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    25+ Schools With Nearby Fishing Honey Holes

    June 27, 2023 | Admin

    If your back-to-school packing list starts with a rod, reel, and tackle box, you’re going to love these universities. College may be a time to explore your career options and prepare to live independently, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have opportunities to head out to a nearby honey hole. Consider one of these 27 schools near fishing spots to apply as a student and unwind as an angler.

    Best Fishing Schools in the Northeast



    1. Penn State University

    With about 88,914 students enrolled, Penn State is a popular school located in State College, Pennsylvania. It’s also home to the Penn State bass fishing club, which is sponsored by Bass Pro Shop. Penn State starts the list of schools near fishing spots off right thanks to nearby Spring Creek, Black Moshannon Lake, and Penn’s Creek.

    Penn State Bass Fishing Club calls this college home and continually gets recognition for being one of the top-tier fishing teams in the U.S.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Penn State University

    Flyfisher’s Paradise
    TCO Fly Fishing
    Lakewoods Outdoor Supply

    Fishing & Honey Holes Near By

    Spring Creek
    Bald Eagle Lake
    Whipple Dam State Park
    Poe Valley State Park
    Penns Creek
    Spruce Creek

    2. Unity College

    Unity, Maine is the home to Unity College and about 2,923 students. It’s known as America’s Environmental College and boasts Unity Pond, which is loaded with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and black crappie. You can also take a short trip to Lake St. George or out to the coast of Maine.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Unity College

    Harvest Time Baits
    Bait Bucket
    Gr8ful Bait n Tackle

    Fishing & Honey Holes Near By

    Lake Winnecook / Unity Pond
    Sandy Stream
    Halfmoon Stream
    Carlton Stream
    Carlton Pond

    3. Paul Smith’s College

    Paul Smiths, New York, is home to this college with one of the largest campuses in the world. This large campus is located in Adirondack Park and has an enrollment of 668 students. Take your pick of fishing spots in the area, including Higley Flow State Park, Point Au Roches State Park, and Coles Creek State Park.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Paul Smith’s College

    Woods & Waters, Saranac Lake, NY
    Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, Saranac Lake, NY
    Blue Line Sports, Saranac Lake, NY

    Fishing & Honey Holes Near By

    Lower Saint Regis Lake
    Osgood Pond
    Barnum Pond
    Spitfire Lake
    Lake Flower
    Lower Saranac Lake

    4. Yale University

    One of the most prestigious schools near fishing spots in the nation, Yale University has 4,664 undergraduate students from 120 different countries. While you’re sure to be busy with your studies, there’s always time for a quick trip to Maltby Lakes, East Shore Park, or Sleeping Giant State Park. Look for snapper blues, flatfish, bluefish, and striped bass.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Yale University

    Dee’s Bait and Tackle
    QRM Bait and Tackle Shop
    Some-Things Fishy

    Fishing & Honey Holes Near By

    Battle Ground Lake
    Fargher Pond
    Klineline Pond
    Canyon Creek
    Lacamas and Round Lakes
    Columbia River
    Long Wharf Park
    East Shore Park

    Best Fishing Schools in the Southeast



    1. Louisiana State University

    Home to a student body of 35,914 students, Louisiana State University is notable among the biggest academic institutions in the Southeast. Beyond LSU’s many great academic and athletic programs, it is a prime spot for a variety of different fishing as the school is located in the bayou and has the Gulf of Mexico within moderate driving distance. At the local Bayou Baton Rouge, students will be able to hook and reel in a variety of different catfish and bass.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near LSU

    Superior Bait and Tackle
    Favaro’s Rod and Reel Repair Shop
    H&H Lure Co

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Milford Wampold Memorial Park
    Blackwater Conservation Area
    City Park Lake
    University Lake
    North Sherwood Forest Community Park Lake

    2. University of Alabama

    With 38,320 students and an established bass fishing team, The University of Alabama is a great school for anglers looking to pursue a degree. Spring is when the fishing culture in Tuscaloosa truly shines, check out great fishing spots such as Hurricane Creek Park, Lake Tuscaloosa or the Oliver Dam Fishing Pier for a chance to reel in some bluegill, crappie and a variety of bass. The University of Alabama Bass Fishing Team resides on campus and competes in different tournaments around the region.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near The University of Alabama

