Fly Fishing Destinations Archives

All fly fishing lovers like the sound of a fly fishing trip. Such trips are able to make your dreams of fly fishing come true as you tour some of the places that you have always cherished. A fly fishing trip to Alaska is just an example of what all fans would love for a vacation. There are many destinations for these fishing trips all over the world. In the United States, the following are some of the most common States in which angling is popular and many plan trips at least to do what they love doing most: Fly fishing.

The states include Montana, Maine, Colorado, Florida, Arizona, and many others. As you think about a fly fishing trip to a magnificent destination, it is always important to have the right preparation. This is because you want to make your fly fishing trip a success. The following guide will give you important tips that you need to employ to make the most out of your trip no matter the destination you have chosen. First, if you are a beginner without skills, it is always important to prepare yourself by acquiring the relevant skills. You can do this by going for lessons or buying fly fishing DVDs. You will learn all the fly fishing techniques necessary for a fishing trip.

Factors To Consider When Preparing For A Fly Fishing Trip

The first thing has got to be the equipment and gadgets you need. Fly fishing requires you to be armed with all the necessary tools so that you can catch fish. You need to plan the following for your fly fishing trip. You need suitable flies, lines, clippers and vest among other things. Your vest is especially crucial because it will house all the little things you need. Therefore, look for good vests for your fly fishing trip. Your vest must have enough room and it must also be comfortable. When it comes to flies, you need to know the kind of water you are going to fish in. The flies must be customized to suit the environment.

Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to a fly fishing trip. You need to take all necessary precautions on your part. For example, you need to be mindful of the kind of shoes you wear to provide the needed balance. You might also need a wading staff for your fly fishing trip. Do not forget to protect your skin and eyes with sun block and sun glasses as well. All in all, you should have much information about the waters you are going to tackle. With this, you are ready to set out for your trip. These trips make for excellent vacations.

I have fished Montana for over four decades and even have had conversations with legend Bud Lilly. I have fished with the author who completed George Brook's final book, Rand Oslund. I've fished the Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson, Missouri, Big Horn, Smith River, Yellowstone, spring creeks, creeks in Yellowstone National Park and pretty much everywhere in the State, including several high mountain lakes.

Of course, these are all very good secrets, but some of these secrets I'm just going to have to keep to myself. Consider this a test taste of some of the fine trout fishing locations in central Montana and north central Wyoming. There are many more, but that would require a book, stories and more detail.

There is a beautiful Red Lodge, Montana real estate development called the Spires at Red Lodge. We came here because it is some of the last, best priced resort real estate in the Rocky Mountain region.

Right through the middle of downtown Red Lodge there is great fishing in the Main fork of Rock Creek early spring, late summer and in the fall (it is a bit high in early summer). Strip black streamers or use stone nymphs like a bitch creek. Bead head nymphs do pretty well, too. There are lot's of small to medium sized rainbows and browns in Rock Creek and the further toward Roberts you go, the bigger the fish get.

Just a 20 minute drive to the west from The Spires at Red Lodge development along U.S. Highway 78 in Red Lodge is Roscoe, Montana home to the Grizzly Bar. Stop there on the way back from fishing, not on the way up. Go about 4 miles out of Roscoe towards East Rosebud Lake until you cross a wooden bridge. You can park there and walk down, or walk up. Dry flies if they are rising and nymphs and streamers if they aren't. Streamers will be more successful on cloudy days.

There is a lake called Arch Lake that is a boulder-strewn 2,500 foot plus hot foot (not trail) hike straight up out of the East Rosebud Valley. There are some monstrous cutthroat in this lake many of them don't see an artificial fly or lure more than once every few years.

Further down the road to the northwest is also some great fishing. If you've got a raft or a kick boat you are going to love the Stillwater River. It is a great April/May and then mid July through October, fishing river and has much less pressure than Montana's western rivers.

In the spring time head 60 miles south to Cody and Newton Reservoir for some great big fish stories. Little flies on top and leeches down below, whatever they are hitting on. The surface activity can be a ball. Try the far side in waders all the way away from the parking lot and wade out in the weeds.

