The Best Bass Fishing Lakes of 2016

2016 was an awesome year for bass fishing. The weather was relatively normal, the bite was on, and the catches were abundant. These rankings were compiled with input from anglers who hail from all across the nation, voting on lakes they both live near, have traveled to, and have on their own bucket lists. Without further ado, we present the best bass fishing lakes of 2016:

1. Toledo Bend

Toledo Bend earned the top spot in our rankings, as fish-catchers from all across the nation flocked to this Texas Reservoir at the Louisiana Border. The vegetation grows thick and the monsters bite often. Double digit weights are posted so often you won't bat an eye when your new PB slams the tip of your rod. Constantly at the top of best bass fishing lists, this mainstay earned its spot on this list by proving results time and time again.

2. Lake Erie

Lake Erie (and the attached Detroit River) are smallmouth heaven. As long as the water isn't frozen, there are plenty of football sized smallmouth bass ready to bite down on your line. 5+lb smallies swim everywhere from shallow to deep, and big bronzebacks like that are a rarity in the midwestern part of the country. It is widely believed the next state record is in there, and anglers should be clamoring to go find it.

3. Clear Lake

Clear Lake, California was, well...a clear choice. This lake belongs on every angler's fishing bucket list and every best bass fishing lakes of 2016 post across the internet. With moderate temperatures year round, the baitfish grow to incredible sizes, and that shows in the bucket mouth's that feed on them. In the entire great bass fishing state of California, this lake still shines head and shoulders above the rest.

4. Sturgeon Bay

Not to be outdone by his brother to the East (Lake Erie), Lake Michigan's Sturgeon Bay is a hotspot for smallmouth bass as well. A top smallie farm in all of North America, you'd be missing a great opportunity to troll for some walleye or go musky hunting while you're there, as well. Boats are great here, but the beauty of this fishery is all the accessible by land points where you can cast and retrieve with smallmouth in striking distance.

5. New Bullards Bar

New Bullards Bar has one of the more interesting histories of any lake in the country. What started as a partyboat-filled reservoir quickly became one of the best kept bass fishing secrets on the west coast. Then, the drought hit, the water levels shrank, and people starting fishing what was left of the reservoir like crazy, pulling out gigantic spotted bass like this state record. The secret is out, and the good word on this is official: It's one of the best bass fishing lakes of 2016.

6. Lake Fork

Good old Lake Fork may never lose it's spot on a best bass fishing lakes list, for any year, ever. Lake Fork consistently produces for anglers both quality and quantity. With the temperatures in this part of the great state of Texas, this production also lasts through the winters and summers, as you are just as likely to pull in your PB on Christmas as you are on the 4th of July.

7. Mille Lacs

Mille Lacs, stands out as the best body of water located in the land of 10,000 lakes, and one of the top 10 bass fishing lakes in all of the country. Smallmouth bite year round, and if you can get there when it's hot, you'll reel in bigguns as well. Northern smallmouth chasing can be tiresome, but this is the promised land and you'll really enjoy the big fighters that call Mille Lacs home.

8. The Delta

The Dirty D is miles and miles of tules, rip rap, and other hideouts that grow monstrous bass. With big baitfish and temperate weather, the climate around most of this channel is suited to trophy hunting. Topwater bites are on all year, and with the narrow nature of the delta, it is not even necessary to be on a boat to cover enough ground to catch a lunker.

9. Falcon Lake

Surprise! Another Texas lake makes the best bass fishing lakes of 2016. The south dominates this list, and for good reason. Big fish that bite often is an angler's dream come true, and this lake is the place to try and fulfill those dreams. Fish open water, vegetation, laydowns, and every other type of situation all in one day.

10. Mississippi River

Just along the Minnesota and Wisconsin border, up near Red Wing, the river fishing is second to none. With limited current and plenty of timber, mats, and hideaways, this part of the longest river in America is a honeyhole. Long-time northern anglers swear by this area as both a place to catch some fish on the water and have some fun off the water as well.As with any conversation on the best bass fishing lakes in the country, it was very hard to pick just 10. There were tons of amazing lakes, rivers, and bodies of water we were unable to include. Let us know what your favorite lake is, and we'll keep a close eye on it for the 2017 edition of our list!