The 18 Best Fishing Lakes Across the United States
As of May 6, 2025, FishingBooker.com has released insights into the premier fishing lakes in the U.S., highlighting some iconic destinations favored by anglers.
Featured Lake: Lake Okeechobee
Leading the list is Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, the state’s largest lake. This expansive body of water is renowned for its shallow depths, which are interwoven with wetlands, marshes, and diverse coastal vegetation. These characteristics make it an exemplary breeding ground and contribute to the lake’s reputation as one of the finest bass fishing spots in the nation.
Complete List of Top 18 Fishing Lakes
The following lakes have also been recognized as premier fishing locations across the United States:
- Lake Fork, TX
- Lake St. Clair, MI
- Clear Lake, CA
- Lake of the Woods, MN
- Guntersville Lake, AL
- Chickamauga Lake, TN
- Devil’s Lake, ND
- Lake Champlain, NY/VT
- Table Rock Lake, MO
- Lake Texoma, TX/OK
- Toledo Bend Reservoir, TX/LA
- Mille Lacs Lake, MN
- Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
- Santee Cooper Lakes, SC
- Blue Mesa Reservoir, CO
- Naknek Lake, AK
- The Great Lakes
Insights from Previous Lists
In comparison, another notable listing from 2022 by Game & Fish included various fishing hot spots, comprising both lakes and rivers. Their top selections displayed significant overlap with FishingBooker’s list:
- St. Lawrence River (NY)
- Lake St. Clair (MI)
- Lake Erie (OH/PA/NY/MI)
- Red River (ND/MN)
- Santee Cooper (SC)
- Lake Guntersville (AL)
- Sam Rayburn Reservoir (TX)
- Clear Lake (CA)
- Lake Fork (TX)
- Lake Chickamauga (TN)
Additional Recognitions
Grand Lake, located in Colorado, has claimed recognition from Take Me Fishing.org as a top fishing destination. This highlights the diverse opportunities available for fishing enthusiasts across the country.
The Abundance of Lakes in the U.S.
A study by Michigan State University in 2021 revealed that the lower 48 states are home to an impressive 479,950 lakes, emphasizing the vast opportunities available for fishing and recreation throughout the nation.