Top Lakes for Trophy Fishing for Bass in the U.S.

Top bass tournaments rotate lakes every year to provide a diverse challenge for anglers. Rotating lakes exposes anglers to different water conditions, depths, and fish behaviors across various geographic locations. This ultimately tests an angler’s adaptability and skill set while keeping the competition exciting for fans. Additionally, this practice helps to prevent overfishing in any single lake by rotating locations.

This article targets eight trophy bass lakes, plus Table Rock Lake and Grand Lake. We have to mention some lakes that did not make our cut. Lake Texoma, Texas/Oklahoma, and Ray Roberts in Texas are famous with anglers targeting bass. 

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1. Table Rock Lake, Arkansas / Missouri

Table Rock Lake’s clear waters and abundant bass population make it ideal for both novice and experienced anglers. Stunning natural beauty and proximity to Branson provide a complete outdoor and leisure experience.

Types of Bass

• Largemouth Bass: Found near brush piles, submerged trees, and rock structures. Often caught in coves, creek channels, and along the shoreline.
• Smallmouth Bass: Prefer rocky areas, steep bluffs, and points. Thrive in the cooler, clearer parts of the lake.
• Spotted Bass: Inhabit deeper waters near drop-offs and underwater structures.Known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights.

Popular Fishing Spots

• Long Creek: Excellent for largemouth bass, with abundant cover and structure.
• James River Arm: Known for spotted bass and a mix of shallow and deep-water habitats.
• Indian Point: Accessible and productive area with numerous underwater features.
• Kimberling City Area: Offers a mix of rocky points, bluffs, and open-water fishing.
• Table Rock Dam: Deep-water fishing hotspot, especially during summer.

Fishing Events

• Hosts numerous Bassmaster and Major League Fishing tournaments.
• Regular local and regional fishing competitions.

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2. Bussey Brake Reservoir, Louisiana

Bass fishing at Bussey Brake Reservoir in Louisiana is gaining recognition as one of the premier destinations for trophy bass in the southern United States. This relatively new hotspot offers excellent opportunities for largemouth bass anglers, with a reputation for producing large fish.

Bass Species

• Largemouth Bass: The primary attraction at Bussey Brake. Thrives due to excellent habitat and proactive fish management, including stocking programs and slot limits.

Why Fish Bussey Brake Reservoir?

• Trophy Potential: The lake consistently produces largemouth bass over 8 pounds, with some exceeding 10 pounds.
• Scenic and Serene: Bussey Brake is quieter and less crowded than larger lakes, offering a peaceful fishing experience.
• Great Habitat: The lake is filled with natural and artificial structures that support a thriving bass population.

Popular Fishing Areas

• Northwest Shoreline: Features submerged vegetation and timber, ideal for shallow-water fishing.
• South End: Offers deeper water with submerged channels and points.
• Central Flats: Known for expansive vegetation beds and opportunities for topwater action.
• Stump Fields: Spread throughout the reservoir, these areas are hotspots for ambushing bass.

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3. Clear Lake, California

Bass fishing on Clear Lake, California, is a bucket-list experience for anglers. Known as the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, Clear Lake boasts an exceptional bass fishery with abundant largemouth bass and a reputation for producing trophy catches.

Bass Species

• Largemouth Bass: The dominant species in Clear Lake. Fish exceeding 10 pounds are commonly caught, with numerous tournament-winning weights coming from this lake.

Popular Fishing Spots

• North End: Features shallow, weedy flats and is known for spawning activity in the spring.
• South End: Deeper water with rocky shorelines and submerged structure ideal for summer and winter fishing.
• Clear Lake Oaks Arm: Excellent area for topwater action and fishing around docks.
• Rattlesnake Island: A productive spot with diverse habitat, including rock piles and weed beds.
• Redbud Arm: Known for hosting tournaments and producing large bass near submerged vegetation and docks.

