In 2024, nearly everyone has a smartphone, and there’s an app for just about everything—including fishing. Whether you need help with navigation, checking the weather, or tracking your catch, fishing apps have you covered.
If you search for fishing apps, you’ll find a seemingly endless list of options and features. To save you time, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 fishing apps to help make your next trip a success!
Our Top 8 Picks for Best Fishing Apps
Navionics: Navigation
C-Map: Navigation
Fishbrain: Fishing Spots
Omnia Pro: Fishing Spots
Google Earth: Research
The Weather Channel: Weather and Wind Forecast
ANGLR: All Inclusive App
RiverApp: River Conditions
Why Use Fishing Apps?
Fishing apps provide many benefits that help anglers get the most out of each trip. Here’s what you can expect:
- Accurate Location Data: Apps like Navionics and Google Earth offer precise maps, fishing spots, and underwater topography.
- Weather and Water Conditions: Forecasting tools like The Weather Channel and RiverApp let anglers check current and future conditions.
- Social Networking and Crowdsourced Data: Apps such as Fishbrain foster a community for sharing catches, tips, and spot-specific advice.
- Data Tracking and Analysis: Platforms like ANGLR allow anglers to document their trips, making it easier to track patterns over time.
What to Look for in a Fishing App
With so many fishing apps available, finding the best one depends on your fishing style. Here are key factors to consider:
- Map Detail and Quality: Essential for lake, river, and coastal fishing.
- Weather and Water Data: Real-time updates for safety and planning.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is crucial for quick access in the field.
- Price and Subscription: Most apps have free and premium options.
- Community and Social Features: Helpful for sharing and learning from other anglers.
Top 8 Best Fishing Apps for Anglers
Let’s explore the top fishing apps and see how each can enhance your fishing experiences.
1. Navionics: Advanced Mapping and GPS for Fishing
Navionics is one of the most trusted fishing apps for its detailed mapping features. Developed by Garmin, Navionics is particularly popular among anglers who want high-quality topographic maps, sonar charts, and GPS capabilities. This app has the most detailed contours for your home lake or river.
- Features:
- Detailed topographic maps with depth information
- SonarCharts for real-time, crowdsourced bathymetry data
- Auto-routing and custom depth shading
- Access to tide and current information
- Best For: Anglers who want in-depth navigation and mapping for offshore, lake, and river fishing.
- Pricing: $49.99/year
Navionics users frequently note that the app’s mapping is invaluable for exploring unfamiliar waters. A regular feature update from Garmin keeps it at the top of the list for high-quality GPS and mapping. Lots of pleasure boaters use this app for navigation if they do not have a depth finder onboard.
2. C-Map: Detailed Maps with Fishing and Navigation Features
C-Map offers a range of features tailored for fishing and navigation. With depth data, marine charts, and an interface optimized for ease of use, C-Map is ideal for anglers who rely heavily on mapping. This app offers shading that differs from other apps. Users have noted the contours are easier to read than other marine navigation apps.
- Features:
- Precise depth data and real-time sonar maps
- Weather and marine forecasts
- Advanced routing tailored to fishing spots
- Offline mode for remote fishing trips
- Best For: Anglers looking for reliable marine and lake mapping with navigation tools.
- Pricing: Free with premium options starting at $9.99/year.
C-Map’s easy-to-use interface makes it a favorite among anglers who fish in both coastal and inland areas.
3. Fishbrain: Social Networking for Anglers
Fishbrain is often described as the “social network for anglers.” With millions of users, this app is a hub for sharing catches, tips, and advice on fishing spots. This app is popular with millions of downloads across all platforms.
- Features:
- Community-driven fishing spots and reports
- Log and share your catches with photos and data
- Integration with weather, moon phases, and fish activity predictions
- Extensive species database
- Best For: Social anglers who want to share their catches and learn from other anglers’ experiences.
- Pricing: Free with in-app purchases; premium starts at $5.99/month.
Fishbrain’s community aspect is invaluable for anglers seeking advice on tackle, techniques, and local spots. With users sharing recent catches, it’s a great resource for learning about local fish behavior.
