Hook, Line & Data
Americans spend over $50 billion a year chasing the next big catch—but not all states reel you in the same way. Using multiple data sources, including FishingBooker’s 2025 national ranking (which scored states on geography, facilities, affordability, and community engagement), we determined where fishing truly thrives. These top states combine, among other things: long shorelines, active anglers, great infrastructure, and fish that practically jump into your boat.
Let’s count down the top 30. Any guesses about the Top 5?
30: Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including its fishing scene—but not everything’s perfect. The Gulf Coast delivers big catches, while inland reservoirs stretch across the state. Still, high license costs, heavy pressure, and limited public access points keep Texas from ranking higher.
29: Oregon
Oregon’s salmon runs and scenic mountain lakes make it a dream for anglers who love adventure. The Pacific coast brings variety, but rugged terrain and limited charter options mean fishing here takes a little more effort than in higher-ranked states.
28: Kentucky
Kentucky’s freshwater scene is quietly impressive, with top spots like Lake Cumberland and Kentucky Lake offering strong bass and crappie fishing. Its landlocked position, however, limits species diversity and keeps it from competing with coastal states. Still, local anglers swear by it.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Wikimedia Commons
27: New Jersey
New Jersey surprises many with its coastal catches and variety. From deep-sea charters off Cape May to striped bass along the Jersey Shore, it’s a hidden gem. Still, high fees and tight access rules make it better for dedicated anglers than casual ones.
Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons
26: Wyoming
Trout lovers consider Wyoming sacred ground. Its pristine rivers and wild backdrops make for unforgettable days on the water. The state’s low population density and limited infrastructure, however, that means anglers must be self-sufficient and ready to roam far to reach prime spots.
25: Colorado
Colorado’s mountain scenery and trout-rich rivers make it an angler’s paradise—especially for those chasing rainbows and browns. Yet with short warm seasons and no coastline, its opportunities remain mostly freshwater-focused, keeping it out of the national top tier for fishing variety.
24: New York
With both the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes at its edges, New York offers some impressive diversity for anglers. But then there are the pricey charters, tight regulations, and seasonal challenges that hold it back. Still, when conditions align, fishing here can rival anywhere in the country.
Tyler A. McNeil, Wikimedia Commons
23: Illinois
Illinois is quietly full of fishing opportunity, from the Great Lakes to the mighty Mississippi and dozens of inland reservoirs. The fish are plentiful, but infrastructure gaps and urban development limit access—leaving it strong but not quite elite on a national scale.
22: Missouri
Missouri’s freshwater scene is underrated. Its many rivers and lakes offer excellent bass, catfish, and crappie fishing, especially around Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks. Without coastal waters, though, it simply lacks the diversity that propels others higher in the ranking.
KTrimble (talk), Wikimedia Commons
21: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s rivers and stocked trout streams draw anglers from around the Northeast. Its deep fishing culture and variety of freshwater options impress, but being landlocked—and facing limited year-round fishing seasons—keeps it from moving into the top 20 nationally.
KitAy [Flickr], Wikimedia Commons
20: Virginia
Virginia offers a beautiful blend of freshwater and saltwater opportunities thanks to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast. The infrastructure is strong, but rising travel and charter costs push it slightly down the list despite its impressive range of fish species.
19: Ohio
Ohio’s Great Lakes shoreline, walleye-heavy Lake Erie, and numerous inland waters make it a freshwater stronghold. But with limited saltwater diversity and modest infrastructure compared to coastal competitors, it lands solidly mid-pack rather than among the country’s elite fishing states.
18: North Carolina
From mountain trout to giant red drum along the Outer Banks, North Carolina has it all. Its year-round variety earns high marks, though hurricanes, changing coastal conditions, and higher charter costs keep it a few casts shy of the top spots.
David Broad, Wikimedia Commons
17: Minnesota
Minnesota lives up to its “Land of 10,000 Lakes” nickname—and then some. Its freshwater access is unmatched, with strong bass and walleye populations. Ice fishing adds a unique twist, but the lack of saltwater limits its overall ranking potential.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region, Wikimedia Commons
16: Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ fishing scene stretches from the Atlantic to dozens of inland lakes. Cod, striped bass, and tuna keep things exciting. It’s a top-tier destination for saltwater lovers, though high costs and crowding near big cities pull it just below the top 15.
