As summer approaches, it's the perfect time to start planning your next fishing adventure. Whether you enjoy trophy bass fishing or chasing saltwater giants, these top fishing destinations deserve a spot on every angler's bucket list.
The 15 Best Summer Fishing Destinations
Let's explore the 15 best summer fishing destinations of 2025 and help you plan the ultimate angling adventure.
1. Lake Guntersville, Alabama
Lake Guntersville has earned its legendary status—and for good reason. Known for its size and abundance of fish, this lake is a powerhouse for largemouth fishing.
Sprawling grass beds, deep ledges, and ample structure create ideal conditions for big fish. Summer brings both heat and high action, with topwater bites early and late in the day. With major tournaments frequently held here, anglers should come prepared to compete.
Read Next: Alabama Boating Guide
2. Kenai River, Alaska
Locals can attest that the Kenai River is a wild place – and the king salmon run is legendary. These fish are powerful, and the river can be challenging to navigate. So, expect to use heavy gear and be prepared for a fight. However, the scenery alone is worth the trip, as you'll cast your line against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains and glaciers.
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Gulf Stream brings warm water and large fish to the Outer Banks. And that means tuna, marlin, wahoo, and dolphin are all in play.
Expect to troll offshore, and be prepared for long days and rough seas. This is serious big-game fishing. If you have little ones in tow? There are many family-friendly fishing charters and expansive fishing piers to explore.
Learn More: Boating in North Carolina
4. Lake Erie, Ohio
Lake Erie's walleye fishery is a natural phenomenon in the most literal sense. The sheer amount of fish — all shapes and sizes — makes this summer fishing destination a must-visit.
Trolling is ideal here, with deep-diving crankbaits and worm harnesses being the top producers. And because many fish are swimming around, this is an excellent spot for both experienced and novice anglers.
5. Florida Keys, Florida
Summer in the Keys means tarpon migration. And all fishing enthusiasts know these silver kings are challenging to hook and a thrill to fight. Sight fishing on the flats is the preferred method; you need precise casts and quick reactions. Expect hot weather and calm waters.
Read Next: Florida Boating Guide
6. Bighorn River, Montana
The Bighorn River is a fly fishing paradise! Abundant trout, rainbows and browns, and stunning scenery make this a top-tier destination. Expect to wade or float; we recommend using dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. The clear water and consistent hatches make this a technical fishery.
Learn More: Boating in Montana
7. Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York
Lake Champlain is a smallmouth bass haven. Clear waters, rocky structures, and abundant baitfish provide the perfect habitat. Expect to use drop-shot rigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures, and take note that the fish are aggressive and hard-fighting.
8. Pacific City, Oregon
Pacific City offers a unique fishing experience thanks to abundant surf-launching dory boats. With salmon and steelhead as the primary targets, plenty of fishing opportunities exist. And, of course, the surf launch adds a unique and exciting element of adventure.
9. Venice, Louisiana
Venice is, in every way, a saltwater angler's playground. Both redfish inshore and yellowfin tuna offshore offer non-stop action. Most anglers will sight fish for redfish in the marshes and troll for tuna offshore. The scenery is gorgeous – a unique labyrinth of marshland and winding waterways.
10. Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona
Lake Powell's striking canyons and clear waters make it one of the most scenic summer fishing destinations.
Anglers typically target striped bass and largemouth bass—trolling for stripers in the open waters of the main lake and casting for bass along the canyon walls and coves.
11. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Striped Bass Run
Cape Cod in the summer months means striped bass migration. The season peaks from June to September, with the warmest months being the most fruitful. Plus, various fishing techniques are used – from casting plugs and live bait from shore to trolling and jigging from boats.
12. Devils Lake, North Dakota
Devils Lake is one of the most underrated fishing destinations for pike and walleye. This sprawling, ever-changing lake, fed by natural springs and runoff, offers a unique ecosystem that breeds aggressive fish.
The sheer number of fish and their frenzied feeding habits make Devils Lake a must-visit for anglers. Plus, the remote location and vastness of the lake add to its allure – it's truly a hidden gem.
13. Thousand Islands, New York
The Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River is legendary for musky and pike fishing. It's a territory where giants roam, and anglers come prepared for a serious challenge.
Musky, the apex predator of these waters, are known for their elusive nature and explosive strikes. So, you can expect to spend long days casting large, specialized lures, working weed beds, rocky shoals, and deep drop-offs.
14. San Diego, California
San Diego's offshore scene is hot in the summer. The main targets are yellowtail and tuna, drawn by warm currents and abundant baitfish. Most anglers use live bait and jigs to reel in yellowtail in kelp paddies and rocky reefs. Tuna roam the open ocean, requiring anglers to troll or drift with live bait and artificial lures.
15. Lake of the Woods, Minnesota: Multi-Species Mayhem
Last but certainly not least, Lake of the Woods offers a diverse fishery featuring walleye, pike, musky, and bass. Therefore, it's an excellent spot for a multi-species fishing trip!
The sheer variety of fish — combined with the lake's stunning scenery and abundant wildlife — makes Lake of the Woods a must-visit summer destination for every angler.
The Best Summer Fishing Trips
These 15 summer fishing destinations offer exceptional opportunities for anglers seeking memorable catches and scenic waters. With the right planning and gear, any of these locations can deliver an unforgettable fishing adventure.
