The 5 Best Fishing Spots in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, the "Big Easy", is one of the most famous cities in the United States because of the food, music and party scene. What you might not realize is that New Orleans is actually home to some of the best fishing in Louisiana.

Before You Go:

To fish in this state, you need to purchase a Louisiana fishing license unless you qualify for one of the following exemptions:

• Children under age 16
• Residents born before June 1, 1940, who have lived in Louisiana for six or more months
• Free fishing weekends

You can find a full list of regulations on the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries website.

Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain is a 40-mile-wide estuary off the Gulf of Mexico located on the northern coast of New Orleans. It's one of the best known fishing spots in all of New Orleans and is home to a wide variety of saltwater and freshwater fish species.

The lake is relatively shallow, and its basin has an average depth of 14 feet. Lake Pontchartrain is home to one of the longest bridges on the planet, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which provides habitat for many species and great angling access for anyone who doesn't have a boat. The lake is also great for party-boat fishing, charter tours and even shoreline fishing. There are hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore that are easy to access by car.

What You Can Expect To Catch in Lake Pontchartrain

You can catch anything from catfish to bull sharks in Lake Pontchartrain, depending on the location and time of year. The lake has everything from bass and catfish to trout, crappie, sunfish, walleye, drum, carp, shiner, gar, and so much more. The variety of freshwater species is so vast that we can't list them all here, but if you would like to do a deeper dive on the fish species of Lake Pontchartrain, check out this fishing chart.

While you can catch many different species on Lake Pontchartrain, the "big three" the lake is known for are speckled trout, redfish, and sheepshead.

Redfish

Redfish are one of the most popular fish angler targets in Lake Pontchartrain because they're active all year round and it's not uncommon to hook a trophy redfish. The best time to hook a large bull redfish is in September, when big redfish make their way from the Gulf of Mexico through the Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass into the lake.

Sheepshead

Lake Pontchartrain is the best place in the world to catch sheepshead. In fact the largest sheepshead ever recorded -at a whopping 21.25 pounds- was caught right in Lake Pontchartrain. The best way to catch sheepshead is to bait the water by scraping barnacles, dropping a live crustacean and waiting for a bite. Sheepshead are notorious nibblers, so it's an extra challenge figuring out when to set the hook. Sheepshead like to gather around docks and bridge pilings, so we suggest fishing there.

Lake Cataouatche

Lake Cataouatche is a 9,280-acre lake on the southwestern edge of New Orleans. The lake has an average depth of 6 feet and is known as one of the best places to catch bass in New Orleans and arguably all of Louisiana. In fact, the Bassmaster Classic pro bass fishing tournament is hosted here each year.

Besides the excellent year-round largemouth bass fishing, Lake Cataouatche is known for its redfish, blue catfish, rainbow trout, crappie, sucker, sunfish, yellow bass, white bass, and bigmouth buffalo. The lake is perfect for all types of fishing, and you should be reeling in bass in no time whether you're using a fly, spinner, or casting rod.

City Park

City Park is a 1,300-acre public park located in the heart of New Orleans. The park is home to 11 miles of lagoons that are fun to explore and fish. There are paddle boat rentals in the park, but please note that you're not allowed to fish from a boat in the park.

If you want to get the most out of your fishing experience without a boat, then we suggest heading over to Marconi fishing pier for bass, catfish, and perch, or Harrison Canal for bluegill and largemouth bass. The current park record for bass is 9.33 lbs, so there are whoppers even in the city.

Tangipahoa River

The Tangipahoa River is northwest of New Orleans, across Lake Pontchartrain. The river is perfect for fly-fishing and casting and is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. The river can be a bit treacherous, so we recommend fishing from the shore. If you want to take a crack at the river, you can always float a paddle boat down the river as you fish.

Delacroix Island

Delacroix Island is located 45 minutes southeast of New Orleans and is one of the best fishing locations in the area. The shallow marshlands are the perfect environment for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, catfish, and sheepshead. You can easily fish on your own from the shoreline, but if you want the best possible fishing experience, we'd recommend hiring one of the local charter boats.

5 of the Best Fishing Spots Near Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is one of the most fishing-friendly cities in the United States. While it may not boast the same quality and quantity of fish species as Florida, there are many great options within the city limits and just outside the city.

Before You Go:

To fish in this state, you need to purchase a Tennessee fishing license, unless you qualify for one of the following exemptions:

• You are under 13 years old.
• You are a resident under 16 fishing on farmland owned by your grandparents or great-grandparents.
• First cousins who jointly own farmland may fish on the farmland without a license.
• You are on military leave.
• It is a free fishing day.
• It is free Fishing week.

You can check out a full list of regulations on the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Website.

Shelby Farms Park

Located 12 miles outside of Memphis and still in the city limits lies Shelby Farms Park. This 4,500-acre park in the city of Memphis boasts over 20 lakes and ponds that you can fish in. It's rare to find such a large stretch of wilderness and so many fishing opportunities in an urban city.

The 20 lakes and ponds are home to a healthy population of catfish, crappie, bream, largemouth bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass and carp. Just make sure you throw back any carp you catch; they are strictly catch and release. If fly-fishing is more your speed, Jones Pond is stocked with trout every December and January. The park sports some great bank fishing and deepwater fishing off of the Beaver Lake and Pine Lake piers. You can also fish off of a boat -you just can't take a motorboat on any of the lakes. Fair warning: While you can boat, not all of the bodies of water are easy to launch into.

Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi is home to over 200 different species of fish, but in Memphis, catfish are king. While you can catch walleye, crappie, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, the main attraction of the Mississippi along Memphis is the five species of catfish that call the area home. The Mississippi along Memphis is home to five species of catfish: blues, yellows, flatheads, channels, bullheads and spoonbill catfish.

The Memphis stretch of the Mississippi has some of the best catfishing in all of America. Prior to the 1800s, it wasn't uncommon to bring in a 6-foot blue catfish weighing a whopping 150 pounds. While you might not be able to catch a 150-pounder, the introduction of invasive Asian carp has helped the catfish population grow quite large both in size of fish and population density. It's now fairly common to bring in a 50-, 60-, 70- or even 80-pound catfish along the Mississippi.

Martin Luther King Riverside Park

Located along the Mississippi in Memphis, Martin Luther King Riverside Park is home to some great urban fishing. Whether you're a fly fisherman or a cast master, you will have a great time on this lake. The lake is home to largemouth bass, various catfish species, trout and bream.

