If you want to bass fish, the United States is the place to be. But, while U.S. is home to tons of bass fishing opportunities, not all of the locations are created equal.
Best lakes for bass fishing in the U.S.
So, where are the best bass fishing lakes located?
Let’s take a look at 7 of the best lakes for bass fishing. And, while catching that 10+ pounder is not guaranteed, fishing at one or more of these lakes could certainly increase your chances.
Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee is a popular bass fishing destination, especially in the winter months, due to the steady temps. (photo credit: Britannica)
Located in Okeechobee, Florida, Lake Okeechobee is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. Although Florida is known for many great fishing opportunities, this lake is the king of them all.
This is a very popular destination in the winter months, as temperatures are steady and bass are still feeding.
Whether you hire a guide or have your own boat, you can spend days exploring this large system of lakes while hunting down double-digit bass.
With big worms and natural swim jigs, you can seek out some insane bites.
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Lake Fork
They say everything’s bigger in Texas. That can certainly apply to the bass on Lake Fork. This largemouth bass haven is home to the Texas state record (photo credit: Official Lake Fork Trophy Bass).
Along with Florida, Texas is also known to have really big bass. The shining star of fishing in Texas is Lake Fork. Lake Fork is a huge body of water that can hold double-digit bass that you only dream about.
Other than in the summer, any other time of year is great for targeting bass. Especially in the spring, you can take advantage of pre-spawn and spawning months to really focus on the big bites.
The Largemouth bass record weight is over 18 pounds, and bass in the 8-12 pound range are found every year. In fact, that Lake Fork record is also the Texas state record, so big bass are truly born and bred here.
East Texas is known to have incredible fishing, and no trip is complete without trying your luck on Lake Fork.
Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair, between Ontario and Michigan, is a hot bed for smallmouth bass fishing.
Although the southern states are best known for big largemouth, smallmouth fishing is super fun as well. Finding big smallmouth can be tricky anywhere in the states, but Lake St. Clair is the epicenter for making it happen.
This is a lake near the St. Lawrence River, which is a great fishing location in its own right. 4-5 pound smallies are large in any area, but Lake St. Clair has ones that are even larger.
This lake is located in Michigan and holds many tournaments throughout the year. Whether it be on a boat in the summer or through the ice in the winter, there are fishing opportunities to be had on Lake St. Clair.
Plus, the lake does border part of Detroit. So, you will not be fishing in the middle of nowhere. Being in a city can provide a different element in terms of things to do and see.
Mille Lacs
Mille Lacs is one of the most popular lakes in Minnesota, and for good reason: large smallmouth bass are plentiful.(photo credit: Explore Minnesota)
Staying up north, there is Mille Lacs. This is the unofficial smallmouth capital of the United States as they come in droves and in great sizes.
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and Mille Lacs is a very large one. It is also one of the most popular lakes in the entire state.
Catching more than one 4-6 pound smallmouth every day is absolutely achievable, which is crazy in comparison to other lakes. Plus, the walleye fishing is insane here. So, year-round fishing is done in the open water or through the ice for a number of species.
Mille Lacs can be a location where you spend many days fishing all different spots. Due to the size and smallmouth fishing opportunities, you can fall in love with the area.
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Sam Rayburn
Mille Lacs has a reputation for huge largemouth bass and the beautiful surrounding scenery of the Angelina National Forest. (photo credit: FLW)
Also known as Big Sam, Sam Rayburn is one of Texas’s most famous lakes. With a storied history and legacy for giant bass, this is a bucket list location. It is known for a high density of double-digit largemouth, so putting yourself in a good position to hook up with one can happen here.
Plus, Sam Rayburn is a gorgeous lake with beautiful surroundings. The Angelina National Forest surrounds much of the lake, so the picturesque nature of fishing here adds a really cool element.
Those big Texas rigs and swimbaits can get you hooked up with a trophy in no time.
Lake Guntersville
Lake Guntersville is the largest lake in the state of Alabama and home to several species of bass. (photo credit: Alabama State Parks.)
Located in Northern Alabama, Lake Guntersville is a largemouth haven. As the largest lake in the entire state, thousands flock to this lake every year to try their luck at catching a big one.
One unique aspect of Lake Guntersville is the number of bass species in the lake. Although the largemouth are the biggest, you can find spotted, smallmouth, white, and striped bass here. So, if you want to challenge yourself to catch them all, it can absolutely be done here.
Due to the accessibility and great fishing, it is a top notch bass fishing lake that is worth the trip.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one of the best Great Lakes for bass fishing. (photo credit: Fishing Booker)
Although the Great Lakes are not necessarily known for fabulous bass fishing, Lake Erie is one of the best for it. Many anglers go as far to say that Lake Erie is the best Great Lake for fishing overall.
If a body of water is categorized as a “Great Lake,” you know it is going to be quite large. So, having a pretty big boat is the best way to navigate these waters safely while fishing.
If you do not have a larger boat, you can hire a charter, or you could bank fish in some different spots. One of the best is at Presque Isle State Park. Presque Isle Bay is one of the best harbors on the lake, and fishing here is tremendous.
Closing Thoughts On Best Bass Fishing Lakes
Those are the best bass fishing lakes in the United States! If you want to form a bucket list of the best, you cannot go without these. Each offers a host of unique aspects and you can really get some great experiences simply out of fishing in the right spot.
Good luck, and happy fishing!