Fishing Events

• Hosts major tournaments, including Bassmaster Elite Series, local club events, and pro-am competitions.
• Regularly showcases double-digit bass, making it a favorite for competitive and recreational anglers alike.

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4. Orange Lake, Florida

Bass fishing on Clear Lake, California, is a bucket-list experience for anglers. Known as the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, Clear Lake boasts an exceptional bass fishery with abundant largemouth bass and a reputation for producing trophy catches.

Bass Species

• Largemouth Bass: The dominant species in Clear Lake. Fish exceeding 10 pounds are commonly caught, with numerous tournament-winning weights coming from this lake.

Popular Fishing Spots

• North End: Features shallow, weedy flats and is known for spawning activity in the spring.
• South End: Deeper water with rocky shorelines and submerged structure ideal for summer and winter fishing.
• Clear Lake Oaks Arm: Excellent area for topwater action and fishing around docks.
• Rattlesnake Island: A productive spot with diverse habitat, including rock piles and weed beds.
• Redbud Arm: Known for hosting tournaments and producing large bass near submerged vegetation and docks.

Fishing Events

• Hosts major tournaments, including Bassmaster Elite Series, local club events, and pro-am competitions.
• Regularly showcases double-digit bass, making it a favorite for competitive and recreational anglers alike.

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5. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota

Key Species

• Smallmouth Bass: Consistently ranked as one of the top smallmouth bass fisheries in the country, producing fish over 5 pounds.
• Muskellunge (Muskie): Known for trophy muskie, with fish exceeding 50 inches.
• Northern Pike: Common throughout the lake, offering an exciting fight.
• Yellow Perch: A popular target in winter, known for their excellent table quality.

Why Fish Mille Lacs Lake?

• Diverse Opportunities: Offers fishing for a variety of species, from trophy muskies to world-class smallmouth bass.
• Year-Round Action: Mille Lacs is productive in all seasons, with open-water fishing in warmer months and ice fishing in winter.
• Beautiful Scenery: Surrounded by forests and rolling hills, the lake provides a stunning backdrop for fishing adventures.

Popular Fishing Spots

• Hennepin Island: Excellent for walleye and smallmouth bass around rocky reefs.
• Garrison Bay: A hotspot for walleye and northern pike in spring and fall.
• Malmo Flats: Known for productive summer walleye fishing.
• Indian Point: Great for smallmouth bass and muskie.
• Vineland Bay: A favorite for ice anglers targeting walleye and perch.

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6. St. Lawrence River / Thousand Islands, New York

Fishing on the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region in New York offers world-class angling opportunities in one of North America’s most scenic and biologically rich waterways. Renowned for its exceptional smallmouth bass fishery, the river also boasts abundant populations of northern pike, muskellunge (muskie), walleye, and panfish.

Why Fish the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands?

• World-Class Smallmouth Bass: Trophy-sized fish and consistent action make it a favorite among bass anglers.
• Trophy Muskies: The chance to land a fish of a lifetime draws anglers from around the globe.
• Scenic Beauty: The Thousand Islands region is one of the most picturesque fishing destinations in the world, with stunning islands, historic landmarks, and abundant wildlife.
• Diverse Opportunities: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the variety of species and habitats ensures something for everyone.

Key Species

• Smallmouth Bass: The St. Lawrence River is widely considered one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the world. Trophy-sized fish over 6 pounds are common.
• Muskellunge (Muskie): Known as the “fish of 10,000 casts,” the St. Lawrence is a prime destination for anglers targeting trophy muskies over 50 inches.
• Northern Pike: Found in weedy bays and along rocky shorelines, pike are a popular target for their aggressive strikes.
• Walleye: Commonly caught during low-light periods around rocky points and drop-offs.
• Panfish: Bluegill, perch, and crappie offer consistent action for family-friendly fishing.

