When to go

Cold rivers and high lakes across the Rockies and interior West fish best from early summer once runoff clears, through fall. Spring runoff muddies water; winter slows things, though ice fishing has its own following.

Largemouth bass across the Southeast are catchable year-round, but the spring spawn is the standout window. Fall offers a strong second peak as bass feed up; summer heat and winter cold both slow the bite.

Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder along the Gulf Coast fish well much of the year, peaking spring through fall. The fall redfish run is a highlight; winter pushes fish into deeper, warmer holes.

Pacific Northwest and coastal rivers run on migration timing. Salmon return through summer and fall; winter and spring bring steelhead. Exact run timing varies by river and is closely regulated.