8 Top Fall Fishing Spots Across the Country

By Debbie Hanson

Oct 01, 2019

List of eight top fall fishing spots across the country that are ideal for autumn family trips. Good fishing spots in best destinations to view colors

The transition from summer to fall brings cooler weather, and the most scenic months of the year to be out on the water. Now is the time to pay a visit to one of the top fall fishing spots across the country. Take your pick from eight ideal destinations where you can cast out a line while taking in an array of autumn colors.

1. Lake Of The Ozarks, Missouri.

As the autumn leaves peak in color around the 3rd or 4th week of October, Lake of the Ozarks will be one of the best places to fish because largemouth bass will be chasing shad up in the backs of the creeks and coves.

2. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.

As the water temperatures drop, striped bass are often seen schooling up in a major fall feeding frenzy. Good fishing spots can be found from northern bay to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Live bunker is one of the best baits to use for striped bass during this time of year.

3. Paint River, Michigan.

Not only does the Upper Peninsula of Michigan boast some of the best fall colors in the Midwest, it offers blue ribbon trout waters. The Paint River in the Ottawa National Forest is the one of the autumn fishing hot spots for brown trout and brook trout.

4. Green River, Utah.

Don't miss the opportunity to chase a few brown trout on the Green River Tailwater below Flaming Gorge Dam this fall. Afterwards, take a scenic drive through Ashley National Forest with the family to view the colorful foliage. As with any other fishing trip, be sure to check the state regulations and purchase your fishing license before you go.

5. Menominee River, Wisconsin

Use topwater poppers or soft plastic jerkbaits for some fun fall smallmouth action on the Menominee River. You can access boat launch sites at the Menominee River State Recreation Area (use either concrete ramp at Saler Landing off Rattie Road or the gravel Pemene boat landing off of Horseshoe Road).

6. Devils Lake, North Dakota.

If you are interested in good fishing spots for walleye this fall, Devils Lake is often cited among the best. Be sure to stop at Grahams Island State Park for views of the lake that will be gorgeous during this time of year.

7. Glacier Creek, Colorado.

Located off Bear Lake Road, this creek is the perfect fall fishing spot for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Plus, you won't even need waders to fully enjoy the stretch that runs along the road.

8. Black Hawk Lake, Iowa.

Do you want to find good places to fish for bluegill and crappie in Iowa this fall? Jig around docks or structure on Black Hawk Lake to take advantage of the autumn bite.

With this list of top fall fishing spots across the country, you can plan your next outdoor adventure with your family while taking in all of the autumn colors.

Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.