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12 Bucket List Fishing Trips in the United States

No matter what your favorite kind of fishing is, most anglers will agree that the best part about the entire experience is the experience itself. Just getting into the great outdoors and enjoying the solitude is why so many of us do it - the catching of fish is typically just a great added bonus.

With all the different opportunities for so many different species right here in the US, it's totally worth checking out a few non-local options and experiencing a whole new fishery right here in our home country. We've put together a list of must-do fishing trips for all different kinds of anglers, no passport required.

The Best Fishing Vacations For Your Bucket List: Our Top 12 in the U.S.

No matter what kind of surroundings you're looking for, how far you want to travel, your favorite type of fish, or your preferred fishing style, there's an unbelievable diversity of top-tier fishing spots around the country. They also vary in their best time to go fishing seasonally, meaning one of these spots will be waiting, regardless of when you can take your vacation.

Types of Fish: Salmon, trout, halibut, lingcod, rockfish, etc.

Best Season : Summer

The first stop on our bucket list fishing destinations: The Last Frontier. Alaska is a treasure trove of fishing adventures, boasting an amazing variety of saltwater, river, and lake fishing opportunities. It's no secret that Alaska's salmon fishing is world-renowned, with several species offering some of the most rewarding catches you'll ever experience. But don't overlook the abundance of other fish species awaiting those who venture northward.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, the best way to explore Alaska's fishing scene is by embarking on a guided trip. Choose from excursions on the water or backcountry adventures that take you to the heart of Alaska's wilderness. No matter your choice, you're in for an unforgettable experience in the Last Frontier.

2. The Florida Keys

Types of Fish : Tarpon, mahi-mahi, tuna, permit, bonefish, marlin, etc.

Best Season : Spring/Early Summer

If you're dreaming of a warm, tropical paradise for your ultimate fishing adventure, look no further than the Gulf of Mexico and the enchanting Florida Keys. These islands, set amidst the Florida Straits, are easily accessible via the remarkable Overseas Highway

Key West might be the most famous, especially for deep-sea fishing, but don't miss out on other gems like Islamorada, dubbed the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World." Key Largo and Marathon boast exceptional reef fishing opportunities too. 

With a diverse array of fishing spots and an impressive variety of flats and offshore fish, you can tailor your experience to create an unforgettable fishing vacation. Whether you charter a guide or plan on taking your own boat , the Florida Keys promise a fishing trip like no other.

3. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland/Virginia

Types of Fish : Striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, drum, croaker, etc.

Best Season : Late Spring/Summer/Fall

It should come as no surprise that a region known for its seafood is home to a top bucket list fishing location. While crabs may be the aquatic life most associated with the bay, it's also a top spot for striped bass and numerous other types of fish. It's also one of the most accessible top fishing trips for many Americans, with millions of people located just a few hours or less from the bay, including major metro areas like Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. 

Many different fishing spots can be found on both sides of the Bay, along with opportunities for offshore fishing on a variety of tours and excursions from the charming waterfront towns that still define the region.

4. Bighorn River, Montana

Types of Fish : Trout, walleye, whitefish

Best Season : Late Spring/Summer/Early Fall

For fly fishing enthusiasts, southern Montana's picturesque Bighorn River is like a dream come true. Undeniably one of the nation's premier trout and fly fishing destinations, the Bighorn offers anglers the opportunity for  rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout varieties.

With several public access points, you can easily reach the river, or choose to float or wade to other spots along this public waterway. Plus, the Bighorn is a tailwater fishery, created by the Yellowtail Dam, ensuring consistent and top-quality water flow throughout the season – a major advantage over some less predictable rivers.

5. Salmon River, Idaho

Types of Fish : Salmon, trout, whitefish

Best Season : Late Summer/Fall/Winter/Early Spring

For an unforgettable fishing adventure with a touch of wilderness, make your way to the Salmon River, also known as "The River of No Return." Being the longest undammed river in the continental United States, its flow can be less predictable compared to other controlled waterways. But the awe-inspiring scenery and pristine wilderness more than compensate for it.

There are numerous popular fishing spots along the river's 425-mile length, including the charming gateway town of Salmon don't forget to indulge in other outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and more. The Salmon River promises to deliver one of the best fishing and outdoor adventure trips you'll ever experience.

6. Kona, Hawaii

Types of Fish : Marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, ono, etc.

Best Season : Late Spring/Summer

If you're after exotic or sportfish, Hawaii is your top domestic spot. Kona, on the Big Island, provides the best opportunities, though guided excursions and dock or surf fishing, spots can be found just about everywhere on these islands. Off the coast, anglers can target massive blue and striped marlin, several types of tuna, and many other species.  

Apart from the fantastic fishing, Hawaii offers a truly unique blend of nature and culture unlike any other place in the United States. So, even when you're taking a break from the water, you'll be surrounded by unforgettable experiences 

7. Outer Banks, North Carolina

Types of Fish : Red drum, bass, bluefish, tuna, flounder, etc.

Best Season : Late Summer/Fall

The Outer Banks in North Carolina, a unique series of barrier islands off the mainland coast, is among the top fishing trip destinations on our list. 

Catering to all types of anglers, the Outer Banks offer everything from surf fishing on pristine beaches to fly fishing, charters, and countless pier fishing spots. The small size of these islands means you're always close to the water. Plus, their central location on the east coast makes them easily accessible for millions of anglers from New York to Jacksonville.

8. Lake Tahoe, California

Types of Fish : Trout, salmon

For those who believe bigger is better when it comes to fishing vacations, look no further than Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border, where you can catch some of the country's largest trout. This stunning, deep lake is home to the famous Mackinaw trout and many other species, like the highly sought-after Kokanee salmon. It's perfect for anglers who love spending a few hours fishing from a canoe or kayak. Plus, nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe offers a unique and picturesque landscape compared to other top fishing destinations.

9. California Delta

Types of Fish : Bass, catfish, sturgeon, salmon, etc.

Best Season : Late Spring/Summer/Fall/Early Winter

The California Delta, an often-overlooked yet amazing fishing spot, is located where the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers converge before flowing into the San Francisco Bay. Boasting ideal fishing conditions nearly year-round, it's an excellent choice for a vacation anytime, and it's just a short drive for millions in the Bay Area and Northern California, as well as other West Coast residents. With a diverse range of fishing spots, the California Delta caters to fly fishing, trolling, baitcasting, and various other fishing styles.

10. Columbia River, Oregon

Types of Fish : Salmon, walleye, steelhead, bass, steelhead, sturgeon, etc.

While the headwaters of the Columbia start far north in Canada, the most famous parts of the river are located in the state of Oregon, close to its northern border with Washington. It's home to a diverse group of fish, though many come specifically for the area's famous salmon runs. It also offers some of the country's most gorgeous fishing scenery, like the Columbia River Gorge.

In addition, the importance of the river from an economic, cultural, and historical perspective has led to aggressive efforts to preserve the fishery for current and future anglers. The Columbia River also scores points for accessibility from major Pacific Northwest cities like Portland and Seattle and even the California Bay Area.

11. Thousand Islands, New York

Types of Fish : Bass, walleye, muskie, northern pike, etc.

This underrated region straddles the border with Canada in far upstate New York, along the St. Lawrence River. The name is actually an understatement, with official counts sitting closer to 1,800 islands, each of which provides incredible habitats for seemingly limitless numbers of freshwater fish. 

While guided tours are popular, the area's many hidden hideaways can also provide some of the most solitude-filled fishing spots in the eastern half of the country. It combines unique access to both the U.S. and Canada for those looking to pop across the border to check out this underrated part of Ontario.

12. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Types of Fish : Cod, striped bass, bluefish, fluke, tuna, etc

Best Season : Summer/Fall

There are few places in America where fishing is more a part of life and culture than on Cape Cod. After all, it's named for a fish—one of the most abundant in the region. 

Full of quaint fishing villages, the Cape offers ample opportunity to experience some of New England's iconic seaside towns while enjoying some of the east coast's best saltwater fishing . It's also a history lover's ideal fishing spot, with many early American historic sites within a short drive.

Get Hooked on the Ultimate Fishing Adventures Awaiting You

These twelve top-notch destinations cater to all skill levels, fishing styles, and preferences, making them some of the best fishing vacations in the nation. But before you dive into those dream catches, be sure to check local regulations and limits and have all the licenses you need. After all, nothing spoils a fishing trip more than unexpected fines or penalties.

Soon enough, you'll be all set to gather your gear and book your trip. The fish are eagerly waiting for your bucket list adventures! And as you embark on these unforgettable fishing expeditions, gear up with Free Fly's breathable, quick-dry men's and women's fishing apparel . Designed for the angler's lifestyle, our fishing clothing for men and women ensures comfort and protection while reeling in your dream catch.

So, call your friends (or book that solo-ticket, we get it), gear up and get out on the water.

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10 Bucket-List Fishing Trips for Anglers on a Budget

Every angler has a dream. Whether it’s catching a certain species or traveling to an exotic location, there’s not a fisherman out there who doesn’t harbor some fishy fantasies they swear they’re going to do before they die. Unfortunately, many of these angling dreams often require dipping into the kid’s college fund or taking out a second mortgage on your home.

Giant trevally in the Seychelles may never be in reach for some of us. But, with a bit of planning and flexibility, there are plenty of world-class fishing destinations across the continent that will fulfill your dreams (or at least scratch the itch until you can get around to the big one). Budgeted out into seven-day expeditions, these are the perfect trips to get you off the couch, away from YouTube fantasies, and to start living your dreams.

Adventure in Alaska: Giant Salmon and Trout on the Kenai Peninsula From the mountains to the bears to the fish–everything about Alaska is big –but that doesn’t mean your budget has to be in order to fish there. For the DIY angler, there’s no better place to have an affordable Alaskan adventure than the Kenai Peninsula. According to Jackie Bowman, owner and head guide of Cooper Landing Fishing Guide , the best fishing on the Kenai Peninsula is right along the main highway.

“The Sterling Highway follows Kenai Lake and the Kenai River for most of its length,” Bowman said. “On the Upper Kenai in Cooper Landing, there are lots of parking areas on public land along the river where you can easily park and walk in. The Russian River is well-known for its easy wading access to excellent sockeye and coho salmon fishing–no bushwhacking required. The first run of sockeye salmon from mid-June until early July is headed straight for the Russian River, which is only ankle- to knee-deep in most spots, making it easy to spot fish.”

Countless other streams and the mainstem of the Kenai can yield truly giant Chinook salmon and native rainbow trout, as well as the suit of other resident and anadromous species. There are plenty of camping areas and public-use cabins along the entire route, averaging around $15 to $20 per night. While you will have to rent a car for the adventure, apps like Turo can make that cheaper with most cars costing as little as $50 to $150 per day out of Anchorage. All told, with a seven-day Alaska fishing license, the trip can be done for $800 after flights.

Battle the Silver King: Tarpon in Tampa Bay, Florida The promise of hooking a tarpon drives anglers to exotic destinations like Cuba and Costa Rica, spending thousands on plane tickets, lodges, and guides. While all these places are worth visiting someday, if you need to get your tarpon fix sooner rather than later and you need to do it on the cheap, there’s no better place than in the waters of Tampa Bay.

From May through July, tarpon storm the bay like an invading army, ranging in sizes from 60 to more than 200 pounds. The fishing can be hot and heavy, with anglers occasionally getting a dozen or more shots or hookups with fish on flies, lures, or bait. Though it’s not entirely necessary, your best bet at landing a tarpon is by hiring a local, inexpensive guide, usually costing between $300 to $500 per day. One such option is world-renowned fly angler and Tampa Bay guide, Brian Jill of Lost Coast Anglers.

“Tampa Bay offers an incredible opportunity to target big migratory tarpon and not break the bank doing so. It’s one of the easiest tarpon locations in the U.S. to travel to and try your chances at the silver king,” Jill said. While he recommends hiring a guide for targeting tarpon, Jill also said there is ample opportunity for DIY anglers to target other species.

“Come down for a week, spend a few days with a guide for tarpon, and then spend the rest of your time on the miles of public beaches chasing snook and other species like sea trout and redfish ,” he said.

With numerous hotels in the area ranging from $65 to $200 a night and a seven-day fishing license going for $30, Tampa Bay can provide one of the most memorable saltwater fishing experiences of your life for under $1,500 once you get there.

Become a Bassmaster: Largemouth in San Diego, California More than one angler has hauled a truckload of spinnerbaits , soft plastics, and crankbaits , to the Golden State with the hopes of breaking the double-digit mark with a bass. While that's a tall order in most of the country, it's very possible on some of the public big bass factories in the extreme southwest corner of the country.

