When the weight of the free world got heavy, many U.S. presidents turned to a familiar cure: a rod, a reel, and a few quiet hours on the water. From mountain streams to offshore adventures, America’s leaders have long found clarity and comfort in the simple act of fishing. Here’s a look at U.S. presidents who found solace and sport on the water.
George Washington: The Founding Fisherman
(1st president, 1789-1797)
While better known for crossing the Delaware than casting a line, George Washington was an avid outdoorsman. He operated a commercial fishing operation on the Potomac River, catching herring and shad. He understood the value of fisheries—both as an economic driver and a national resource. It is even rumored that he took three breaks to fish during the Continental Convention.
Thomas Jefferson: Gentleman Angler
(3rd president, 1801-1809)
Thomas Jefferson was largely responsible for our Fourth of July celebrations, being the guy that wrote most of the Declaration of Independence. In addition to his literary prowess, he truly enjoyed the outdoors. He sent the Lewis and Clark expedition west with orders to document all the flora and fauna they encountered on the way. Though he didn’t fish recreationally in the modern sense, he promoted conservation and documented fish species found on his estate at Monticello.
Chester Alan Arthur: A Conservation-Minded Angler
(21st president, 1881-1885)
Though he might be less well-known than many of the other Anglers-in-Chiefs on this list, his impact on one of America’s favorite national parks can be felt to this day. Arthur went on an extended horseback fishing expedition into Yellowstone National Park in 1883. After catching plenty of fish, Arthur stopped the Department of the Interior’s plan to open up Yellowstone to mining and other practices, keeping the park the same size it was originally designated.
Grover Cleveland: A True Sportsman
(22nd and 24th president, 1885-1889; 1893-1897)
Cleveland was one of the most devoted fishing presidents. He often escaped Washington for trout streams in the Adirondacks and saltwater fishing off Cape Cod. He once said, “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable.” He even took fishing gear with him on vacation during his presidency. He was so obsessed with fishing that press coverage of Cleveland chided him for spending too much time fishing and not enough in the Oval Office. You can find his works on the outdoors, including Fishing and Shooting Sketches, in the Library of Congress.
Herbert Hoover: Fishing as Therapy
(31st president, 1929-1933)
Hoover wrote the book Fishing for Fun—and to Wash Your Soul, in which he famously declared, “All men are equal before fish.” For him, fishing was more than a hobby — it was a spiritual refresh. He often retreated to the Florida Keys and remote streams in the West, believing the peace of fishing restored his focus and humanity. Hoover even set a club record with a 12-pound bonefish, putting him in the top slot for the species in the Key Largo Anglers Club.If that’s not enough evidence of his fishing abilities, he has a biography titled The Fishing President.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Casting from a Cruiser
(32nd president, 1933-1945)
When Roosevelt ran against Hoover in 1932, humorist Will Rogers concluded that the campaign “will be settled on fish.” Forget the Great Depression. The issue was, Rogers said, “Do you want a deep-sea fisherman (Roosevelt) in the White House — flounders and cod — or a big trout and perch man? Like Hoover.” Despite the challenges of polio, FDR loved deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys and off the coast of New England. He even fished while serving as Commander-in-Chief during WWII. His presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, was often used for fishing trips — sometimes doubling as informal strategy sessions.
Harry S. Truman: Fishing off Florida
(33rd president, 1945-1953)
Harry S. Truman is best remembered for ending World War II, but his angling exploits were the stuff of legend. Truman was primarily a deep-sea fisherman, working the waters off Florida and Bermuda on his vacations. But on occasion, he could be found wetting a line in Washington’s Puget Sound, and other various locales. Faced with one of the weightiest decisions in presidential history, I’m sure he could use all the relaxation he could get.
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Fly Fishing Fanatic
(34th president, 1953-1961)
In addition to being the Grandest Son of a Soldier of Them All, Eisenhower was quite the accomplished angler. The five-star General found deep joy in fly fishing, especially in Colorado and Pennsylvania. He fished often at Camp David and supported conservation policies that preserved public lands and waterways. His quiet, deliberate casting style reflected his leadership — calm, measured, and focused.
Jimmy Carter: The Fly Fisher-in-Chief
(39th president, 1977-1981)
Perhaps the most skilled fly fisherman to hold the office, Carter has fished around the world, from Georgia rivers to Montana streams. Long after his presidency, he continued to advocate for environmental conservation and catch-and-release practices. His stories about trout fishing in the Appalachians have become part of his post-presidential legacy.
George H.W. Bush: Saltwater Sportsman
(41st president, 1989-1993)
President Bush was an avid saltwater angler who loved fishing for bonefish in Florida and marlin in the Gulf of Mexico. He even fished with celebrities like Ted Williams and traveled internationally for big-game fishing. Known for his quiet humility, he once released a trophy catch because, as he put it, “The fish had a right to live.” Beyond his many accomplishments as a Navy Airman, Director of Central Intelligence, and Commander-in-Chief, his angling career was also noteworthy. So much so that in 2019, the International Gamefish Association inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
Fishing and the Presidency: A Shared Thread
From the founding fathers to modern leaders, fishing has been more than a pastime for presidents — it’s been a chance to unplug, reflect, and connect with the American outdoors. Whether fly fishing in mountain streams or reeling in tuna offshore, these presidents showed that even the most powerful leaders benefit from a quiet morning on the water. So next time you cast a line, remember: you’re in the company of U.S. Presidents.
