Nothing beats the thrill of catching a trophy smallmouth or largemouth bass as a bass fisherman. There are many amazing bass fishing spots all over the United States, which is a blessing for us. There are plenty of opportunities to test your skills against the wily Bass, no matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced pro. This guide will take you through some of the most popular places to bass fish near you and explain why they are so special.
1. Lake Okeechobee in Florida
Lake Okeechobee, located in southern Florida is one of the most popular destinations for bass fishing in the country. This huge lake covers more than 730 miles and is known for producing massive bass. Largemouth bass can be found in the 5–10 pound range. There are also numerous tournaments held throughout the year.
2. Lake Guntersville (Alabama)
Lake Guntersville, in northeastern Alabama, is another popular destination for bass fishing. This lake is a haven to largemouth bass fishing, with exceptional numbers of fish in the 3 to 6 pound range. The lake is also home to many fishing tournaments, including Bassmaster Classic.
3. Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, located in eastern Texas is a popular destination for bass anglers. The lake is well-known for its largemouth and smallmouth bass populations. It also has fish in the 3 to 6 pound range. The lake is also a great place to fish with lures, as it has a lot of structure and cover.
4. Lake St. Clair in Michigan
Lake St. Clair, which is located on the border of Canada and Michigan, is a great place to fish for smallmouth bass. This shallow lake is filled with weed beds and rock shoals that provide plenty of cover for bass. The lake is popular with both locals as well as tourists, with plenty of fish between 2 and 4 pounds.
5. Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York
Lake Champlain, a large lake bordering New York and Vermont, is one of the most popular destinations for bass fishing in the Northeast. The lake is home to both largemouth and smallermouth bass. Fish in the range of 3-6 pounds are common. The lake is also well-structured and covered, making it a great spot to fish with lures or live bait.
6. Clear Lake, California
Clear Lake, located in northern California is well-known for its large and smallmouth bass populations. Clear Lake has been home to some incredible bass over the years. Regular catch rates of double-digit numbers are common. Clear Lake is a popular spot for fishing tournaments and is a great place where you can test your skills against some the biggest bass around.
7. Lake Fork, Texas
Lake Fork, located in eastern Texas is a popular destination for largemouth bass fishing. This lake is home of exceptional numbers of fish between 3-6 pounds and has produced some incredible bass over the years. The lake is also covered with structure, making it a great place to fish with lures.
8. Pickwick Lake, Alabama/Tennessee/Mississippi
Pickwick Lake, which is located on the border of Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, is a popular destination for bass anglers. Pickwick Lake is well-known for its large and smallmouth bass populations. It has fish as small as 2 to 4 pounds. The lake is also well-suited for fishing with lures and live bait, thanks to its structure and cover.
9. Lake Erie, Pennsylvania/Ohio/New York
Lake Erie, a world-famous fishing spot, is one of the best places in the country to catch smallmouth bass. This huge lake is located in three states and is home to extraordinary smallmouth bass populations. Anglers can expect to find fish in the 2 to 4 pound range. The lake is a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
10. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota
Mille Lacs Lake, located in central Minnesota is a great place to fish for smallmouth bass. This lake is home for healthy populations of fish between 2 and 5 pounds. It is also known for its beautiful scenery and crystal-clear water. The lake is also covered with structure, making it a great place for both live and lure fishing.
Final Thoughts
Here it is, our comprehensive guide to the best spots to bass fish near you. These destinations offer the best opportunities for beginners and seasoned anglers to fish bass. Pack your rods and reels and grab your tackle box to head out to these incredible locations to test your skills against the wily Bass. Enjoy your fishing adventures!
