Lake Berryessa - Best U.S. Fishing and Boating Spots Outdoors

The 10 Best Fishing and Boating Spots Across the U S

10 Best Fishing and Boating Spots Across the U S

“As grandparents get more involved in their grandkids’ lives, we’re seeing them teaching the kids to do the same things they still love to do,” says Frank Peterson, president of the Virginia-based Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. The foundation’s Take Me Fishing campaign has rated the top 100 fishing and boating spots in the U.S. with certain criteria in mind: They must be within an hour’s reach of an urban area, they need to have certain amenities in place (such as bait, boat ramps and restrooms), and they must have stellar fishing opportunities. Here are 10 top spots where you just might hook the big one. “As grandparents get more involved in their grandkids’ lives, we’re seeing them teaching the kids to do the same things they still love to do,” says Frank Peterson, president of the Virginia-based Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. The foundation’s Take Me Fishing campaign has rated the top 100 fishing and boating spots in the U.S. with certain criteria in mind: They must be within an hour’s reach of an urban area, they need to have certain amenities in place (such as bait, boat ramps and restrooms), and they must have stellar fishing opportunities. Here are 10 top spots where you just might hook the big one.

Lake Berryessa Napa Valley California

Lake Berryessa, located in Napa County’s wine country, is one of California’s largest man-made lakes, prime for both cold and warm water species: rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Ever thought about a houseboat vacation? Try one here. Lake Berryessa, located in , is one of California’s largest man-made lakes, prime for both cold and warm water species: rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Ever thought about a houseboat vacation? Try one here.

Bahia Honda State Park Big Pine Key Florida

It’s tough to be a grumpy fisherman on an island paradise. Bahia Honda State Park, located on a 500-plus-acre offshore island in the Florida Keys, is one of the southernmost state parks in Florida. Start with some tarpon fishing and end with some snorkeling. The family-friendly setting is an ideal place to teach the grandkids the tricks of the trade. It’s tough to be a grumpy fisherman on an island paradise. Bahia Honda State Park, located on a 500-plus-acre offshore island in the , is one of the southernmost state parks in Florida. Start with some tarpon fishing and end with some snorkeling. The family-friendly setting is an ideal place to teach the grandkids the tricks of the trade.

Galveston Island State Park Galveston Texas

Go for the fishing and stay for all the other activities that Galveston Island has to offer. While fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, you can expect to catch flounder, trout, sheepshead and redfish. But the park also offers good swimming, cycling and hiking. Pitch a tent at the park’s campground so you can take an afternoon siesta after a day’s fishing; then cook up your day’s bounty. Go for the fishing and stay for all the other activities that Island has to offer. While fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, you can expect to catch flounder, trout, sheepshead and redfish. But the park also offers good swimming, cycling and hiking. Pitch a tent at the park’s campground so you can take an afternoon siesta after a day’s fishing; then cook up your day’s bounty.

Table Rock State Park Branson Missouri

Bass fishing enthusiasts, look no further: Rent a boat at the Table Rock Lake marina, throw out a line and enjoy some of the country’s best bass fishing. You’ll find largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as crappie and bluegill. Oak and hickory trees nestle the lake, and easily accessible camping is nearby. Bass fishing enthusiasts, look no further: Rent a boat at the Table Rock Lake marina, throw out a line and enjoy some of the country’s best bass fishing. You’ll find largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as crappie and bluegill. Oak and hickory trees nestle the lake, and easily accessible camping is nearby.

AARP Offer Explore Your World

with our newsletter filled with tips and ideas to plan the ultimate getaway.
today for savings on airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises.
with our newsletter filled with tips and ideas to plan the ultimate getaway.
today for savings on airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises.
Click the white arrow on the right of the photo above to continue the slideshow.

Presque Isle State Park Erie Pennsylvania

The 3,200-acre peninsula arching into Lake Erie provides an idyllic “seashore” for Pennsylvanians. In addition to great fishing, there’s hiking, swimming and bird-watching. Expect to land some perch, bass, walleye, trout and steelhead. The 3,200-acre peninsula arching into Lake Erie provides an idyllic “seashore” for Pennsylvanians. In addition to great fishing, there’s hiking, swimming and bird-watching. Expect to land some perch, bass, walleye, trout and steelhead.

Starved Rock State Park Oglesby Illinois

The Illinois River near Starved Rock is known as the “sauger capital of the world.” A close relative of the walleye, the sauger is the park’s main draw for anglers, but they won’t mind the crappie, carp and catfish. The Illinois River near Starved Rock is known as the “sauger capital of the world.” A close relative of the walleye, the sauger is the park’s main draw for anglers, but they won’t mind the crappie, carp and catfish.

Lake Norman State Park Troutman North Carolina

Located just 40 miles from Charlotte, Lake Norman is a popular spot in the summer — but come autumn, the fishing is still great. Part of the charm of fall fishing is that not only are the fish jumping more, but the crowds have died down. Go here and expect to catch some crappie, catfish, bass and sunfish. Located just 40 miles from , Lake Norman is a popular spot in the summer — but come autumn, the fishing is still great. Part of the charm of fall fishing is that not only are the fish jumping more, but the crowds have died down. Go here and expect to catch some crappie, catfish, bass and sunfish.

Maumee Bay State Park Oregon Ohio

If you want to catch some walleye, head to Maumee Bay State Park. The park, on Lake Erie, is the “walleye capital of the world” and is considered to have some of the best fishing in the Midwest. You may also hook catfish, freshwater drum, bass and perch. If you want to catch some walleye, head to Maumee Bay State Park. The park, on Lake Erie, is the “walleye capital of the world” and is considered to have some of the best fishing in the Midwest. You may also hook catfish, freshwater drum, bass and perch.

Round Valley Recreation Area Lebanon New Jersey

It’s hard to believe you can find yourself casting a line just an hour’s drive from the urban bustle of Newark. Round Valley Reservoir offers 16 species of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. At 180 feet deep, Round Valley is the deepest lake in New Jersey. It’s hard to believe you can find yourself casting a line just an hour’s drive from the urban bustle of Newark. Round Valley Reservoir offers 16 species of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. At 180 feet deep, Round Valley is the deepest lake in New Jersey.

High Cliff State Park Sherwood Wisconsin

First-time angler? The park’s office loans out rods, reels and basic tackle free of charge. You just need to provide the bait. You can’t ask for a better incentive for newcomers — or those who haven’t been back to the sport for a while — to give it a go. High Cliff is located on the shores of Lake Winnebago, where you’ll find walleye, white bass and perch. First-time angler? The park’s office loans out rods, reels and basic tackle free of charge. You just need to provide the bait. You can’t ask for a better incentive for newcomers — or those who haven’t been back to the sport for a while — to give it a go. High Cliff is located on the shores of Lake Winnebago, where you’ll find walleye, white bass and perch.

Also of Interest

AARP Travel Center Call: 1.800.675.4318 Search Flights Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Flight 2 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 3 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 4 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 5 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Add Another Flight search Search Hotels Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Room 1 Room 2 Room 3 Room 4 Room 5 Room 6 Room 7 Room 8 search Search Packages Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date You didn't specify child's age Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Room 1 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 2 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 3 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 4 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 5 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age You have more than 6 people total Please select a trip duration less than 28 days search Search Cars Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search Search Cruises Select a valid location Select a month search Search Things to Do Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search × Let's Go Reset Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Car Rentals offers > See more Travel offers > See more Hotels & Resorts offers > See more Gas & Auto Services offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.