“Almost every lake in the San Diego area has shore access or places to rent boats,” professional bass angler and MeatEater contributor Oliver Ngy said. “Whether you’re fishing Lower Otay, Lake Murray, or smaller lakes like Dickson, there are fish capable of hitting 25 pounds in every one of them.”

Oliver recommends most DIY anglers drive out or rent a car so they can move around to different lakes in search of the hot bite, which can vary depending on the time of year.

“Pre-spawn happens in mid to late February, and then after that most of the lakes fish pretty solid through the entire post-spawn,” Oliver said. “But on some lakes, the bass are going to be more active and you’ll get a great reaction bait bite when the water temp hits around 70 degrees. On good days you can catch 20 fish a day and on occasion, you can get into a fish in the high teens or even the low 20s.”

There are dozens of hotels in the San Diego area where rooms are available for under $100 and there’s a myriad of affordable campgrounds ranging between $18 to $40 a night, some right alongside good bass water. All told, with rental boat fees, a fishing license, and a hotel or campground, a DIY big bass venture to San Diego can cost as little as $600.

The Sport of Kings: Atlantic Salmon in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Many anglers consider dry fly fishing for Atlantic salmon the holy grail of fly fishing. A fish of the aristocracy, in most places they are only available to anglers who can pay exorbitant prices to fish on private waters at extravagant lodges. However, there is one place where any fly angler with salmon aspirations can go and try their luck: Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

Thanks to some brilliant and long-standing legislation, all waters in the province of Nova Scotia are open to the public. Avid salmon angler and a local guide for 30 years, Robert Chiasson of dryflysalmon.com believes Cape Breton is the perfect place for an angler on a budget to fulfill their Atlantic salmon dreams.

“We have big salmon returns, inexpensive licenses, and no angling fees. Basically for $63 ($49 USD), you come here for a week and fish anywhere on the river. There’s public access on all the private property, no posted properties here, and the landowners are all friendly and very welcoming,” Chiasson said. “We have one of the longest seasons for salmon, starting June 1 and running all the way through October. Because the fishing changes almost continuously throughout the season, and we don’t fish the same water every day, it’s best to hire a guide for a day or two who can at least send you in the right direction.”

With plenty of free and inexpensive camping around the island, guide services running around $300 per day, plus a license, you can make your Atlantic salmon dreams come true for right around $500, post-flight or drive.

Catch a Monster: Pike in the Adirondack Park, New York While there are many places anglers can find the giant pike they’re looking for, they often require expensive fly-in trips to places like Ontario and Saskatchewan. Yet for the intrepid DIY angler, some of the best and cheapest opportunities for a monster northern can be found right in the New York State.

Anglers can access some of the finest pike fishing in the country with just a canoe or small rowboat, which are available for rent in many areas. During the months of May and June, lots of fish reaching 40 to 50 inches crowd the weedy bays of lakes and rivers across Essex and Franklin counties in a hedonistic celebration of post-spawn gluttony. While there are plenty of options in the areas as far as bodies of water, your best bet for a truly giant pike are both the Upper and Lower Saranac Lake, Lake Flower, and Tupper Lake. All three are located along Route 3 running west from Lake Placid (another pike haven) and all three have many public access points and boat launches.

There are several hotels in Saranac which go for around $100 per night, dozens of campgrounds priced between $25 and $40 per night, and a plethora of free campsites and lean-tos along the route. With a seven-day license and boat rental, you can have a fantastic big pike adventure for around $400.

The Heart of The Sea: Marlin in Baja California, Mexico Few anglers have read Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea and not been inspired to head out onto the open ocean and test their will against a marlin. While there are a lot of beautiful and exotic places to try marlin fishing, the best bang for your buck has got to be Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the marlin fishing capital of the world.

What separates Cabo from all the other marlin fishing destinations is the number of fish. The consistent water temperatures, deep water structure, and abundant baitfish make it perfect marlin territory, depending on timing. Striped, black, and blue marlin return there and can be caught many months of the year. With so many fish, Cabo is home to hundreds of marlin charters and captains, some of whom will take you out for as little as $300. However, in marlin fishing, you get what you pay for, so it’s worth spending a bit more to guarantee yourself a shot at the fish. But according to Jim Korphinski, owner of Blue-Sky Cabo Fishing Charters, there’s some wiggle room.

“You need to spend a bit of money, but most boat captains in the area are flexible and can adjust your charter to your budget,” Korphinski said. “For $5,000 or $6,000 we can go out and catch 10 marlin or more in a day, but if you only have $1,000 we can still go out and catch three or four. It generally goes down the scale from there.”

Marlin fishing is expensive wherever you go, but local guides with smaller boats can get you into fish for surprisingly low rates in Mexico. With hotels costing as little as $30 a night and licenses costing only $20, you can spend seven days in Cabo with a shot at a marlin every day for between $1,000 and $2,000 once you make the international flight.

Metal Dreams: Monster Rainbows and Browns in Pulaski, New York Say what you want about whether the fish of the Great Lakes are real steelhead or not . Having fished for both the West Coast steelhead and their Great Lakes cousins, I’ve got to say that the adfluvial rainbows of Pulaski are as close to the real thing as you’re going to find. What’s more, unlike on the West Coast, the fantastic hatchery program and a significant amount of wild spawning in Pulaski yield an incredibly high number of fish from November to May, virtually guaranteeing you’ll have a shot at some chrome. And, if you don't, you might just run into the brown trout of your life instead.

Though there are a few options, the best bet for the DIY angler is in the Salmon River, which flows from the town of Altmar and through Pulaski before dumping into Lake Ontario. By following Route 13, which runs beside the river along its length, you’ll find plenty of public parking areas around famous pools where you can fish. With a few pointers from the local tackle shops, the Salmon River is an easy enough river to figure out. MeatEater Senior Fishing Editor Joe Cermele believes the biggest reason this area is ideal for the steelhead angler on a budget is because it’s so easily customizable.

“The coolest thing about Pulaski is you can make a visit anything you want it to be,” Joe said. “Like to sit on a leather couch by a roaring fire drinking Scotch after catching steelhead? There are plenty of fine lodges. On a Burger King budget? There are plenty of smaller family-owned motels that won't break the bank. On a ramen-noodle-in-the-microwave budget? Try the Super 8. Over the years, I've stayed in all these places, and to be honest, I've always had a better time piled into a cheap rental cabin with a few buddies than having to put on clean pants to go to dinner in the ritzy joints.”

With a ton of possibilities for lodging in Pulaski that range from $25 campgrounds to $300 lodges, how much you spend in Pulaski is up to you. But if you’re on the thrifty side, you could get in a full week there for as little as $400.

The Land of Giants: Pyramid Lake, Nevada With the arrival of winter, many trout anglers begin to fantasize about heading to the Southern Hemisphere and places like Patagonia and New Zealand to land a truly monumental trout. But getting to those locations can cost an arm and a leg. For the winter trout angler on a budget, there’s another, much less costly option– Pyramid Lake, Nevada.

Situated just outside of Reno, Pyramid is a 125,000-acre lake home to some of the largest trout in the world, the Lahontan cutthroat. These massive fish can reach sizes up into the 40-pound range and are easily caught either from a boat or along the shore of the lake during a season that runs from October to June. Fishing Pyramid is simple: you just need to cast the right lure or fly as far as you can from shore and then retrieve it slowly or leave it suspended under a bobber. It only takes a bit of patience and a lot of luck for one of the monster Lahontans to come along and smash it, giving you a chance to perhaps land the biggest trout of your life.

The area around the lake has a ton of public access thanks to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe who protect and manage the areas around the lake for fishing access. A three-day fishing license for Pyramid costs $62 and there are several hotels and camping sites in the area that range from $25 to $200 dollars a night. All in all, you can have six days fishing for giant trout for as little as $600.

Getting Smashed: Peacock Bass in South Florida Peacock bass are just about the fastest-striking, hardest-fighting, and most beautiful fish in freshwater. Just saying the name of these fish causes anglers to start fantasizing about long exotic trips to the Amazon that they might never actually afford. But, if catching a peacock bass is your dreams, you don’t have to travel so far to catch them. There are plenty of peacock opportunities on home soil, swimming feral in the waters of South Florida. Joe Cermele believes that traveling down to Florida for peacocks is a trip that every angler should do .

“I've written in the past that South Florida peacock bass should be something every American angler chases before he or she heads off to the big pond in the sky,” Joe said. “Pound for pound, I don't know if there's a freshwater fish you can target with bass gear that fights as hard. I'm a diehard smallmouth guy, but even they don't scrap like peacocks.”

Although the backdrop may not have the same mystique as the Amazon, Florida offers a plethora of locations to target peacocks.

“People ask me about chasing them around Miami. They're hoping for specific spots, but the reality is those fish are everywhere down there and there is no shortage of public access. You can walk canals for miles and hop to different culverts and drainage ditches all day long. One of the biggest peacocks I ever caught in public water was behind a chain grocery store,” Joe said. “If you want peace and quiet, go explore on the outskirts of town along the edge of the Everglades. But if you love an urban adventure, stick within the city limits. In my experience, the people have been friendly, and I've had some of the best Cuban food of my life at small mom-and-pop restaurants nestled in the neighborhoods where peacocks swim.”

There are dozens of inexpensive campgrounds and hotels in South Florida to choose from. With a little bit of research and some ingenuity, any angler can have a fantastic peacock adventure for around $500.

Flats in the Farmland Wandering flats of the Florida Keys or Belize is a costly dream for many anglers. Yet if it’s something you just can manage to pull together, why not try looking a little further north? Along the North Shore of Lake Michigan are miles and miles of sandy beaches and shallow, hard-bottomed coves that provide some of the best flats fishing on the planet.

While you may not be pursuing vaunted saltwater flats species like permit , bonefish , or barracuda, the flats of Lake Michigan are chock-full of their freshwater counterparts like carp , smallmouth , and northern pike .

Just like on the tropical flats you’ve always fantasized about, the flats of the North Shore are all about sight fishing and making perfect casts with a fly or lure to large, ominous shadows. According to Kevin Morelock of Indigo Guide Service, who guides the flats around Beaver Island, the vastness of Lake Michigan and the size of the flats make the venture almost identical to saltwater flats fishing, with one major difference.

“If you’re after bonefish or permit, a good day may mean getting between 20 and 50 shots at a fish,” Morelock said. “The amount of shots you’ll get at fish up here is unparallel to any other flat fishing situation. We’re talking 75 to 200 shots a day. Between May and July, we’re talking about a ‘quantity of quality fish.’ I mean, we cast small flies for 30-pound carp, and you’re almost guaranteed a 5-pound smallie on a popper in June. We have pike just around the 40-inch mark coming up on the flats, and if you pair that with sight fishing, it’s pretty cool. That’s just pretty damn stellar flats fishing right there.”

There is an absolute myriad of campgrounds along the North Shore along with a couple dozen inexpensive hotels. If they’re creative, a North Shore flats angler can get up there and fish their heart out for around $300.

Live the Dream While the budgets on these trips don’t include the airfare, gas mileage, or the price of the gifts you’ll have to buy for your spouse to make up for taking off fishing for a week, they’re all still comparatively affordable. If you’re thrifty enough to sleep in your tent and eat instant mashed potatoes and wild game or fish, they can be even cheaper. In the end, it’s your adventure and you can fish it however you choose.

*Images via Jackie Bowman, Tosh Brown, Oliver Ngy, Robert Chiasson, Sam Lungren, and the author. *

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The 10 Best Bucket List Fishing Trips in the United States

For avid anglers, fishing transcends mere recreation – a passion, a lifestyle, and an endless pursuit of the ultimate catch.

From the rugged Alaskan wilderness to the tropical shores of Florida, the United States offers a diverse array of destinations that promise unforgettable fishing experiences and the chance to reel in trophy-sized catches.

As you plan your angling adventures, consider utilizing tools like Fishbox , a fish finder app, to research prime spots and optimal weather conditions and gain insights from fellow anglers.

These handy resources can help maximize your chances of success and ensure a truly memorable trip.

10 Best Fishing Locations To Go To

Kenai river, alaska.

• Geographical Location: The Kenai River is in south-central Alaska, winding through the scenic Kenai Peninsula.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: Famous for its legendary king salmon, sockeye salmon, and rainbow trout. Anglers can experience world-class salmon fishing amidst stunning glacial landscapes and pristine waters. You can use Fishbox to get more graphs of the fishing opportunities there.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Options range from rustic camping sites to luxury lodges, catering to all budgets. Local guides and outfitters offer fishing charters and equipment rentals.
• Unique Features: Surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and an abundance of Alaskan wildlife. The river is easily accessible from Anchorage, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors.

