Spring and summer are ideal seasons for lake fishing. Whether you're simply looking to spend a few hours relaxing on the water or hoping to reel in a record catch, head to one of these premier lakes to make the most of your next fishing trip.

Falcon Lake is an international reservoir on the Rio Grande along the Texas-Mexico border. While the largemouth bass population isn't as impressive as it once was anglers will have numerous opportunities to hook one. Channel catfish are also prevalent in this relatively shallow lake.

Despite only boasting an average depth of 11 feet, Michigan's Lake St. Clair is undoubtedly one of the best spots in the country to reel in smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass, musky and walleye can also be found here.

One of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S., Lake Champlain is full of endless possibilities when it comes to fishing. The lake is routinely recognized by the Bassmaster Tournament Series for both its quantity and quality of smallmouth and largemouth bass. This angling hotspot is also ideal for lake trout and salmon.

A premier ice fishing destination during the winter months, Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota has been dubbed the Walleye Capital of the World. Anglers flock here year-round to catch not only walleye but perch, sturgeon, sauger and northern pike.

Expansive Lake Okeechobee has played a huge role in Florida's reputation as a world-class fishing destination. Anglers from all over come here to catch largemouth bass. However, a powerful bass boat is a must on this massive lake and hiring a guide is recommended.

A beloved lake for bow fishermen targeting large carp, Illinois' 11,100-acre Lake Shelbyville is the perfect place to fish during a camping trip. The lake is bordered by two state parks-Wolf Creek State Park and Eagle Creek State Park-and features a handful of campgrounds. Whether fishing from the man-made beaches or many coves, anglers will have a shot at largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill and much more.

The freshwater in California's Clear Lake is some of the best in the country for bass. However, the scenic lake is also no stranger to bluegill, catfish, carp and crappie. There are several public areas to fish around Clear Lake so you don't need a boat to join in on the fun.

For a fun-filled fishing trip on South Carolina's Santee Cooper Lakes, consider booking a charter with Santee Cooper Charters. If you choose this route, an experienced guide will help you find exactly what you're after, whether its rockfish, crappie, catfish, redfish or trout.

Lake Austin is a popular spot for boaters and tourists exploring the Live Music Capital of the World so anglers dropping a line here should expect company unless fishing late at night or early in the morning. The lake is home to an excellent population of largemouth bass, many weighing as much as eight to 10 pounds.

Bass and crappie anglers love Kentucky Lake for its healthy fish populations. The 186,000-acre man-made reservoir along the Tennessee River features largemouth, smallmouth and white bass as well as catfish, sunfish and sauger. The region is also popular for the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which boasts camping opportunities and more than 500 miles of hiking and biking trails.

North America's largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its nearby skiing and hiking but it's also a phenomenal spot to cast a line. Hop in your kayak and paddle out for a chance to catch some sockeye salmon, mackinaw or rainbow trout, among other species.

Texas' Lake Fork is perfect for anglers seeking out bass, channel catfish, white and black crappie and sunfish. Located just east of Dallas, the reservoir boasts 15 of the top 20 state records for largemouth bass ever caught.

Anglers can thank the Chickamauga Dam for creating its namesake lake decades ago. The 38,000-acre impoundment along the Tennessee River is a haven for largemouth bass and striped bass as well as catfish and sunfish.

Visitors to Lake Erie can catch walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, white bass, steelhead trout and more throughout the year. The fourth-largest of the Great Lakes can be accessed from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York so there are endless options when it comes to choosing a place to drop a line.

Located about 20 miles southwest of Raleigh, North Carolina, Shearon Harris Lake supports one of the state's top largemouth bass fisheries but is also a fantastic spot to reel in catfish and crappie. Head over to the 680-acre Harris Lake County Park to cast a line from the handicap-accessible fishing pier built just last year.