    Crimson Pride Fishing and Hunting
    Woods and Water Inc
    Buster’s Bait and Tackle

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Oliver Dam Fishing Pier
    Van De Graaff Park and Arboretum
    Hurricane Creek Park
    Lake Lurleen State Park
    Lake Tuscaloosa
    Holt Lock and Dam
    Black Warrior River
    Northwood Lake

    3. North Carolina State University

    Boasting a student body of over 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students, there are a number of ways to get involved in the local Raleigh fishing scene. Whether you enjoy being part of an organized fishing club or discovering local spots for yourself, be sure to check out some hot spots like Lake Johnson Park, Shelley Lake Park, or Durant Nature Reserve.

    The BassPack Fishing Club started back in 2006 and has won three national championships for their school! Learn how to bass fish and compete against colleges in national tournaments.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near NC State

    Bayleaf USA Live Bait and Tackle
    Great Outdoor Provision Co.
    Orvis

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    William B. Umstead State Park
    Lake Johnson
    Jordan Lake
    Shelley Lake
    Little Beaver Creek
    Lake Raleigh

    4. University of Miami

    It goes without saying that the fishing scene in Florida is remarkable. Join a population of over 17,000 students and journey to many local spots in the greater Coral Gables area such as Pelican Harbor Marina or South Pointe Park Pier for some tropical game including tarpon and clown knife fish.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near The University of Miami

    Kendall Bait and Tackle Inc
    Miami Fishing Supply, Inc
    Rampway Bait and Tackle Store

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Miami Airport Lakes
    Lake Ida, Delray Beach
    Biscayne Bay
    Matheson Hammock Park
    Tropical Park
    David T. Kennedy Park

    5. Appalachian State University

    With around 18,000 undergraduate students, Appalachian State University is a rapidly growing university located in Boone, North Carolina. Discover a number of local hidden gems for a chance to catch some smallmouth bass, trout and walleye

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Appalachian State University

    Boone’s Fly Shop
    High Country Guide Service
    Due South Outfitters
    Foscoe Fishing Co & Outfitters

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Bass Lake
    Price Lake
    Payne Branch Park
    Sterling Creek Park
    Todd Island Park
    Trout Lake

    6. Sewanee: The University of the South

    With a small but notably diverse population of 1,735 undergraduates, Sewanee is a great school with even greater local fishing. Be sure to check out popular honey holes such as The Douglas Reservoir, French Broad River and Falls Creek Falls State Park. 

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Sewanee: University of the South

    The Sportsman Bait Shop
    Fox Trading Post
    Barton Springs Grocery and Bait

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Lake Cheston
    Lake Dimmick
    Tims Ford Lake and Reservoir
    The Falls At Sewanee Creek
    Jackson Lake
    Delly Hole

    7. College of Charleston

    With its rich history and student body of 9,942 undergraduates, Charleston is known for great fishing for both saltwater and freshwater. Book a charter to reel in red drum, flounder or even sharks, or check out Mount Pleasant Pier and James Island County Park for some great fishing at the shore. Fishing is great year-round, but make sure to take advantage of peak season from July to September.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near College of Charleston

    Haddrell’s Point Tackle
    West Marine
    Fishin’ Duck

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Mt. Pleasant Pier
    Pitt Street Bridge
    Copahee Sound
    Santee State Park
    Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve
    Colonial Lake
    Lake Wateree
    Whitewater River

    8. Southern Methodist University

    A private school located in Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University has a strong student population of 12,385. Grab a rod and head to local honey holes White Rock Lake, Williams Park, or Gore Park.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Southern Methodist University

    Joe’s Bait and Tackle
    Mona Glaser
    Fishin’ World

    Fishing and Honey Holes Nearby

    White Rock Lake
    Lakeside Park
    Turtle Creek Park
    Gore Park
    Williams Park

    Best Fishing Schools in the Midwest



    1. University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

    Located so close to the great lakes it should be no surprise that the University of Wisconsin has a great fishing scene. Join the student body of 14,267 undergraduates and indulge in year-round fishing, yes that includes ice fishing as well. Some notable local spots include the Rainbow Park Fishing Pier as well as Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

    Fox River Bait and Tackle
    FISH TALES Bait, Tackle & Coffee
    Possums Baitshop and Antiques

