If you’re an angler with a penchant for trout, America offers some of the most diverse and bountiful trout fishing waters. Just one search of “Best trout fishing spots near me” and you’ll get a million answers. From east to west and north to south, trout habitats abound. While it’s nearly impossible to cover every trout fishing location in detail given the country’s vast size, we’ll touch upon a top spot from different regions to give you a good starting point.
1. Arkansas: White River This waterway is often dubbed the Trout Capital of the USA. The White River, with its chilly waters released from the Bull Shoals Dam, is a sanctuary for rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. The best part? Some sections of the river boast up to 5,000 trout per mile, providing ample opportunity for anglers to snag their prize.
2. Montana: Big Hole River Montana is synonymous with fly fishing, and the Big Hole River is a crown jewel. This river features a diverse range of habitats that appeal to rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. With its picturesque landscapes, the Big Hole River not only offers a serene fishing experience but also an aesthetic treat for the nature lover.
3. New York: Beaverkill River The Beaverkill is a name that’s deeply rooted in American trout fishing history. Located in the Catskill Mountains, this river has been a hotspot for fly fishing since the 19th century. Home to brown and brook trout, the Beaverkill River’s clear waters, rich aquatic life, and strategic fishing pools make it a favorite for many.
4. California: Owens River Running through the Eastern Sierra region, the Owens River offers a beautiful backdrop of rugged mountain peaks and expansive valleys. The river and its tributaries are known for brown and rainbow trout. Given its length and diversity, anglers can find both easily accessible spots and more secluded areas, perfect for a tranquil fishing getaway.
5. Georgia: Chattahoochee River The South might be famous for its warm waters and bass fishing, but the Chattahoochee River breaks the mold. As it flows from the North Georgia mountains, it provides a cold-water habitat, making it ideal for trout. Stocked with rainbow and brown trout, this river offers fantastic opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.
While these five spots offer prime trout fishing, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. America is a vast land with countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered by keen anglers. Whether you’re seeking a weekend adventure close to home or a cross-country fishing expedition, the diverse waters of the U.S. won’t disappoint.
To find trout fishing spots near you specifically, consider using local fishing forums, state wildlife websites, and dedicated fishing apps. Remember, each state may have unique fishing regulations, so always check local rules and obtain the necessary permits or licenses before casting your line.
We took the time to build a list of 5 great trout waters in every state they live in! We also took a minute to link the Responsible Fisheries Agency and also a link to book a guiding service for these waters — Guides Right Here!
- Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River
- Little River
- Tallapoosa River
- North Fork Creek
- Hurricane Creek
- Kenai River
- Russian River
- Quartz Lake
- Anchor River
- Deep Creek
- Lees Ferry on the Colorado River
- Oak Creek
- Black River
- Silver Creek
- Canyon Creek
- White River
- Little Red River
- Norfork Tailwater
- Spring River
- Caddo River
- Owens River
- Hot Creek
- Upper Sacramento River
- McCloud River
- Fall River
- Frying Pan River
- Gunnison River
- South Platte River
- Rio Grande
- Animas River
- Farmington River
- Housatonic River
- Saugatuck River
- Eightmile River
- Salmon River
Delaware (Note: Delaware has limited trout fishing due to its warmer climate. Trout are stocked in select waters.)
- White Clay Creek
- Newton Pond
- Tidbury Pond
- Beaver Run
- Wilson’s Run
Florida (Florida is not traditionally known for freshwater trout, but it has sea trout.)
- Indian River Lagoon
- Mosquito Lagoon
- Tampa Bay
- Big Bend Coastline
- Charlotte Harbor
- Chattahoochee River
- Toccoa River
- Jacks River
- Amicalola Creek
- Smith Creek
Hawaii (Note: Hawaii is not traditional for trout, but there’s limited trout fishing on Kauai.)
- Kokee Public Fishing Area (Other Hawaiian fishing areas focus primarily on saltwater fish species.)
- Henry’s Fork of the Snake River
- Silver Creek
- South Fork of the Boise River
- St. Joe River
- Clearwater River
Illinois (Illinois does stock trout in some water bodies, though it’s not renowned for trout fishing.)
- Apple River
- Rock Creek
- Ferne Clyffe State Park
- Gridley Lake
- Pine Lake
- Tippecanoe River
- Brookville Tailwater
- Trail Creek
- Whitewater River
- Pigeon River
- Trout Run
- North Bear Creek
- South Pine Creek
- Big Spring Creek
- Bloody Run Creek
Kansas (Kansas stocks trout in the winter months.)
