Castillo Rancon
A weekend away doesn’t need flash when a simple rod, a wide lake, and a good spot can do the trick. Certain places know exactly how to lure in those who crave time by the water. For anyone chasing that feeling, here are 20 state parks that never stop calling to fishing fans.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico
New Mexico’s largest lake is known for producing some of the largest fish in the Southwest, including the 54-pound, 8-ounce state-record striped bass caught by Jim Secor. You’ll also find catfish and crappie in the deep waters. For extras, campsites and hot springs add to the year-round appeal.
Lake Ray Roberts State Park, Texas
Just an hour north of Dallas, Lake Ray Roberts State Park offers easy access to boat ramps and quiet spots for reeling in bass or catfish. After fishing, visitors explore shaded trails on foot or horseback and spend the night at campsites near the water.
Navajo Lake State Park, New Mexico
The clear waters of the San Juan River have plenty of big trout. There are catch-and-release stretches with fish ranging from 16 to 18 inches and some reaching 20 inches. Besides fishing, you could go kayaking or boating on Navajo Lake. The peace is perfect for recharging.
Red Top Mountain State Park, Georgia
Red Top Mountain hugs the shores of Lake Allatoona, where you can fish for spotted bass, crappie, hybrid striped bass, and catfish. It’s hard not to get carried away. There are approximately 15 miles of trails and lakefront cabins, offering families plenty to do.
Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Arkansas
Imagine finding a place where a lake and a river meet. Here, Brown and rainbow trout fill the White River, and nearby outfitters offer guides, rentals, and riverside cabins. The park is also great for learning from nature programs or just relaxing with views from scenic bluffs.
Lake Guntersville State Park, Alabama
The park surrounding Alabama’s largest lake attracts many bass anglers for several reasons. First, it regularly hosts major fishing tournaments thanks to its thriving population of largemouth bass. There are also 6,000+ acres of trails, a golf course, cozy cabins, and a full-service lodge.
Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida
This Florida park is the ideal spot for saltwater fishing. After casting off the jetties looking for redfish and tarpons during the day, you can bird-watch or check out sea turtles at night. You can also visit surf beaches, museums, bird trails, and the marina.
Lake Waramaug State Park, Connecticut
Quiet waters and thick trees make Lake Waramaug a peaceful place to cast a line. You can hook bass or trout while taking in the New England sights before camping. It even gets better during fall when the Litchfield Hills light up with colorful leaves.
Lathrop State Park, Colorado
Lathrop is Colorado’s first designated state park, and it’s stunning. There are two lakes where you can fish while soaking in the mountain scenery. Horseshoe Lake is a calm and perfect spot for kayaking. After fishing, you can hike a trail or visit its nine-hole golf course, sandy beaches, and campgrounds.
Don Carter State Park, Georgia
With 38,000 acres of water and 692 miles of shoreline, Lake Lanier offers endless ways to relax. Right on its edge, Don Carter State Park is ideal for fishing, swimming, and renting cabins—whether it’s a solo trip or a full family weekend outdoors.
Lake Of The Ozarks State Park, Missouri
When the place has more shoreline than California’s coast, it becomes a top destination for most anglers. Fishes like bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye are abundant, with ramps and cleaning stations readily available. There are also cave tours and hiking trails for a break from fishing.
Lake Ouachita State Park, Arkansas
Surrounded by forested hills and quiet views, Lake Ouachita State Park is known for its crystal-clear water filled with bass, catfish, and crappie. It’s a favorite for anglers and perfect for anyone who wants to camp out or spend quiet hours out on the water.
Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
Up where wild ponies wander and cool mountain breezes cut the heat, Grayson Highlands State Park feels untouched. Big Wilson Creek flows nearby, stocked with rainbow and brook trout, and the Appalachian Trail weaves through it all, making this a dream spot for high-elevation fly fishing.
Jordanelle State Park, Utah
If you’re around Utah and hoping to hook trout or smallmouth bass, Jordanelle State Park is worth a stop. You can fish from the shore, launch a boat, or paddle out in a kayak. The park’s three areas each offer their own fishing experience—Hailstone for convenience, Rock Cliff for nature, and Ross Creek for paddlers.
Ellacoya State Park, New Hampshire
Ellacoya sits on Lake Winnipesaukee, where anglers chase perch, salmon, lake trout, and bass. The park is popular in summer for its sandy beach and panoramic views of the Belknap Mountains. But anglers love it for the boat ramp access and the clear, cold water that keeps fish active.
Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
What sets Presque apart is the mix of freshwater bay and Great Lake access, where anglers have calm-water and big-water opportunities. The stunning park has 13 beaches, paved trails, birding spots, kayaking routes, and a lighthouse. You can fish here from a boat or a pier.
Lake Kissimmee State Park, Florida
This park is ideal for those who dislike the chaos that often accompanies large crowds of visitors. Anglers love the quiet canals and open lake for reeling in trophy largemouth bass and catfish. Besides the scenic marsh trails, you’ll also find a living history area with 19th-century cow camp reenactments.
Georgia Veterans State Park, Georgia
In this park, Lake Blackshear is a fishing and family favorite in southern Georgia. The lake is full of bream, catfish, and bass, with boat rentals and piers for easy access. When you’re not fishing, you can visit the on-site golf course or military museum.
Moccasin Creek State Park, Georgia
Here’s a crystal-clear, deep lake with spotted bass, walleye, trout, and bluegill—Lake Burton. This quiet fishing spot also has a trout hatchery where kids and beginners can learn to fish in a controlled environment. The small campgrounds provide a perfect setting for relaxation and enjoying the serene mountain views.
Bluewater Lake State Park, New Mexico
This remote, high-desert park is situated at an elevation of over 7,000 feet. It attracts serious anglers seeking a challenge due to its large tiger muskies, an aggressive and elusive hybrid fish. Besides fishing, you have quiet trails for horseback rides and dark skies for stargazing.
