Michigan Ranks In Top 5 States For Fishing

Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes and we have over 11,000 inland lakes. You would think that Michigan is a hotspot for fishing. Michigan ranks in the top 5 states for fishing in the United States.

Interestingly enough I grew up on Lake Michigan. I used to teach saling on Lake Michigan, I also spent many days on the lake enjoying some Lake Michigan fun. Our family owned an old Chris Craft, we would take that out on the lake and sometimes up to South Haven or Holland for the day. One thing I have never done on any of the Great Lakes is fish. You can't know my shame.

When we went fishing we hit the smaller inland lakes in Southwest Michigan. Pan fish and bass were fun to catch. Taking the blue gill home to eat was a fun experience and I really enjoyed doing that with my mom, she loved to fish. Check out some of the cool inland lakes in Michigan here.

Newsweek did a study to find out what states are the best for fishing. The criteria they used:

Researchers looked at community interest, water sources, easy access to gear, and affordable fishing licenses, among other factors.

Make sure if you go fishing in Michigan that you get your fishing license. The DNR doesn't play any games when it comes to fishing and hunting legally.

Top 5 States For Fishing

5. Florida

Subtropical Florida is the self-proclaimed "Fishing Capital of the World," and is a major tourist destination in the U.S., where fishing is a billion-dollar industry.

4. Rhode Island

The smallest state in the union, Rhode Island is also filled with great ponds and lakes. The Ocean State also boasts impressive coastal shorelines. Not to be missed is Ninigret Pond in Charlestown where you can fish in the largest coastal salt pond the state has to offer. Other top fishing spots include the Watchaug Pond.

3. Maine

Maine boasts thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of freshwater lakes. Lobstering and groundfishing play a significant part in the state's economy, and sport fishing is a major tourist attraction.

2. Michigan

Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes (Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario) Michigan is at number two on the list. The state has the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S., and almost 65,000 lakes and ponds. No surprise then that Michigan came first place in the "access" category. Some of the best spots to fish in Michigan include Saginaw Bay, Union Lake (one of the deepest lakes in Michigan), and 275,000-acre Lake St. Clair.

1. Alaska

Alaska is well known for its salmon, and Alaskan waters are swarming with 600 species of fish, including the king salmon (also known as Chinook). It comes at a cost, however; Alaska charges the highest price for fishing licenses per holder, according to the study. Experts say the best time to test Alaska's fishing waters is during summer: "The tail end of king salmon season and the peak time for catching Pink, Red, Silver, and Chum Salmon," the study said.

Get your fishing license in Michigan and catch some dinner. Enjoy our great state.