A vacation at one of the country’s premier fishing lodges is a superb way to spend quality time doing more of what you love while also improving your fishing technique.
It’s also an ideal opportunity to catch more than just fish—a fishing vacation is one of the best ways you can truly relax and rejuvenate in nature.
And this guide to the best fishing lodges and fishing resorts in the U.S. will get you hooked on your next big outdoor adventure!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we might receive a commission (at no added cost to you). Thanks for supporting independent, ad-free blogs!
8 Best U.S. Fishing Lodges & Resorts
Our hand-picked list of fishing lodges in the U.S. has all you need to find the perfect getaway for hooking the big one.
Whether you visit with family and friends, or take time out for yourself, a fishing lodge getaway is also a great way to use your vacation time without burning all your vacation energy!
With spring and summer just around the corner, now is a great time to start planning your next big outdoor adventure, especially if you’ve got eyes on one of the top fishing lodges in the northern U.S.
But don’t wait too long. The best of the best book up fast!
So dust off your favorite fishing pole and prepare to be wowed by the best fishing resorts and lodges in the U.S. in 2024.
Cheeca Lodge
Islamorada, FL
We’re not going to waste any time getting down to the cream of the crop. Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida has a hard-earned reputation of being one of the very best fishing lodges in the world.
Cheeca has been wooing presidents, leaders of industry, and anglers-in-the-know since the 1940s, and it’s little wonder why—this place has it all!
Located in the “sportfishing capital of the world,” Cheeca Lodge wows anglers with its 27 oceanfront acres of pure bliss that includes a stunning palm-lined beach and even a 9-hole golf course!
Visitors have three options for fishing at their fingertips: fishing from the resort’s own pier, snook fishing from a boat in the backcountry, or offshore big game fishing.
And let’s not forget Cheeca’s three world class restaurants offering everything from local seafood to steak, sushi, and even pizza.
Best For Those looking for a warm-weather winter angling getaway with many of the upmarket amenities of a luxury resort.
Features Best-in-class guides and excursions, 3 types of fishing (pier, backcountry, and open ocean), 3 top-ranked restaurants, 9-hole golf course, palm-fringed beach.
Hot Tip Try and snag an oceanfront suite on a higher floor (preferably 3rd or 4th) for the best views! Beach bungalows add another layer of privacy and serenity.
Salmon Falls Resort
Ketchikan, AK
We couldn’t make a list of the best fishing lodges in the U.S. without Alaska representation. And Salmon Falls Resort in Ketchikan is one of the best from the Land of the Midnight Sun!
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Many anglers agree that, once you’ve fished these waters, it’ll become pretty darn clear how the town earned that distinction.
While serious anglers frequently come here hoping to hook the legendary Chinook (King) and Coho Salmon, numerous other species of fish such as Halibut and Lingcod also await enthusiasts of all experience levels.
For over 30 years, Salmon Falls’ service, amenities, and renowned guides have been wowing fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Now it’s your turn!
Best For Discerning anglers and travelers with their sights set on Alaskan Chinook and Coho, as well as Halibut, Rockfish and 20 other species.
Features Exceptional service and upmarket accomodation in one of the world’s most productive sportfishing regions, knowledgeable guides, stunning location.
Hot Tip Don’t forget to visit the Upper Lodge for incredible views.
Taylor River Lodge
Almont, CO
Next, we head down to the Rockies for one of the more recent additions to the country’s best fishing lodges: Taylor River Lodge by Eleven Experience.
This novel lodge is at the top of its game, boasting a superb combination of high-end comfort and some of the best wild trout fishing in the region.
Choose from one of eight luxurious cabins with easy access to the striking main lodge. Excellent cuisine awaits with delectable dining options.
As for fishing, enjoy easy access to the Taylor River and its tributaries. Taylor River Lodge offers endless opportunities for hooking native cutthroat and more.
To get the most out of your fishing vacation, we recommend heading out with one of the lodge’s highly-recommended and uber knowledgeable guides.
Best For Anglers of all skill levels looking for an under-the-radar mountain lodge with all the amenities and easy access to world-class trout fishing.
Features 8 luxury cabins, outstanding guides, stone bath house featuring sauna, steam room, pool, and hot tub, easy access to legendary Taylor River and private tributaries.
Woodstock Inn
Woodstock, VT
Fishing enthusiasts and serious anglers looking for an old school New England getaway with some of the best fishing in the Northeast should look no farther than Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont.
You may think you’ve died and gone to fishing lodge heaven⏤particularly if your idea of the Hereafter resembles one of the most beautiful corners of Vermont, and a stately and historic inn that’s aged like a fine scotch.
But a beautiful property set in a charming village on its own doesn’t make a place one of the best fishing lodges in the country. It’s the fishing, of course!
Woodstock’s Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing program is one of the best you are bound to come across.
This highly rated program caters to beginners and experts alike, with the aim of helping guests get the most out of their time in the supremely picturesque meadows and streams of Central Vermont.
Want more? Sign up for an unforgettable excursion to the Ottauquechee River, White River, and Black River, for some of New England’s very best fishing any time of year!