Madison River, Montana

• Geographical Location: The Madison River flows through the heart of Yellowstone Country in southwestern Montana.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: Renowned for its exceptional fly-fishing, with abundant populations of brown trout and rainbow trout, including trophy-sized catches.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Camping facilities, cabins, and lodges are available, many offering guided fishing trips and amenities for anglers.
• Unique Features: The river winds through picturesque landscapes, including Yellowstone National Park, offering stunning scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Florida Keys, Florida

• Geographical Location: The Florida Keys is an archipelago of islands stretching from the southern tip of Florida into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: A saltwater fishing mecca with opportunities to target tarpon, bonefish, permit, marlin, sailfish, and various offshore species.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Ranging from luxurious resorts to cozy beachside cottages, numerous marinas and fishing charters are available.
• Unique Features: Tropical paradise atmosphere with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Easy access to both inshore and offshore fishing.

Snake River, Idaho

• Geographical Location: The Snake River flows through the rugged landscapes of southern Idaho and beyond.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: A renowned fly-fishing destination famous for its elusive cutthroat trout and other trout species.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Remote camping and fishing lodges offer an authentic wilderness experience, with guided trips available.
• Unique Features: Untamed natural beauty, including towering canyon walls, rapids, and pristine waters. The river flows through landscapes like Hells Canyon, offering stunning scenery.

Sacramento River, California

• Geographical Location: The Sacramento River runs through northern California, from the Cascade Range to the San Francisco Bay.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: Known for its thrilling salmon and steelhead runs, anglers often land trophy-sized catches.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Riverfront lodges, campgrounds, and guided fishing trips are available, catering to all preferences.
• Unique Features: The river’s diverse landscapes range from mountains to valleys, offering a variety of fishing experiences and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Lake Erie, Ohio/Pennsylvania/New York

• Geographical Location: Lake Erie borders Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, forming part of the Great Lakes system.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: Abundant walleye populations, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and other species.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Lakeside towns and cities offer a range of accommodations, marinas, and fishing charters.
• Unique Features: The lake’s vast size and diverse shorelines provide a variety of fishing experiences, from open-water trolling to shoreline casting.

Colorado River, Colorado/Utah

• Geographical Location: The Colorado River flows through the desert landscapes of western Colorado and eastern Utah.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: Anglers can pursue various trout species, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, amidst stunning red rock canyons and desert scenery.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Camping, fishing lodges, and guided trips are available, offering an authentic wilderness experience.
• Unique Features: The river’s rugged terrain and remote sections provide a sense of adventure and solitude, with opportunities for whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities.

Bighorn River, Montana

• Geographical Location: The Bighorn River flows through the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in south-central Montana.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: A world-class fly-fishing destination famous for its abundant rainbow and brown trout populations, including trophy-sized catches.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Fishing lodges, campgrounds, and guided driftboat trips cater to anglers of all levels.
• Unique Features: The river’s crystal-clear waters, consistent flows, and stunning canyon landscapes create a picturesque setting for anglers.

Guadalupe River, Texas

• Geographical Location: The Guadalupe River flows through the scenic Texas Hill Country, west of San Antonio.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: Known for its exceptional bass fishing, with opportunities to land trophy-sized largemouth and Guadalupe bass.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Riverfront cabins, campgrounds, and outfitters offer guided fishing trips and amenities for anglers.
• Unique Features: The river’s limestone bluffs, clear waters, and riverside towns provide a unique Texas Hill Country experience, blending fishing with natural beauty and local charm.

Connecticut River, New England

• Geographical Location: The Connecticut River winds through the states of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, traversing the heart of New England.
• Fish Species and Angling Opportunities: Anglers can target trout, bass, pike, and other freshwater species while surrounded by iconic fall foliage and charming small towns.
• Accommodations and Amenities: Riverside campgrounds, cabins, and hotels cater to anglers, offering easy access to the river.
• Unique Features: The historic Connecticut River Valley offers a blend of fishing, scenic beauty, and New England culture, with opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploring quaint villages.

The United States offers a wealth of bucket-list fishing destinations that promise unforgettable experiences and the chance to land coveted trophy catches.

From Alaska’s rugged wilderness to Florida’s tropical waters, each locale offers unique and exciting opportunities for anglers of all skill levels and preferences.

As you plan your next fishing adventure, remember to prioritize safety, respect the environment, and embrace the spirit of camaraderie that makes fishing such a beloved pastime.

Gather your gear, consult a fish finder app, and embark on the angling odyssey of a lifetime – the memories and stories you’ll create will be priceless.

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20 great fishing vacations in America—and top fishing charters to book

Calling all anglers! Do you love to fish in rivers or lakes? Do you prefer deep sea fishing out on the open ocean? Off of a pier or on a boat? Have you traveled the world in search of the best fishing trips, or just been dreaming of what’s beyond your local pond? The United States has some of the world’s most amazing fishing destinations, each exciting in their own way. Experience the fun, relaxation, and sporting spirit of fishing in a new place, whether you’re catching wild salmon in Alaska or mahi-mahi in Hawaii .

To help you figure out where to cast your line, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite fishing vacation spots all around the country. For each destination on our list, we’re including fantastic fishing charters as well, to make getting out on the water simple and stress-free.

Whether you’re looking for some quality me-time or bringing along your friends and family, TripAdvisor is here to help you plan it all. Pick your fishing getaway and then find a great place to stay. TripAdvisor checks up to 200 sites to bring you the lowest price on hotels . We also offer unique accommodations like vacation rentals, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts . Next, book a fishing charter of your liking—and then fill your itinerary with other great local activities and tours. TripAdvisor offers hundreds of thousands of bookable in-destination experiences, right on our site .

So dust off that old khaki fishing vest and get ready to cast away in these 20 great fishing vacations across America!

Ketchikan, Alaska

Alaska King Fishing Charter

At the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage lies the gorgeous city of Ketchikan , one of America’s best fishing trips known for its wild salmon, rich Alaskan history, and breathtaking natural beauty. For fishing enthusiasts, Ketchikan has a lot to offer. There are several fishing tours and excursions available here, one being the popular Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour , made famous by the show Deadliest Catch. On board this three-hour cruise, you’ll see the fisherman haul up king crab, box crab, rockfish, eel, and octopus, and may even see a whale or two along the way. Another top-rated excursion is the Alaska King Fishing Charter , which one reviewer commented simply with: “Holy Halibut!” Along with fishing tours, Ketchikan has several other nature-centric attractions. On the Tongass Rainforest Canopy and Zipline Tour , you’ll soar over the stunning rainforest-canopy on eight different ziplines and three hanging bridges.

San Diego, California

H & M Landing

San Diego is one of the best fishing destinations in the country for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You can go pier fishing on one of the city’s seven ocean piers, or go out on one of many fishing charters . The Half-Day Deep-Sea Fishing Cruise is a great charter option for fishers of all levels of experience to fish for yellowtail, bass, and a variety of gamefish while cruising along San Diego’s beautiful coastline. San Diego is also a top spot for whale watching tours like this one , where you’re likely to spot majestic Pacific Grey Whales playing around during one of the longest migrations on the planet, from the Baja Peninsula to the Bering Strait. On-shore attractions are plenty, and world-famous San Diego Zoo is definitely worth a visit in between catches.

Key West, Florida

Gulfstream Fishing

Key West is a world-class fishing destination for traveling anglers. The reefs and shipwrecks in the waters of Key West are home to hundreds of fish species. Whether you choose to go deep sea fishing or flat fishing in the seemingly limitless shallow Key West “flats,” tours and fishing charters are available for all experience levels . On the Key West Deep-Sea Fishing Day or Night Trip , improve your technique with the help of the captain and crew. With Laid Back Key West , you get to plan your boating adventure. Whether you want to fish, snorkel, lay in the sun, or all of the above, you can do it all with your private charter host.

Plymouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Captain John Boats

Located on the historic and beautiful Cape Cod peninsula, Plymouth makes for one of the best fishing vacations that also offers anglers quintessential New England scenery. Cast your line in the deep sea on one of Plymouth’s several fishing charters . Out on the ocean, you might catch striped bass, tuna, blue fish, and the occasional shark (you may know that Cape Cod is the location of the famed movie “Jaws,” though you’re not likely to catch anything quite so ferocious). You’ll find some of the best deep sea fishing in the area on a charter with Deep Sea Fishing Plymouth with the assistance from professional fishing instructors, the crew, and captain.

Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki Dive Center

Waikiki , a neighborhood deep in the Pacific on the island of Oahu, is home to some of the most extraordinary fishing worldwide. The Waikiki Diving Center offers a Deep Sea Half Day Exclusive Fishing Charter where you may reel in mahi-mahi, onu, tuna, and possibly even the Pacific blue marlin. If you’re up for a thrill, you might also enjoy a North Shore Shark Adventure cruise, an awesome ride on the Waikiki shores complete with a 20-minute shark cage dive that will get you up close and personal to some sharp-toothed beauties.

Miami/Miami Beach, Florida

The Charter Agency

Due to its warm current and diverse ecosystem, Miami is brimming with sport fish. Whether you’re out in the deep waters off the shore or in Miami’s shallow flats, you can guarantee that the fish will be biting. One of Miami’s many bookable fishing charters is the Miami Deep Sea Fishing Adventure , a four-hour charter led by a highly trained fishing captain. You may catch marlin, grouper, tuna, sailfish, snapper and more. If you’re in no hurry to get on land after fishing, consider booking an Everglades Airboat Safari . Led by an informative guide, your super-fast airboat will have you flying underneath mangroves while spotting alligators, turtles, deer, and birds.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Ohana Sportfishing Adventures

Out on the crystal blue waters off the shores of Kailua-Kona , traveling anglers can fish for marlin and tuna, spot various whale species, and ride alongside friendly dolphins on this awesome charter from Honokohau Marina . Try your hand at spearfishing with Top Shot Spearfishing , where you’ll be taught by experienced guides who will train you on safety, freediving form, breathing techniques, speargun control and fish identification. You’ll be spearing fish like a pro by the end of your charter! Back on land, the beauty of Kailua-Kona is all around you, and you can get an unforgettable 360-degree look from the Mauna Kea Summit with a day hike, drive, or even a helicopter ride .

Galveston, Texas

Reel Men Fishing Charters

Sunny Galveston makes for one of the best fishing trips in the South. Cast your reel for a wide array of freshwater or saltwater fish like blacktip shark, bull shark, red snapper, croaker, drum, stingrays, and more. One of several fishing charters you can choose from out of Galveston, the private Reel Men Fishing Charter lets you pick between speckled trout fishing or shark excursions. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you all about the area and its fish while helping you improve your fishing techniques. Aside from Galveston being one of the best fishing vacations, it’s also home to incredible surfing, so after getting in your fishing fix you may want to try your hand at water sports like surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing .

Montauk, New York

November Rain Charters

Montauk may conjure up images of beautiful mansions, manicured lawns, and sandy beaches, but did you know that Montauk also has some of the best freshwater and saltwater fishing in the country? As you enter Montauk Harbor, a sign greets you proudly: ”Fishing Capital of the World.” On a November Rain Charter you get to choose between inshore fishing, where you might catch flounders, porgies, striped bass and blackfish, or offshore fishing, where the sharks, tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi roam. The charter provides all of the materials you’ll need as well as a fun crew to teach you about the area. If you’re not quite ready to leave the gorgeous waters behind, consider going sailing with Sail Montauk , where you can either take charge of the tiller or just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Long Time Com'n Charters & Sportfishing

In the Chesapeake Bay off of Virginia Beach , the fish are plentiful all year round. Virginia Beach offers four fishing piers and many bookable half- or full-day fishing charters. Grab a charter with Long Time Com’n Charters & Sportfishing for a reasonably priced and family oriented day of fishing for sharks, redfish, cobia and more led by an experienced and friendly captain. Some other recommended Virginia Beach fishing charters include Aquaman Sportfishing Charters , Rudee Tours , and Knot Tell’n Charters . You’re sure to leave this fishing vacation with a whole album’s worth of photos holding up your catches.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Boat Charters

Game fish are teeming in the waters of Charleston , from redfish, sea trout, flounder, and sheepshead to the elusive shark, making it a sport fisher’s paradise. There are fishing charters galore available out of Charleston , including this Private 4-Hour Charter that is totally family-friendly, informative, and led by a knowledgeable and friendly guide. The scenery on the estuaries outside of Charleston is spectacular and the boats are very comfortable. Charleston is a city full of history and beautiful architecture, so once back on land consider one of many city tours , and don’t forget your camera!