You can fish off the bank or use an electric motorboat, kayak or canoe. Some quick fishing regulations to keep in mind: (1) All largemouth bass caught in this lake are catch and release only, (2) your daily catfish limit is three, (3) you can take five trout a day as long as you have a trout permit and (4) you're allowed to keep 25 bream a day.

Fort Pillow State Historic Park

Fort Pillow is located about 13 miles from downtown Memphis and has a great fishing reservoir. The lake is home to redear sunfish, flathead catfish, carp, largemouth bass, bream, bluegill, crappie and bullhead catfish. The lake is great for both casting and fly-fishing depending on what species you're after.

It's easy to fish off of the bank, wade in the water or take a boat. You can rent canoes and kayaks on site all year round, so if you want to fish from a boat and don't have one, no need to worry. Motorboats are permitted at Fort Pillow State Historic Park, but you're required to adhere to the no-wake policy.

Meeman Shelby Forest State Park

Located 17 miles north of Memphis, Meeman Shelby Forest State Park houses two lakes perfect for fishing. Piersol Lake and the 100-acre Poplar Tree Lake are home to bass, bluegill and catfish. While not very common, anglers have been known to pull sizable largemouth bass from the lakes.

5 Best Places for Duck & Waterfowl Hunting in Arkansas

Arkansas is one of the best states for duck and waterfowl hunting in the US. With thousands of miles of scenic wetlands and rice fields, Arkansas is the perfect place to find a wide variety of both local and migratory ducks and large waterfowl. It doesn't matter if you're an avid gamesman or a first-time hunter, Arkansas has a vibrant population of game that puts this state on any hunter's bucket list.

Before You Go:

If you are a resident of Arkansas, then you will need to get a Resident Sportsman's License (RS) before you can legally begin to hunt any game. If you're a non-resident, then you will need to get a Non-Resident Game Hunting License and, an Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp. Each area may require additional documents or have its own unique restrictions.

• Duck hunting season is from Nov 20-Jan 31.
• The daily bag limit is six ducks per day (with some additional rules based on the type of fowl).
• The duck possession limit is 18 ducks.

You can check out a full list of regulations at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Website.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is known as the Duck Capital of the World, and after a single day out in the wetlands, you'll see why. Acres of flooded timber and wetlands make Stuttgart prime real estate for any waterfowl looking to build a home or just passing through during migration. Stuttgart is located 50 miles southeast of Little Rock and attracts thousands of hunters each year. Duck hunting in this area contributes over $1 million a day to this small town's economy.

Each year Stuttgart hosts the World's Champion Duck Calling Contest & Wings Over the Prairie Festival. This festival is the largest duck and waterfowl hunting event in the US, with over 60,000 attendees and hunters from all over the world. If you're looking for the best place to go duck hunting in Arkansas, you can't go wrong with Stuttgart. It has dozens of hunting lodges and hundreds of guides, so you'll easily find everything you need for the hunting trip of your dreams.

Bayou DeView Wildlife Management Area

If you're looking for a specific place to set up near Stuttgart, then the Bayou DeView Wildlife Management Area is widely considered to be one of the best hunting spots around. Bayou DeView is the largest state-owned waterfowl management area, with 33,700 acres of protected wetlands and flooded timber forests. It's often called the crown jewel of public waterfowl hunting.

While most of this area is open to the public, some spaces are reserved for the Stuttgart Hunting Club. Non-members can gain access to these areas through guided tours or by befriending one of the club members. Both the public and private areas can be accessed from the highway or by boat. For the best duck hunt of your life, be sure to visit Bayou DeView and see why hunters from across the globe come to this little town.

For a complete list of boating restrictions and regulations, visit the Bayou DeView website.

Bois D'Arc Wildlife Management Area

These 185 acres of bottomland hardwoods are home to mallards, scaups, wood ducks, redheads, pintails, Canadian geese and more. Bois D'Arc is located in southwest Arkansas, just off highway 174 in Hampstead County. This wildlife management area also has an engineered green-tree reservoir for waterfowl, making it the perfect spot for duck hunting.

While this spot is great for duck hunting, it also attracts visitors for its fishing and natural beauty. A more serious duck hunter might want to focus on another location, but if you are looking for a great time outdoors doing more than just hunting waterfowl, then Bois D'Arc WMA is perfect for you. Some areas of the reservoir are only accessible by boat, making them less crowded and excellent for fishing or hunting.

White River National Wildlife Refuge

For some of the best duck hunting around, take a trip down White River. This refuge is nestled along the floodplain between the Mississippi River and the White River, creating over 90 miles of waterfowl-inhabited flooded bottomland forests surrounded by rice fields. This flooded area has a rich ecosystem with dozens of species of waterfowl, including the largest concentration of wintering mallards and Canadian geese in the region. The Fish and Wildlife Service offers visitors a variety of guided tours and private hunts, and the reserve has 40 boat ramps, so renting a vehicle or bringing your own is strongly encouraged.

Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge

Just a bit north of Stuttgart, you can find a wide expanse of wetlands and flooded plains teeming with migratory waterfowl. Bald Knob Wildlife Refuge is both an excellent location for hunting and a farmed cropland. Be sure to stay within the designated hunting area so you don't accidentally wander into a farmer's fields. The refuge is in White County and can be accessed just off highway 367. The roads in this area are prone to flooding, so you may want to check ahead to see if you will be traveling on foot or by boat.

Stretching over 12,000 acres of former rice farms, Bald Knob is home to the largest winter population of pintail waterfowl in the state. This refuge acts as one of the major wintering or stopover spots for migratory birds. Each year it attracts thousands of mallards, wood ducks, snow geese and more to its warmer waters. You can also hunt white-tailed deer, rabbits and squirrels. Only hunting during the day is permitted in this area.

Where To Fish in Atlanta, Georgia

While you might not think of fishing when you think of Atlanta, it actually has some of the best fishing in all of Georgia.

Before You Go:

To fish in this state, you need to purchase a Georgia fishing license, unless you are under 16 years of age. For more information on exemptions, check out the full detailed list of rules and exemptions on the Georgia Wildlife Resource Division website.

Golden Isles

If you're looking for a weekend saltwater fishing excursion, then you're going to want to check out Golden Isles. This fishing spot is a trek from Atlanta, but it sports some of the best saltwater fishing in all of Georgia. There are ample populations of sport fish such as redfish, snapper and tarpon that you can catch from the bank, kayak, motor boat or a deep-sea excursion charter.

The coastline is great for fishing and crabbing off of one of the many piers. You can also catch some redfish and skipjacks by fly-fishing off the coastal marshes.

