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St. Lawrence River – Ranked #1 Bass Lake in America (2024)

According to Bassmaster Magazine's 2024 rankings, the St. Lawrence River has officially claimed the top spot on the list of the 100 Best Bass Lakes in the U.S.—and for good reason.

This iconic international waterway, linking the Great Lakes to the North Atlantic, offers some of the most diverse and productive smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. With countless islands, rocky points, shallow flats, grass beds, and even sunken shipwrecks and bridge pilings, the St. Lawrence provides endless opportunities and habitats for anglers to explore.

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What to Expect on the Water:

• Smallmouth Bass Average: 2½ to 4 lbs

• Trophy Potential: 5 to 6+ lbs

• Primary Species: Smallmouth Bass (Largemouth also present, but less common)

What makes the St. Lawrence truly special is its crystal-clear waters, thanks in part to invasive zebra mussels. While their presence is controversial, they’ve helped create ideal sight-feeding conditions for bass. The river’s ecosystem is also teeming with forage—especially round gobies, another invasive species that now play a central role in the local food chain. Smallmouths hunt these bottom-dwelling fish relentlessly, which contributes to their size, strength, and aggressive feeding behavior.

Other key forage includes:

• Crayfish

• Yellow Perch

• Alewife

• Emerald Shiners

Understanding these dynamics is critical—not just for successful fishing, but also for ongoing conservation. The St. Lawrence is a world-class destination for anglers looking for thrilling action, big fish, and breathtaking scenery.