Dana Point, California

AllWater Charters & Boat Rentals

Famous for its popular dolphin and whale watching tours , Dana Point is also a fabulous destination for your fishing vacation. Fishing in Dana Point is fun for all ages and skill levels. On a Half-Day Private Fishing Charter , a seasoned captain and crew will show you and your small group great fishing techniques while providing exceptional service and doing their best to make your excursion a memorable experience. On this charter, along with several others fishing charters available in Dana Point , you may catch halibut, barracuda, yellowtail, sea bass, bonito or tuna. The city also has a great pier and several jetties you can fish off of from land.

Avalon, Catalina Island, California

Afishinados Charters

Avalon , a gorgeous town on Catalina Island, is a fishing destination for those also looking for a resort-style, paradise infused getaway. The island’s many coves, reefs and beaches have created a thriving aquatic habitat. On the family-friendly Catalina Island Flying Fish Tour , you’ll travel out in the evening with the water illuminated by underwater spotlights to see the famed Catalina flying fish as they launch themselves out of the water. This spectacular sight is a true must-see for visitors. With Afishinados Charters , you can choose between a similar flying fish tour, a cocktail cruise, or a private charter to tour and fish the waters of Catalina Island.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Gulf Island Charters

For traveling anglers, consider a trip to Orange Beach , home of the largest artificial reef system in the country and one of the biggest charter fleets in the Gulf. The waters offshore teem with game fish like tuna and billfish, and inshore you might catch a red snapper, trout, or pompano. Along the artificial reefs are grouper, amberjack, and red snapper. The Orange Beach Saltwater Fishing Charter is a great option for fishers of all skill levels to get out on the water for four to five hours and fish with the counsel of a helpful captain and crew. And it’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks out there! The area has several other fishing charters and boat tours to explore , as well as awesome attractions like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo .

Sitka, Alaska

Angling Unlimited

Located near Juneau, seaside Sitka is known to be one of the most beautiful southeast Alaska cities. Look right to see a gorgeous mountain range, look left and the Pacific Ocean’s horizon will captivate you. For fishermen and women, Sitka is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of destination for its incredible saltwater fishing, with some of the best catch rates for both salmon and halibut in all of Alaska. Consider booking a charter with Angling Unlimited , who pride themselves on providing some of the best saltwater charter fishing experiences worldwide—just look at their rave reviews! Away from the open waters of the Pacific are several picturesque rivers ideal for fly fishing.

Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Island Lure Charters

The large salt marshes, long sandy stretches of beach, and beautiful wildlife are the defining characteristics of Saint Simons Island . For visiting fishing enthusiasts, the island’s offshore and deep sea fishing is a huge draw. If you’ve got a family of shark lovers, consider a trip out with Island Lure Charters . They specialize in summertime shark fishing trips, and have caught sharks up to 150 pounds, so be ready for anything! On a charter with Saint Simons Fishing , you might catch red fin, flounder, sharks, or snappers. But no matter what charter you choose, you’re likely to spot local birds like spoonbills and gannets, and possibly even some migrating whales.

Saint Joseph, Michigan

Big Bird Charters

Saint Joseph is a top-notch destination for freshwater fishers, as it’s located on the shores of Lake Michigan with the Saint Joseph River winding through it. Lake Michigan is known to be a world-class freshwater fishing destination for king salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, lake trout and brown trout. On a trip out with Big Bird Charters , your seasoned captains will share their knowledge on salmon fishing and help you make your catches. They also offer sunset and river cruises. Along the shore, be sure to visit the historic St. Joseph Lighthouses for a postcard ready photo opportunity.

Ocean City, Maryland

Miss Ocean City

Ocean City is known as the “White Marlin Capital of the World.” Every year, the city hosts the White Marlin Open, an event fun for both participants—who compete for large cash prizes—and spectators. For the less competitive anglers, Ocean City won’t disappoint—its expansive shorelines are teeming with sport fish like yellowfin tuna, bluefish, mako, and many other species. Miss Ocean City is a family owned and operated charter service that will take you out fishing on a spacious boat with a kind and helpful crew. Even when the fish aren’t biting, be on the lookout for wild horses dotting the shore and nearby dolphins. If you’d like to try your hand at bowfishing, consider booking an adventure with Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing will get you out on the water learning from a very knowledgeable and helpful guide.

Cape May, New Jersey

Miss Chris Boats

Cape May is a seaside resort town well known not just for its gorgeous scenery, but also its fantastic offshore and deep sea fishing. Cape May offers several fishing charters for enthusiastic anglers to choose from. Miss Chris charters take guests on half-day deep sea fishing excursions made even more special with the help of a kind and knowledgeable staff and beautiful surroundings. Back on land, consider spending a day splashing and catching some rays at one of Cape May’s dazzling beaches .

Anacortes, Washington

Highliner Charters

We couldn’t leave out the Pacific Northwest on a list of great fishing vacations in the United States. In Anacortes , a city located on the island of Fidalgo halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, the cold waters are teeming with wildlife. Some of the most caught species for sport fishers are the Pacific salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and the Dungeness crab. Highliner Charters offer guided salmon and bottom fishing trips off of Fidalgo Island, and they take pride in seeing their guests create wonderful memories while catching fish.

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• Fishing Tips

11 Ultimate “Bucket List” Saltwater Fishing Trips In America.

• By: Joseph Simonds
• on June 15, 2016
• Found In: Fishing Fun , Fishing Tips , Salt Strong

• Comments (1)

Here at Salt Strong , we exist to teach the world how to fish…

We do this through weekly saltwater fishing tips , how-to videos on our popular Salt Strong YouTube Channel , our fishing blog , and even fishing trips.

But not the kind of fishing trips you might be thinking… I’m not talking about charters or taking people out on our boat.

I’m talking about blogs like this which reveal the best fishing trips, where to go, and what to look for.

In this blog post, we compiled 11 U.S Based ultimate bucket list saltwater fishing trips that every angler should shoot for in his or her lifetime.

How many of these places have you fished? Any cities or places you would add?

Let us know in the comments.

Note: The term Bucket List came from the movie, “The Bucket List,” where two terminally ill men played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman decided to go on a road trip to do all the things they wanted to do before they die. Hence, the term bucket list.

Here are the 11 Bucket List Saltwater Fishing Trips in America.

11. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach doesn’t get the credit it deserves for saltwater fishing.

Why should it?

Because Virginia Beach it is located where the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and other freshwater waterways all meet together, and the amount of different species that you can catch in a weekend of fishing Virginia Beach is staggering.

Marlin, tuna, cobia, bluefish, amberjack, and mahi all swim in and around the Virginia Beach area, accessible to most anglers. From fishing the boardwalk, to the beach, to offshore, Virginia Beach is a place that all anglers should fish at some point in their life.

10. San Diego, California

Not only does San Deigo have a well-known pier, but it is also home to all kinds of different saltwater species, even bonefish!

Because of its world-class yellowfin and bluefin tuna, San Deigo has been called the “Tuna Capital” of the west. Likewise, San Diego Bay rewards anglers with a haul of spotted bay bass, yellowtail, calico bass, halibut and even bonefish.

And while hitting up San Diego’s awesome piers or fishing from the beach, you can catch perch, corbina, leopard sharks, barracuda, bonito, and mackerel.

But the main attraction that put San Diego in the list is the ability to head offshore fishing for giant tuna. Don’t miss your chance to fish beautiful San Diego next time you are there.

9. Crystal River, Florida during scallop season

Every summer the area around Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida gets a surge of new visitors in search of taking home their share of scallops.

The water in the Crystal River area is incredibly clear, the scallops can be found in super shallow water (so even the kids can enjoy it), and it certainly is something every angler should enjoy and experience at least once.

Once you have your days limit of scallops, it’s also a blast to head over to the natural springs and do some diving and exploring. A really neat area indeed.

And if you really want a unique scalloping experience while “going back in time” in terms of an old Florida town, go visit  Steinahactchee during summer. Another “bucket list” place in Florida for sure.

8. Galveston, Texas

Galveston Bay, known to produce extra large kingfish and red snapper, is also an abundant source of redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, black drum, and flounder, to name a few. And because of the unique beach/fishing feel that Galveston has, it made it a no-brainer to get this unique Texas town on the list.

And if you want to leave the inshore fishing and hit offshore for a day, the neighboring Gulf waters offer anglers a plethora of world-class sailfish, king mackerel, cobia, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, dolphin and marlin.

If you want to book a charter, make reservations and get ready to depart from either Galveston Yacht Basin, Pelican Rest Marina, Pirate’s Beach Marina, Kemah or in Seabrook.

7. South Florida During “The Mullet Run”

If you visit places like Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or Miami, you will be amazed by the marinas, the amazing boats, the megayachts, and the annoying water taxis… But the biggest amazement in South Florida is seeing the famous “Mullet Run” come through in the fall for the first time.

As mullet make their way through Ft. Lauderdale on their migration, it attracts game fish in from all over the place. Tarpon and snook are everywhere from the beach to piers to under the bridges running through intercoastal and downtown.

It is like Mardis Gras for sport fish!

And it truly is a sight to see (and fish).

Click here to see some of the most amazing Mullet Run footage ever caught on film!

6. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The “Outer Banks” in North Carolina is known for being one of America’s abundant saltwater fisheries.

From catching marlin off of Cape Hatteras to landing world-record redfish just off the shore, North Carolina’s outer banks are a must fish place for all anglers.

The outer banks act like a highway for fish moving up and down the east coast, from wahoo, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and red drum. They can all be caught here.

One of the best time to visit is between April to June and also in the fall.

5. Cape Cod, Massachusettes

Cape Code, Massachusettes is a historic place (the Mayflower landed here for crying out load), and it is a sanctuary for migratory stripers in the Provincetown, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Buzzards Bay.

But besides the MONSTA stripers, Cape Cod has are wahoo, swordfish, cod, bluefish, and giant bluefin tuna.  During May to June, there are many

Everyone needs to fish (and visit) Cape Cod at one point in their life.

4. Montauk, New York

This place is famous for being one of the fishing capitals of the world (and probably some of the most intense surf fishing addicts in the country).

Year after year, crazy amounts of fish migrate from Long Island Sound to Maine, passing by Montauk on their way.

And although many people think striped bass when they hear Montauk, but Montauk it is also popular for deep-water trophies like big tuna.

3. Homer, Alaska for Halibut

What do you when you get tired of catching mid-size flounder or fluke?

You step up your game and go after monster halibut!

With these “flat-fish” getting up into the 400lb+ range, even the “small halibut” in the 20-70 pound range (the Alaskans call them “Chicken-fish”) are pretty amazing fish to catch.

Two of the most popular places in Alaska (with easier access from Anchorage compared to the other halibut destination called “Dutch Harbor”) are Homer and Seward.

But Homer made the “bucket list” due to it’s eclectic, laid-back, and adventurous setting. The best times to visit Homer are beginning in May through the end of September. Any other time, and you will have a tough time feeling your fingers…

2. Venice, Louisiana

There are two world famous rivers that collide in one place… the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River Delta.

And at the end of the rivers is one of the best saltwater fishing the world has known… Venice, Louisiana.

Venice is home to everything from speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, redfish, tuna, wahoo, marlin, and dolphin.

With amazing offshore canyon and an inshore fishery that is one of the best in the world, every angler needs to spend a week fishing Venice in his or her lifetime.

Related: “This Louisiana Video Claims To Have Better Fishing Than Florida” (see it here now)

1. The Florida Keys, Florida

The Florida Keys is almost unarguably the best overall fishery on the planet.

There are so many hot spot fishing places inside of this scenic location like the Key West, Islamorada and Key Largo. The Florida Keys has converging currents, amazing tropical weather that can be fished year round, and crystal clear waters.

Whether it be fly fishing for world-class tarpon, going offshore for mahi, daytime swordfishing, or catching lobster, the Florida Keys has it all.

You can even shoot over to the Everglades for an afternoon to fish the unlimited mangrove lines.

What a place!

Hope you enjoyed the 11 saltwater “bucket list” fishing destinations!

Important Note: If we missed any must-visit saltwater fishing trips that should be on the bucket list, please feel free to hit the comment section so we can add them here and continually update the list, too. You can also share your unforgettable fishing stories and awesome experiences. Pa-POW!

P.S. – Which bucket list destinations did we miss? Let us know in the comment section.

P.P.S. – If you think your friends or fishing networks would like to see this, please Tag them or Share this with them. You Rock! Pa-POW!