- Mined Land Wildlife Area
- Sedgwick County State Park Lake
- Lake Henry in Clinton State Park
- Kanopolis Seep Stream
- Scott State Fishing Lake
- Cumberland River (below Lake Cumberland)
- Hatchery Creek
- Rock Creek
- Swift Camp Creek
- Trammel Creek
Louisiana (Note: Louisiana is better known for its saltwater fishing. Speckled trout, a saltwater species, is popular here.)
- Calcasieu Lake
- Lake Pontchartrain
- Grand Isle
- Barataria Bay
- Terrebonne Bay
- Kennebec River
- Rapid River
- Grand Lake Stream
- The Roach River
- Penobscot River
- Gunpowder River
- Savage River
- North Branch Potomac River
- Casselman River
- Big Hunting Creek
- Swift River
- Deerfield River
- Westfield River
- Millers River
- Squannacook River
- Au Sable River
- Pere Marquette River
- Manistee River
- Muskegon River
- Boardman River
- Whitewater River
- Root River
- Vermillion River
- Sucker River
- Cascade River
Mississippi (Note: Mississippi is not traditionally known for trout, but does have some stocked waters.)
- Lake Tangipahoa at Percy Quin State Park
- Tippah County Lake
- Lake Lamar Bruce
- Lake Monroe
- Clarkco State Park Lake
- Current River
- North Fork of the White River
- Meramec River
- Roaring River
- Bennett Spring Creek
- Big Hole River
- Bighorn River
- Madison River
- Gallatin River
- Rock Creek
Nebraska (Note: Nebraska has a limited trout fishing scene, but does stock some waters.)
- Soldier Creek Wilderness
- Long Pine Creek
- Snake River
- Crystal Springs Park
- Grove Trout Rearing Station
- Truckee River
- Pyramid Lake (for Lahontan cutthroat trout)
- Ruby Marshes
- East Walker River
- Comins Lake
- Androscoggin River
- Connecticut River
- Ammonoosuc River
- Ellis River
- Wildcat Brook
- South Branch Raritan River
- Musconetcong River
- Pequest River
- Flatbrook River
- Ken Lockwood Gorge
- San Juan River
- Rio Grande
- Pecos River
- Jemez River
- Red River
- Beaverkill River
- West Branch Ausable River
- Delaware River (West Branch)
- Salmon River
- Esopus Creek
- Davidson River
- Nantahala River
- Wilson Creek
- South Toe River
- Linville River
North Dakota (Note: North Dakota primarily focuses on warm-water species, but some waters are stocked with trout.)
- Garrison Tailrace
- Turtle River
- Strawberry Lake
- Lake Metigoshe
- Fish Creek Dam
Ohio (Note: Ohio primarily focuses on warm-water species, but some waters are stocked with trout.)
- Clear Fork of the Mohican River
- Mad River
- Apple Creek
- Clear Creek
- Castalia Blue Hole
- Lower Mountain Fork River
- Lower Illinois River
- Blue River
- Lake Watonga
- Robbers Cave Wildlife Area
- Deschutes River
- McKenzie River
- Rogue River
- Metolius River
- Clackamas River
- Penns Creek
- Spring Creek
- Allegheny River
- Youghiogheny River
- Letort Spring Run
- Wood River
- Moosup River
- Pawcatuck River
- Beaver River
- Carolina Trout Pond
- Chattooga River
- Saluda River
- Davidson River
- Whitewater River
- Eastatoe Creek
- Spearfish Creek
- Rapid Creek
- Castle Creek
- Deerfield Lake
- French Creek
- South Holston River
- Watauga River
- Clinch River
- Hiwassee River
- Little River
Texas (Note: Texas isn’t traditionally known for trout, but it does have some stocked waters and sea trout along the coast.)
- Guadalupe River
- Canyon Tailrace
- Lower Laguna Madre (for sea trout)
- Blanco River
- Brushy Creek
- Green River
- Provo River
- Logan River
- Weber River
- Strawberry River
- Batten Kill
- White River
- Lamoille River
- Walloomsac River
- Black River
- Jackson River
- Smith River
- Rapidan River
- South Holston River
- Mossy Creek
- Yakima River
- Cedar River
- Methow River
- Spokane River
- Grande Ronde River
- Elk River
- South Branch Potomac River
- Cranberry River
- Williams River
- Seneca Creek
- Bois Brule River
- Black Earth Creek
- Rush River
- Kinnickinnic River
- Pine River
- Snake River
- North Platte River
- Wind River
- Green River
- Tongue River
There you have it—a broad overview of the top trout fishing spots for each state. As always, these rankings can be subjective, and the “best” fishing locations can be influenced by a multitude of factors. For the most up-to-date fishing conditions and regulations, it’s recommended to consult local resources, guides, or wildlife agencies.
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[…] these waters, anglers find a range of trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and the more elusive cutthroat trout. Each species has its […]