Chattahoochee River

If you're looking for some of the best trout fishing in all of Georgia, then you're going to love the Chattahoochee River. While you can catch bass and catfish in the river year round, the river's really known for its rainbow and wild brown trout. In fact, a 20-pound whopper of a brown trout -Georgia's largest trout- was pulled out of this river.

The Chattahoochee River is open for fishing 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. It's against the law to fish this river at night, so make sure you come early. Finally, the river is designated as a trout stream and using live bait is prohibited, so make sure to bring your lures or fly rod.

Lake Clara Meer

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Lake Clara Meer is a 11.5-acre man-made lake located inside of Piedmont Park. Swimming and boating are prohibited on the lake, but luckily the lake is very accessible and it's easy to fish from the shoreline. The lake sports three fishing piers and a dock and is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bream and catfish each year.

Lake Lanier

Located 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Lake Lanier is a 38,000-acre reservoir owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. The lake has incredible access, with over 60 public boat launch ramps you can take advantage of. You can catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, crappie, walleye and channel catfish. If you're looking to increase your odds of catching the big one, it's a good idea to sync up with one of the local fishing clubs and hire a guide.

Nancy Creek

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Nancy Creek sports a variety of fish species. The creek is home to flat bullhead, spotted bass, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, bluegill, rainbow trout and creek chub, among other baitfish species. The creek is well suited for crank baits and topwater lures as well as fly fishing; just make sure you stick to the public section of the creek. A lot of the creek is privately owned, so make sure you're not trespassing. The two best public access points are Chastain Park and Northside Dr near Tophat Soccer Club.

Where To Go Fishing in Houston, Texas

While you might not think an urban area like Houston would be great for fishing, you'd be surprised how many great fishing spots are a short drive away.

Before You Go:

To fish in this state, you need to purchase a Texas fishing license unless you qualify for one of the following exemptions:

• Children under the age of 17
• Texas residents born before January 1, 1931
• Texas residents 65 or older and born after January 1, 1931

For a full list of exemptions, we recommend checking out the Texas Parks & Wildlife site for a full list of fishing license requirements and exemptions.

Lake Anahuac

Lake Anahuac is part of a coastal wildlife refuge located 45 miles east of Houston along the eastern coast of Galveston Bay. This refuge is one of the few places with access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Texas.

Saltwater Fishing

If saltwater fishing is your cup of tea, you can't go wrong with Lake Anahuac. The shoreline has some of the best wade fishing in all of Texas! You can catch speckled trout, redfish and southern flounder 24 hours a day. Boating is not permitted on the inland waterways of the refuge; however, there are three boat ramps that provide easy access to East Bay and Oyster Bayou.

Freshwater Fishing

If you prefer freshwater fishing, Lake Anahuac also has you covered. There are three fishing piers and a concrete bridge that runs along the East Bay Bayou at Skillern Tract that offers anglers without a boat some quality fishing. You can catch crappie, largemouth bass, gar, bowfin, channel catfish and blue catfish along the East Bay Bayou. While boating is not permitted in the lake, non-motorized boats such as canoes are allowed.

Lake Livingston

Lake Livingston is one of the largest lakes in all of Texas and has some great fishing. The lake is known for its healthy white bass population and is a notable catfish fishery. The lake is also one of the best places to catch largemouth bass, striper, crappie, and sunfish in Texas.

The lake sports three boat ramps, two fish cleaning stations, bank access and a fishing pier that accommodates all styles of fishing. The best part is if you forget your fishing gear, you can always borrow some from the local park store.

Mary Jo Peckham Park

If you want to get in a great family fishing trip, then Mary Jo Peckham Park is the place for you. The parks department stocks the 5-acre lake every year with trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout, so there is always great fishing. The park has a great pier and easy bank access, which makes it great for fishing, especially for beginners.

Tom Bass Park

Located 13 miles from downtown, Tom Bass Park is one of Houston's best urban fishing spots. The parks department has filled the ponds in the park with largemouth bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, rainbow trout, sunfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and redear. When it comes to urban fishing in Houston, you can't beat the variety of species in Tom Bass Park.

Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is the largest estuary along the Texas Gulf Coast and the second most productive estuary for seafood behind the Chesapeake Bay. The brackish water is home to a variety of marine species such as redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum and sheepshead. What makes the bay so unique is that it's abnormally shallow, only reaching 10 feet deep in the center. This lends itself to some great fishing no matter your style.

Charter Boats

Arguably one of the best ways to fish the bay is by hiring a charter boat. Hiring a captain with local fishing knowledge will give you the most bang for your buck. A charter also gives you the opportunity to take a deep sea fishing expedition out into the Gulf.

Shore Fishing

The incredibly shallow waterways lend themselves to some great shore fishing and wade fishing. It doesn't matter if you're on the west coast or east coast of Galveston Bay, you don't need a boat to catch a whopper! The immense shoreline and incredibly shallow water makes the bay perfect for shoreline fishing.

Where To Fish in Dallas, Texas

Because Dallas is a landlocked city, you might be surprised to learn that it's home to some of the best striped bass fishing in the southwest. Despite being in a desert, Dallas has some of the best fishing in all of Texas.

Before You Go

To fish in this state, you need to purchase a Texas fishing license unless you qualify for one of the following exemptions:

• Children under the age of 17
• Texas residents born before January 1, 1931
• Texas residents 65 or older and born after January 1, 1931
• For a full list of exemptions, we recommend checking out the Texas Parks & Wildlife full list of fishing license requirements and exemptions.

Lake Fork

Located 70 miles east of downtown Dallas, Lake Fork has some of the best bass fishing in all of Texas. In fact 30 of the top 50 largest largemouth bass caught in Texas were pulled out of Lake Fork. And if that didn't get you excited enough, the top six largest largemouth bass ever caught in Texas were caught there. It's not uncommon to hook a 13-pounder!

Lake Fork sports some of the best bass fishing near Dallas because it was stocked with giant Florida bass back in the 1980s when the reservoir was open to the public. Those Florida bass have thrived and created one of Texas's best bass fisheries. If bass fishing isn't your thing, you can also catch all sorts of crappie, channel catfish, white bass and sunnies.

Most people fish Lake Fork by boat, but you can still have great success fishing off the banks and piers. If you don't own a boat and still want to fish on the water, you can rent a kayak from one of the many local businesses nearby.

