Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice fisherman, finding the perfect fishing spot is key to a successful and enjoyable outing. With the right digital maps, you can uncover hidden gems and well-known fishing hotspots, ensuring you have the best chance of reeling in a great catch. Here are some great fishing spots to check out, along with maps we suggest to make your fishing experience even better.

1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Fishing in Lake Tahoe, which sits on the border between California and Nevada, gives anglers a special and satisfying experience. Lake Tahoe is famous for its clear water and beautiful mountain views. It's home to various kinds of fish like Mackinaw (lake trout), rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The lake is deep and cold, which is great for these fish, and some Mackinaw can grow quite big. Fishing is good all year round, with ice fishing being popular in winter and boat fishing being preferred in warmer months. Whether you're fishing from the shore or out on a boat, you'll enjoy amazing views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the stunning lake itself. Lake Tahoe is a top spot for people who love fishing.

Check out these maps:

• Lake Tahoe Boaters Map by Medeiros Cartography
• Lake Tahoe Basin [US Forest Service] by National Geographic

2. Kenai River, Alaska

Fishing in the Kenai River, Alaska, is a famous and exciting adventure for anglers everywhere. The river is best known for its huge salmon runs, where you can catch king salmon, sockeye salmon, and silver salmon. These fish attract both sport and commercial fishermen, and the clear waters and beautiful scenery make fishing here even more special. Besides salmon, you can also catch large rainbow trout and Dolly Varden in the Kenai River. The stunning natural surroundings and rich wildlife make a fishing trip on the Kenai River a memorable and rewarding experience. Many anglers also enjoy the peacefulness and quiet of the river, making it a perfect escape from everyday life.

Check out these maps:

• Kenai River - Fish Alaska by Map the Xperience
• Kenai Peninsula East Alaska by TESS Cartography

3. Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota

Fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in Minnesota offers a peaceful and deep experience in one of the cleanest wild areas in the United States. Covering more than a million acres and including over a thousand lakes, the BWCA is perfect for anglers looking for quietness and lots of fish. The clear, cold waters have many types of fish like walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. Canoeing is the main way to get around, letting anglers reach far-off and untouched fishing spots that motorboats can't go to. The BWCA has strict rules and works hard to keep nature safe, making sure the natural beauty stays just as it is for fishing. Whether you're casting from a canoe or from the rocky shores, fishing in the BWCA lets you enjoy the calm of the wilderness, hear loons calling, and feel the excitement of catching fish in these amazing waters.

Check out these maps:

• Boundary Waters East by National Geographic
• Boundary Waters West by National Geographic

4. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland/Virginia

Fishing in Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, gives anglers a diverse experience in the waters between Maryland and Virginia. The bay is famous for its many types of fish like striped bass (known locally as rockfish), bluefish, flounder, croaker, and speckled trout. The bay's water is a mix of fresh river water and salty ocean water, which is great for both saltwater and freshwater fish. Anglers can fish from the shore, piers, or boats, and there are lots of guided fishing trips available. Chesapeake Bay has many small rivers, marshes, and tidal creeks to explore and fish in. The bay is also known for its beautiful scenery, with old lighthouses, historic towns by the water, and lively marshlands. Whether you're aiming for a big striped bass or just want a peaceful day on the water, fishing in Chesapeake Bay is a fun and memorable experience.

Check out these maps:

• Chesapeake Bay: Fishing Bay to Kedges Straits by Williams & Heintz Map Corporation
• Chesapeake Bay: Cape Charles to Occohannock Creek by Williams & Heintz Map Corporation
• Chesapeake Bay: Cape Charles to Great Machipongo Inlet by Williams & Heintz Map Corporation
• Chesapeake Bay: Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound by Williams & Heintz Map Corporation

5. Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Fishing in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, is a top spot for anglers looking for a great freshwater fishing experience. Known as the "Big O," Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and the second-largest in the U.S., covering about 730 square miles. The lake is famous for its largemouth bass fishing, drawing anglers from all over the country to its rich waters. Besides bass, Lake Okeechobee has many other fish, like bluegill, crappie, and catfish, making it a great place for various types of fishing. The lake's many canals, marshes, and grass flats offer different fishing environments. Fishing guides and charter services are easy to find, providing local knowledge and increasing the chances of a good catch. With its wide, open waters and beautiful scenery, Lake Okeechobee offers a unique and rewarding fishing experience in the heart of Florida.

Check out this map:

• Lake Okeechobee by Kingfisher Maps

6. Columbia River, Oregon/Washington

Fishing in the Columbia River, which flows through Oregon and Washington, offers a great experience in one of the Pacific Northwest's most famous waterways. The river is well-known for its large populations of salmon and steelhead, with seasonal runs attracting fishermen eager to catch these prized fish. Besides salmon and steelhead, the Columbia River also has sturgeon, walleye, smallmouth bass, and shad, giving many fishing options all year. The river's different areas, from fast currents to calm, wide stretches, offer various fishing spots for both shore and boat fishing. The beautiful scenery, with rugged cliffs, lush forests, and wide views, makes the fishing even better. With many places to access the river, along with fishing charters and guided tours, the Columbia River is a top spot for anglers looking for adventure and plenty of fish in a stunning setting.

Check out these maps:

• Columbia River Gorge by Medeiros Cartography
• Columbia River Gorge NSA Recreation Map Bundle by US Forest Service R6

7. Bighorn River, Montana

Fishing in the Bighorn River, Montana, offers a top-notch trout fishing experience in one of the best fly-fishing spots in the U.S. The river starts at the Bighorn Reservoir and flows through the beautiful Bighorn Canyon. It's famous for its clear, cold waters, perfect for brown and rainbow trout. Anglers love the Bighorn River for its regular insect hatches and plentiful bugs, making it great for fly fishing all year. The steady flow and nutrient-rich water help keep trout populations healthy, leading to great catch rates. Many people enjoy guided fishing trips and drift boat rentals to reach the best fishing spots along the river. The stunning scenery, with rugged cliffs, lush green areas, and lots of wildlife, makes fishing on the Bighorn River not only productive but also a wonderful experience in Montana's natural beauty.

Check out these maps:

• Big Horn River - Fish Montana by Map the Xperience
• Bighorn River by Off The Grid Maps
• Bighorn River Montana - FFO by Fly Fishing Outfitters

Download Avenza Maps

Having reliable digital maps can make all the difference in finding excellent fishing spots. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler, our recommended maps will ensure you have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. So, get your gear ready and explore new fishing spots confidently. Happy fishing!"