15: Maine
Maine’s rugged coasts and peaceful lakes make it a dream for anyone who values scenery as much as the catch. The fishing’s fantastic—especially for stripers and trout—but shorter seasons and limited access in rural areas keep it out of the top ten.
Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons
14: Arkansas
Arkansas proves inland states can compete. The White River and Ozark lakes make it a freshwater powerhouse, especially for bass and trout. Affordable licenses and abundant access points boost its appeal, though the absence of saltwater options caps its ranking.
Linda Tanner (flickr user: goingslo), Wikimedia Commons
13: Maryland
Maryland thrives on the Chesapeake Bay, offering striped bass, perch, and blue-crab culture in one of the most vibrant fishing communities on the East Coast. The combination of access, diversity, and heritage keeps it firmly in the top 15.
12: Georgia
From Atlantic marshes to freshwater reservoirs, Georgia offers year-round fishing variety. It’s affordable, diverse, and full of warm-weather opportunities. The balance of salt and freshwater access helps it outshine many of its southern neighbors in both quality and accessibility.
Michael Rivera, Wikimedia Commons
11: Louisiana
With marshes, bayous, and endless Gulf Coast access, Louisiana’s fishing culture is second to none. Redfish, trout, and catfish thrive here year-round. It narrowly misses the top 10 due to weather volatility and infrastructure challenges, but it remains a southern fishing icon.
Marion Post Wolcott, Wikimedia Commons
10: Rhode Island
A Small state with a huge fishing reputation. Rhode Island packs miles of Atlantic coastline, prime striped bass waters, and affordable charters into its compact frame. The coastal density and angler-friendly culture make it one of the most accessible saltwater destinations in America.
Juliancolton, Wikimedia Commons
9: Washington
From Puget Sound salmon to alpine trout, Washington offers incredible variety and natural beauty. High living costs and permit requirements keep it just below the top tier, but few states combine mountain and ocean fishing opportunities quite like this one does.
Dana Hutchinson, Wikimedia Commons
8: South Carolina
South Carolina’s warm weather and long coastline make for unbeatable year-round fishing. Redfish, flounder, and bass dominate the scene. Affordable licenses, solid infrastructure, and southern charm keep anglers coming back—earning it a strong top-ten finish.
OzarksRazorback, Wikimedia Commons
7: North Dakota
North Dakota shocks many by landing in the top ten. It’s an inland fishing powerhouse thanks to huge freshwater lakes, thriving walleye populations, and a dedicated angler community. Ice fishing adds to its appeal, giving it surprising all-season strength.
USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Wikimedia Commons
6: Hawaii
Hawaii offers some of the most exciting deep-sea fishing on the planet. Marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna thrive in its tropical waters, and charters run year-round. Despite higher costs, the combination of warm climate and exotic species secures its high ranking.
5: Wisconsin
Wisconsin blends classic Midwestern charm with serious fishing credibility. Its Great Lakes frontage and thousands of inland lakes provide near-endless options. Ice fishing, bass tournaments, and affordable access make it a freshwater favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Lorie Shaull, Wikimedia Commons
4: Michigan
With access to four of the five Great Lakes Michigan dominates freshwater rankings. It’s packed with bass, salmon, and walleye opportunities all year long. Strong community engagement and plentiful charters make it a paradise for both weekend anglers and pros.
Catherine Ottarson, Wikimedia Commons
3: Delaware
Delaware may be small, but its fishing reputation is mighty. Salt and freshwater access, affordable licenses, and passionate anglers push it to the top three. It’s the ultimate “punch-above-your-weight” state for anyone who loves to fish.
Art Anderson, Wikimedia Commons
2: Florida
With year-round sunshine, massive coastlines, and both salt and freshwater fishing, Florida’s nearly unbeatable. It’s a paradise for everyone from deep-sea pros to weekend bass hunters. The state’s tourism infrastructure and species diversity make it a permanent podium finisher.
1: Alaska
No state comes close to Alaska. With more coastline than the rest of the country combined and nearly 60 percent of residents holding fishing licenses, it’s America’s ultimate fishing frontier. Remote, breathtaking, and filled with monster catches—it’s as wild as fishing gets.
Dawn Endico, Wikimedia Commons
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