Lake Texoma

Located 80 miles north of Dallas, Lake Texoma is the best striped bass (striper) fishery in all of Texas. Lake Texoma is the largest manmade lake in all of the U.S. and is home to the only self-sustaining population of striper in Texas. If awesome striper fishing didn't hook you, Lake Texoma is known for its record-breaking catfish. In fact, an angler caught a 118.5-pound catfish here once. You can also catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, alligator gar, blue and channel catfish, crappie, sunnies and so much more.

Important note: Most of the water in Lake Texoma is actually in Oklahoma, so make sure you have the proper licenses before you set out on your fishing trip. You will also need a Lake Texoma fishing license to gain access to the entire lake. Before going out on the lake, we recommend you double-check with a local bait-and-tackle shop to make sure all of your papers are in line.

Catfish Corner

Located 20 minutes outside of Dallas in the suburb of Mesquite, Texas, Catfish Corner boasts some of the best catfishing in the area. Catfish Corner is a catfish farm that sports some awesome fishing and eating. Anything you catch in the farm, they will clean and fillet for you. You will not only have a good time fishing, you will also get a great meal out of anything you catch.

White Rock Lake

Located 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, White Rock Lake has some great largemouth bass fishing. The lake is also well known for its large seasonal crappies; it's not uncommon to catch a 2-pounder.

White Rock Lake is great for fishing by boat, whether you want to break out your canoe, kayak or motorboat. Just make sure your engine isn’t over 9.9 horsepower, as there is a motorboat limit at the lake. Don't have a boat? Don't fear -you can rent a kayak, canoe or rowboat from the White Rock Paddle Company. If fishing on land is more your speed, the shoreline and eight piers are easily accessible. Just don't go in the water, as swimming and wade fishing are banned.

Lake Palestine

Located 100 miles east of Dallas, Lake Palestine is perfect for a fishing weekend. Lake Palestine is well known for its gigantic Texas record-breaking catfish. Anglers have caught flathead catfish weighing nearly 100 pounds and blue catfish weighing over 48 pounds. The lake is also home to a number of sizable channel catfish.

If catfishing isn't your thing, Lake Palestine is home to a large population of hybrid striper and white bass as well as largemouth bass, crappie, buffalo and invasive carp weighing over 20 pounds.

Where To Go Fresh & Saltwater Fishing in New York State

When most people think of New York, they tend to focus on New York City, the Adirondacks or Niagara Falls. However, the Empire State also has great opportunities for fishing. Saltwater fishing on New York's coast offers opportunities to catch everything from sharks to tuna. Move inland, and freshwater fishing New York's lakes and rivers gives you plenty of opportunity to get trophy fish, including bass and trout. If you're looking for the best fishing in New York state, you're spoiled for choice. No matter where you are in the state, you're close to a great fishing location. However, we think these eight locations really stand out above the rest.

What To Know Before You Go

You need a license for freshwater fishing unless you're on a licensed fishing preserve or you happen to fit in a few rare exceptions. Residents can buy a lifetime fishing license, or a lifetime fishing and hunting license. These licenses are issued as a paper document, and you can have your endorsement added to your driver's license or state ID for convenience. It takes about two weeks to get a copy of any fishing license by mail if you buy it online or over the phone. However, you will be issued a printable temporary permit or given a number you can use to prove you have a license. If you purchase a license at a participating vendor, you get a physical copy immediately.

You don't need a license or registration for saltwater fishing if you're using a fishing charter. Otherwise, you need to register with the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. There is no fee for registration. If you want to fish for shark or tuna, you also need a federal permit. Want to catch blueline or golden tilefish? You need to register with the federal government through GARFO Online and report your catch immediately after the trip. Lobster fishing is allowed with a $10 state lobster permit, but this permit is only issued to state residents.

New York has reciprocal license agreements for some waters bordering the state. Your license is valid in the following areas, even if you cross state lines:

• Pennsylvania - Delaware River
• New Jersey - Greenwood Lake, if fishing from a boat
• Connecticut - Indian Lake, if fishing from a boat

Where should you fish? We've selected places across the state, from New York City to Buffalo.

Lake Ontario

This lake has the largest Chinook in the Great Lakes, with some exceeding 35 lbs. It's also a great place to trophy fish for coho, steelhead, brown trout, lake trout, bass and walleye. Fish in the bays along the coast and you'll find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch.

Jamaica Bay

It may seem odd to be fishing next to JFK airport, but this area is filled with bluefish and bass. Thanks to numerous man made obstacles, there are plenty of areas that force fish close to the surface, making them easy to catch.

Lake Erie

This may be the best place in America to fish for walleye and smallmouth bass. Bass tend to stick to the coast and tributaries in the spring, making it the easiest time to fish. In summer, they move out into deeper, cooler water, and they stay there until temperatures dip in the late fall. Move into the tributaries and you'll find steelhead trout. Go into the eastern basin and you'll find salmon. Perch is also easy to find in this lake, even in winter. While there are miles of coastline you can fish from, most people launch from Buffalo.

Salmon River

Are you looking for a challenge? The Salmon River is full of Chinook, coho and Atlantic salmon, as well as steelhead and brown trout. With average weights ranging from 10 to 25 lbs, they require considerable skill and strength to land. Chinook and coho salmon are most active during the breeding season. After the salmon leave, steelhead enter the area to feed on salmon eggs. The best place to launch is the Salmon River Reservoir, which is about an hour drive north of Syracuse.

Saratoga Lake

This lake just a few miles north of Albany is less seasonal than other spots, with great fishing all year round. The lake has some of the best stocks in the state. While it's best known for rock, largemouth and smallmouth bass, there's also crappie, walleye, perch, and pike. Sunfish have a daily bag limit of 15, while other fish follow state regulations.

Most of the coast is privately owned, so you'll need to fish from open water. There is an $8 fee for using the Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch.

Lake Placid Area

The Adirondacks aren't just beautiful -they're also a great place for trout fish. Lake Placid has brook, brown, lake and rainbow trout, as well as pike and walleye. Nearby Mirror Lake is well stocked with rainbow and lake trout, as is the Ausable River and its surrounding ponds.

St. Regis Canoe Area

This network of lakes and ponds isn't just for canoes and kayaks, although some areas are restricted to these boats. With such a variety of waterways, you can catch just about any type of freshwater fish. However, the most popular catch by far is brook trout, which are active in the spring.

Montauk Harbor

If you're looking for a great place for saltwater fishing, it's hard to argue against a place that bills itself as the "Fishing Capital of the World". This area at the tip of Long Island is the home of the largest commercial and recreational fishing fleet in the state. If it's a saltwater fish, you can find it here, from cod to sharks. The area is great for inshore and offshore fishing at any depth. The most popular fishing spot is "The Race". Converging tides from the Atlantic and Block Island Sound create rips in this area, making it easy to fish for striped bass and bluefish.