Popular Fishing Spots

• Wellesley Island: Offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, pike, and muskie around its many coves and rocky points.
• Alexandria Bay: A hub for anglers targeting muskies and bass in the surrounding islands and shoals.
• Chippewa Bay: Known for its northern pike and largemouth bass action.
• Eel Bay: A sheltered area ideal for panfish and smallmouth bass.
• Lake of the Isles: A secluded bay within Wellesley Island State Park, great for largemouth bass and panfish.

Fishing Challenges

• Clear Water: Visibility can exceed 20 feet, requiring finesse techniques and natural bait presentations.
• Currents: The main river channel’s strong current can make fishing and boat control challenging.
• Weather: Sudden changes in weather and wind can create rough water conditions.

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7. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma

Fishing on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma, is a favorite among anglers for its diverse fishery and year-round opportunities. Renowned for its largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, the lake is also a hotspot for white bass and paddlefish, making it one of the premier fishing destinations in the Midwest.

Key Species

• Largemouth Bass: The lake is famous for its bass fishery, hosting numerous tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic. Fish in the 3-5 pound range are common, with trophies over 8 pounds caught regularly.
• Crappie: Both black and white crappie are abundant, particularly around brush piles and docks.
• Catfish: Blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish thrive in the lake, with some blue catfish exceeding 50 pounds.
• White Bass: Large schools provide exciting action during their spring spawning runs.
• Paddlefish/Spoonbill: Grand Lake is one of the best destinations in the world for snagging paddlefish, with specimens often exceeding 50 pounds.

Popular Fishing Spots

• Honey Creek: Excellent for largemouth bass and crappie, especially around docks and submerged timber.
• Elk River: Known for white bass during their spring run and bass fishing year-round.
• Sailboat Bridge Area: A hotspot for crappie and catfish.
• Wolf Creek: Hosts bass tournaments and is a productive area for multiple species.
• Neosho River Arm: Prime location for paddlefish snagging and spring white bass action.

Fishing Challenges

• Weather Variability: Sudden storms and high winds can make fishing challenging.
• Water Clarity: Rainfall can impact water clarity, requiring adjustments in lure selection and presentation.

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8. Lake Murray, South Carolina

Fishing on Lake Murray, South Carolina, is a popular pastime, offering a variety of species and excellent conditions for anglers of all skill levels. This large reservoir, known as the “Jewel of South Carolina,” spans over 50,000 acres with approximately 500 miles of shoreline, providing plenty of fishing spots.

Key Species 

Lake Murray is well-known for its striped bass, but the lake also offers an abundance of other species:

• Largemouth bass
• Smallmouth bass
• Striped bass
• Crappie (black and white varieties)
• Bluegill
• Catfish (channel, blue, and flathead)
• Shellcracker (redear sunfish)

Best Fishing Spots

• Dam area: Known for striped bass and deep-water fishing.
• Dreher Island State Park: Offers bank fishing and access to productive waters.
• Rocky Creek area: Great for bass and crappie.
• Shallow coves and inlets: Ideal for springtime spawning species.

Why Fish Lake Murray South Carolina?

Striped Bass Capital: Lake Murray is known as one of the best striped bass fisheries in the Southeast. It hosts the South Carolina state record striped bass (63 pounds), making it a hotspot for anglers chasing trophy fish.

Diverse Fishing Opportunities: Lake Murray boasts a wide variety of fish species, including striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. This diversity allows anglers to target different fish throughout the year, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.

Prime Location: Located just outside Columbia, South Carolina, Lake Murray is easily accessible from major cities in the Southeast. Its proximity to urban areas makes it convenient for day trips or weekend fishing getaways.

Abundance of Fishing Spots: With over 500 miles of shoreline and 50,000 acres of water, there are countless places to fish, whether you prefer bank fishing, boat fishing, or exploring quiet coves and deep waters.

