Boat Ramps Nearby

Fishing piers and fishing access

Illustration: anglers on a long wooden public fishing pier over the ocean at sunrise
Illustration

You don't need a boat to catch fish. Public fishing piers, fishing docks and shore access sites put you over deeper water or along a good bank. We list 915 of them in 49 states, from long ocean piers to small dock platforms on lakes and rivers.

Piers close after storms and for repairs, so check with the city, county or park before a long drive. Know a pier we're missing? Tell us.

Find fishing piers near you

Fishing piers by state

Fishing piers by city

Fishing piers: questions and answers

How do I find a fishing pier near me?

Enter your city or ZIP code on the map and choose the fishing pier filter. The list sorts piers and fishing access sites by distance.

Do I need a fishing license on a pier?

In most states, yes. A few coastal states sell a pier license or cover licensed public piers, so you may not need your own license there. Florida, California and some other states have such rules, but details change, so check your state wildlife agency before you fish.

Are fishing piers free?

Many city and county piers are free. Others charge a small daily fee or parking. 29 of the 915 piers and fishing spots here are marked free in the map data. Missing fee information does not mean a spot is free.

What is the difference between a fishing pier and a fishing access site?

A fishing pier is a dock or platform built out over the water. A fishing access site is a public spot on the shore, often with parking and sometimes a small ramp. We list both, because both let you fish without a boat.