This is the fourth article in our series of top fishing spots across the country. For more great destinations, read our articles on the Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest.
The southwest might be the most breathtaking region of the country. With towering mountains, pristine landscapes, and stunning rock formations, it seems like the southwest has a grand view around every corner.
While it is a famous region for sightseeing, it doesn’t seem to get its fair share of attention for fishing. It might be the driest area in the country, but there are some fantastic rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that give anglers excellent fishing.
Let’s take a look at the top spots in the southwestern USA.
California Delta, California
The Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers come together northwest of Oakland and flow into the San Francisco Bay. Not only do they create one of the most gorgeous areas for boating in the country, they also create excellent fishing and one of the top spots in the southwestern region of the United States. The entire area is a labyrinth of slews and backwaters teeming with fish, including striped bass, sturgeon, salmon, and catfish. This area is so full of largemouth that is was named the #4 bass water for 2015 by Bassmaster.
Lake Mead, Nevada and Arizona
While the lake above Hoover Dam continues to drop in water levels, it still remains one of the top fishing destinations in the southwestern region of the country. If you’re visiting Las Vegas, skip the overrated gambling and nightlife and make the drive to Lake Mead. You’ll be able to catch trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, and it’s also known as one of the top locations for striped bass in the country. Remember that this lake is on the border of Nevada and Arizona, so you’ll need to make sure you’re properly licensed for the specific area where you are fishing.
Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado
If you want a spot where you can spend half the day hiking through gorgeous mountains and half the day fishing a world-class lake, the Blue Mesa Reservoir is for you. Located in western Colorado, this breath-taking reservoir is a wonderful destination for anglers seeking salmon and lake trout. The reservoir gives you the chance to use your fly-fishing skills, and can even be a great place for ice fishing in the winter.
Starvation Reservoir, Utah
The southwest isn’t usually thought of as a place to catch walleye, a popular fish most common in Canada and the northern Midwest, but anglers in the southwest can go after this crowd-pleaser by visiting Starvation Reservoir in Utah. The lake hosts an annual walleye tournament that draws anglers from all around, and it’s also a top spot for trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.
Clear Lake, California
Clear Lake in California is consistently one of the top bass producers in the nation. It’s the home lake for Skeet Reese, one of the top professional bass anglers in the country and a proud member of the Huk team. Clear Lake has stayed at the top of the national charts, earning a #9 ranking for 2015 from Bassmaster’s Top 100 list. Clear Lake is not just elite bass water, it’s also a top spot for catfish and crappie. It’s often called the “Bass Capital of the West,” and it’s certainly a spot any California bass angler should visit.
Performance Fishing Apparel for Every Angler
When fishing in the Southwest, make sure you have fishing apparel that will protect you from the sun while keeping you cool. With Huk Gear, you will be comfortable for hours, giving you the chance to catch more fish in the Southwest.