Where to Catch Fish

Where Can I Go to Fish?
Don’t let anyone give you too-quick answers here. There really are good fishing places nearby – that is, an hour drive or less – just about anywhere in North America.
By “good fishing places,” I mean places where you are fairly certain to catch some fish. Not certain to catch large exciting “tacklebusters,” because that’s always UN-certain. But some places are very dependable for small perch or sunfish.
Those big fees your pay for the fishing license do go for management of certain waters in state parks. Usually those lakes or streams have the fish and the facilities – that is, the lakes are scenic, the waters are managed so there are some fish all the time, and there are piers, shoreline pathways and rental boats available so you can take your new fishing rod and make a cast to waters with fish.
The best advice at these lakes is to find a spot where the water is not too shallow. Often the deepest water is right at a dam, and at the opposite end of the lake, the water is terribly shallow, only a foot or two deep even far from shore. Fishing in this shallow section might be very frustrating, with your line constantly caught on submerged rocks and sticks.
Most areas have those little-known places on rivers and streams that are not really parks, they don’t have signs to find them, but they just happen to be scenic places where there is good fishing. A ride in the countryside might unveil one unexpectedly around a corner. (Just be sure there are no signs that say “Keep Out.”)
If you’re fishing in salt water, look for a place that offers a chance to drop your line on the fish, a pier, a bridge (where it’s legal to fish) or a jetty. (Again, in salt water you want the heavier line, at least 8 pound. And always wash the salt off your equipment when you’re done or it’ll rust.)
And the obvious final advice on where to go: ask somebody who knows!