Casey Ashley’s Top 5 Fishing Destinations in the USA
July 24, 2026
When a Bassmaster Classic champion recommends a fishing spot, it is worth adding to your list. South Carolina native Casey Ashley has competed on some of the country’s most famous waters, earning four first-place finishes and winning the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
From northern smallmouth waters to grass-filled Southern reservoirs, these are Ashley’s five favorite fishing destinations in the United States.
1. St. Lawrence River, New York
Flowing through New York’s Thousand Islands region, the St. Lawrence River is known for clear water, rocky shoals, deep structure, and productive island systems. Smallmouth bass are the river’s main attraction, although anglers can also find largemouth bass throughout its bays and areas of vegetation.
“The St. Lawrence River is one of the best fishing destinations in the country. Loaded with giant smallmouth and largemouth! Also a great escape from the Southern heat in the summer.”
2. Potomac River, Maryland
The Potomac offers a completely different experience. Its tidal sections contain extensive grass beds, shallow cover, and constantly changing water conditions. Anglers must account for the movement of the tide, which can reposition fish and create new opportunities throughout the day.
Stretching approximately 450 miles, the river supports numerous species and fishing styles, with largemouth and smallmouth bass among its major gamefish.
“Potomac River is just a great place to go and catch fish. It’s a tidal river with a ton of grass. No matter how hot the summer temperatures get, the fish always bite!”
3. Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana
Located along the Louisiana-Texas border, Toledo Bend is a massive reservoir with enough variety to suit nearly every type of bass angler. Shallow vegetation, offshore structure, creek channels and deep-water areas allow anglers to choose their preferred technique throughout the year.
The reservoir has a long-standing reputation for trophy largemouth bass, including fish weighing more than 10 pounds.
“Toledo Bend is really one of my favorite lakes any time of year. It’s a huge lake full of giant largemouth. No matter how you like to fish, deep, shallow or in between, you can find success.”
4. Lake Murray, South Carolina
Located close to Ashley’s home, Lake Murray is one of South Carolina’s best-known bass fisheries. The reservoir is especially recognized for largemouth and striped bass, with a mixture of shallow cover, deep brush, and offshore structure.
During the warmer months, bass feeding near the surface can create exceptional topwater action. South Carolina fishing reports specifically note summer opportunities for buzzbaits and other topwater presentations.
“I’m definitely partial to this one because it’s close to home and also one of the best lakes in the country right now. Summer and fall, you can witness some of the best topwater action of your life.”
5. Lake Guntersville, Alabama
Lake Guntersville is a shallow, grass-filled Tennessee River reservoir covering approximately 67,900 acres. Its relatively stable water levels and abundant habitat allow largemouth bass to remain in the lake throughout the year.
The vegetation becomes particularly important during the fall, when thick grass mats create ideal conditions for explosive frog strikes. It may not always be Ashley’s favorite lake, but there is one technique that earns Guntersville a place on his list.
“There will be a lot of laughs for me picking this lake because everyone knows I’m not a fan of it. Only in the fall would I choose to go here for the best frog fishing in the country.”
Five Destinations, Five Different Experiences
Each destination offers something different. For Ashley, choosing the best destination is not only about the lake’s reputation. It comes down to the season, the conditions, and a little bit of nostalgia.