If you love to fish now and then or consider yourself a serious angler, the United States is the best place of choice. 

There are plenty of spots for fishing, thanks to the many reservoirs, alpine lakes, and southern waters surrounding Canada during summer and winter. 

Lakes across the United States, from deep ones in the Midwest to small ones in the West, ensure there is always someplace new for you to discover. 

A special highlight from this collection is Lake Redman, located in the middle of Pennsylvania. 

With picturesque views, many shorelines, and abundant healthy fish, Lake Redman fishing is popular with people living here and visiting from elsewhere.

Anglers of all levels enjoy Wetherby Lake because it is easily accessible, and the water is very still. 

Whether you hunt large or quiet fish, this area reflects the beauty that makes lake fishing special in the United States. 

Everyone interested in fishing should visit these top 10 fishing lakes, starting at Redman Lake and moving to Lake Michigan.

1. Lake of the Woods – Minnesota

• Location: Northern Minnesota.
• Top Species: Walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, perch.
• Best Time to Visit: Late Spring through fall; winter for ice fishing.
• Notable Feature: Over 14,500 islands and endless shoreline.

The area just beyond the U.S.-Canada border is where Lake of the Woods delights many anglers. 

This lake is large enough to find little crowds and many kinds of fish. The lake is home to a large walleye and pike, and winter offers great ice fishing for any angler. 

Keeping GPS handy will help you navigate these many islands.

2. Lake Guntersville – Alabama

• Location: Northern Alabama.
• Top Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May).
• Notable Feature: One of the best bass fishing lakes in the country.

Some of the biggest bass tournaments are held in Lake Guntersville every year, and this explains why. 

Famous for its grass beds, ledges, and many basses, it should be on every competitive angler’s list of top places to fish. There’s no better time than sunrise to try topwater fishing here.

3. Lake Redman – Pennsylvania

• Location: York County, Pennsylvania.
• Top Species: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall.
• Notable Feature: Shoreline access, kayak-friendly, well-stocked.

If you fish Redman Lake in the Northeast, you get a quiet spot with nonstop sport. 

Kayaking and bank fishing are popular for tourists along this stretch, close to the dam. 

If you want great bites, local anglers advise using live bait close to things underwater early in the morning or late in the evening. Since the area has picnic spots and rental boats, it’s well-suited for fishing with family.

4. Lake Champlain – Vermont/New York

• Location: Border of Vermont and New York.
• Top Species: Lake trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike.
• Best Time to Visit: Late Spring to early fall.
• Notable Features: Deep waters, clear visibility, historical significance.

The clean waters and nearby mountains give Lake Champlain the look and habitat for excellent fishing. 

Smallmouth bass events are common in these parts, and anglers catch lake trout in the clean, cold water. 

Be sure to investigate the regulations in your state because the lake is in two states.

5. Clear Lake – California

• Location: Northern California.
• Top Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall.
• Notable Feature: One of the oldest natural lakes in North America.

Clear Lake is highly beloved by bass anglers since it produces enormous largemouth bass. 

Thanks to the area’s warm weather and shallow lakes, you can fish for bass all year round. 

It’s a good idea to try topwater frogs and swimbaits around grass mats at daybreak.

6. Lake Okeechobee – Florida

• Location: Southern Florida.
• Top Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter through spring.
• Notable Features: Huge bass fishery, warm climate, year-round access.

Bass fishermen everywhere talk about the “Big O”. 

With all its large shallow areas, this lake makes it easy for double-digit bass to breed. 

The best hike plan includes getting a guide; their area knowledge will point you to popular fishing spots sooner.

7. Lake Erie – Ohio/Pennsylvania/New York

• Location: Great Lakes region.
• Top Species: Walleye, perch, smallmouth bass.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer.
• Notable Feature: Walleye is the capital of the world.

This lake provides the most walleye in America, attracting devoted anglers nationwide. 

Boating in Sandusky and Erie, Pennsylvania, is highly accessible because of charter boats. 

Using crankbaits when trolling during the summer does well for catching big walleye schools.

8. Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Texas

• Location: Eastern Texas.
• Top Species: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring.
• Notable Feature: Popular tournament destination.

Sam Rayburn fits right in with bass tournaments, offering many fish that are also large. 

The water from flooded timber, hydrilla mats, and creek channels attract big bass looking for a place to hide. 

You should look for bass in springtime, as this is the season when it’s most likely to reach record size.

9. Flathead Lake – Montana

• Location: Northwestern Montana.
• Top Species: Lake trout, yellow perch, whitefish.
• Best Time to Visit: Late Spring through early fall.
• Notable Feature: One of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi.

All in all, Lake Michigan is a huge destination for freshwater fishing.

Fishing can be done from piers, on charter deepwater boats, or by casting them into tributaries from shore. The excitement of salmon runs is greatest in late summer. 

Chicago, Milwaukee, and Traverse City have excellent opportunities to launch your vacation.

10. Lake Michigan – Multiple States

• Location: Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana.
• Top Species: Chinook salmon, lake trout, steelhead, perch.
• Best Time to Visit: Late summer to early fall for salmon.
• Notable Features: Deepwater fishing, urban access, big fish.

Finally, Lake Michigan is an all-around giant for freshwater fishing. 

Anglers can fish from piers, charter deepwater boats, or even fly fish in tributaries. 

Salmon runs in late summer are particularly exciting. Chicago, Milwaukee, and Traverse City all offer fantastic launching points.

Conclusion

All around the United States—from the glacier water in the north to the reservoirs in the south—there are great fishing spots for every kind of angler. 

These are the 10 top lakes providing the best American fishing—great fish, amazing views, and people who love the sport as much as you do. 

If you are planning a trip across the country to fish or just looking for a weekend outing, put Lake Redman fishing on your list for a great and soothing experience. 

Since Redman, Okeechobee, and Champlain are so close, there’s always a different water experience nearby. 

All set? Pick up your rod, take care of your route, and start checking these big fish spots off your list—one cast at a time.