Five of the Best Places to Fly-Fish in Colorado

If you're looking for the best fly-fishing in Colorado, you're spoiled for choice. There are over a dozen Gold Medal streams and lakes in the state. These bodies of water produce at least 60 lbs. of trout and 12 14-inch or larger trout per acre. Add in another 31 high-quality fishing areas, and you're never far away from a great fishing spot. Trout fishing in Colorado lakes and rivers gives you the chance to catch several species, and there are plenty of places stocked with salmon and pike. We've narrowed down these spots to a few we think offer the best opportunities due to long fishing seasons, large numbers of trophy fish and high fish populations.

What To Know Before You Go

Fly-fishing is open year-round in Colorado. The major limiting factor is snow, which blocks access for most of the year in some high-altitude areas. The peak of fly-fishing season runs from the middle of June to the middle of October. However, some people prefer fishing in spring, when shallow waters force fish into deep pockets along river banks. Spawn migrations vary across the state, but the peak season is usually sometime around September. Most areas are tailwater fisheries, but they're still affected by snow melt, which changes water levels and temperatures through the spring and summer.

If you can prove residency, you'll pay about half as much for a fishing license versus non-residents. Residents are also allowed to buy combination fishing and hunting licenses at a discount. Licenses are valid for anywhere from a day to a year after purchase. You are allowed to carry two rods if you purchase a 2nd rod stamp for your license. To use your boat in Colorado, you need an Annual Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) stamp, and your boat must be inspected at an ANS station before entering the water. Licenses, rod stamps and ANS stamps can be purchased online from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, over the phone or at approved dealers.

Fishing on national park land is allowed, as long as you have a state fishing license. There may be additional regulations you need to follow, including restrictions on bait.

There are frequent fishing regulation changes for waterways throughout the year to manage fish stocks. Be sure to check current information on the CPW website. Here's where we think you'll have the best luck on your next fishing trip.

Animas River

While you'd think a state full of mountains would have plenty of freestone fishing opportunities, locations are few and far between. The Animas River, which passes through Durango, is one of these areas. The river is famous for producing large rainbow and brown trout. Conditions vary greatly depending on snow melt and water temperature, adding to the challenge.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Between the Colorado River and over 40 lakes stocked with fish, there are plenty of opportunities to catch trout in this park just west of Loveland and Estes Park. Brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout can be found in lakes, while suckers mostly show up in streams.

Due to the park's high altitude, some roads are closed most of the year. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed for people 12 years or older, and only one handheld rod is allowed, even if you have a 2nd rod stamp. Be sure to check the park website to see which areas are currently open to fishing.

Spinney Mountain State Park

Located about 60 miles west of Colorado Springs, the Spinney Mountain Reservoir is full of cutthroat and rainbow trout, as well as pike. Brown trout also make appearances in late summer and fall during their spawning season. Thanks to a plentiful supply of fly larvae, game fish grow fast, making it a great place for trophy fishing.

This man-made lake is accessible from two boat docks. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are common, making the area great for sailboating, but this can be a headache for fishing boats. This is one place where you'll be glad you have a pair of power poles. There's no camping at this park, but there are plenty of spots at nearby Eleven Mile State Park.

Arkansas River

This river is the most popular fishery in Colorado, mostly due to its size. This river starts near Leadville, passes through the Arkansas River Valley and Royal Gorge, then through Salida, Cañon City and Pueblo. There are great fishing opportunities from the headwaters to the plains, but the best fishing is between Brown's Canyon and Royal Gorge. The river isn't known for trophy fish, but massive populations of brown trout make them an easy catch. Rainbow trout are also plentiful. The main fishing season runs between early March to the end of October, but it's also good for winter fishing as long as snow hasn't blocked the boat ramps. Some areas, including Stockyard Bridge and Middle Fork, are catch and release only.

Gunnison River

There's more to fish in Colorado than just trout. The Gunnison river has the best salmon fishing Colorado has to offer, and some of the best views in a state known for its beauty. The river is flooded with fish in late August and early September as they travel upstream to spawn. Depending on water conditions, the best places to fish are in the canyon or freestone areas near Delta. If you prefer trout fishing, you should also try the area where the Taylor and East Rivers meet to form the Gunnison, just outside of Almont.

Best Places To Fish in Queensland

With over 6,000 kilometers of shoreline, the Great Barrier Reef and numerous lakes and rivers feeding into the ocean, there are dozens of good Queensland fishing spots. We've picked out some of the best fishing locations this state has to offer, whether you're interested in casting, trolling or snorkel fishing.

What You Should Know Before You Go

QLD fisheries doesn't just stock waterways with fish; it also regulates fishing across the state. Be sure to check its website to see the current catch limits and closures. It also offers the QLD Fishing app, which can help you identify your catch and keep up to date with current fishing rules.

Official maps use a color-coded system to identify the legal status of water areas. There are four colors you should look out for when navigating:

• Pink -- Do not enter.
• Green -- Marine national park land. Fishing is allowed with a permit.
• Yellow -- No trolling area. Only limited line fishing with one handheld rod and hook per person is allowed.
• Light blue -- All fishing is allowed.

These zones are bordered by landmarks, so they should be easy to identify when you're in the water. You may see white triangle buoys, which indicate no-anchoring zones. If you need to secure your boat, look for blue cone buoys, which are public moorings. Outside of these areas, avoid anchoring in coral wherever possible. It can take years for the reef to recover from damage caused by anchor strikes.

Shallow-water areas are common near the coast due to the reef. A jack plate is a must-have for navigating these waters, while power poles make it easy to anchor your boat.

Wellington Point

If you're looking for good fishing spots in Brisbane, it's hard to beat Wellington Point fishing. While casting from the long wooden jetty is popular, this peninsula also has several boat ramps, letting you launch close to the area in which you want to fish. Snapper, whiting and bream are common catches off the coast, while tiger squid, arrow squid and pike eels can be found farther out from the shoreline. The canals around Raby Bay and the mouth of the Logan River are the most popular fishing spots in this area.

Mission Beach

This Cassowary Coast beach is next to the Hull River and the Great Barrier Reef, letting you choose between river fishing and shallow-water ocean fishing. It's also conveniently located between Cairns and Townsville, making it an easy stop if you're working your way up the coast. There are four boat ramps along the coast next to Camoo.

