To find the greatest catch, you need to know where to look. The United States is full of amazing fishing locations; narrowing it down to the best is difficult at best. Below are some of the top spots for every type of angler, from fly to ice fishing.
5. Mahoning Creek, Pennsylvania
For the most colorful catch to be found in the country, look no further than Pennsylvania. Fly fishing here brings beautiful bounty in the form of golden rainbow trout, a rare mutation of rainbows resulting in a predominantly golden hue. The largest of these elusive trout can be found in the water system around Mahoning Creek.
4. Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
At the most northernmost tip of Minnesota, on the border of Canada, this popular fishing town has seen so many trophy walleye catches as to call them "commonplace". Venturing to the far north in the winter provides the ultimate experience in quality ice fishing, with a number of shanties sprinkling the landscape. Quality resorts nearby turn a fishing trip into a luxurious vacation.
3. Castaic Lake, California
Twenty-five miles north of Los Angeles sits one of the most prolific trophy bass locations in the United States. This lake has produced more 20+ pound bass than any other, and, while they remain rare, 12-15 pound catches are typical.
2. San Diego, California
Saltwater sport fishing at its finest can be found in sunny San Diego, home of one of the largest sport fishing fleets in the world. Field & Stream ranks San Diego #2 on its list of America's Best Fishing Cities. Some of the most active tuna waters in the country can be found right offshore, while yellowtail, sea bass, and halibut can be found a little ways northward. For the adventurous, August is prime time for fly fishing mako sharks.
1. Miami, Florida
Miami is overflowing with opportunities for anglers in every arena. Prime saltwater fishing can be found as near as the piers downtown, where nearshore species like croakers, drum, snappers, mackerel, seatrout, and jacks abound. The Everglades offer a one of the kind environment for backwater fishing, boasting an abundance of largemouth bass, snook, and tarpon— trophy bass aren't rare here. Deep sea fishing is a short boat trip away, and the Atlantic Ocean boasts some of the most adrenaline-pumping action in the Western Hemisphere, while the nearby Keys offer up their own unique experience.