If you’re into fishing, you know that there’s nothing more relaxing than spending time on a boat or standing in water with a line in your hands. And whether you love to go out and fish regularly or just want to be sure that your upcoming vacation can include some much-needed time with fish, you should consider making a stop at one of these year-round fishing holes. Best of all, for U.S. citizens, there’s no passport required to visit any of the places on our list.
Vermont
The Green Mountain state is a popular place for trout fishing. The open season for trout fishing is from mid-April through the end of October. However, the state proudly advertises the fact that there are plenty of rivers and creeks that are not only accessible but great for catching trout year-round. Just note that if you’re fishing outside of the open season, you’re limited to artificial lures, and the state enforces a strict catch-and-release policy.
California
California is usually synonymous with beautiful beaches and the epicenter of the country’s film industry. But the Golden State is also proud of their natural attractions, too, especially their year-round fishing sites. Trout fishers will appreciate the McCloud River, Lake Almanor, and Lake Cuyamaca. But the real winners have excellent bass fishing and include popular options such as The San Joaquin Delta, Clear Lake, Shasta Lake, Castaic Lake, and Coronado Ferry Landing Pier.
Best of all, many of these popular fishing spots aren’t too far from the more traditional vacation spots in California such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Always consult local guides if your goal is to drop by any of these popular sites during the best fishing seasons.
Colorado
A state with 6,000 miles of fishable rivers and 2,000 lakes and reservoirs within its borders must have something for everyone — regardless of the time of year. While most people think of Colorado as a winter-sports haven, the fishing community knows that the state is an ideal place to catch trout, pike, bass, wild brown, and a variety of other species.
While Colorado’s fishing spots are available year-round, you do need to secure a license to access them. You can opt for an annual license that begins on April 1 and expires on March 31 of the following year. Or you can purchase a daily license if you’re not sure that you intend to fish that frequently. Popular fishing spots include Blue Mesa Reservoir, Roaring Fork River, and the San Juan and Animas Rivers.
Pennsylvania
In addition to being a little-known wine state, the Keystone State is also a popular fishing spot. In terms of fish, the state is best known for trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. The state is second in the nation for offering the most trout streams, right behind Alaska. Just like Colorado, anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid license to legally fish here. Popular locales include Slippery Rock Creek, Lake Erie, Tulpehocken Creek, and Bushkill Creek.
Texas
The Lone Star State is home to a variety of fish, but if trout is your thing, you can’t go wrong here. For example, the Guadalupe River is home to native rainbow and brown trout. Again, you’ll need a license if you’re over the age of 16 and plan to fish in Texas. The state also has an option where you can fish for free in their state parks as long as you pay the park entrance fee and come with your gear. So, it’s best to do your research before you plan a fishing trip to Texas.
Thanks to the state’s fish restocking program, you don’t have to go deep into “no man’s land” to get the best fishing holes. The program was designed to make fishing more accessible even in urban areas. So, you can luck out and stay close to cities like Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and even Austin.
Get your gear ready!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an occasional fisher, that doesn’t mean that you have to limit your time in the water to the spring or summer. Thanks to states that are conveniently located in milder climate zones, you can satisfy your need to go fishing no matter the time of year. While these five states aren’t the only places in the world where you can fish year-round, they represent convenient locations that are relatively accessible no matter where you’re located within the United States.