Best For Beginner to expert anglers looking to up their fly-fishing game while experiencing some of the most supreme natural beauty New England has to offer.
Features Orvis-endorsed fly fishing program and guides, historic inn offering upmarket comfort and amenities, charming New England setting, and guided excursions to Vermont’s best fly-fishing rivers and streams.
Hot Tip If you’re driving, take advantage of valet service for less hassle, as parking is limited. Don’t forget to use the provided shuttle service to various destinations around town!
Lodge at Chetola
Blowing Rock, NC
For anglers looking for a serious fishing vacation and first-rate accommodation without the sticker shock, be sure to check out The Lodge at Chetola Resort.
As the first Orvis-endorsed fishing lodge in North Carolina, Chetola has an impressive history and list of amenities, sure to please even discerning fishing enthusiasts.
Situated in the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains, this 78-acre mountain lodge harkens back to the Golden Age of fishing lodges, but with all the modern amenities you’d want out of a first-rate fishing vacation.
After an unforgettable day chasing the Big One, enjoy a sumptuous dinner in one of the lodge’s top-rated fine-dining restaurants.
Rest easy in your choice of a premium condo, lodge room, or bed-and-breakfast and feel recharged to do it all over again in the morning!
Best For Enthusiasts and experts looking for a top-notch mountain lodge with Orvis-endorsed guides that is one of the best values in the country.
Features Mountain lodge set amongst 78-acres of natural wonder, premium restaurants, choice of upmarket accomodation, sport shooting at the Chetola Sporting Reserve.
Hot Tip Lake View Balcony Rooms are a longtime favorite among guests. There are Dog Friendly Rooms for those planning to travel with a furry companion.
Steamboat Inn
Idleyld Park, OR
The renowned Steamboat Inn is located on the North Umpqua River, famous for its legendary summer steelhead and 31 miles of restricted ‘fly only’ waters.
Tucked away in the wilds of Oregon’s magnificent Cascade Range, the Steamboat Inn boasts a long tradition of personalized service, world-class cuisine, and some of the best fly fishing in the West.
The Inn features two luxury suites, eight river view cabins, and ‘hideaway’ cottages, as well as larger cabins to accomodate groups and families.
Hooking a steelhead in these waters isn’t for the timid. It takes skill and determination, but those who have will tell you it’s worth the effort.
Seasoned guides are available to introduce you to the area and give you an edge over these tenacious trout.
Best For Serious fly fishing enthusiasts who are looking for a challenge (and top-notch cuisine) in some of the most pristine mountain surroundings in the West.
Features Steelhead fishing, a wide array of lodging options, 31 miles of restricted ‘fly only’ waters, locally-sourced world-class cuisine, and plenty of nearby recreational opportunities.
Hot Tip Guests seem to prefer the Suites for privacy and amenities. If you have the time, don’t miss a visit to Crater Lake National Park (about 1.5 hours from Steamboat Inn).
Blackberry Farm
Walland, TN
The Blackberry Farm is a 4,000-acre historic estate, beautifully situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Considered one of the best fishing lodges in the region, the Blackberry Farm boasts an Orvis-endorsed program, onsite fishing, and over a thousand miles of waters for hooking wild trout in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Guests can choose to stay in one of the historic rooms on offer in the main building, or rest and relax in one of the private luxury cottages that are also available.
And yes, the Blackberry Farm is indeed a working farm, offering tastings and tours, and farm-to-table cuisine at their exquisite restaurant.
Best For Anglers of all skill levels looking for a unique luxury travel stay with onsite and offsite fishing with a touch of home.
Features Orvis-endorsed program and guides, onsite and offsite fishing, luxury rooms and cottages, unique working farm setting, full-day float trips.
Ruby Springs Lodge
Alder, MT
Last, but certainly not least on our list of best fishing lodges in the U.S. is Ruby Springs Lodge in Alder, Montana.
Named for its ideal location along the legendary Ruby River, the lodge offers plenty of solitude, miles of stream for trout fishing, and even the chance to snag the big one right from the back deck of one of five well-appointed cabins!
If, per chance, you catch a bit of cabin fever, countless options for offsite fishing await a short distance away.
In addition to the epic fishing on hand just steps from the lodge, Ruby Springs is also renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain views and top-rated cuisine.
Best For Solitude seekers of all skill levels who enjoy upmarket comforts and would prefer not to spend the better part of a day trekking to the best fishing spots.
Features Private riverside cabins, exceptional cuisine, mountain views.
Why You Should Consider Hiring a Guide
Guides aren’t just for beginners or upmarket tour packages. Hiring a first-rate guide can mean the difference between an okay fishing trip and the trip of a lifetime.
We recommend spending at least one day with a guide (i.e. your first day), particularly if you are visiting an area for the first time.
Guides excel at finding fish because they understand the geography and water conditions best.
No matter what level your angling is, it’s always good to have someone who can give you the latest intel and most knowledgable insights—especially if you are planning a getaway at one of the best fishing lodges in the U.S.
More Reading for Your USA Trip
Around the USA
Oregon
FEATURED IMAGE BY ROBSON HATSUKAMI MORGAN / UNSPLASH