1. Toledo Bend Reservoir, Texas-Louisiana
The Toledo Bend Lake lies on the Sabine River, on the border between Texas and Louisiana.
It is the largest man-made reservoir in Texas and offers a wide variety of recreational facilities all year round.
There are four marinas on the lake where avid fishermen can launch their boats and make use of fish-cleaning facilities. The lake plays host to several annual fishing competitions including the Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash Tournament in May. The lake is home to largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, striped bass and white bass. Bluegill and sunfish are also commonly hooked.
If you need a little help to get started you can employ the services of a professional fishing guide.
Hiking, biking, boating, camping and golf are other poplar activities at the lake.
2. Lake Erie, Ohio
Lake Erie is one of the Great Lakes located on the border of Canada and the U.S.
Although the lake is enormous, it is relatively shallow which allows the water to warm up thoroughly during the summer months.
Similarly, it also freezes over quickly in winter.
Lake Erie is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the US, attracting many fishing enthusiasts.
The most prominent species of fish in the lake include perch, salmon, carp, pike and rainbow trout. The best time to fish the lake is early morning.
You will find many bait stores and fishing supply stored dotted around the lake.
Romantic Lakes
3. Clear Lake, California
Clear Lake is a natural lake located in Lake County, north of Napa and San Francisco. The entire Lake County area is a draw-card for outdoor enthusiasts who visit the area to hike, bike, camp, kayak and fish.
What makes Clear Lake stand out from the crowd is its’ nutrient-rich clear waters which provide ideal conditions for bass.
In fact, Clear Lake is often considered to be the country’s premier destination for bass fishing.
The largest bass caught on the lake weighed in at a massive 17.52 pounds and was caught in 1990.
In addition to bass you will also find crappie, catfish, bluegill and carp. There are several outfitters who provide tackle, bait and fish guiding services.
4. Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is located in Door Peninsula where it has become one of the most popular and rewarding fishing destinations on Lake Michigan.
The bay is home to a diverse selection of fish species including smallmouth bass, (strict bag-limits apply), Chinook salmon and trout.
The area is home to several fishing outfitters which offer charter fishing excursions for salmon and trout in summer and will take you ice-fishing in winter.
When you are not out on the water you will find a good selection of other area activities including the Door County Maritime Museum, Whitefish Dunes State Park and much more.
Sturgeon Bay, Lake Michigan, WI 54235
Lakes for Families
5. Lake Dora, Mount Dora, Florida
Situated in central Florida, Mount Dora attracts tourists to its scenic lake views, antique shops, and plethora of outdoor activities.
The city sits on Lake Dora, a part of the Harris Chain of Lakes which offers some of the country’s best bass fishing.
The lakefront Gilbert Park has playgrounds for children to play and picnic pavilions to host an outdoor barbeque. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, boardwalk, and fishing pier.
Lake Dora offers freshwater fishing year-round. Visitors can catch Largemouth bass, Black crappie, and Channel catfish.
6. Delta Reservoir, Ohio
Delta Reservoir is located in Fulton County, approximately 6 km from Swanton.
The man-made lake is home to a fairly wide variety of fish species including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, blue gill, smallmouth bass and catfish.
Anglers come to this lake to try their hand at fly-fishing, bait casting or spinning and there is reported a good chance of hooking something good.
You will need a valid Ohio fishing license to fish here (remember, your fishing license helps to maintain the State’s fisheries) and there are strict bag limits in place to help protect the lake for future generations.
Should you hook a lake sturgeon you need to release it unharmed as quickly as possible – these fish are protected in Ohio waters.
Delta Reservoir, Pike Township, OH 43515
Lakes For Photographers
7. Falcon Reservoir, Texas
The Falcon Reservoir is a main-stream reservoir on the Rio Grande River, about 40 miles east of Laredo.
This body of water has a reputation for offering the best largemouth bass fishing in the State of Texas.
Other species which may find their way onto your hook include blue or flathead catfish, while crappie and while bass numbers have been adversely affected by drought conditions.
Bass fishing is most successful (and more comfortable) during spring, autumn and winter when the hot Texas summers are at their height.
Catfish can be caught all year round. Boating, camping, paddling and fish-cleaning facilities are available.
Falcon International Reservoir, Falcon State Park, Texas 78545
8. Lake Fork, Texas
Located about 90 miles east of Dallas/Fort Worth, Lake Fork is a popular fishing and recreational lake on the Sabine River.
There are four public boat launch sites and many private marinas on this lake.
If you plan to fish from the shore you will need to head to the fishing pier and public day-use area which offers limited access from the shoreline.
The lake has always had bag-limits in place for largemouth bass, which has resulted in record numbers of trophy bass (over 13 pounds) being hooked in various competitions.
Crappie, catfish and sunfish are other species which are regularly hooked.
The lake also offers recreational boating and paddling as well as accommodation options.
Lake Fork Marina, 275 Co Road 1558, Alba, TX 75410, Phone: 903-765-2764
Lakes for Hikers
9. Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota
Avid fishermen (and women) come from near and far to Lake Mille Lacs to take a chance at hooking a trophy walleye.
The large lake covers over 135,000 acres, which means these walleyes have plenty of room to grow. It not all plain sailing however, these walleye are old and wise and know where to hide.
To ensure you have a fun and rewarding day out on the water you can check the latest fishing report on their website or hire a fishing guide.
There are a number of convenient boat launch sites on the lake where you and also stock up on bait and clean your catch.
The surrounding area offers a great choice of comfortable accommodation and family activities.
10. Lake Champlain, New York-Canada
Lake Champlain lies on the border between the USA and Canada. This enormous natural lake is believed to be home to over 90 species of fish, which make the Lake Champlain area a Mecca for all fishing enthusiasts.
There are over 500 miles of scenic shoreline where you can cast a line.
The lake has often been cited as one of the best lakes in the US for bass fishing and trout fishing is also excellent.
If you are new to the area you would benefit from the services of one of the many fishing guides in the area.
There are also many outfitters who offer chartered fishing excursions for families, beginners or seasoned fishermen.
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