on moving water and bait schools. It’s as much a scenic destination as it is productive, which is why many anglers name Martha’s Vineyard among the best fishing spots in the United States.
Green River, Utah
If trout are your measure, the Green River below Flaming Gorge is a textbook example of why anglers rave about the best fishing places in the United States. Cold, consistent flows and prolific insect hatches create trout-rich water that rewards fly anglers. You’ll find long runs, pocket water, and deep pools where rainbow and brown trout stack up.
Wading or drifting in a small boat are both common here. Use long leaders, small dry flies or nymph rigs, and prioritize stealth, fish density is high, but trout are tuned to subtle presentations. For a focused trout getaway, Green River is hard to beat.
The Florida Keys
If you crave variety, the Florida Keys are a top-tier entry on any list of best fishing places in the United States. Flats fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon offers sight-fishing that tests presentation and patience, while offshore waters deliver sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna for conventional tackle anglers.
Timing matters, tarpon season and winter bonefish windows are different, so plan around target species. Light tackle and fly outfits both shine here. The Keys pair technical fishing with tropical scenery, which is why anglers return year after year.
Thousand Islands, New York
The Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River are a freshwater fishing playground. Smallmouth bass thrive among rocky structure and current seams, giving anglers fast action and frequent trophy opportunities. The archipelago also holds pike and muskellunge for those after bigger fights.
Boat access helps you cover water efficiently, hunting edges, drop-offs, and rocky humps. If you like structure-oriented bass fishing, Thousand Islands consistently ranks among the best fishing spots in the United States for its combination of quantity, size, and scenic island fishing.
Bighorn River, Montana
Montana’s Bighorn River is a classic Western trout fishery and a must for anglers who appreciate steady hatches and heavy populations of brown and rainbow trout. The river’s dependable flow creates a reliable hatch calendar that supports consistent dry-fly action and productive nymphing.
Drift boats are common and allow you to cover prime runs and riffles. Bring a selection of midges, mayflies, and stonefly patterns, and practice both dead-drift presentations and subtle takes. For a traditional Western trout experience, Bighorn delivers in both quantity and quality.
Charlotte Harbor and Virginia Beach, (Saltwater Options)
Two different coastal experiences; both deserve mention among the best fishing places in the United States for inshore saltwater anglers. Charlotte Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast is rated highly for snook, redfish, and speckled trout. Mangrove edges, oyster bars, and flats create an accessible structure that concentrates fish through much of the year.
Virginia Beach, on the Atlantic side, offers surf and inshore opportunities for striped bass, bluefish, and cobia, depending on season and conditions. Both spots reward anglers who can read tides, target structure, and adapt to changing weather. If saltwater inshore game is your thing, these areas offer reliable, productive days.
Lake Austin, Texas
You do not need to go remote to find great fishing. Lake Austin sits inside a major city but produces quality largemouth bass fisheries and competitive tournament action. The lake is managed for big bass and holds both numbers and bruisers, making it a favorite for anglers who like topwater and flipping techniques.
Urban access, varied structure, and a thriving bass scene make Lake Austin one of the best fishing places in the United States for anglers who want high reward close to home. It’s a reminder that excellent fisheries can exist in unexpected places.
Conclusion
Picking from these seven best fishing places in the United States gives you a true cross-section of American angling: island surf and flats, desert rivers, big lakes, and urban bass waters. Each destination rewards a different skill set, so pick one that matches what you want to practice, sight fishing, trout tactics, structure work, or offshore battles.What matters most is matching your trip to the fish and the water. Plan around seasons and local conditions, bring the right gear, and consider hiring a local guide if you want to maximize a short trip. Use this list as a shortlist of the best fishing spots in the United States to aim for and then go fish, there’s no better way to learn what each place truly offers.