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Mullet Run is REAL – beach and river fishing is amazing all down the FL coast, if you can find the main run you can fish it all down the coast and it’s incredible.

Crystal River – its actually the Gulf outside of Crystal River and it’s great fishing but very dangerous with lots of rocks and lots of flats so very shallow and you better know where your going.

Venice, LA – looks like it’s mostly off shore stuff as the whole delta and out flow from the rivers really muds up the coast

VA Beach is a neat one I would like to try Cape Cod for great whites O YEA

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15 Best Fishing Trips in the US You Can’t Miss

It is possible to catch some of the world’s best fishing trips in the US. We’ve produced a list of some of our best fishing vacation destinations, from Alaska to Hawaii. Each destination on our list of best fishing trips in the US has great fishing charters for anglers who want a stress-free vacation.

Best Locations for Fishing Trips

Taking time out of your hectic schedule now and then to spend a day on the lake doing what you love is a good idea if you enjoy fishing. You should always conduct some research before booking a fishing charter, especially if it is a private one.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan Charter Fishing (one of the fishing charters)

It is also known as “King Salmon” in the case of Chinook salmon. These fish are Great Lake aristocracy, with their great hard-fighting action. However, rainbow trout aren’t the only sea trout that may be found in this wonderful fishery.

To begin with, there are massive Brown Trout /Lake Trout to contend with. On your Great Lakes species bucket list, these feisty fish are more than a worthy opponent. 

The salmon species are a great example of how freshwater fish can be just as exciting to catch as their saltwater counterparts. 

Chinook and Coho are the two types of salmon that may be found in this lake, and they usually make their first appearance in the spring. On the other hand, you can go fly fishing before the salmon fishing season begins in the early summer.

San Diego, California

H & M Landing (one of the fishing charters)

San Diego is a popular fishing destination in the United States. Take a private fishing charter out on one of the city’s seven ocean piers or go pier fishing on one of its many freshwater and saltwater fishing alternatives.

Fishing for yellowfin tuna, bass, and various gamefish while traveling around San Diego’s picturesque coastline is a terrific charter choice for anglers of all levels of expertise. It is also a famous destination for whale-watching trips from the Baja Peninsula to the Bering Strait. 

Pacific Gray Whales are frolicking during one of the world’s longest migrations, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to see these magnificent creatures. There are numerous inshore fishing in the world-famous San Diego.

Key West, Florida

Gulfstream Fishing (one of the fishing charters)

For traveling anglers, Key West is a known east coast fishing location. Hundreds of fish species live on the reefs and shipwrecks in the fishing spots.

Tour and shore fishing getaway is offered for all levels of skill, whether you want to go deep or fly and flat fishing in the seemingly endless shallow “flats.”

Improve your fishing package together with the guidance of the captain and crew on private fishing tours. You get to plan your sailing adventure with Laid Back Key West.

You may do it all with your private charter host, whether you are catching fish, snorkeling, sitting in the sun, or doing all of the above.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Long Time Comm’n Charters & Sportfishing (one of the fishing charters)

In the Chesapeake Bay, offshore fishing in Virginia Beach, fish are plentiful all year. There are four fishing piers in Virginia Beach and several half-day and full-day fishing cruises. 

For a family-friendly day of fishing for sharks, redfish, cobia, and other species, book a charter with Long Time Comm’n Charters & Sportfishing, a world-class fishing group.

Aquaman Sportfishing Excursions, Rudee Tours, and Knot Tell’n Charters are some of the other fishing charters in Virginia Beach that we recommend. 

You’ll have an entire album full of images of your catches when you return from your fishing trip.

Plymouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Captain John Boats (one of the fishing charters)

Plymouth, located on the historic and scenic Cape Cod peninsula, is one of the top fishing trips in the U.S. and offers a typical New England landscape to anglers. On one of Plymouth’s many fishing cruises, you can cast your line into the deep sea.  

Catch striped bass, tuna, bluefish, and the rare shark in the excellent fishing ocean (Cape Cod is famous for the film “Jaws,” though you’re unlikely to capture anything quite as fierce). 

With the help of expert fishing instructors, the crew, and the captain, you’ll find some of the best deep-sea fishing in the area on a charter with Deep Sea Fishing Plymouth.

Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki Dive Center (one of the fishing charters)

On the island of Oahu, Waikiki, a suburb deep in the Pacific, is home to some of the world’s most outstanding fishing vacations. A deep-sea fishing charter is available at the Waikiki Diving Center, where you can catch mahi-mahi, onu, tuna, and potentially even a Pacific blue marlin. 

An excellent trip on the Waikiki coastlines replete with a 20-minute shark cage dive that will bring you up close and personal with some sharp-toothed beauties, as well as a North Shore Shark Adventure cruise if you’re up for a thrill.

Miami/Miami Beach, Florida

The Charter Agency (one of the fishing charters)

Miami is teeming with sport fish due to its warm current and diversified habitat. You can be sure that fish will bite in the shallow flats or the deep waters offshore. 

Catch snapper, marlin, grouper, tuna, sailfish, and other fish. Consider planning an Everglades Airboat Safari if you’re not in a hurry to get back on land after fishing. 

Your super-fast airboat will take you through the mangroves while you spot artificial reefs, alligators, sea turtles, deer, and birds, all while being accompanied by an educational guide.

Lake Fork, TX

Lake Fork is located 65 miles east of Dallas in Texas’ Piney Woods region. The only reason you’re coming here is to catch some bass. Throughout your stay, you’ll be able to fish and eat largemouth and white bass.

Bass is the holy grail of freshwater fish, and Lake Fork is a destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. To diversify your trip, it’s a good idea to spend some time in Fort Worth, a city known for its cowboys.

Galveston, Texas

Reel Men Fishing Charters (one of the fishing charters)

In sunny Galveston, you may enjoy one of the best fishing expeditions in the South. Blacktip, bull, red snapper, croaker, drum, stingrays, and other freshwater and saltwater fish can be caught with your reel.

The private Reel Men Fishing Charters, one of several fishing charters in Galveston, allows you to choose between shark fishing or adventures.

After you’ve had your fill of fishing tours in Galveston, you might want to try a new water sport like surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing because it’s also home to some of the world’s best surfing.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Alaska King Fishing Charter (one of the fishing charters)

The southernmost point of Alaska’s Inside Passage is Ketchikan. One of the best fishing vacations is the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, made famous by Deadliest Catch.

One of the sites in the country where you can catch fish is near the Mississippi River’s entrance in Venice. Bass, redfish, and speckled trout are examples of freshwater fish. Larger saltwater fish, such as marlin and sailfish, can also be found around Venice.

Venice has one of the country’s most unique cultural and topographical environments. It’s also convenient to New Orleans, which is a plus. You’ll be traveling 90 miles along the west bank of the Mississippi River after landing at Louis Armstrong International Airport.

Lake Champlain, NY, and V.T.

Anglers can capture various fish in this area, including large and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The Lake Champlain Basin Program contains a list of species that reads like a bucket list for avid anglers.

This lake is located between New York’s Northeast and Vermont’s Northwestern borders. You can get to the East from I-87 in New York and the West from I-89 in Vermont.

Outdoor Expeditions USA, Holly Springs

Outdoor Expeditions USA offers fishing trips on some of North Carolina’s best lakes, and the company welcomes anglers of all ages and experience levels. Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Shearon Harris Lake are excellent bass fishing destinations.

San Francisco

San Francisco Fishing Charters has a good reputation for providing outstanding service and personal attention to every client. The Game Fish, the company’s boating adventure, has everything you’ll need in fishing gear for a day on the water for up to six anglers. 

An optimum fishing period for striped bass and sturgeon is between January and March, but you can visit all year round.

Mammoth Lakes, CA

This magnificent area in Central California, surrounded by the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, offers incredible scenery, a variety of activities, and some of the greatest wild trout fishing on the West Coast.

The lakes of Placid are framed by snow-capped peaks. Ice fishing, mountain biking, hiking trails, and skiing are just a few of the activities available in Mammoth Lakes. It’s also a year-round site that’s easy to get to.

A ten-minute drive from downtown Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Yosemite Airport welcomes commercial flights from LAX all year long (Los Angeles).

Experience Fishing Like No Other

The modern man’s favorite pastime is fishing, which is one of the most underrated. It’s a hobby that can be done in practically any area, requires very little equipment, and requires very little ability. 

It’s also a social activity that allows you to go to some of the country’s most isolated and beautiful places, and it’s well-balanced enough for a beginner to progress to more technical hobbies.

We hope our list of the best fishing trips in the US proves useful to you. Whatever your choice is, you’ll surely have a good time!

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Adventures On The Ultimate Fishing Bucket List

• Activities and Interests
• Bucket List Trips
• Destinations
• Outdoor Activities
• Types of Travel

The mountain air was crisp enough to warrant a jacket as we trudged in the early morning dew toward the Tarryall River at the Broadmoor Fishing Camp , which borders the 120,000-acre Lost Creek Wilderness , 75 miles north of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

My friend Jill and I were invited to learn how to fly fish on this trout-filled river high in the Colorado mountains, and as hosted guests of Broadmoor, we had a day ahead of us of learning the Zen-like art of fly fishing.

Before this past year or so, I wasn’t what I would call an avid fisherman. Sure, I’ve been out with a pole a couple of times, snagged some red snapper while fishing in the Caribbean, but I’m not a person who even owns her own fishing pole.

I’m changing. After several “bucket list” fishing trips, I now eagerly look forward to feeling that tug on the line when a fish hits. I like how my forearms tense as I grip and reel in whatever sea or river creature I’ve snagged. I love the speckle of sunlight on rainbow trout skin, the artistic dots that line its belly, and I love the feel of the slightly-slimy bodies in my hand as I pose for pictures before letting the trout free to swim another day.

I’ve been lucky to have gone fishing in some of the most astonishing places in North America and around the world, and the adventures I’ve had on the ultimate fishing bucket list stay with me long after these forays into the wild are over.

Whether you are an avid fishing enthusiast or an amateur fisherman like me, here are seven adventures on the ultimate fishing bucket list that all anglers should try.

1. Salmon Fishing In Alaska

One of the most beautiful places in the world to cast a line is the water around Noyes Island in Alaska’s Inside Passage, and one of the best fishing experiences in Alaska is at Noyes Island’s Steamboat Bay Fishing Club .

Located near Ketchikan, Steamboat Bay’s fishing guides take advantage of the salmon-rich waters of the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska, and anglers who stay at this luxury Alaskan sportfishing resort often brag of the numbers of king salmon, coho salmon, halibut, and lingcod they reel in.

The boats all slide out into the gray misty mornings as sperm whales shoot sprays of water into the air and bald eagles soar in search of their own fish. On most days, the fishing adventure lasts well into late afternoon, and you’ll come back to a family-style catered dinner, sore from epic battles with king salmon and hauling up giant, flat halibut.

While salmon fishing trips are in no short supply in this part of Alaska, it’s Steamboat Bay that makes this trip the ultimate adventure. Steamboat Bay Fishing Club is located on what was once the site of a thriving salmon cannery, but it can only be reached by boat and chartered floatplane from nearby Ketchikan.

After your day of fishing, the staff at Steamboat Bay not only filets all your fish right there on the dock, but they also vacuum freeze it and make all the arrangements to have your treasure flown home with you.

Did I mention the on-site massages, the traditional Slavic sauna, and the open bar? For a truly indulgent and pampered experience in one of the best salmon-fishing waters in the world, head to Steamboat Bay.

Pro Tip: The lodge is only open mid-June through August and books up quickly, and the experience isn’t cheap. While it’s called “the most expensive in all of Alaska,” serious anglers who want a taste of luxury in Alaska ’s stunning landscapes will find the splurge well worth it. 

2. Tarpon Fishing In Florida

Every summer, dozens of boats creep out into the waters around Fort Myers and Sanibel, Florida , with the hopes of snagging and conquering what many consider to be the ultimate sportfishing prize: the mighty tarpon.

Anglers from all over the world assemble along the Gulf Coast as part of the annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford Tarpon Tournament benefiting conservation education at J.N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Teddy Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Edison, and Al Capone have all ventured here to hunt tarpon. Today, hundreds of fishing adventurers still seek out the challenge of reeling in one of these notoriously hard-to-catch beasts.

I was among the many hopefuls at the annual tournament, but like many others, I didn’t even get a hit. But 88 tarpons were snagged that day, and just watching their bodies break the water as they flip and twist in the air is a sight to behold.

