Best Places for Boating & Fishing in the U.S.
Lifestyle
Time on the water is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a day, and always builds treasured memories with family and friends. It was an early love of the water and his first job as a marine rigger that inspired Tuuci’s founder, Dougan Clarke, to design his first shade structure, using the same durable materials he’d worked with on high performance fishing boats.
Considering our marine roots, you could say National Fishing and Boating Week—celebrated June 4-12 this year—is in our company’s DNA. To mark the occasion, we’ve researched the best rivers, lakes and coastal areas for fishing and boating throughout the United States. Many of these top spots can accommodate smaller vessels and sailboats alike, so there’s an adventure for everyone in these favorite destinations.
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia/Maryland
With open waters and numerous tributaries, Chesapeake Bay is a hospitable destination for almost any type of watercraft. Striped bass are the focal catch, but white perch, seatrout, bluefish, croaker, spot, and a lot of other species are available seasonally. The bay covers 64,000 square miles, so there’s no shortage of things to do on your adventure.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
As the largest body in the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain has it all. Regardless of your boating or fishing preferences, it’s ready to welcome you with 500 miles of shoreline and depths up to 400 feet. The lake offers 80 species of fish and holds New York State records for several fish species. Whether you’re looking for open water or quiet bays, you’ll find them, along with beautiful views of both New York and Vermont. When it’s time to return to land, the area is filled with other attractions, like historic landmarks, sandy beaches, hiking trails or a round of golf.
San Francisco Bay, California
Welcome to Wine Country! When you’re not sipping pinot, make your way to the water. The bay area has an active boating community, from day sailors and motorboaters, to live aboard house boats. Anglers will find a variety of fish near the Golden Gate Bridge, including albacore, rockfish, and chinook. In the heart of the San Francisco Bay, you can find halibut, sturgeon, and even a variety of striped bass.
Flathead Lake, Montana
With more than 185 miles of shoreline, Flathead Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake for sailing, speed boating and fishing. Bordered by two mountain ranges (the Mission Mountains to the east and the Salish Mountains on the west), the area boasts plenty of wildlife and breathtaking views. The water is filled with a variety of fish species, including bass, salmon and numerous types of trout. While you’re there, take advantage of the scenery with a hike through Flathead National Forest or Wild Horse Island (which is only accessible by boat).
Gunnison River, Colorado
On top of its stunning views, Gunnison River is home to one of the most productive fisheries in the country. With 180 miles of water and three reservoirs, the Gunnison offers excellent year-round fly fishing of brown and rainbow trout, as well as the occasional Kokanee salmon. Cast your line in the upper section of the Gunnison, above the Blue Mesa Reservoir, for the biggest catch. The lower section has also been known to produce record breaking rainbow trout.
Lake Michigan
It’s easy to forget you’re even on a lake when cruising through Lake Michigan. With sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and the nation’s longest freshwater coastline, there’s plenty to explore. Cast your line for more than 150 species of fish, including salmon, walleye, bass and lake trout. Everyone fishes for free on June 11 and 12, so it’s a great time to plan your visit. The sheer size of Lake Michigan makes it home to virtually endless accommodations, including the nightlife of Chicago or Milwaukee. For a quieter, more natural setting, look to the state parks of Door County, Wisconsin.
Lake Travis, Texas
Situated near Austin, Lake Travis has lots to do, both on and off the water. Its crystal blue water has made it the most visited lake in the state of Texas. Every activity is available, from kayaking and paddle boarding to scuba diving and houseboat rentals. Lake Travis offers 171 miles of shoreline, and the average depth is 62 feet. In June, the water is perfect for swimming, staying around a comfortable 80 degrees. While you probably won’t catch any record setters, the lake has a good stock of bass, sunfish and catfish. And at night, there’s no shortage of restaurants and live music to close out the perfect day.
Tennessee River, Tennessee / Alabama / Mississippi / Kentucky
Stretching 650 miles and touching four states, the Tennessee River is home to more types of aquatic life than any other river system in North America. With more than 100 species of freshwater mussels and 270 species of fish, there’s something for everyone.
Biscayne National Park
Near Tuuci’s hometown of Miami, Florida, Biscayne Bay offers more than 250 square miles of pristine water, making it every boater’s paradise. Whether you’re sailing the open water or staying closer to shore, practice safe boating to protect the fragile marine environment and protected species in the area, including coral, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and smalltooth sawfish.
The United States is rich with boating and fishing destinations in every area of the country. No matter where you celebrate, enjoy National Fishing & Boating Week this June, and share your adventures with us @tuucishade.