USA TODAY 10Best
Bait your hook at the 10 best fishing lodges in the US
Best Fishing Lodge (2024)
Fishing lodges across the United States offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature. They provide an escape for anglers of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the country's diverse landscapes while engaging in the sport they love.
With options ranging from the remote Alaskan wilderness to the warm waters of the South, these 10 lodges — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — cater to a variety of fishing preferences, ensuring a memorable experience and the potential for a great catch.
- Alagnak Lodge - King Salmon, Alaska
- Ballard's Resort - Baudette, Minnesota
- Hungry Jack Lodge - Grand Marais, Minnesota
- Sage Lodge - Pray, Montana
- Madison River Lodge with Montana Angler - Cameron, Montana
- Gallatin River Lodge - Bozeman, Montana
- Northland Lodge - Hayward, Wisconsin
- Dogwood Lodge - Hopedale, Louisiana
- Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock - Blowing Rock, North Carolina
- Blue Bank Resort - Hornbeak, Tennessee
Photo courtesy of smiltena / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 10:
Snug on the banks of the Alagnak River, one of Alaska's premier fishing destinations, the lodge connects anglers with expert guides (only two clients per boat and guide) who know the best techniques and equipment to snag rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling, and all five species of wild Pacific salmon. Alagnak Lodge is located in the unspoiled wilderness of the Bristol Bay region and is accessed only by aircraft.
Photo courtesy of Ballard's Resort
No. 9:
Situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods, a paradise for anglers in North America, four-season Ballard's Resort matches guests with guides who know the region's waters, fishing hot spots, and seasonal patterns so you can snag trophy walleye, perch, northern pike, and sturgeon. Relax in a tidy cabin or in the spacious lodge with a bar, restaurant, and calming waterfront views.
Photo courtesy of gpointstudio / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 8:
Hungry Jack Lodge sits in the heart of the finest fishing area in northern Minnesota on huge Hungry Jack Lake, teeming with walleye, northern pike, and bass. One of the oldest fishing resorts on Gunflint Trail, the property has a swimming beach, campground, cabins, and a log main lodge with a lounge and dining room serving handmade pizza, walleye, and burgers.
No. 7:
Sage Lodge promises adventure and luxury in a slice of Montana paradise right on Yellowstone River and a half-hour north of Yellowstone National Park. Novice and expert anglers can choose experiences ranging from Fly Fishing 101 to float trips. After a day of casting and catching, choose a book in the lodge library to take back to your guest room or ranch house, book a massage at the spa, or sup on locally sourced fare paired with Northwest craft beers and spirits.
Photo courtesy of Montana Angler
No. 6:
The Madison River, forest wildlife, mountain ranges, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surround this classic fly fishing lodge on the Upper Madison "50-mile riffle," known for world-class fly fishing. Guests can't decide what's best about the experience: the views from the lodge deck, the chef-prepared meals, the expert guides who make novices confident, or fishing some of the neighboring fabled rivers of Yellowstone.
Photo courtesy of Gallatin River Lodge
No. 5:
Gallatin River Lodge is just 20 minutes from downtown Bozeman and 10 minutes from the airport, so you'll be knee-deep in world-class fly fishing in no time at all. All-inclusive fishing packages can include guides, rods, reels, tackle, transportation, and lunch. Stay in the Main Lodge or Trout Lodge and enjoy dining with sweeping views of that Montana big sky.
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Photo courtesy of Photo by Lum3n:
No. 4:
Catch a husky muskies when staying at Northland Lodge on 175 acres of the Chequamegon National Forest, where you fish on the Quiet Lakes. (Water sports are prohibited, and there's a 10 mph speed limit.) Hole up in a two- to four-bedroom, hand-hewn log cabin only steps from Lost Land Lake. Play the juke box, enjoy cocktails and pizza, and relax over a puzzle or board game in the main lodge.
Photo courtesy of SWC Dogwood Lodge
No. 3:
Countless wild marshes, shrimp boats, and alligators are all a part of the scenery during a Louisiana low country fishing experience at Dogwood Lodge. The lodge is a historic watercraft that was converted into a vessel for multi-day river cruises, so after a cozy night's sleep and hearty breakfast, step off the boat and into your guide's skiff to land redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and more.