4. Omnia Pro: Tackle Recommendations and Gear Tips
Omnia Pro is a top choice for gear-focused anglers, providing personalized tackle and gear recommendations based on location and conditions. With social media, gear changes seem like weekly or even daily. You can stay on top of your fishing game with this app.
- Features:
- Location-based tackle recommendations
- Seasonal and water-condition tackle advice
- Access to a wide selection of fishing gear
- GPS mapping and navigation
- Best For: Anglers seeking tailored tackle recommendations based on fishing location and conditions.
- Pricing: Free; in-app purchases for gear and premium features.
Omnia Pro’s localized tackle suggestions can save time and improve catch rates, especially when fishing in unfamiliar waters.
5. Google Earth: Satellite Imaging for Fishing Spots
While Google Earth is the most used resource for finding new water to fish. Not only that, but it aids in seeing the lay of the land at places you want to explore. You can see rocky banks and even underwater structure. This free app provides high-resolution images of coastlines, lakes, and rivers, allowing anglers to scope out fishing spots before ever leaving home.
- Features:
- High-resolution satellite images of water bodies
- Terrain and topographic views for better spot identification
- Integrated with Google Maps for navigation
- Best For: Pre-trip planning to find fishing spots.
- Pricing: Free.
Many anglers use Google Earth to identify features like drop-offs, weed lines, and channels that attract fish, making it a powerful tool in the scouting process.
6. The Weather Channel: Accurate Weather for Fishing Conditions
The Weather Channel app is widely regarded for its reliable forecasts, making it a must-have for checking real-time weather and water conditions. They include marine forecasts and wind direction also. This is a must have if you are fishing near open water or on a boat.
- Features:
- Hourly and 10-day forecasts
- Radar for tracking storms and precipitation
- Wind, temperature, and wave height data
- Local and international forecasts
- Best For: Anglers who prioritize real-time weather forecasting.
- Pricing: Free with ads; premium version available.
Staying updated on weather conditions is crucial for safety and success. The Weather Channel app ensures anglers have all the data they need to plan safe and productive trips.
7. ANGLR: Fishing Journal and Trip Tracker
ANGLR is a comprehensive fishing log app that helps anglers track their trips, analyze their catches, and identify patterns over time. This app helps anglers monitor changes in fish behavior. It also helps save past trips so you remember where fish were at certain times of the year.
- Features:
- GPS-based trip logging
- Catch and weather data for each trip
- Seasonal analysis and pattern tracking
- Gear and tackle tracking
- Best For: Anglers who enjoy logging their trips and studying patterns.
- Pricing: Free; in-app purchases available.
ANGLR’s in-depth tracking and journaling tools make it easy for anglers to look back on successful trips and replicate those strategies in the future.
8. RiverApp: Real-Time River and Flow Data
RiverApp provides real-time data on river levels and flow rates, which is essential for anglers fishing in rivers or streams. This app is used across the country and is a necessity for river fishermen. This app is especially useful below dams where flows can change rapidly.
- Features:
- River level data from multiple countries
- Flow rates and temperature readings
- Alerts for rising or falling water levels
- Interactive maps for river navigation
- Best For: Anglers who fish in rivers and need accurate flow information.
- Pricing: Free; premium version for advanced data.
RiverApp is particularly valuable for fly anglers, kayakers, and anyone who depends on current river conditions to ensure a productive and safe outing.
Comparison Table: Best Fishing Apps
| App | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Navionics | Detailed navigation and GPS mapping | Topographic maps, SonarCharts, tide info |
| C-Map | Reliable marine and lake mapping | Depth data, offline mode, marine forecasts |
| Fishbrain | Social networking and community advice | Shared fishing spots, species database |
| Omnia Pro | Tackle recommendations and gear tips | Location-based tackle advice, gear options |
| Google Earth | Spot scouting with satellite imagery | Satellite maps, terrain views |
| The Weather Channel | Real-time weather and water data | Wind, temperature, radar |
| ANGLR | Fishing logs and pattern tracking | GPS logging, trip analysis, gear tracker |
| RiverApp | River level and flow data | Flow rate data, temperature, water levels |
Finding the best fishing app depends on the type of fishing you do and what tools you value most. Whether you are wanting navigation, weather, catch tracking, or river flows. This article breaks down each app to help you make a good choice for your next fishing adventure!