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Asylum Point County Park
    Little Lake Butte Des Morts
    Lighthouse Harbor
    Rainbow Park on Fox River
    Menominee Park
    William Steiger Park

    2. Lake Superior State University

    A smaller school perfect for degree-seeking anglers, Lake Superior State University has a student body of about 2,000 students. There are a number of different options for fishing in the area, both incredibly local as well as a few hours away. Take advantage of Michigan’s upper peninsula by visiting St. Mary’s River, Rotary Island Park, Lake Superior or Lake Huron.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Lake Superior University

    Bait Box
    Superior Fly Angler
    HiWay Variety Outfitters

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Saint Marys Falls
    Ottertail Lake
    Viddian Creek
    Rotary Island Park
    Pendills Creek
    Brimley Bay
    Lake George
    Munuscong Bay

    3. South Dakota State University

    Join 11,465 students and get involved right away with South Dakota State University’s American Fisheries Society Student Subunit. If organized fishing is not your thing, feel free to check out local attractions such as Lake Herman State Park, Oakwood Lakes State Park, or the Sandy Shore Recreation Area.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near South Dakota State University

    Porter’s Bait Farm
    Dakota Wholesale Bait
    Proud Angler Bait and Tackle

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Lake Herman State Park
    Lake Cochrane Recreation Area
    Split Rock Creek State Park
    Lake Poinsett
    Lake Madison
    Lake Campbell
    Lake Sinai

    4. University of Nebraska

    With a 2021 student enrollment of 24,431, the University of Nebraska is a rapidly growing Midwest University that hosts some of the greatest fall season fishing around. Take advantage of beautiful local spots including Holmes Lake, Bowling Lake, or the Pawnee State Recreation Area. Some local target fish are pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass and channel catfish.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near University of Nebraska

    Wolf Tackle Shop
    Festers Bait and Tackle
    Geno’s Minnow Mart

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Middle Creek
    Oak Lake
    Antelope Creek
    Oak Creek
    Haines Branch
    Bowling Lake
    Holmes Lake

    5. Ohio University

    With a massive enrollment of 28,770, Ohio University gives student anglers everything they could ask for in terms of freshwater fishing. Athens, Ohio is home to popular freshwater bodies including Sells Park, Dow Lake, Fox Lake Wildlife Area and The Hocking River. Bring your reel and go hook some channel catfish and largemouth bass.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Ohio University

    East County Bait and Tackle
    Walmart

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Hocking River 
    Strouds Run State Park
    Clear Creek Metro Park
    Lake Hope State Park
    Lake Logan State Park
    Fox Lake Wildlife Area

    6. Winona State University

    Join 6,400 Undergraduate students in the beautiful Winona area which is surrounded by pockets of fresh water. Check out Mud Lake, Lake Winona, and Bartlett Lake to reel in some trout, bass and walleye.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Winona State University

    Backwater Custom Tackle
    Tri-State Bait and Tackle
    Emma’s Bait Shop

    Fishing and Honey Holes Nearby

    Pleasant Valley Creek
    Yeomans Pond
    Hunters Lake
    Indian Channel
    Gilmore Creek
    Merrick State Park
    Perrot State Park

    Best Fishing Schools in the Northwest


    alpine lake in the pacific northwest

    1. Boise State University

    With an enrollment of 24,103 students, Boise State University is located in the middle of prime fishing country for those looking to reel in some of the finest freshwater species in the Northwest. Check out established local spots such as Swan Falls Dam, Hells Canyon and South Fork Boise River for your chance at sturgeon and chinook salmon.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Boise State University

    Angler’s Fly Shop
    Idaho Angler
    The Tackle Shop

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Arrowrock Reservoir
    C.J. Strike Reservoir
    Swan Falls Dam
    Esther Simplot Pond
    Kleiner Pond
    South Fork Boise River
    Crane Falls Lake
    Cove Arm Lake

    2. Oregon State University

    Boasting a massive student body of 34,108 students in 2021, Oregon State University is one of the most popular schools in the Pacific Northwest for a number of reasons. Go angling for trout at Adair Pond, Cronemiller Lake or Alsea River.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near Oregon State University

    Watershed Fly Shop
    Stabi Dave’s Bait and Tackle
    Shrimp Daddy’s Bait and Tackle Shack

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Cronemiller Lake
    E.E. Wilson Pond 
    Frazier Creek
    Adair Pond
    Willamette River 
    Marys River

    3. University of Alaska, Anchorage

    With a current enrollment of 11,398, University of Alaska, Anchorage is the true destination for degree seeking anglers. Here you are able to pick up fly fishing for credit hours, join the fishing team, or simply indulge in your own adventure to local streams, Bird Creek Access or Little Campbell. Even book a charter to venture to the depths of the Gulf of Alaska. 

