You love the thrill of reeling in a big bass. Nothing gets your heart pumping like feeling that first tug on the line and knowing you’ve got a lunker. As an experienced angler, you’ve been to some prime bass fishing honey holes, but there are still plenty of spots in this great country left to explore. Grab your gear and hop in – adventure calls! This guide is for bass pros like yourself who want to land hogs in new waters. We’ve scouted out the best bass fishing spots in America, from the lush lakes of the South to the rocky rivers of the West. Get ready for the inside scoop on secret spots, tips and tricks from the pros, and the latest gear to give you an edge. The open road and trophy bass are waiting for you. So what are you waiting for? Start your engine and let’s go catch some monsters!
The Best Bass Lakes in the South
The South is a bass angler’s paradise, with some of the best trophy lakes in the country. If you’re looking to land a lunker, head to these premier southern spots.
Lake Guntersville in Alabama is a bass mecca, with hydrilla beds and rocky points that lure in big largemouth. Early spring and fall are peak times, when bass flock to shallow spawning beds and feeding areas. Throw topwater frogs and jigs for the best action.
In Florida, Lake Okeechobee is a prime destination, especially from December through March. Flipping jigs and chatterbaits in the grass flats and canals can yield bass over 10 pounds. Be sure to check local regulations since portions of the lake are periodically closed.
Texas’ Sam Rayburn Reservoir produces giant bass in the winter and spring. Find submerged timber and brush in major creek arms, where jigs and soft plastic craws will entice bites. An 8-pounder is common here, so bring heavy gear!
Finally, South Carolina’s Santee Cooper lakes offer 50 miles of undeveloped shoreline and backwater oxbows perfect for kayak fishing. The largemouth and smallmouth bite is hot from April through October. Topwaters, spinnerbaits and swim jigs are go-to lures for a memorable catch in this bass angler’s paradise.
Pack your rods, reels and tackle and head south for world-class bass fishing. With the right location and techniques, you’ll be on your way to landing a trophy of a lifetime. Tight lines!
Epic Bass Fishing in the Midwest: America’s Heartland
The American Midwest is a bass angler’s paradise! If you’re looking for an epic fishing adventure, head to these primo spots.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
This massive reservoir sprawls across central Missouri and is home to giant largemouth bass. Cast near underwater structures like brush piles, stumps, and ledges where bass lurk in wait. The best time to fish is spring through fall when the water temp is between 65 to 85 F. You’ll need a fishing license, but the rewards are worth it!
Lake Erie, Ohio
Nothing beats reeling in smallmouth bass on Lake Erie. Head out on the western basin near Toledo or Port Clinton for the hottest action. Early summer and fall are prime times, especially around rocky reefs and drop-offs. Smallies over 6 pounds are common, so hold on tight! Make sure to grab gear like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic crayfish imitations that smallmouth can’t resist.
Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
Up north in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago spans over 200 miles of shoreline and is a haven for record-breaking largemouth. We’re talking hawgs over 10 pounds! The best time is spring after the spawn through summer. Focus on weed beds, docks, and rock piles. Live bait like nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches will yield trophy catches. Be prepared for an epic battle reeling one of these beasts in!
Nothing quite compares to feeling the thrill of the catch in the heart of America. So grab your rod, stock up on supplies, and get out on the water for a bass fishing adventure you’ll never forget!
Where to Land Lunkers in the West: Top Spots for Trophy Bass
The American West is home to some of the best bass fishing in the country, with scenic lakes and rivers holding lunker largemouth and smallmouth bass. If you’re looking to land a trophy, these spots should be at the top of your list!
Lake Havasu, Arizona
This desert oasis is a bass angler’s paradise, with smallmouth and largemouth bass lurking in the submerged structure and vegetation. The prime months are January through April, when fish are active in the pre-spawn and spawning periods. Use deep-diving crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastic lures around points, shelves, and ledges in 10-30 feet of water. Local regulations: Check the AZGFD website for limits and licenses.
Lake Mead, Nevada
One of the premier bass fisheries in the West, Lake Mead hosts multiple BASSMaster tournaments each year. Largemouth bass over 10 lbs are common, especially in the Overton Arm and Virgin Basin. The best action is from March through June, when fish move into shallow water to spawn. Target rocky points, submerged brush, and standing timber with spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastic craws. Local regulations: Nevada fishing licenses required, with limits on black bass.
Lake Roosevelt, Washington
This massive reservoir on the Columbia River is home to smallmouth bass 2-5 lbs, with the occasional lunker over 6 lbs. The prime summer months from June through August see schools of bronzebacks chasing shad in open water. Use drop shot rigs, crankbaits, and topwater poppers around main lake points, humps, and rocky shorelines. Local regulations: A Washington state fishing license is required, with catch and release only for smallmouth bass.
With these top-notch fisheries in your sights, you’ll be well on your way to landing a trophy bass in the American West. Tight lines! Let me know how your trip goes – I’d love to hear your success stories. Most of all, get out there and enjoy these beautiful waters. Happy fishing!