There is a wide range of fish in the area, but the most popular are barramundi, jackfish and coral trout. Want to try snorkel fishing? There are plenty of crayfish to be found in shallow reef areas.

Access to all parts of the Great Barrier Reef is regulated, but this area in particular has several ecologically sensitive areas. Before you head out for some Mission Beach fishing, be sure to check area maps so you can be sure you're staying away from closed areas.

Cairns

The gateway to the tropics and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has a reputation for offering some of the best fishing in Australia. This area has a large inshore net-free zone that's perfect for recreational fishing. There are two types of Cairns fishing spots. Stick to the coast and you'll find marlin, sailfish, wahoo and tuna. Get out into the reef and you'll find coral trout, black marlin and both large- and small-mouth nannygai, among other species.

Net-free zones around Machans Beach offer great opportunities for sports fishers. The mouth of Barron River is a great spot for fishing barramundi and salmon.

Lake Maraboon

Created in 1972 with the completion of the Fairbairn Dam across the Nogoa River, Lake Maraboon is Queensland's second largest lake. Despite its size, this lake has an average depth of just 9 meters. Maraboon is about 20 km east of Emerald.

Queensland fisheries stock this lake with cod, crayfish, perch and bass. This is one of the few places you'll find Murray cod in this state, and the stock of Fitzroy yellowbelly draws in anglers from all over. However, the most popular catch by far is red claw crayfish.

The only public boat launch site on the lake is Lake Maraboon Holiday Park, near the dam wall. Fishing is not allowed 200 meters upstream or 400 meters downstream of the Fairbairn Dam, so you'll need to move away from the ramp before you start fishing. The Nogoa River and Sheep Station Creek arms are full of weeds, timber and channels, drawing in all types of fish.

Fitzroy (Tunuba) River

This is the largest river that empties out onto the eastern coast of Australia. The floodplain is filled with lagoons and waterholes, making it a great habitat for all kinds of fish. This river is famous for having the biggest barramundi in the country and loads of King threadfin. It's also a great place for saratoga and giant trevally. Fish activity is highest at the mouth of the river after floods. It's easy to move back and forth between fresh and saltwater areas around Rockhampton, giving you a range of fishing options.

Fishing is open year-round, but barra can only be caught between February and October.

Where To Fish in Orlando, Florida

Florida has been ranked the "fishing capital of the world" and is often referred to as the "bass capital of the world" because of the world-record-breaking bass people catch. Although fishing probably isn't the first thing to come to mind when you think of Orlando, Florida, Orlando is actually home to some of the best bass and redfish fishing on the planet.

Before You Go:

To fish in this state, you need to purchase a Florida fishing license, unless you qualify for one of the following exemptions:

• Children under 16 years of age
• Seniors over the age of 65 with proof of age or residency, or possessing an optional resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate
• Fishing on your private homestead
• Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled Florida residents who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces, who are not stationed in the state and home on leave for 30 days or less
• Individuals who are observing or filming someone else who is fishing and are not assisting in the take in any way
• For more information on exemptions, check out the full detailed list of rules and exemptions on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions website.

Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho)

Lake Tohopekaliga, known by the locals as Lake Toho, is a 22,700-acre lake conveniently located in the city of Kissimmee. Lake Toho also happens to be home to the best largemouth bass fishing in the world. The lake is famous for the record-breaking bass anglers bring in each year.

Lake Toho is legendary for the sheer volume of huge bass it produces. According to the Florida Wildlife Commission, the lake sports one bass over 10 pounds per every 10 acres of water. In fact, the heaviest bass ever caught was taken right from lake Toho. If you're a bass fisherman, this lake is the perfect place for you!

Mosquito Lagoon

Mosquito Lagoon has some of the best fishing in the Orlando area. You can catch all sorts of fish here, from speckled trout and snook to tarpon, black drum and so much more. If the diversity of fish species didn't sell you on Mosquito Lagoon, it's also considered the redfish capital of the world because it's the only body of water on the planet where you can catch redfish year round.

Mosquito Lagoon's clear shallow water makes it an ideal place for some year-round sight fishing. The advantage of fishing in Florida is that it's warm year round, so you can always catch fish no matter the time of year. The lagoon is easy to fish from the shoreline, and it's boat friendly if you want to fish off of your kayak, rowboat or motorboat.

Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River stretches all the way from north of Titusville, Florida, approximately 150 miles south to Jupiter. The Indian River Lagoon is world-renowned for its record-setting redfish. The southern portion of the river is also famous for the massive speckled trout and snook fishermen have caught. You can also catch huge tarpon, which use the riverway like a highway.

You can fish the Indian River Lagoon all year round, and the river system lends itself to all sorts of fishing strategies. There is great access to the waterways for sight fishing on grass flats or working the docks and bridges. The lagoon is also great for fishing from a boat. Whether you're a fan of fishing from a kayak or motor boat or chartering a fishing vessel, Indian River Lagoon has something for you. You can even rent rods and reels from the bait and tackle shops on the docks if you don't have the right equipment.

Port Canaveral

If you want to have an awesome deep-sea fishing excursion, we'd recommend you go out to Port Canaveral, where you can experience some of the greatest deep-sea fishing near Orlando. Port Canaveral is only an hour drive from downtown Orlando and sports some of the best deep-sea fishing around. You can catch grouper, red snapper, amberjack, king mackerel, sharks, woohoo, kingfish, barracuda, sailfish, tarpon, mahi, yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish, tilefish, snowy grouper and yellow edge grouper, just to name a few. There is a reason they call Florida the "fishing capital of the world".

We recommend chartering a deep-sea vessel so you can get the best deep-sea experience possible.

Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is only an hour and a half drive from Orlando and is home to some of the best inshore fishing in the U.S. Tampa Bay is one of the largest estuaries (a brackish transition zone where the ocean meets freshwater rivers) in all of Florida, which makes it the perfect habitat for desirable fish species.

On an inshore fishing trip, you can catch all sorts of fish, such as grouper, blackfin tuna and amberjack, among others. Along the undeveloped shoreline in the southern end of Tampa Bay, there is great juvenile snook, redfish, trout, snapper, kingfish and tarpon fishing.

The 5 Best Fishing Spots in Alabama

There are few states that have as many options for fishing as Alabama. The state is famous for its largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, with tournaments running across the state. The Gulf Coast is lined with reefs, making it a prime spot for coastal saltwater fishing. Looking for a unique challenge? This is one of a handful of states that allows noodling. Also called "hillbilly hand fishing," it involves wiggling your fingers in front of a catfish, tricking it into thinking it found some worms. Once it bites, you pull the fish out of the water. While dangerous, it's hard to think of a greater fishing challenge than wrestling a fish with your bare hands.

