Put These Weekend Fishing Trips on Your List for Summer

Check out these five relatively unknown getaways to scratch that last minute summer fishing itch

Every year, when late spring and early summer arrives, whether you're a fanatic or a novice outdoors enthusiast, chances are you'll find yourself casting a line into a body of water in hopes of enticing a fish or two. It's a sudden itch that can't be scratched any other way than by going all in—but more often than not, many other people are feeling the exact same way; this can mean crowded lakes and rivers, rather than serene getaways. 

Fishing hot spots are often booked solid with guided trips and charters, or so packed that finding space at a public boat ramp feels like a battle. But fear not. We’ve put together this list of five great getaways perfect for those last-minute trips. They are mostly off-radar and sure to be less crowded than the ones you see on magazine covers. The even better news: they have all the same qualities, making them well worth the discovery.

Fly Fishing — Driftless Area, Wisconsin 

Across the country, you can find areas that offer excellent fly fishing opportunities; depending on where you live, you usually think of places such as Montana, Idaho, Florida, Alaska, or Oregon. However, some of the best wild trout fly fishing comes from the north-central United States, in what’s called the Driftless Area. 

Spanning across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, the Driftless Area got its name due to the absence of glaciers during the last Ice Age. Therefore, these regions lack the glacial sediment deposits known as “glacial drift.” The underground flowing water has created an abundance of springs and cold-water streams that support the perfect habitat for wild trout. Fishing can be great from late spring through early fall, but you’ll find your best days in May and June. There are plenty of hidden, spring-fed creeks with minimal crowds where you can catch brown, brook, and rainbow trout.

Inshore Fishing — Matagorda Bay, Texas

Year-round opportunities abound in Matagorda Bay, Texas for your favorite inshore species: speckled trout, redfish, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. You’ll find yourself in a much less touristy and crowded area compared to Galveston or Corpus Christi—and it’s exceptionally quieter than the Florida Keys or Venice, Louisiana. Light tackle and wading the grass flats can produce a monster redfish, especially if you take a quiet approach with your own kayak. Or, if you prefer, hire one of the many local guides for deeper insight and a high chance of catching your limit.

This area also features Matagorda Island, a barrier island that sits adjacent to the bay and offers great access to wade fishing on the bay side, as well as excellent surf fishing on the Gulf side. Early fall is peak fishing season, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a time of year that’s considered down right bad fishing in Matagorda Bay.

Offshore Fishing — Port St. Joe, Florida

Some of the top offshore fishing spots in the country—like Destin, Florida—are just a short hop away from the much less crowded Port St. Joe. Offering all the same amenities, like a great lineup of local charters and expert guides, Port St. Joe is known for excellent offshore fishing. Anglers can chase a variety of species, including kingfish, amberjack, snapper, grouper, cobia, and mahi-mahi—all in the beautiful waters of, ah-hem, the Gulf of America. 

Peak fishing season, along with flexible guides who can accommodate short-notice trips, makes this an optimal spot for a last-minute summer getaway. That peak season offers excellent fishing opportunities starting in May and running through October, leaving plenty of time to schedule a trip that can appease everyone. If you consider yourself more of an angler than a beachgoer, skip the crowded highways, ramps, and busy waters, and enjoy one of offshore fishing’s best-kept secrets in Port St. Joe, Florida.

Bass Fishing — Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

Consistently ranked as one of the cleanest lakes in the United States and boasting over 40,000 acres of crystal-clear water, Lake Ouachita is a must-fish destination for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Open water, countless tributaries and creeks, and more than 200 islands create a diverse ecosystem for anglers to take advantage of. Fish the back bays and coves with anything from soft plastics to your favorite topwater lures for a shot at a trophy largemouth. Or, if smallmouth is more your style, make your way to the Ouachita River’s rocky points and shallow water where it feeds into the lake. 

Recreational boaters tend to stick to the more open water during late spring and early summer right when the largemouth fishing hits its peak, so you’ll find minimal crowding in those more productive areas. The same goes for smallmouth fishing, though you’ll find greater success in the late spring and early fall, when the temperatures are just a bit cooler. 

Crappie Fishing — Grenada Lake, Mississippi

While crappie fishing may not be as mainstream as bass fishing, it offers anglers the chance to use a variety of techniques and enjoy consistent action on the water. Grenada Lake, located in north-central Mississippi, is part of a series of flood control reservoirs built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—all known for world-class crappie fishing. Year after year, Grenada Lake stands out, with the average angler often reeling in fish weighing over three pounds. Crappie typically spawn in the spring and move into shallow water, giving anglers the chance to wade near cypress trees, brush piles, or rock formations and catch their limit quickly. 

The summer months are also productive, as fish head to the river channels and deeper water in the middle of the reservoir. One of the most popular techniques here is “spider rigging,” where anglers use 8 to 10 rods of varying lengths and troll with them off the back of the boat—usually running crankbaits or jig heads with spinner components. Since crappie fishing isn’t as popular as bass fishing, Grenada Lake is the perfect place to give it a try, whether you hire a local guide or head out on your own.

The Ultimate Catch

It doesn’t take much—just pack up your rods and reels, toss the tackle box in the truck, and hit the road to any one of these lesser-known destinations for the perfect last-minute summer getaway. Anglers are always chasing that special mix of peace, serenity, and productivity that only fishing can offer, and these hidden gems are out there waiting to be discovered by those serious enough to seek them out. 

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About the Author

Oxford, Mississippi-based Kyle DeVazier is a professional brand strategist and content producer who has worked in digital media for over a decade, primarily with photography and videography. His camera has taken him all across the globe in pursuit of professional growth and visual storytelling. Kyle has worked in the outdoor, real estate, agriculture, luxury travel, and sports industries; his editorial work has been featured in multiple lifestyle and outdoor-focused print publications including Delta Magazine, Mississippi Magazine, Porch + Prairie Magazine, and Red & Rio. He has produced advertising assets for Esquire and Men's Health as well as visual content that can be seen across all digital platforms including web, social, display ads, and television. His passion for the outdoors and connecting people to it is what continues to drive his work today.