This part of Florida is called “The Tarpon Capital of the World,” and in fact, the first tarpon ever caught was in Tarpon Bay off of Sanibel Island. Many fishing charters are available in Fort Myers/Sanibel, so you’ll have no shortage of guides to bring you out on this ultimate fishing bucket list adventure.

Because tarpon, known as “The Silver King,” can grow to more than 7 feet in length and can weigh more than 300 pounds, it’s vital to have a good guide with the right tackle and equipment to handle this challenge.

3. Fly Fishing In Colorado

For a rustic yet luxurious fly fishing locale, head to the Broadmoor Fish Camp . Located on more than five miles of private waters, this fish camp has some of the best fly fishing waters in Colorado , and each guest can try their hand at casting under the guidance and tutelage of professional Broadmoor guides.

While you’ll spend most of your time under the shadows of the towering mountains and among aspen trees while fishing, guests at the camp stay at one of the seven guest cabins, and when the day is done, guests gather in the Main Lodge prepared meals, drinks, and relaxation. 

This lodge is also an ORVIS-endorsed facility, which means the Broadmoor Fish Camp has “unparalleled service, respect for natural resources, and an experienced, professional staff” approved by Orvis, the leader in fly fishing equipment and excursions.

There’s plenty of other things to do at the Broadmoor Fish Camp besides fly fishing, though. Guests can enjoy hiking, fly tying, cornhole, various games, or just relaxing on the lodge’s wrap-around porch.

Pro Tip: Overnight stays are available, but to book this fly-fishing adventure, you need to go through The Broadmoor website under the “Wilderness Experiences” tab.

4. Deep-Sea Fishing In Nicaragua

Not many people have heard of the Corn Islands on the Caribbean side of Nicaragua , but avid fishing enthusiasts should definitely put this location on the ultimate fishing bucket list. We stayed on Little Corn Island, just a short but wild inflatable Zodiac boat ride from Big Corn Island, and the local fishermen in this small, 1.5-square-mile island know where all the honey holes are.

On our first day of deep-sea fishing, we hired a local with a small motorboat to take us out into the rough waters. Trolling my line from the back of the boat, I reeled in four large red snappers within two hours — enough for a wonderful lunch on the beach prepared by a man in a little hut who cleaned and cooked our fish for us — and we even hooked a barracuda.

The next day, we went out in the afternoon with a guide named Captain Elvis, who brought us to a honey hole that was so active, the entire bottom of the boat was covered in a myriad of ocean fish, which the men take back to their wives on the island. Most of their wives run restaurants on this roadless island, and because there is no real practical way to take all that fish home, most tourists happily turn over their catch to the locals.

The local guides and fishing excursions aren’t fancy, but they are fun. These guides on Little Corn Island have their own gear to use, and you’ll likely reel in tarpon, king mackerel, and even mahi-mahi.

Pro Tip: To get to Little Corn Island, you can take one of the three daily hour-long flights provided by local airline La Costeña from Managua to Big Corn Island, and then take a 30- to 40-minute panga boat ride to Little Corn Island. These boat rides between islands have limited departures weekly and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to purchase your ticket prior to boarding as soon as you can.

5. Spear Fishing In Mexico

While on a recent trip to Isla Mujeres , a small island across from Cancun, Mexico , we booked a morning to go spearfishing in the waters around the island. I was new and clumsy as a snorkeling spear fisherman, but my friend Tim is an old pro and managed to spear several edible delicacies while we bobbed around the waves and shot spear guns.

We booked our fishing bucket list adventure with Sea Hawk Divers , a small family-run business that offers all kinds of fishing charters, whale shark tours, dive tours, and more.

Our guide, Manu, even took our catch of the day and made a fresh ceviche for us, which he served up in the backyard of the shop with some cold beer. Serious fishermen can even stay at the dive shop’s Sea Hawk Suites for a package deal.

6. Ice Fishing In Door County, Wisconsin

I’m not a big fan of deep, bone-crunching cold, but ice fishing in Door County, Wisconsin , may be the “coolest” adventure on this ultimate fishing bucket list. When winter barrels into the Door, ice forms thick enough at Little Sturgeon Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sister Bay for locals and visitors to set up shanties at the fishing holes. 

Once just an activity that locals enjoyed, fishing charters are now offering ice fishing tours for visitors willing to try to catch the famous Door County whitefish or walleye. 

Destination Door County has a nice list of local fishing charter businesses that will set you up for your first ice fishing adventure, but be sure to bundle up. It gets dang cold in Wisconsin in the winter!

Pro Tip: Always talk to local sports shops to ask about ice conditions on the lake or river you want to fish. Remember, ice is never 100 percent safe, and you cannot judge the thickness of the ice by appearance only.

7. Tuna Fishing In Louisiana

Venice, Louisiana , is the tuna fishing capital of the world, and it’s where sportfishing experts go for the big catches. But bluefin and bigeye tuna aren’t the only things you’ll catch when you book a fishing charter out of Venice. From yellowfin tuna and red snapper to grouper and even mahi-mahi, Venice has some of the most diverse fishing in the world.

The many charter boats and guide services available in and around Venice guarantee you’ll be able to book the offshore trip of your dreams. It’s located roughly 75 miles from New Orleans, and redfish is so abundant here that Plaquemines Parish hosts numerous redfish tournaments throughout the year. 

But if you’re looking to bag that trophy bluefin tuna or wahoo, your best bet is to book a Venice trip from January through March.

Pro Tip: Having the right guide and captain can make all the difference in your enjoyment of deep-sea fishing in Venice. The Louisiana Charter Boat Association has a handy website that lists all the licensed charters and captains.

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

10 Best Fishing Trips for Your Bucket List

Whether you’re a fan of freshwater fishing or its saltwater fishing that gets your adrenaline pumping, anglers of all stripes have a bucket list of rod-pumping, tail-walking, drag-screaming adventures they dream about. What’s on your own personal agenda? That’s for you to decide. But we’d be willing to bet that at least a few of these 10 best fishing trips would prove to be worthy thrills.

10 Best Fishing Trip Destinations

• Blue Marlin in Kona, Hawaii
• Blue Cats in Virginia (and D.C.)
• Bonefish at St. Brandon's (East Africa)
• Giant Bluefin Tuna off the Outer Banks
• Ice Fishing at Mille Lacs Lake
• Offshore Fishing in Key West, Florida
• Northern Snakeheads in the Blackwater River
• Peacock Bass Fishing in Florida
• Sailfish in Los Suenos, Costa Rica
• Trout in the Snake River

Explore Fishing Boats for Your Next Adventure

1. Blue Marlin in Kona, Hawaii

If you want to do battle with a true deep-sea monster, blue marlin fit the bill. There are several heavy-hitting destinations worth considering, but Kona, Hawaii, holds one ace up its sleeve: blues are present very close to shore here year-round, so you can visit this destination during any season and hope to encounter one. Summertime is the peak of the action, but trolling these waters at other times of the year can also produce striped marlin, spearfish, yellowfin tuna, and more.

2. Blue Cats of Virginia (and Washington D.C.)

Wait a sec—did we really put a catfish on the bucket list? You bet, because when it comes to fishing in the waters of Virginia and Washington, D. C. 100-pound-plus fish are possible. Kerr Reservoir is responsible for the world-record blue cat of 143-pounds, and both the Potomac and the James Rivers have been responsible for 100-plus-pound fish. In fact, 50-pounders are considered relatively common in Virginia’s blue cat hotspots. Besides, how cool would it be to hook into one of these behemoths while fishing in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument? So, yeah, blue catfish—anybody want to argue over a 100-pound whiskered beast earning this spot? We didn’t think so.

3. Bonefish at St. Brandon's (East Africa)

St. Brandon’s Atoll, off the coast of East Africa, is one of the least-accessible fishing destinations in the world. Most international anglers agree that it’s also the single best place in the world to sight-fish for tailing bonefish. Bonefish up to 15-pounds are encountered here, as well as a mix of permit and trevally. It’s very difficult to get to St. Brandon’s (plan on a full 24-hour day of travel from the U.S.) and you’ll be staying in a very basic lodge or on a mothership, but if you plan on putting bones into your bucket, St. Brandon’s can’t be beat.

4. Giant Bluefin Tuna off the Outer Banks (OBX)

When they call a 300-pounder a “small” one, you know you’re facing one of the ultimate angling challenges on the face of the planet. Hooking into giant bluefin tuna twice or even three times this size is a possibility, when you’re fishing off the Outer Banks during the winter and early spring months. Better hang on tight!

5. Ice Fishing at Mille Lacs Lake

Even the saltiest saltwater anglers have heard of Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Lake, which is famous for having roads plowed through the snow on top of the frozen lake to service the small “city” of ice fishing huts and cabins (numbering over 5,000 at times). Walleye are the main attraction, but northern pike and numerous panfish species can also be reeled up through your ice holes.

6. Key West: Anything and Everything

We’re not going to nail down any one species of choice when it comes to fishing in Key West, because the beauty of this bucket list destination is the diversity. You can run east and fish for sailfish, kingfish, blackfin, wahoo, and amberjack on one day, then run west and target tarpon, bonefish, and permit the next. You can fish the open ocean, reefs, flats, and mangroves. You can troll, sling lures, drop baits, or fly cast. The key to having the angling adventures of a lifetime in Key West is enjoying its amazing diversity and doing battle with multiple species on your own personal bucket list, all in the same place.

7. Northern Snakeheads in the Blackwater

Northern snakeheads are an invasive species which first showed up in the Blackwater River complex of the DelMarVa Peninsula 10 or 12 years ago. Since then, the snakehead’s ability to breath air in the shallow river’s low-oxygen environment allowed for a population explosion unlike any other. Today, catches of dozens of snakeheads at a time are not uncommon and 100-plus fish days are not unheard-of. Watching 30-inch and larger snakeheads explode on topwater plugs is the thrill many anglers visiting these waters are after, and after seeing it for yourself it’ll be no wonder why this destination and this fishery went from non-existent to bucket list-worthy in barely a decade.

8. Peacock Bass Fishing in Florida

Many freshwater anglers find the allure of chasing this exotic species irresistible. Peacock bass, native to the Amazon and transplanted to Florida, are amazingly colorful fish that are also as aggressive and hard-fighting as any freshwater fish on the planet. Adding to their attraction, the excellent clarity found in many of south Florida’s waterways makes it possible to spot peacock bass visually and then sight-cast for them.

Learn More in Bass Fishing Tips: How to Catch Bass

9. Sailfish in Los Suenos, Costa Rica

Los Suenos, Costa Rica posts some of the biggest sailfish numbers on Earth, with the peak of the season providing regular double-digit days and sometimes dozens of bites on a single outing. Plus, during the peak winter months this area has an advantage over most other ports: geography and the prevailing winds cooperate to provide favorable seas almost every day, and very few fishing trips are lost to rough conditions. On top of that marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo are often mixed in with the catch and if you stay inshore, the rooster fish fishing is also world-class.

10. Trout in the Snake River

Winding through the wilderness of Yellowstone National Park, the Snake River and its feeders provide trout fishermen with the ability to cast a fly in completely natural surroundings, unspoiled by any form of civilization. While you probably won’t encounter the biggest fish in the world here—the bulk of the catch is usually mid-sized cuttroats, whitefish, and brown trout—hiking in and casting the remote waters is certainly an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Is this a complete list of all the uber-amazing fishing adventures an average angler will have on his or her bucket list? Of course not. In fact, limiting ourselves to 10 best fishing trips barley lets us scratch the surface. Fishing the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, going for monster mako sharks off the California coast, salmon and halibut fishing in Alaska—the list goes on and on. But no matter what sort of angler you are, these 10 fishing adventures belong on your bucket list.

Read Next: When is the Best Time to Go Fishing?

You Might Also Like:

• Saltwater Fishing Gear: 10 Essentials for Anglers
• Fishing Safety Tips & Safety Gear
• 8 Cool Coasts to Cruise in the U.S.
• Best Lakes in the U.S.
• Find the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle

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10 Bucket List Trips for North American Fly Anglers

You don't have to travel the world for great fly fishing. here's where to wet a fly in the u.s..

It's been a long pandemic, but with travel starting to loosen up, fly anglers are looking forward to experiencing some long rod fights that take them deep into the backing of their fly reels. If you're not quite ready to travel overseas again, don't worry since there’s plenty bucket-list fly fishing opportunities right here in the United States. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)

In 2004, author Chris Santella penned the popular book, 50 Places to Fly Fish Before You Die . That was followed by a sequel in 2011, 50 More Places to Fly Fish Before You Die .