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near University of Alaska, Anchorage

    Alaska Bait Co
    The Bait Shack
    Kodiak Custom Fishing Tackle

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Campbell Point Lake
    Jewel Lake
    Sand Lake
    Kenai River
    Kasilof River
    Russian River
    Moose River
    Ninilchik River

    4. University of Washington

    With 44,939 students there are a number of ways to get involved with local fishing at the University of Washington. Take advantage of peak season which lasts from July to sometime between October and December and be sure to get out during odd years for your chance to reel in pink salmon. Notable fishing spots in the area include Belvoir Place, West Seattle Bridge Trail Fishing Dock, or book a charter to explore the Pacific Ocean for trophy catches.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near The University of Washington

    Silver Horde Fishing Supplies
    Patrick’s Fly Shop
    Seattle Marine and Fishing Supply Co

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Lake Washington
    Green Lake
    Bitter Lake
    Haller Lake
    Puget Sound
    Duwamish-Green River

    5. University of Montana

    Missoula, Montana is the ideal destination for students that enjoy fishing year-round. Become a fly fisherman at Blue Ribbon Stream, or head to Georgetown Lake for some trout fishing. As a student, you’ll join a university with an enrollment of 10,106.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near University of Montana

    The Missoulian Angler Fly Shop
    Kingfisher Flyshop
    Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Clark Fork River
    Blackfoot River
    Rock Creek
    Georgetown Lake
    Flathead Lake
    Placid Lake State Park
    Salmon Lake State Park
    Seeley Lake

    Best Fishing Schools in the Southwest



    1. University of Colorado

    With a 2021 enrollment of 29,511 undergraduates, it is no secret that The University of Colorado leads the pack for scenic college campuses. You won’t have to travel far to fantastic fishing spots like Fourmile Creek for a shot to catch and release rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near University of Colorado

    Rocky Mountain Anglers
    Granby Bait N Tackle
    Colorado Tackle Pro

    Fishing & Honey Holes Nearby

    Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat
    Gross Reservoir
    Barker Meadow Reservoir
    Golden Ponds Park & Nature Area
    Harper Lake

    2. University of the Pacific

    With a student body of 4,480, the University of the Pacific is a small private institution located in Stockton, California. Enjoy a quieter academic experience and when your studies are over grab a rod and check out some local spots.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near University of the Pacific

    West Marine
    H&R Bait and Tackle
    Thorton Mini Market

    Fishing and Honey Holes Nearby

    Sandy Beach Park
    Big Break Marina
    Oak Grove Regional Park
    Mcleod Lake

    3. Brigham Young University

    With an annual enrollment of 33,365, Brigham Young University is a private university, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Provo, Utah, this university has so much to offer in terms of fishing and recreation.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near BYU

    Rocky Mountain Tackle Company
    Scott’s Fly Shop
    Hook Line and Sinker

    Fishing and Honey Holes Nearby

    Deer Creek Reservoir
    Utah Lake
    Vivian Park Pond
    Tibble Fork Reservoir
    Spanish Oaks Reservoir
    Salem Pond
    Highland Glen Park

    4. San Diego State University

    With 34,512 students enrolled, San Diego State University is a rapidly growing school that is accompanied by all kinds of aquatic ecosystems. Some notable local spots are Shoreline Park, Chollas Lake Park, and even grab a charter for a chance to reel in some tuna.

    Best Bait & Tackle Shops Near San Diego State University 

    Lemon Grove Bait and Tackle
    Squidco Fishing
    Hook’d Bait and Tackle

    Fishing and Honey Holes Nearby

    Dixon Lake
    Lake Miramar
    Lake Murray
    El Capitan Reservoir
    Otay Lake
    San Vicente Reservoir
    Santee Lakes

    Find the program that’s right for you

    Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

    Woman in graduation cap and gown
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