Merphal
Angler casting from a small boat on a misty lake at sunrise, with pine trees along the shore

State-by-state fishing guides

Best Fishing Spots by State

Practical, no-fluff guides to the top lakes, rivers and coastal waters near you — plus what's biting and when.

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50 full state guides

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Each guide covers top spots, species, license basics and seasonal tips.

All 50 states — every guide is complete

Through the year

Seasonal tips

  1. 01

    Spring

    Bass and crappie move shallow to spawn. Walleye run up rivers in the North.

  2. 02

    Summer

    Fish early and late. Target deep structure, shade and moving water.

  3. 03

    Fall

    Fish feed hard before winter. Great for musky, salmon runs and redfish.

  4. 04

    Winter

    Slow your presentation. Ice fishing up north, trophy bass down south.

Read the full seasonal guide

Popular species

  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Walleye
  • Crappie
  • Catfish
  • Trout
  • Salmon
  • Redfish
  • Speckled trout
  • Musky
  • Northern pike
  • Striped bass

Learn

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