Fishing in the United States shifts with the seasons. Spring sparks largemouth bass frenzies in Texas lakes. Summer heats up salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest. In winter, frozen lakes offer excellent fishing for lake trout and northern pike.

Every season brings the best fishing spots for specific fish species, and water temperatures and seasonal patterns help anglers plan the perfect fishing trip.

The Seasonal Pattern That Separates Pros From Weekend Warriors

Across the U.S., waterways change with the weather. Knowing where fish are moving each season helps serious anglers get ahead.

These cycles follow:

• Water temperatures that signal feeding patterns
• Predictable spawning behavior
• Baitfish migration that guides fish populations

From the Florida Keys to the Mississippi River, there’s year-round fishing if you know where to go.

Spring Fishing Destinations: March to May

Lake Fork, Texas: Largemouth Bass Powerhouse

Lake Fork is a top destination for spring bass fishing in the United States. From March to May, big female largemouth bass move into shallow coves.

• Submerged timber and expansive flats hold staging fish
• Pre-spawn feeding kicks off as temps rise into the 60s
• Northern creek arms offer action for fly fishing enthusiasts and gear anglers alike

Florida Keys: Late Spring Tarpon & Speckled Trout

The Florida Keys see silver kings arrive by late spring. From Marathon to Key West, anglers target tarpon on flats and channels.

• Focus on Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda
• Speckled trout action also heats up in the backcountry
• Ideal for fly fishing and live bait setups

Columbia River, Pacific Northwest: Spring Chinook

One of the best fishing spots in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River hosts spring salmon fishing between Portland and Astoria.

• Chinook average 10–25 lbs, with some pushing 30
• Incoming tides and deeper water edges are productive
• Cooler water temperatures prolong the spring run

Spring Fishing Tactics

• Spinnerbaits and jigs in 8–15 ft for largemouth bass
• Topwater plugs at dawn for aggressive strikes
• Soft plastics on spawning flats

Gear Checklist

Valid fishing license based on local regulations

Medium-heavy 7′ casting rod

15–20 lb fluorocarbon for bass

30–50 lb braid for tarpon

Polarized sunglasses for sight fishing

Summer Prime Time: June to August

Lake Michigan: Open Water Salmon Fishing

From June through August, Lake Michigan is a hotspot for summer Chinook and Coho salmon.

• Top spots include Milwaukee and Racine
• Troll spoons over temperature breaks in 50–150 ft depths
• Use downriggers and track baitfish schools

Cape Cod, MA: Bluefin Tuna on the East Coast

Cape Cod is known for giant bluefin tuna. Summer currents bring bait to the rocky shore near Stellwagen Bank.

• Tuna from 100–300 lbs are common mid-June through August
• Clear water and structure make this a favorite fishing spot
• A top destination for deep-sea fishing off the East Coast

Lake Mead, Nevada: Striped Bass in Deeper Water

Lake Mead doesn’t make every top 10 list, but summer stripers are active in the heat.

• Boulder and Virgin Basins hold schools near deep creek channels
• Focus on early morning bites and deeper water during midday

Other Summer Highlights

Outer Banks, NC: Red drum and speckled trout action near the inlets

Park City, UT: Wild trout in high-elevation streams for fly fishing enthusiasts

Chesapeake Bay: Rockfish and spot offer consistent bites near piers and flats

Fall Fishing Paradise: September to November

Salmon River, NY: Fall Salmon & Trout

A short drive from major East Coast cities, the Salmon River in upstate New York lights up in the fall.

• Chinook and coho salmon begin the run in September
• Brown trout and steelhead follow, peaking later in fall
• Excellent fishing across a 15-mile public stretch

Louisiana Gulf Coast: Bull Reds in the Marsh

Fall is the best time to target bull redfish as they hunt mullet and menhaden.

• Venice and Hopedale give access to shallow marshes
• 20+ lb fish are common in calm conditions
• Fly fishing or spinning setups both produce

Lake of the Ozarks, MO: Aggressive Largemouth and Spotted Bass

As fall cools down, largemouth and spotted bass chase shad in shallows.

• Fish school around creek mouths and main lake points
• Smallmouth bass are present, though not the dominant species
• Topwater baits shine at dawn and dusk

Fall Fishing Benefits

• Lower boat traffic and stable weather
• Trout and bass feed aggressively before winter
• Great time to target brook trout and rainbow trout in mountain stream systems

Where to Look

• Rocky shore areas with bait activity
• Channel intersections and brush piles
• Deeper water access near feeding zones

Winter Wonder: December to February

Lake of the Woods, MN: Frozen Water, Hot Bite

Lake of the Woods ranks among the best fishing spots for winter anglers.

• Ice roads and rental shacks make access simple
• Northern pike, lake trout, and walleye dominate the catch
• A favorite fishing spot for seasoned and new anglers alike

Lake Champlain: Cold-Weather Multi-Species Action

Stretching across New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain produces:

• Yellow perch
• Northern pike
• Lake trout under the ice

Guides help anglers follow fish populations through structure-rich zones.

Alaska Coastline: Feeder King Salmon

While river salmon are out of season, feeder kings roam the saltwater near Homer and Seward.

• Fish average 20–30 lbs
• Bright chrome kings offer open water battles in calm bays
• Popular with anglers targeting salmon in winter months

Winter Tactics

• Drill holes 6–10 ft apart to track schools
• Use sonar to stay on productive structure
• Focus on slow jigging presentations in deeper water

Winter Fishing Gear

• Fresh-blade ice auger
• Lightweight, sensitive rods
• Ice fish finder
• Safety gear including picks and flotation suit

Dominate Every Fishing Season

From deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys to rainbow trout in a Rocky Mountain stream, there’s no off-season for fishing in the United States. Use the best time and location to match your target fish species for year-round fishing success.

Before your next fishing trip:

• Check local regulations and purchase your fishing license
• Use an interactive map to scout favorite fishing spots
• Track water temperatures and peak feeding periods
• Pack the right gear for your target fish
• Talk to local anglers for insight on the current bite

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