Inspired by Santella's written work, San Diego fly angler Conway Bowman used the idea to launch a World Fishing Network television series a few years back that was loosely based on locations found in the first book. In short, it was a 30-minute show filled with fly-fishing dreams.

All of which got me to thinking recently about my own fly-fishing bucket list, especially as the American economy reopens and travel begins to increase again following the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some anglers aren't ready to head overseas anytime soon, there are plenty of "Top 10" bucket-list fly-fishing trips that can happen right here in the United States.

With that in mind—and a nod to Santella's written work and Bowman's WFN TV show—here's my list of fly-fishing adventures that don't require a passport:

1. Florida Keys Mixed Bag

For the saltwater fly angler, the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Islamorada to Key West are hallowed ground. For starters, there are tarpon, from leaping Everglades juveniles to triple-digit behemoths testing the limits of 12-weight fly rods as they race away, leap skyward and make crashing "holes in the ocean." Then there are big scimitar-tailed permit swimming the flats, maddeningly difficult to catch fish that will only occasionally eat a fly. Add in speedy bonefish that can melt backing off of a fly reel, burly redfish rooting around for crab and shrimp, and huge snook that burst from shadowy hides in the mangroves to smash a fly, and the Florida Keys are nothing less than a salty fly fisher's heaven during the spring, summer and fall.

2. Arkansas' Big Browns

Argentina's Tierra del Fuego and the legendary Rio Grande River may get top billing for monster sea-run brown trout, but such a globetrotting flight hasn't been easy or even possible in recent months. Now that the skies are loosening up again, keep in mind that you don't have to head to another continent for a double-digit brown.

Why? Because some of the world's biggest browns swim in northern Arkansas' White, Little Red and Norfork river systems. Need proof of that? Then consider that the late Rip Collins pulled a former world record brown—a 40-pound, 4-ounce fish—from the Little Red in the mid-1990s. While most Razorback State browns aren't that big, tie on a Chad Johnson streamer pattern  in the colder months and get ready to hang on. Because a double-digit brown might come calling, without the hemisphere swapping jetlag.

3. Biloxi Marsh Bull Reds

Not far to the east of New Orleans' French Quarter, some of the year's best big-fish fly-rod opportunities await every October through January as huge bull redfish move into the skinny water of central Gulf Coast haunts like Biloxi Marsh. These fish are brutes—the average fish size can be in the double-digits and some reds can go up to 40 pounds or more—and they'll often hungrily eat a fly . If you book a trip, get ready for parts of your fly reel's backing to see sunshine for the first time in a good long while.

4. Montana Salmon Fly Hatch

Hitting the late June/early July salmon fly hatch just right on a river like Montana's famed Madison River can require a little bit of good old-fashioned luck. But when the timing is good and you hit it just right, it's one of the sport's greatest experiences to see big rainbows and browns slap huge surface flies with total abandon. Bull’s-eye the hatch just once and you'll remember the experience to your dying day … and keep coming back for more.

5. Colorado Caddis Fly Blizzard

Known as the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch, this springtime Colorado blizzard of caddis flies starts around mid-April's Tax Day near Canon City and moves steadily up the Arkansas River toward Salida as May arrives.

Video That May Interest You

While the hatch gets top billing on this Colorado stream, there are also other rivers across the West where this blizzard of bugs occurs. Get out in front of the suffocating caddis hatch with a box of pupa, egg layer and adult caddis fly patterns and you might grow tired of catching rainbow and brown trout gorging themselves on the fluttering bugs.

6. Proud as a Florida Peacock

One reason I’m excited about the return of the annual ICAST Fishing Trade Show this July in Florida is the chance to revisit the fish-rich canals near Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In fact, it’s become something of a post-ICAST tradition between yours truly, my boss Jeff Phillips, and Capt. Patrick Smith of Swamp to Sea Guide Service .

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While the butterfly peacocks planted there years ago (to help control exotic aquarium fish dumped into the vast canal system) rarely approach even half the size of their Brazilian cousins in the Amazon, who cares? You might not land a 20-pound giant that will land you on the cover of our sister publication, Fly Fisherman magazine , but you'll stay stateside and still have a shot at catching one of the prettiest, hardest fighting piscatorial critters that the Creator ever made.

7. Alaska's Silver Mines

Alaska means salmon, from the big king-salmon runs beginning in late spring to the pink and sockeye runs of mid-summer. But for my money, give me the silver salmon — or Coho salmon — runs that begin in July and continue through September in rivers like the Kenai, the Cooper and the Tsiu to name a few. A good silver will go 8 to 10 pounds, sometimes more, a size that is more than enough to take fly anglers well into their backings.

8. Montauk Stripers

It's a wild scene with crying seagulls, the steady Atlantic Ocean breeze, crashing waves, a picturesque lighthouse...and millions of baitfish fleeing as big schools of striped bass feed aggressively on their annual autumn run down the Eastern Seaboard. While the autumn striper run down the Atlantic coastline isn't as fabled as it once was, it's still worth a visit to New England in the fall. And bull's-eye just one September or October striper blitz at Montauk Point on the eastern end of New York's Long Island and you'll have an angling memory you'll never forget.

9. Wisconsin Muskies

They're among the biggest and baddest tackle-busting freshwater predators that swim, approaching 50 inches or more in length. Muskies—or muskellunge as they are officially known—are hard to catch with any sort of tackle, even in the species' ground-zero waters of Wisconsin. But with a reputation of being a ghostly fish that takes a 1,000 casts to catch, having one of these giant predators suddenly flash out of the gloom below might be the pinnacle of freshwater fly fishing. So, don't forget to figure eight your big streamer when it gets back to the boat because you never know what's lurking below.

10. Bedeviling Texas Bass

The Devil's River is a surprisingly scenic oasis deep in the heart of arid southwestern Texas, one that seems more at home for scorpions, rattlesnakes and prickly pear cactus. But thanks to its cool turquoise waters flowing south into Lake Amistad, the Devil's River is also plenty fish-friendly, thanks to its mix of plunge pools, riffles, rocks, and beds of aquatic vegetation. While this is a rugged trip and then some, the payoff is a picturesque Lone Star State fishing hole that is home to unpressured largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, carp and gar. It's a difficult to access area surrounded by private ranches, but the promise of two or three days of unparalleled fly-fishing action makes this a rough and tumble adventure that is well worth the effort.

So, there you have it, 10 bucket-list trips for the North American fly fisherman, the kind of saltwater and freshwater fly-rodding spots that someone ought to write a book about.

Or maybe even film a TV show.

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The 10 Best Fishing Trips You Can Take in the U.S.

Fishing is one of the most underappreciated pursuits of the modern man. It’s a hobby that can be pursued in almost any location, requires a minimum amount of skill, and only asks for a small amount of gear. It’s also a hobby that’s social, presents an excuse to travel to some of the most remote and beautiful locations in the country, and is nuanced enough to allow a newbie to work up to more technical pursuits.

In short, it’s time to book a fishing trip. Here are 10 of the best options for your next one.

The name says it all. Salmon is located in one of the most scenic and remote places in the lower 48 and sits along the picturesque Salmon River. Rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout round out the fish you can expect to catch, and Idaho is one of the only U.S. states with ocean-run salmon and steelhead.

Why You’re Going : Set in one of the most underrated states in the country, Idaho blends a charming amount of ruggedness with unique fishing and a breathtaking location. The ability to explore Boise (an underrated and up-and-coming city) makes the trip to Salmon a great destination for the urban and rural adventurer.

How to Get There : If you want to make the drive as short as possible, commercial flights are available into Idaho Falls (a two-hour drive from Salmon). Boise provides a larger airport and a longer drive (252 miles).

One of the best fishing meccas in North America, Homer not only provides a scenic location and an escape from the urban jungle, but it provides access to incredible salmon (including spawning runs in the local river). Nearby Kachemak Bay also provides plenty of halibut, ling-cod, and rockfish if you’re looking to diversify the haul.

Why You’re Going: Alaska is truly the last American frontier and the ultimate escape for the outdoorsman. Beautiful vistas, untouched nature, and a unique culture make Homer a worthwhile destination.

How to Get There: It’s a bit of a trek, but one that’s totally worth the effort. Homer is about a 5-hour drive from Anchorage, Alaska. If you prefer to fly, there are daily flights from Anchorage to Homer (the flight takes approximately 45 minutes).

Located on the mouth of the Mississippi, Venice offers one of the few locations where you’re guaranteed to catch fish. Bass, redfish, and speckled trout round out the fresh water varieties and will keep you busy for days. But if you enjoy a day out on the ocean, Venice also offers some larger saltwater opportunities including marlin, sail fish and tuna.

Why You’re Going: Louisiana, and subsequently Venice, offers one of the most unique cultural and topographical settings in the country. Proximity to New Orleans is an added bonus.

How to Get There : You’re flying into Louis Armstrong International Airport and driving 90 miles along the west bank of the Mississippi River.  

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, this beautiful location in Central California provides incredible scenery, a multitude of activities, and some of the best trout fishing on the West Coast.

Why You’re Going: Placid lakes framed by snowcapped mountains. Mammoth Lakes not only offers incredible fishing, but also mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. It’s also an accessible location that can be reached year round.

How to Get There : Mammoth Yosemite Airport is only a ten-minute drive from downtown Mammoth Lakes and accepts commercial flights year-round from LAX (Los Angeles).

Lake Fork, TX

Located 65 miles east of Dallas, in the Piney Woods region of Texas, Lake Fork offers some of the best bass fishing in the country. You’re going to Lake Fork for one reason and one reason only: to catch some bass. Large mouth and white bass keep the fishing and eating entertaining for your entire vacation.

Why You’re Going: The holy grail of fresh water fish is the bass, and Lake Fork is the mecca of bass fishing.  The ability to spend some time in cowboy-centric Fort Worth is a nice bonus if looking to diversify the vacation.

How to Get There: You’re flying into DFW Airport and renting a car for the easy hour drive to bass fishing paradise.

Delaware beaches are consistently highly ranked for overall vacation quality, so you’re already starting with what’s almost a guarantee you’ll like the area. Lewes is a little farther north than the usual Delaware beach suspects, and should get you away from some of the larger crowds without sacrificing access to great ocean fishing locations.

Why You’re Going: Flounder, tuna, and marlin are all common catches in ocean fishing off Delaware’s coast. There are also freshwater and bay fishing locations nearby if that’s more your speed. Then you get to unwind in a relaxing small town when you come back to shore.

How to Get There: Delaware’s almost exactly halfway up the East Coast, which means if you can find I-95, you can find Delaware, though you’ll also need to switch to Route 1 to actually get to the town. If you’re looking to fly, Philly is a good airport, though New Castle County has a smaller one that sometimes has cheaper flights in and out.

Lake Champlain, NY and VT

We won’t say you stand a chance to catch Champ during your Lake Champlain fishing trip, but wouldn’t that be a hell of a story if you did. Other than an ancient sea monster, you’re looking at a species list that reads like an angling bucket list. Large and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, channel catfish, yellow perch, lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, rainbow (steelhead) trout, brown trout, and rainbow smelt are just the ones the Lake Champlain Basin Program lists.

Why You’re Going: If that list wasn’t enough, what about how easy it is to fish there? New York and Vermont have an agreement that means fishermen don’t have to go bending over backwards with two states worth of permits and licenses. One is plenty.

How to Get There: The lake is the Northeastern border for New York and the Northwestern one for Vermont. I-87 in New York will get you to the East, while I-89 in Vermont will get you to the West.

Pymatuning Lake, PA and OH

We’re finding states like to put their state borders through lakes. Pymatuning Lake runs through both Pennsylvania and Ohio, and both states’ fishing license will get you time on the water. Pennsylvania is definitely the state that takes more credit for this one though.

Why You’re Going: Maybe more than other trips, Pymatuning is more about relaxation and blending into nature than anything else. Gas powered motors are heavily frowned upon, if they’re not outright banned, so your trip’s not going to be interrupted by some jerk with a speed boat.

How to Get There: US 322, US 6, and PA 285 hit the south, north, and east shores of Pymatuning State Park, respectively. It all depends on where you want to base yourself.

Driftless Area, MN, WI, IA, and IL

Topographically, the Driftless Area is unique. It somehow escaped the unbelievable power of migrating glaciers, and a few different incursions at that. The surrounding area is among the flattest on the continent, while the region itself has mountains, peaks, and rivers that’d rival any of the most picturesque areas of Europe or Asia.

Why You’re Going: Trout fishing is huge in the Driftless Area. All four states have aggressive conservation programs in place, but they also work within those programs to provide sustainable trout fishing for casuals and professionals alike. As long as you work within them as well, you’ll be in for a great vacation.