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9. Lake Fork, Texas

Fishing on Lake Fork, Texas, is widely regarded as one of the best bass fishing experiences in the United States. Known for its exceptional largemouth bass population, the lake has produced numerous state and world-record fish, making it a must-visit destination for bass anglers. 

Key Species

• Largemouth Bass: The primary draw for anglers, Lake Fork is known for producing some of the largest bass in the country, including fish over 13 pounds.Trophy bass fishing is abundant, and the lake holds the Texas state record for the largest largemouth bass caught, weighing 18.18 pounds.
• Crappie: Both black and white crappie are found in the lake, and springtime crappie fishing is particularly productive around brush piles and submerged trees.
• Catfish: Channel catfish and blue catfish are abundant, with many anglers enjoying fishing for catfish in the cooler months.
• Hybrid Striped Bass: This species is stocked in the lake and provides exciting action for anglers targeting them during the warmer months.
• Sunfish and Other Panfish: Bluegill and other sunfish provide action for families and beginners.

Popular Fishing Spots

• The “Humps”: These submerged underwater structures are key bass fishing spots during summer and fall. Bass gather here to feed, and many anglers find success using deep-diving crankbaits and jigs.
• Lake Fork Creek: A productive area for spring bass fishing as bass move into the creek mouths to spawn. This area is also great for crappie fishing.
• The Standing Timber: The lake’s standing timber provides excellent habitat for bass and crappie. It’s especially good for fishing during the spring and early summer months.
• Big Mustang Creek: This creek offers great bass fishing in spring, particularly near its shallow flats and submerged brush piles.
• Little Mustang Creek: Known for both bass and crappie fishing, particularly around brush piles and submerged timber.

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10. O.H. Ivie Lake, Texas

Fishing on O.H. Ivie Lake, Texas, is renowned for its exceptional bass fishing opportunities, particularly for those targeting trophy largemouth bass. As a hidden gem in the central part of the state, O.H. Ivie offers anglers a chance to pursue high-caliber fish in a relatively less-crowded environment, making it one of Texas’ premier destinations for bass fishing.

Largemouth Bass: O.H. Ivie is most famous for its outstanding largemouth bass fishery, which has earned it recognition as one of the best bass lakes in Texas. The lake has produced numerous double-digit fish, with some reaching over 13 pounds, and is known for producing potential world records  and often the site of high-profile bass tournaments.

Catfish: Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish are abundant throughout the lake. The deeper areas and submerged structures attract these species, with blue catfish in particular reaching substantial sizes, providing exciting challenges for anglers targeting trophy catfish.

Crappie: While not as dominant as bass fishing, O.H. Ivie supports a healthy population of black and white crappie, particularly in the spring when they spawn. These species are typically found near submerged timber, brush piles, and creek channels.

Sunfish and Other Panfish: Bluegill and redear sunfish offer light tackle opportunities, particularly during the warmer months. These species often reside near shorelines and submerged vegetation.

Popular Fishing Spots

• The Reservoir’s Upper End: Shallow areas and the proximity to inflowing creeks make this a popular spot for bass, particularly during the spring pre-spawn and spawn periods.
• The Channel: A deeper area along the lake’s main channel that can hold both bass and catfish, particularly in the warmer months. It’s a prime location for targeting trophy bass.
• Submerged Points and Ledges: These areas are excellent for bass during both the summer and fall months, especially those located near deeper water, which bass use to escape the summer heat.
• Brush Piles: Strategic placement of brush piles around the lake has made this one of the most productive habitats for crappie and bass, particularly in spring and fall.

Fishing Challenges

• Water Fluctuations: As with many Texas reservoirs, water levels can fluctuate dramatically due to droughts or rainfall, which can affect fish locations and accessibility.
• Water Clarity: The lake’s water clarity can vary depending on rainfall and seasonal conditions, requiring anglers to adjust their tactics and baits.
• Seasonal Patterns: While bass fishing can be excellent year-round, anglers must adjust their techniques to account for seasonal temperature changes and bass movements.