Best Bass Fishing Lakes In The US: 10 Lakes That Bass Anglers Must Visit

Every angler has their favorite fishing spot, but some legendary bass lakes consistently rank among America’s finest.

After thorough research, discussions, and years of personal experience, here’s my list of 10 best bass fishing spots, in no particular order.

Last updated: December 27th, 2024

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Lake Guntersville – Alabama

Lake Guntersville stands as Alabama’s crown jewel, with many anglers calling it the best bass fishing lake in the US. At 69,000 acres, this massive reservoir in Northern Alabama serves up some of the most exciting bass fishing you’ll find anywhere.

What makes Guntersville special? For starters, it hosts more than a dozen fishing tournaments each year – a testament to its incredible bass population.

You’ll find every bass species here: largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, striped, and white bass all call these waters home.

The Tennessee River feeds this fishing paradise, and I’ve heard countless stories about the aggressive smallmouth here that’ll test your skills.

Best of all, the lake’s size and accessibility mean you’ll always find a productive spot, whether you’re an experienced angler or taking the family out for a weekend adventure.

Lake Okeechobee – Florida

Lake Okeechobee is a big reason why they call Florida the “Fishing Capital of the World”. This massive 730-square-mile bass fishing paradise ranks among the best bass fishing lakes.

The lake has many access points. Many people prefer to hire a charter over braving it alone, given the lake’s enormous size.

Local tip: Head to the west side of the lake, about 45 minutes from Fort Myers in Clewiston. Here, you’ll find the Roland and Mary Ann Martin Marina, where you can launch your own boat or hire a charter.

This spot offers the most diverse number of bass.

What makes the west side special? Instead of vast open water, you’ll discover a network of smaller channels and bays that are perfect for bass fishing.

The locals have taught me another valuable lesson: keep an eye on water clarity. For the best results, you want to see at least a foot or two into the water.

Lake Fork – Texas

Considered the best bass fishing lake in Texas, Lake Fork has earned its legendary status. This fishing giant has produced more than 65% of the state’s largest bass, including a current state record.

What makes Fork special? Strict catch guidelines protect the lake’s largemouth population, ensuring your chances of hooking into trophy fish. While many lakes offer quantity, Lake Fork delivers on size.

The lake covers more than 43 miles and spans the distance of three counties – Wood, Rains, and Hopkins County near Quitman. 

Every experienced angler I’ve spoken with agrees – whether you’re chasing your personal best or wanting to fish where records are made, Lake Fork is a premier bass destination.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Texas

Another Texas jewel, Sam Rayburn in Southeast Texas sits 70 miles north of Beaumont, spanning an impressive 178 square miles. It is another great source of largemouth, offering excellent fishing all year long.

While largemouth bass steal the spotlight, I’ve heard from area anglers here that white bass provide excellent secondary action.

Keep in mind that water levels can change dramatically here, which local wildlife officials say can significantly impact fishing patterns throughout years and seasons.

Chickamauga Lake – Tennessee

 Home to Tennessee’s state record largemouth (15 lbs, 3 oz), this massive 810-mile reservoir stretches from Watts Bar Dam to Chickamauga Dam.

The dam area offers prime bass conditions, thanks to cool summer waters, steady current, and rocky bottom structure.

Fishing right along the dam has been called a bass lover’s dream.

Tip: The locals I’ve talked with swear by deep-running crankbaits and jigs, but don’t overlook topwater action around vegetation during dawn and dusk.

Both live bait like shad and crayfish prove effective for the abundant largemouth and striped bass populations.

Lake Erie – Pennsylvania

Anglers catch around 1.5 million fish annually from Lake Erie, but I must say that Presque Isle Bay offers some of the best lake bass fishing anywhere in the country. The oldest harbor of the Great Lakes offers something special: the chance to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass vs just smallmouth in the lake.

Local hotspots: Area anglers point to Misery Bay, Marina Lake, and Horseshoe Pond as popular spots to look out for.

Plus, if you’re like me and love dawn and dusk fishing, Presque Isle State Park’s southern pier provides 24-hour fishing access.

Santee Cooper Lakes – South Carolina

The Santee Cooper Lakes reign as South Carolina’s most respected freshwater fishing destination, spanning 160,000 acres and 450 miles of shoreline across five counties.

They are comprised of Lake Marion, which makes up 110,000 acres, and Lake Moultrie.

Santee Cooper is known by locals as the best catfish angling spot in the state. However, I’ve read that the striper population too is now heavily protected and offers excellent fishing during spring and fall.

Lake St. Clair – Michigan

If you’re looking for the best bass fishing lakes in Michigan, Lake St. Clair, straddling the Ontario-Michigan border, is not one you’ll want to overlook.

I’ve heard from countless anglers that this freshwater gem is an exceptional smallmouth fishing spot.

It consistently ranks among Bassmaster Magazine’s top five bass lakes.

Clear Lake – California

While bass fishing might not be your first thought when it comes to California, Clear Lake is changing that perception.

From my research, this Northern California gem, located just north of Napa Valley, offers some of the most consistent winter and spring fishing action on the West Coast.

Fun fact: Not only is it California’s largest lake, but it’s also North America’s oldest freshwater lake.

With 100 miles of accessible shoreline and a thriving bass population, you can target trophy-size bass of all varieties here.

Toledo Bend Reservoir – Louisiana

I am a huge fan of fishing in Louisiana, but being a Pennsylvania native, it’s not too easy to take a quick weekend trip to Toledo Bend.

This body of water is located in Many, Louisiana, and it’s been voted one of Bassmaster’s top 100 bass lakes for many years, even ranking #1 from 2015 to 2017.

There are a variety of bass tournaments held here, and many reports say hitting the shoreline with a topwater or wacky rig is the best way to go to catch striped bass and white bass. 

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few lakes that didn’t quite make the cut for the top 10, but they still offer exceptional bass fishing in the US. 

Falcon Lake – Texas

40 miles southeast of Laredo offering great fishing for white bass, channel cats, and largemouth.

Kentucky Lake – Kentucky/Tennessee

This lake is located in Marshall and Livingston Counties spanning 250 square miles and a max depth of 75 feet. Many tourists vacation here for fishing, but there are many recreational activities on the lake as well. 

Candlewood Lake – Connecticut

This manmade lake in Fairfield and Litchfield counties is only 8.4 miles long, but it boasts exceptional bass and trout fishing. There are many rivers and streams that flow from the lake. 

New Smyrna – Florida

The St Johns River system created a variety of local lakes in the New Smyrna area that I absolutely love to fish. I usually don’t take fishing charters myself but I’d highly recommend looking into one if you are ever in the area.

Bull Shoals Lake – Missouri

I have to include this lake for a personal reason – it’s where the founder of Anglers.com grew up fishing with his grandfather. Sure I may be a little biased, but you can find some of the best bass in the world here.

The lake is located about 10 miles south of the Arkansas-Missouri border so it splits between the two states.

The lake holds Missouri’s state record for the largest bass ever, weighing in at an impressive 13 lbs, 14 oz.

Final Thoughts

Bass fishing is alive and well in the United States as it always has been, and all of these great freshwater lakes show us that. From coast to coast, no matter where you live, there is an excellent abundance of places to fish for bass.

If your favorite lake didn’t make the list, please be sure to drop a comment and let me know where you found the best bass fishing, and maybe I’ll include it on the next list!