Three Ultimate Locations for Fishing Trips This Summer

Jun 19, 2025

It’s National Fishing Day, which means it’s the perfect time to discuss some of our absolute dream fishing road trip destinations! We’ve gathered up 3 ideal regions for the avid angler to explore this summer, as well as the top notch fishing spots you can’t miss at each location. We’ll also help you with a checklist of things you need to do to prepare for your trip from permits to gear to planning your route. So, without further ado, let’s hop in your new car from Classic Toyota of Waukegan and let’s hit the road to Three of the ultimate locations for fishing this summer in the US!

How to Prepare for Your Fishing Road Trip

Know before you go! Make sure you check each destination’s fishing license requirements and fishing regulations; familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations for fishing limits, watercraft restrictions, and other related policies. Most areas require a fishing license, which can be purchased either online or at a local retailer in nearby towns like a bait and tackle shop. Check which fish are in season at each location, and the max catch rules for each. Ensure you’ve verified which are catch and release to help protect the environment and species preservation efforts.

Pack your gear! Choose a rod and reel that are suitable to the species of fish you’ll find in each area, and the fishing conditions at each location. You’ll also want to select a rod and reel suited to your skill level, for instance many experienced anglers recommend starting beginners with a medium 10’ rod with moderate action. Get yourself a good quality tackle box to oragnize your gear and accoutrement. A well-insulated cooler can help keep your latest catch fresh, as well as stowing plenty of hydration and ice for those sunny days on the water. A well-sealing dry bag is essential to keep your valuables dry such as your wallet, ID, and smart phone. Ensure you pack your fishing license in a safe place, too. A fishing vest or pack can be a convenient way to access your gear on the shoreline or boat without having to fish through the whole tackle box. Ensure your watercraft is also outfitted with proper safety gear like lifejackets and emergency lighting.

Prep your vehicle! Make sure to bring your vehicle into your local mechanic for a service appointment. Your mechanic will be able to evaluate if your vehicle can handle a lengthy road trip, and can give you a solid overview of what needs to be done to make it safe for long mileage travel. Remember to pack a spare tire or donut, ensure you have paper maps on hand, always pack extra phone chargers, and storage items to keep your gear safely contained so it won’t break in transit. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with parking areas and regulations at each location, especially if you’re stopping at a roadside fishing hole and not a public park or public beach area.

Three of the Top Destinations for Fishing in the US This Summer

The Alaska Marine Highway offers 1,400 miles of gorgeous Alaskan terrain and scenery as well as some of the most outstanding fishing spots! The road was built to connect Alaska to the rest of the contiguous US and runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska. Since part of the road does lead into Canada, you’ll need to have a valid passport and “Enhanced Drivers’ License” for US travelers. The drive is easiest from May to Early September.

Notable spots along the way include: Dawson Creek Supply Run, Charlie Lake near Fort St John, Peace River, Andy Bailey Regional Park aka Jackfish Lake, Testa River Regional Park, Toad River, Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Liard River hot Spring Provincial Park and Lower Liard River, Smith River, Watson Lake, Teslin Lake, North Lake, Nisutlin River Delta Wildlife Area, Yukon River, Long Lake, Chadden Lake, HIdden Lakes, Kluane National Park and Reserve, Kathleen Lake, Kluane Lake, Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Quartz Lake, Clearwater State Recreation Site.

Fish you can expect to catch along the route: 6 types of Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Burbot, Arctic Char, Whitefish, etc.

Durango, Colorado is home to the San Juan National Forest and San Juan Mountains, offering numerous options for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and of course: fishing! If you’re looking for rugged wilderness and scenic terrain, this is the trip for you. The Animas River flows right through Durango, and branches off into quite a number of small creeks and reservoirs in the area. You can head off on your own to the most popular spots, or book a guided fishing tour with a local expert who will educate you on the best places and practices.

Areas of note include: Vallecito Reservoir, Lemon reservoir, Lake Nighthorse, Mancos State Park Williams Creek Reservoir, San Juan River, Electra and Haviland Lakes, Molas Lake, Florida River, and Vallecito Creek.

Fish you can expect to catch: rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, walleye, northern pike, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, white sucker, yellow perch.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of the top fishing spots around the globe! The unique location offers opportunities to access a multitude of marine life. Each of the islands provides access to the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, cultivating a variety of habitats for different fish and sea creatures. The bridge is like no other, a ribbon of roadway suspended above turquoise waters with islands dotting the seascape for an immersive tropical vacation experience. Many of the smaller bridges along the way offer pull-off spots and fishing platforms or off-shore boat access for fishing. .

Notable locations include: Channel 2 Bridge, Channel 5 Bridge, Long Key Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge, Adams Cut Bridge, Lignumvitate, Lower Matecumbe Key, Toms Harbor Cut Bridge, Bahia Honda Bridge, No Name Key Bridge, Sugarloaf Key Canals, Boca Canals, Boca Chica Channel Bridge.

Fish species in the area include: Mutton Snapper, Bonefish, Mahi-Mahi, Grouper, Barracuda, Cobia, Tuna, Sailfish, Billfish, Tarpon, Amberjack, Swordfish, Redfish, and even several species of sharks.