Where is the best fishing in Alabama? While it's hard to find a body of water here that doesn't offer good sport fishing, we've narrowed down your choices to a few places that stand out due to their variety and opportunities for trophy fish.

What To Know Before You Go

Alabama issues separate licenses for freshwater and saltwater fishing. There's also a cheaper license for residents that only includes Alabama's Public Fishing Lakes, and there's the Wildlife Heritage License, which includes small-game hunting and freshwater fishing. You'll also need a reef fish endorsement for most popular saltwater game, including snapper, tilefish and grouper. There are also separate licenses for wire basket fishing and spearfishing. If you want to go noodling in Alabama, all you need is a freshwater license. Licenses are available online, over the phone, from licensing offices and from approved dealers.

Residency is defined by your driver's license or non-license state ID. If you have one issued by Alabama and you don't have a license from another state, you're a resident. If you have multiple licenses, you're a non-resident, even if you live in Alabama. However, there are exceptions for landowners and close relatives of landowners. Under certain circumstances, college students and military personnel are allowed to buy resident licenses, even if they aren't residents.

All year-long licenses are valid from September 1st to August 31st, no matter when you buy them.

Alabama has a reciprocal license agreement with Mississippi and Tennessee. Alabama licenses are valid on the Tennessee River between Pickwick Dam and Southern Railroad Bridge, and Smith's Branch up to Scruggs Bridge.

Where should you fish? The Alabama Bass Trail tournament alone covers 11 lakes, and there are also saltwater and river opportunities in the state. We think these five areas stand out among the fishing areas in Alabama.

Smith Lake

This lake in northern Alabama offers some of the best bass fishing in the state. It has over 500 miles of shoreline, 11 places to launch and high numbers of trophy fish. It also holds the record for the largest bass caught in the state. This is one of the cleanest lakes in the country, which makes fishing more challenging. While you may be able to see through as much as 20 feet of water, it also means fish have no trouble distinguishing food from artificial lures.

Wheeler Lake

Wheeler Lake is an impoundment on the Tennessee River between the Guntersville and Wheeler dams. This lake is well stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and crappie. It's also an excellent place for noodling, thanks to a large population of catfish. At one time, this lake held the record for the world's largest blue catfish, weighing in at 111 lbs. Fishing is good year round, but smallmouth fishing peaks in the spring during spawning season.

Zebra mussels are present in this lake, so boaters are encouraged to clean their boats before and after outings to stop the spread of this invasive species.

Mobile

It should be no surprise that the state's only saltwater port has good fishing. However, you may be surprised by the variety. Between Mobile Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, there are plenty of places to fish, and plenty of species to catch. Multiple reefs attract saltwater fish, while moving out of the bay provides opportunities for freshwater game. This is the best place in the state for redfish, and it's also a great place for flounder, grouper and snapper. Go into the delta and you'll find speckled trout and catfish.

Fishing for most species peaks in the summer due to higher water temperatures and spawning. While red snapper has a short season, other varieties of this fish can be caught year round. Dauphin Bay and Fort Morgan are great places to fish for grouper and snapper. Dog River is quieter than the delta, and it's well stocked with speckled trout and redfish.

Gulf Shores

Although it's close to Mobile, this area between the bay and the Florida border offers an entirely different fishing experience. With 17,000 artificial reefs and shallow waters up to 60 miles offshore, this area is a prime area for reef fish. While the area is mostly known for red snapper, there are also redfish, speckled trout, cobia, amberjack and kingfish. Be sure to check fishing season information before you go. Some fish can only be caught on certain days of the week, and the length of the season varies depending on the number of fish taken from the water.

Want to get in a little freshwater fishing? Nearby Wolf Bay and Bay La Launch are both good spots for largemouth bass.

Lake Guntersville

Alabama's largest lake spans 75 miles between the Nickajack and Guntersville dams, with boat ramps dotting the entire coastline. The thick weed beds are a perfect place for big bass, making this one of the best places for angling in the state. Your biggest problem fishing this lake may be avoiding the almost weekly fishing tournaments. While most people target largemouth bass, it's just one of many game fish in the lake. Fishing is great all year, as long as you know what to target. Bream peaks in late spring and early summer, crappie in spring and fall, and sauger in winter and early spring.

Where To Fish in NSW

NSW has plenty of great fishing opportunities along the coast, as well as plenty of inland places for freshwater fishing. Having trouble deciding where to go? We rounded up the areas we think offer the best fishing in New South Wales.

Before You Go

To fish in this state, you need to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee unless you qualify for one of these exemptions:

• You are under the age of 18.
• You are an adult assisting someone under 18 using a single rod or taking prawns with a single dip or scoop net.
• You're an Aboriginal person.
• You hold a current Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink, a Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Treatment Card with a TPI or EDA endorsement, or have a letter from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs stating that you receive either a disability pension of 70% or more or an intermediate pension.
• In some cases, you may not need to pay the fee if you're fishing with a guide.

When you go fishing, you need to keep your receipt on hand to present on demand.

If you're fishing in freshwater, you should pick up the NSW DPI Freshwater Recreational Guide. It covers all the legal requirements for fishing areas, and it's full of useful information, including a fish identification guide. The New South Wales fishing guide is available directly from its website, or you can pick up a printed copy at most bait and tackle businesses in the state.

Bermagui Harbour

This harbour, and the first couple kilometers of the Bermagui River, are filled with sand flathead, bream, whiting and tailor. The water is shallow in spots near the mouth of the river, requiring a low draft boat to go upstream. The area is easy to access thanks to several boat ramps around the harbour.

Snowy Mountains

Just a two-hour drive from Canberra, this area has the best fishing spots in Eastern Australia for trout fishing. Brown, rainbow and brook trout are abundant, as is Atlantic salmon.

The Snowy, Eucumbene and Thredbo rivers feed into Lake Jindabyne. The Thredbo and Eucumbene are designated trout spawning areas. This means there's a bag limit of one trout per angler each day, with a minimum length of 50 cm. However, catch and release is allowed after you've reached your bag limit. Bait fishing isn't allowed in these areas. The Snowy River doesn't have these restrictions, but fish are less plentiful.

Be sure to check fishing reports before you venture out. Water levels in the rivers and Lake Jindabyne fluctuate during the year, changing the best fishing spots each season.