Photo courtesy of Chetola Resort
No. 2:
At Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock, you can fish on private or public waters during half- and full-day trips, complete with gear and pro instruction at the Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Fly fish in mountain streams, cast on the private lake, or explore nearby rivers and streams. There's also tennis and pickle ball, indoor swimming, hiking trails, fitness classes, and a restaurant with waterfront dining.
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Photo courtesy of Michael Hayes
No. 1:
Catch crappie in shallow waters, bass in submerged cypress trees, and catfish lurking in channels when you choose a fishing adventure at secluded Blue Bank Resort on Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee. Guides help with spotting the most popular fish hangouts and picking the best bait and lures. Accommodations range from lakeside hotel rooms to cabins, campsites, condos, and a house lodging up to 15 guests. Look into fishing packages that include everything you need for a sporting getaway.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Alen Baker
Alen Baker is the Founder of the Fly Fishing... Read More
Alen Baker is the Founder of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City, North Carolina, served on the NC Wildlife Federation Board for 10 years and as a volunteer leader in Trout Unlimited for over 30 years. He is the author of Rocky River TU: The First Twenty-Five Years, Our Fly Fishing Heritage: The Making of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, and My Flyfishing Playbook. Baker is a member of the Southern Trout Magazine – Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame, Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame and Rocky River Trout Unlimited Hall of Fame. He has fished for trout in over a dozen states and as far away as Tasmania and traveled to Nova Scotia for Atlantic salmon but overall prefers Southern Appalachian fly fishing for trout.
Alen Baker
Alen Baker is the Founder of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City, North Carolina, served on the NC Wildlife Federation Board for 10 years and as a volunteer leader in Trout Unlimited for over 30 years. He is the author of Rocky River TU: The First Twenty-Five Years, Our Fly Fishing Heritage: The Making of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, and My Flyfishing Playbook. Baker is a member of the Southern Trout Magazine – Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame, Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame and Rocky River Trout Unlimited Hall of Fame. He has fished for trout in over a dozen states and as far away as Tasmania and traveled to Nova Scotia for Atlantic salmon but overall prefers Southern Appalachian fly fishing for trout.
Angelica Talan
Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two... Read More
Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two popular Washington, D.C. based blogs, Angelica In The City and Clarendon Moms. She has written articles for Arlington Magazine, DUN magazine and has been featured on several Washington, D.C. based television news channels to share family travel tips. A passionate fly fishing enthusiast, Angelica is one of the current brand ambassadors for TakeMeFishing.org and a brand ambassador for the Trout Routes an app dedicated to making fly fishing more accessible and a brand ambassador for Fishewear, a women’s line of fly fishing clothing and accessories based out of Alaska. Angelica has served over three years as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Liason for United Women On The Fly and is excited to continue to connect with others in the great outdoors and to be a source of positive inspiration for those interested in learning to fly fish. You can connect with her on Instagram, TikTok and X.
Angelica Talan
Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two popular Washington, D.C. based blogs, Angelica In The City and Clarendon Moms. She has written articles for Arlington Magazine, DUN magazine and has been featured on several Washington, D.C. based television news channels to share family travel tips. A passionate fly fishing enthusiast, Angelica is one of the current brand ambassadors for TakeMeFishing.org and a brand ambassador for the Trout Routes an app dedicated to making fly fishing more accessible and a brand ambassador for Fishewear, a women’s line of fly fishing clothing and accessories based out of Alaska. Angelica has served over three years as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Liason for United Women On The Fly and is excited to continue to connect with others in the great outdoors and to be a source of positive inspiration for those interested in learning to fly fish. You can connect with her on Instagram, TikTok and X.
