Find named public hunting areas, lakes, ponds and fishing access with ordinary-license or directly purchased entry. Explore official maps, permits and local restrictions before you go.
417 hunting areas901 fishing opportunities50 states represented
8 reviewed official opportunities in this selection · Showing 1–8
Public lake access with primitive launch and restrooms.
Open access · Check seasons and closures
Licenses, access and what to check
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
No camping or fires; follow special-water rules.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Rainbow trout, brown trout, white crappie, bass & black bullhead
Public state-park lake with shore and boat access.
Open access · Check seasons and closures
Licenses, access and what to check
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
Ramp access changes with water levels; park fees apply.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
Seasonal water and ice conditions; undeveloped facilities.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
No camping; check algae, water levels and posted park rules.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Public recreation-area shoreline and reservoir access.
Open access · Check seasons and closures
Licenses, access and what to check
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
State-park fees and water-specific limits apply.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Rainbow trout, brown trout, tiger trout, bass & channel catfish
Public city lake with fishing dock.
Open access · Check seasons and closures
Licenses, access and what to check
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
Follow city park rules and current fishing limits.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
Entry fee; seasonal ice and trail conditions affect access.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Fishing license age 12+; public park entry fees where charged.
Southwest shore may be restricted during model-boat events; no camping.
Why this is included: Agency-listed public day-use fishing with directly purchased ordinary licenses. This eligibility assessment excludes tournaments, special harvest permits and reserved campsites.
Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.
What “no lottery” means. It applies to the species and access described, not every hunt on that property. Seasons, licenses, check-in, closures and capacity still apply. Public access does not reserve an exclusive spot. Check the agency’s current rules before travel. Back40 does not sell public-land access.
How we build this database
We match named agency areas and maps with ordinary-license species rules and area-specific exceptions. Each record has a source-check date. Records requiring an access or species drawing, unresolved access, and reviews older than 90 days stay out of search. This is a trip-planning database, not a live availability feed.