How to Get There:

The Driftless Area spans a few states, so you’re working with a pretty large area. The coolest way to explore is getting yourself to the Driftless Area Scenic Byway . It meanders through Northeast Iowa for about 100 miles.

If modern trends are anything to judge by, no one needs to be convinced to make their way to Colorado. It’s a beautiful place with plenty to offer, not least of which is some great fishing. Meeker is one such place, with fishing around it in the White River Valley, as well as right there in the city limits.

Why You’re Going: Meeker offers a great mix of fishing in public and private waters. Both have their perks. Public is free but private can be a little more, well, private. Either way, you won’t be short on great catches.

How to Get There: Meerk has its own airport, so you can always look up flights there. If you’re less inclined to fly to those small places and want to use Denver as your hub, you can, but you’ll be in for a bit of a drive. You’ll head West on I-70 before turning North onto Colorado 13. In total, the ride’s about 4 hours.

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Category: Fishing Trips

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The 30 Best Destinations for Fishing in the US: Fishing Trips for Your Bucket List

Are you one of those people who grab a line and hook and head to the pond every time you find some time? Have you been dreaming of going away on a fishing trip that is sure to lead you to a bigger catch? The United States is probably one of the most favourite places to go fishing in. Whether you are looking to fish in a lake, river or the mighty ocean, you would find something special about each and every spot that you pick. After all, it’s not that you’re bored with your local fishing hole, but it’s time that you expand your horizon, spread your wings and fly or in other words swims the unchartered waters. 

There is nothing like experiencing the beautiful waters, throwing a line or two and simply pulling at the first bite. Regardless of where you are and what you are looking to catch, the level of excitement is something that is unique to fishing and to fishermen alone. 

With everything a fishing trip can amount to be; from the beautiful scenery to the thrill of a catch, if you are looking to expand your horizon, you have come to the right place. We are here with our list of the 30 best destinations for fishing in the US. These trips are sure to make your bucket list and should be the ones that you tick off each year. 

Whether you are fishing alone or as a group of friends or family, all you have to do is find the gateway which works best for you and you are on your way to planning your next fishing trip in the states. 

Hence without further adieu, here is our list of the 30 best fishing destinations in the US.  

1. Anacortes, Washington

2. cape may, new jersey.

If you are after deep-sea fishing, then Cape May is sure to be a treat for you. This seaside resort town is well known for the beautiful scenery however is also very popular for deep-sea fishing. 

There are various charters at Cape May which will provide you with everything you need for the trip. You can find yourself on a half-day deep-sea fishing excursion, sure to catch some beautiful fish in the spectacular waters of Cape May. 

Cape May also has some fabulous beaches, which comes as a bonus to your fishing trip. After spending the day throwing a line in the waters, you can find yourself relaxed on the beach, sipping your favourite beer. 

If you would like some guidance on reaching Cape May, follow the link to the location on Google Maps . 

3. Ocean City, Maryland

Known as the ‘White Marlin Capital of the World’ the city hosts the yearly White Marlin Open, which is a competition where participants partake in competitive angling in return for large cash prizes. 

Whether you are into competitive fishing or would rather like to fish in peace, you are sure to catch some amazing memories on a fishing trip at Ocean City. There are various family-owned charter services that operate on the coast of Ocean City, that will take you on a trip in a spacious boat with a helpful and kind crew. 

Even if the fish aren’t biting, you would have the chance to have a glance at nearby dolphins who swim the waters at Ocean City. You even have the chance to go bowfishing with charters like Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing providing you with excellent service through a knowledgeable and helpful guide. 

If the fish are biting and you have a good chance they would, you would be able to catch mako, bluefish, yellowfin tuna and many other species on your fishing trip at Ocean City. 

If you would like some guidance on reaching the location, follow the link to Ocean City on Google Maps . 

4. Saint Joseph, Michigan

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan with the Saint Joseph River winding its way through, Saint Joseph is a hotspot for freshwater fishing. 

There are various charters that you can book your trip with that provide the guidance of a reliable captain who knows a little bit and more about salmon fishing. In fact, the staff will help you make a catch on the day. There are some beautiful sunset and river cruises that you can take which makes for some amazing picture opportunities. With a not to missed visit to the St. Joseph Lighthouse found along the shore, you are sure to capture some beautiful pictures.

Lake Michigan is home to some amazing varieties of freshwater fish. You have the chance to catch steelhead, lake trout, brown trout, salmon and coho salmon, all with a line in the waters. 

If you would like some direction on reaching the location, follow the link to Saint Joseph on Google Maps . 

5. Saint Simons Island, Georgia

6. sitka, alaska.

7. Orange Beach, Alabama

8. avalon, catalina island, california, 9. dana point, california.

10. Charleston, South Carolina

11. virginia beach, virginia, 12. montauk, new york.

13. Galveston, Texas

14. kailua-kona, hawaii, 15. miami beach, florida.

16. Waikiki, Hawaii

17. plymouth, cape cod, massachusetts, 18. key west, florida.

19. San Diego, California

20. ketchikan, alaska, 21. meeker, colorado.

22. Pymatuning Lake, Ohio

23. lake champlain, new york, 24. lewes, delaware.

25. Lake Fork, Texas

26. mammoth lakes, california, 27. venice, louisiana.

28. Homer, Alaska

29. salmon, idaho, 30. bighorn river, montana.

Fishing Trips for Your Bucket List

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Bucket List Angling & Adventures

Fish Anywhere, Stay In Your Budget

Fish Anywhere.

New brunswick, first class trips at coach prices, the difference between hunting and fishing.

February 21, 2024

Fly-fisherman often try to draw parallels between this sport and hunting. But the fact is they are very different. A hunter goes into the woods before the season even begins. They plan and learn the habits of their target species as part of their due diligence. When the season begins a hunter walks … Read more about The Difference Between Hunting and Fishing

FISHING ALONE AND THE THINGS YOU REMEMBER

October 31, 2023

Last month, I spent a little over two weeks going as truly bum like as you can take things in pursuit of fish. I started my trip out west landing in Bozeman and meeting up with friends that live there. We then traveled to Idaho where the first leg of my steelhead trip began. Another friend of mine … Read more about FISHING ALONE AND THE THINGS YOU REMEMBER

Rejecting Industry Fads vs. Expanding Your Skillset: Considering the Uses of Trout Spey

February 20, 2023

I think back on fads in fly-fishing that have become more obnoxious seemingly every year. The first one that I think really made no sense but somehow people bought into for a year or so was the non-felt sole thing. Let’s basically build a rubber work boot that serves zero purpose in a river setting … Read more about Rejecting Industry Fads vs. Expanding Your Skillset: Considering the Uses of Trout Spey

STARTING WITH NOTHING: THE FINAL PHASE OF FLY FISHING AND KEEPING IT INTERESTING

December 23, 2022

Everyone that fly-fishes in 2022 is a beneficiary of information that is available to them. For most places, you google them and get an initial playbook you can draw from. Flies to use, towns to go to, the time of year to be there, maps of the river and sections worth fishing. It’s all there. Beyond … Read more about STARTING WITH NOTHING: THE FINAL PHASE OF FLY FISHING AND KEEPING IT INTERESTING

My Attempt At Reasoning With the Semi-Committed Streamer Angler

September 8, 2022

Streamer fishing in the context of trout fishing is something I have found is a polarizing method and concept. People often either live for the streamer game, or have limited to no interest in it at all. This is something that never made sense to me, as streamer fishing itself is a method that makes … Read more about My Attempt At Reasoning With the Semi-Committed Streamer Angler

A Weekend Of Realization: The Worst Weekend of The Delaware’s Fly-Fishing Existence is Upon Us

May 13, 2022

A perfect storm is brewing for this weekend. We have not low, but normal seasonal flows out of the tailwaters for this time of year under the FFMP flow plan for the first time in over 5 years. These flows were fine, and in fact produced some exceptional early to mid spring fishing in the first years … Read more about A Weekend Of Realization: The Worst Weekend of The Delaware’s Fly-Fishing Existence is Upon Us

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For years now, those partial to Thomas and Thomas rods have connected Joe Goodspeed with the brand, and for good reason. Joe was fundamentally involved with the brand’s resurgence due in large part to their release of their “Contact” nymph rods that delivered high end tight line sticks to the market … Read more about GETTING TO KNOW JOE GOODSPEED:

CHARACTERS IN FLY-FISHING PART II: KEN TUTALO OF BAXTER HOUSE OUTFITTERS

February 26, 2022

One of the beautiful things about being very dedicated to the sport of fly-fishing, yet not having a commercial interest or general concern about offending anyone is I can say whatever I want. My day job requires a lot of critical thinking- and the more I am forced to think that way, the more I … Read more about CHARACTERS IN FLY-FISHING PART II: KEN TUTALO OF BAXTER HOUSE OUTFITTERS

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BUCKET LIST FISHING CHARTERS, SHEBOYGAN WI

Lake michigan sport fishing, your ultimate fishing adventure in sheboygan, wi.

Bucket List Fishing Charters is a family owned and operated sportfishing charter located in beautiful Sheboygan, WI. Offering fishing charters on Lake Michigan out of the Port of Sheboygan, our season is from early May through the beginning of October.  However, we do accept reservations year-round. The main species you will catch in Lake Michigan include: Chinook Salmon (also called King Salmon), Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout or Rainbow Trout. Kids are welcome aboard.

5-hour fishing charter

6-hour fishing charter, 8-hour fishing charter, 10-hour fishing charter.

Note:  $100 deposit required.  Credit cards subject to 3.5% surcharge.  Rates do not include 5.5% WI sales tax.  First mate works for tips only.  Gift cards available

Catch a fish or your next trip is free!

Fish guarantee applies on our 6,8,10 hour charters only.  Minimum guarantee of at least one fish.  If we don’t catch one fish you will have 40% off the current trip or a free charter the next time you book.

Alaska Bucket List Adventures

Let Us Help You Cross One off Your List

Alaska Bucket List Adventures offers charter salmon fishing and whale watching trips out of Auke Bay in Juneau, AK.  Let us help you build experiences and memories.

The Alaska Bucket List Journey

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Captain John recently retired after 30 plus years of professional experience in natural resource management, and is now following his dreams.  Captain John loves to be on the water and help people catch fish and enjoy southeast Alaska waters.  Alaska Bucket List Adventures is a locally owned and operated salmon fishing and whale watching charter operating in Juneau, AK.  Captain John has been boating and fishing his whole life and specifically in Juneau area waters since 2011 and is licensed by the US Coast Guard.  We offer charters to locals and visitors.  Let us help make your Alaska Bucket List Adventure special.

The Intrepid is a 30 foot North River boat, manufactured in 2018, designed for these waters. The Intrepid has a heated cabin and fully self contained head.  All our equipment is professional quality and well maintained.  There is ample deck space for fishing so you don't get that cramped, crowded feeling.

CENTRAL AMERICA

Our bucket list trips, chiriquí national marine park​, monster trini tarpon, jungle tarpon reserve.

PLAN YOUR TRIP –

Bucket List - A List of things to do before you die

Bucket list fly fishing, which began as a cool name for a fishing travel business, has become so much more... helping communities, supporting conservation efforts and protecting landscape and wildlife. our vision is continuing to change mindset and gain resources..

WORLD CLASS

Fly fishing, we offer exclusivity in prime locations with 'outside the box' ideas that send our guests on a trip like no other, often to unfished waters and uncharted destinations., our fishing trips are more than just fishing. we have been given the opportunity to fine tune our operation - every detail has been considered and the logistics unmatched.

Eco-Adventures

Our Ecotour program borrows many ideas from our fishing program providing you with a “Bucket List” style adventure.

We designed our programs from scratch to offer one-of-a-kind experiences in truly unique locations.

See amazing wildlife, experience fascinating history and adventure to remote locations with the people who call these places home.

The Bucket List Blog

Our online magazine keeps you up to date with everything we do. Find information on upcoming trips, how to tie our flies, read articles about people we meet and places we go. This is the living and breathing part of our website.

The Soccer Ball Program

The Most Important Delivery to the People of the Amazon

All in a day

Insert yourself into a full day of events at one of our Peacock Bass destinations.

Felipe – Care & Share

Care&Share – Story of an 11 year old boy with Cerebral Palsy

visit our other websites

Our Partners

[email protected]

Rob Anderson

+1 (775) 742-1754

[email protected]

Karim Abu Bakr

Whatsapp: +55 (93) 99174-3780

facebook.com/bucketlistflyfishing

@alwaysbecasting, check out our youtube channel.

Bucket List Fly Fishing

Access our trip planner.