Anietra Hamper
Anietra Hamper is an award-winning travel writer... Read More
Anietra Hamper is an award-winning travel writer and photographer from Columbus, Ohio, and owner of ThreeWordPress.com. Having spent nearly 20 years as a top-rated, EMMY nominated television news Anchor and investigative journalist, Anietra is an Ohio native who now uses her journalistic skills to uncover the best in travel experiences. She specializes in outdoor adventure and extreme fishing in the U.S. and around the world. Follow Anietra on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Anietra Hamper
Anietra Hamper is an award-winning travel writer and photographer from Columbus, Ohio, and owner of ThreeWordPress.com. Having spent nearly 20 years as a top-rated, EMMY nominated television news Anchor and investigative journalist, Anietra is an Ohio native who now uses her journalistic skills to uncover the best in travel experiences. She specializes in outdoor adventure and extreme fishing in the U.S. and around the world. Follow Anietra on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Dan Rice
Dan Rice has been a fly angler for more than... Read More
Dan Rice has been a fly angler for more than thirty years, and has held such occupations as a Hydrologic Technician for the USGS in Wyoming, and Manager of Fly Fishing Trip Sales for Montana Angler in Bozeman. He is the author of The Unpeopled Season: A Journal of Solitude and Wilderness, and editor of the book Familiar Waters: A Lifetime of Fly Fishing Montana. He is the founder of Riverfeet Press Books, and lead guide at Riverfeet Fly Fishing in Abingdon, VA. Learn more here: www.riverfeetflyfishing.com
Dan Rice
Dan Rice has been a fly angler for more than thirty years, and has held such occupations as a Hydrologic Technician for the USGS in Wyoming, and Manager of Fly Fishing Trip Sales for Montana Angler in Bozeman. He is the author of The Unpeopled Season: A Journal of Solitude and Wilderness, and editor of the book Familiar Waters: A Lifetime of Fly Fishing Montana. He is the founder of Riverfeet Press Books, and lead guide at Riverfeet Fly Fishing in Abingdon, VA. Learn more here: www.riverfeetflyfishing.com
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She... Read More
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Matt Canter
Matt Canter was born in High Point, NC (furniture... Read More
Matt Canter was born in High Point, NC (furniture capital of the world). Even at a very young age Matt was always attracted to the outdoors. He grew interested in pond and lake fishing with live and artificial baits as his father and grandfather introduced him to it. One particular afternoon, Matt and his Dad were going to join up with Matt’s uncle Eddie for a little brim fishing. When Eddie showed up with nothing but a fly rod, and started catching brim left and right, Matt was impressed and traded in his conventional tackle for a fly rod. From that point on, a fly rod travelled almost anywhere Matt did. In fact, the fly rod was the main reason Matt chose to go to Western Carolina University (because of the areas rivers and streams). Immediately after graduating, Matt started guiding for Brookings in Cashiers, NC which is one of the oldest fly shops in the area. A couple years later he took on the role of head guide. Shortly thereafter, Matt was offered the General Managers position, and slowly started to buy equity into the business over the last 20 plus years. Present day, Matt is the majority owner in one of the southeasts’ largest fly shop and guide services and has hosted groups on destination fly fishing trips all over the world. Please check them out at www.brookingsonline.com or on Facebook and Instagram as @brookingsanglers.
Matt Canter
Matt Canter was born in High Point, NC (furniture capital of the world). Even at a very young age Matt was always attracted to the outdoors. He grew interested in pond and lake fishing with live and artificial baits as his father and grandfather introduced him to it. One particular afternoon, Matt and his Dad were going to join up with Matt’s uncle Eddie for a little brim fishing. When Eddie showed up with nothing but a fly rod, and started catching brim left and right, Matt was impressed and traded in his conventional tackle for a fly rod. From that point on, a fly rod travelled almost anywhere Matt did. In fact, the fly rod was the main reason Matt chose to go to Western Carolina University (because of the areas rivers and streams). Immediately after graduating, Matt started guiding for Brookings in Cashiers, NC which is one of the oldest fly shops in the area. A couple years later he took on the role of head guide. Shortly thereafter, Matt was offered the General Managers position, and slowly started to buy equity into the business over the last 20 plus years. Present day, Matt is the majority owner in one of the southeasts’ largest fly shop and guide services and has hosted groups on destination fly fishing trips all over the world. Please check them out at www.brookingsonline.com or on Facebook and Instagram as @brookingsanglers.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