Blue Mountains

This is a great place to go if you want to plan for a multi-day New South Wales fishing trip. This area of the Central Tablelands can be difficult to fish due to the number of regulatory bodies involved. Much of the area is protected in one way or another, but if you can navigate the requirements, you can fish in some of the most beautiful areas of the country. With a variety of rivers, streams and lakes to choose from, you can catch just about every type of freshwater fish you can find in NSW.

Power boats are permitted at the Ben Chifley, Burrendon and Wyangala dams, Lyell Lake, Windamere Lake and Dunns Swamp. Restrictions on the many rivers running through the region can vary, with limits on lures and fishing methods.

Gunnamatta Bay

Looking for a quick getaway without spending your whole weekend driving? This bay on the south end of Sydney next to the Royal National Park is mostly known for its baths and parks, but it's also an excellent place to do some fishing. Tailor, whiting, flathead and bream are plentiful. Go to the mouth of the bay and you can find salmon in the aptly named Salmon Haul Reserve.

Coffs Harbour

While the Blue Mountains offer the widest variety of freshwater fish, Coffs Harbour gives you access to the biggest selection of both fresh and saltwater game. This harbor is about midway between Sydney and Brisbane. With beaches, headlands, reefs and break walls to fish from, there are opportunities to try all types of fishing methods and baits at this harbour. Mulloway, kingfish, bream, flathead, bream, snapper and whiting are just some of the species you can catch near the coast. Go deeper into the reef and you'll find pearl perch, kingfish, amberjack, snapper, tuna and tusk fish. Head to the estuaries, including Coffs Creek, Boambee Creek and Bonville Creek, and you'll find bream, whiting and flathead. Go further south to Bellinger River and you'll find plenty of bass.

Yamba

Located about three hours south of Brisbane, the coastline at the mouth of the Clarence River is full of fishing opportunities. With rocks, beaches and deep water, there are habitats for all kinds of game fish, including flathead, mulloway, rock blackfish, bream, snapper, tailor, mangrove jack, blue grouper and sand whiting. If you run a low draft boat with a power pole anchor and a jack plate, you can slip into island streams, getting to fishing areas that are out of reach of most boats.

Most of the fishing is concentrated between Harwood Island and Yamba, although it's also worth making the trip over to nearby Lake Wooloweyah. The easiest way to get there is by launching at Yamba and making your way around the coast. There are several boat ramps along the Clarence River, so you can usually launch close to your destination.

Where To Fish in Victoria

Victoria is a fantastic place to go fishing, thanks to its numerous lakes, rivers and bays. Having trouble narrowing down locations for your next trip? We've made a list of the five places we think offer the best fishing in Victoria. These areas stand out because of their convenience, range of fishing opportunities or overall unique experiences.

What You Should Know Before You Go

Most people fishing in Victoria need a Victoria fishing license. However, you may be exempt if you fall into one of these categories:

• People under 18 or over 70 years old
• Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders
• People who have a Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Card or TPI-coded Repatriation Health Card
• People with a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card coded DSP, DSP Blind, AGE, AGE Blind or CAR

Licenses expire on July 1st. You have the option of buying three-day, 28-day, one-year or three-year licenses. These can be purchased directly from the government online or in person at authorized agents. Digital one-year and three-year licenses are cheaper than plastic card licenses. You can use your confirmation email as proof of your license or connect your license to the Service Victoria app.

Bag limits vary widely between fishing areas and can change from season to season. We listed current limits, but you should always check current regulations before your trip.

The depth of streams and rivers in this state varies widely from season to season. A jack plate and a set of power poles are handy for getting around shallow waters.

Patterson River & Port Phillip Bay

The Patto is a one-hour drive from Melbourne. This river runs just 5 km before emptying into Port Phillip Bay. This area has the busiest boat ramps in Victoria, since it has access to great river and saltwater fishing.

The bay and the mouth of the river have snapper, flathead and squid, while going upstream gets you bream, salmon and mullet. However, the biggest draw for river fishing is the huge stock of bream. Salmon are also common in cooler months, as they move downstream to spawn.

Yarra River

Like the Patto, this river empties into Port Phillip Bay, but it runs through the CBD. In Melbourne, you can fish for bream, estuary perch, mullet and mulloway. However, eating your catch isn't recommended due to water pollution. Move down to Hobsons Bay or Port Phillip Bay and you have access to saltwater fishing. The area around Punt Road Bridge is renowned for its giant mulloway. Yarra Bend Park starts just north of the CBD. This park is a great place to fish for carp, eels, estuary perch and redfin. Catch and release is encouraged to keep up fish stocks, although invasive European carp should not be returned.

Warrandyte State Park is just 24 km upstream. Foraging isn't allowed, so you'll need to bring your own bait. It has the same fish as Yarra Bend, as well as brown trout.

In winter, the Yarra is the best place in Australia to catch salmon, as they move downstream to spawn. Be sure to check fishing reports to see if they'll be in your area.

Devilbend Reservoir

This is the newest South Australia fishing spot, and one of the best. After six years and over 1.5 million dollars in renovations, this former water supply facility is again open to the public. Located near Tuerong, it's about an hour drive from Melbourne. This body of water is stocked with rainbow and brown trout as well as estuary perch. Thanks to the recent reopening, there are plenty of opportunities to get trophy-sized fish. Redfin are also present here in small numbers.

Boats can be launched from the picnic area. Watch out for yellow buoys: These mark areas restricted to nonmotorized watercraft. Restricted areas cover 33 of the lake's 250 hectares. Other areas may be blocked off for ecological preservation. Even with these restrictions, there are plenty of fishing areas to discover, both in open water and along the coasts.

Lake Eildon

If you're looking for trophy fish, this lake has some of the best freshwater fishing Victoria, Australia, has to offer. Snobs Creek Hatchery releases almost 10,000 trout into the area each year. Better still, this includes brood fish, which are already 4-5 kg when they reach open water.

Lake Eildon is a 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne. The lake is open for year-round fishing, making it one of the few spots you can fish in winter. Bag limits are five per person per day, and only two of these fish can be over 35 cm.

Lake Sambell

Lake Sambell was formed on top of an old gold mining site in 1928. Since then, the area has become a major tourist attraction, both for its history and natural beauty. In other words, it's a great place to take your non-fishing friends and family, since they'll have plenty to do while you're on the water.

A four-hour drive from Melbourne, this lake is a great place to fish for yellowbelly, redfin, trench, rainbow trout and trout cod. Trout are regularly stocked by a local hatchery. Trout cod was introduced in 2008, and opened to fishing in 2015. Other fish are self-sustaining. Redfin are at their most active in summer, while trout are more active in winter.