There’s nothing quite like planning a fishing trip. Whether it’s solo or with friends, it’s always enjoyable to check out various destinations before making your final decision.
When it comes to bass fishing, there are certainly some hot spots that you’ll want to focus your attention on. Thankfully, the U.S. is home to some of the best bass fishing spots in the world so you won’t have to travel too far to create a long-lasting memory.
It won’t hurt to refresh your skills or educate a newbie that is joining you before you head out as you’ll want to take full advantage of your vacation and fishing outings.
Let’s check them out!
The California Delta
No matter where you go, all bass love shade and hideouts. The California Delta has plenty of hideouts and areas where huge bass love to lie low.
Thanks to its moderate weather and narrow nature, the California Delta is an ideal place for a bass fishing trip. You won’t even have to get on a boat to catch a prize bass.
Lake Erie
Just because Lake Erie is the second smallest Great Lake doesn’t mean it’s lacking in bass fishing capabilities. Here, you’re going to find plenty of smallmouth bass.
Lake Erie has been home to a number of record smallmouth bass catches, who’s to say that you won’t enter yourself in the record books?
Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas/Missouri
On the border of Arkansas and Missouri, Bull Shoals Lake is an ideal place if you’re looking to catch largemouth bass or walleyes.
There have been a record number of floods in the past few years, but that means that this lake has high water, ideal for bass spawns.
Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
Try saying that name five times fast…
For those that don’t know, Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 lakes and with so many lakes, there has to be at least one lake ideal for bass fishing, right?
Enter Lake Minnetonka. About an hour west of Minneapolis, this lake is ideal for those looking to catch both large and smallmouth bass.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Finally, we’re heading down to someplace a bit warmer! Situated in the south of Florida, Lake Okeechobee has been a hotspot for bass fisherman since your grandfather picked up a rod.
The lake, in true Southern Florida fashion, is shallow and wide, meaning you’re going to practice your flipping and pitching techniques to snag a trophy fish. Just make sure to work on your footwork before heading out.
Lake Fork, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, but does that also apply to any bass caught?
Many veteran fishermen point to Lake Fork as being one of the best in the entire country with local Texans (naturally) claiming it is the best.
Expect to put your personal best to the test if you decide to head out to Lake Fork.
Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma
Heading up I-35 north to Oklahoma, Lake Tenkiller has one of the coolest names and is also home to one of the best places to catch smallmouth bass.
There is plenty of vegetation in the lake, meaning the bass has plenty to eat and can grow to monstrous sizes.
Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee
Situated in southeast Tennessee, Chickamauga Lake has only become more popular within the last 20 years when it comes to bass fishing.
You can tell as more and more bass tournaments have been held in the area, with some past winners needing 20-pounds to take home the prize.
Pickwick Lake, Alabama
Jumping down to Alabama, you won’t want to miss out on Pickwick Lake. If you’re looking to make a road trip out of it, Pickwick Lake is only about 3.5 hours away from Chickamauga Lake.
Here, you’ll find plenty of smallmouth bass here. The weather is surprisingly warm which means there’s a longer growing season than expected.
Lake Norman, North Carolina
Last on our list is Lake Norman. Lake Norman makes this list because of its year-round versatility, with people reporting great catches all year round.
It’s also one of the best places for dock fishing, meaning you won’t have to wander far to cast your line in the water. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t move around, however, as there are plenty of covered spots filled with trophy bass.