The legendary Bighorn is only about 90 minutes from downtown Red Lodge which makes some of the best tailwater fishing in all of Montana really accessible as a day trip, which is pretty cool.

The Bighorn River is only about 90 minutes away from Red Lodge across the Crow Indian reservation from Pryor, Montana and is probably one of the best tail water damn fisheries in the State, but it is usually quite crowded (I say this tongue in cheek because it is crowded by Westerners standards but not by many others).

South central Montana has some of the best fishing and Red Lodge real estate is some of the most reasonale mountain real estate anywhere in the west. Authentic Victorian mining town in the middle of a recreational Mecca.

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If you're thinking of fishing in Alaska, you should recognize the fish species in the area, understand their preferred flies and know what to expect. So, read on for a general overview of the fish species during your next fishing vacation in Alaska.

Pacific Salmon

There are four major species of Pacific salmon in Alaska: Chinook salmon (also known as king salmon), pink salmon, silver salmon and sockeye salmon or reds. They're a great game fish, but usually less popular with cold water fly fishers than, say, trout or Arctic char.

It's important to note that while Pacific salmon won't eat after returning to fresh waters, they will still strike subsurface and surface flies. However, fly fishers need to be ready to take in what are a large and aggressive fish species. The king salmon in Alaska can weigh close to or over one hundred pounds.

Steelhead Trout

The steelhead trout is a unique rainbow trout that can swim in the open sea or large lake environment, but does spawn in connecting rivers. After their spawning, they'll return to a large lake or ocean.

Because the steelhead is rare, fast and hard to catch, it's a prized fish and a respected catch. On average, the steelhead will weigh between 4 and 12 pounds, but can go much larger in size in the Alaskan waters. To catch the steelhead, fly fishers need to be patient and persevere.

The Grayling (Trout Family)

The graying is a unique fish, easily identifiable by its high and broad dorsal fin and almost neon blue color on its body and fins. For fly fishing, Alaska graylings are both prized and easy to catch. The fish aren't very discriminating and tend to go for almost any fly.

That said, Alaska graylings do have a few preferences. They tend to like active, moving insects, smaller insects and also dry flies. The fish will also feed on minnows and crustaceans, though traditional light flies seem to be the most effective.

An Alaskan grayling will typically grow to about 4 pounds, but they're a tasty catch and well suited to the dinner table.

Alaskan Arctic Char

The Arctic char is a member of the trout family that prefers clean, clear and cold lakes or streams to survive. They are strong, active and aggressive, but also a fantastic catch. They predominantly feed on insects, minnows, aquatic worms, fish eggs and crustaceans. Most fly fishers agree that the Arctic char is generally more gullible than its trout cousins. For fly fishing, Alaska arctic char are plentiful and easy on any fishing trip.

Is a Canada fishing trip your pleasure? You’ve planned a trip to Canada. Fishing trips are high on your list of priorities. But which trip do you choose?

Every province and territory in Canada offers some form of a fishing experience, for both the novice and experienced fisherman.

No matter which way you head in Canada, fishing trips abound and all are as different as the many ethnic cultures that form Canada’s population.

From fly-fishing in a remote lodge in Churchill, Manitoba to angling for rainbow trout in British Columbia’s Salmon River, there is a Canadian fishing adventure to suit every fisherman.

Canada fishing trips can be as rugged or as elegant as you desire. Fishermen looking to land an Arctic Grayling or a Whitefish can choose from a rustic half day or full day fishing trip out of Whitehorse in the Yukon.

Those into gourmet food and private jet service may want to book a stay at the Hatchet Lake Lodge in Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s most beautiful.

The fisherman, who is also a whale enthusiast or is Eco-minded, may want to book a Seabreeze fishing trip out of Vancouver, British Columbia. This fishing charter service offers 5-8 hour trips complete with fishing gear and bait. Fishing licenses can be purchased in their offices before heading out.

Are you looking for a longer Canada fishing trips? Ontario, in eastern Canada, offers many choices including 3-7 day fly-in trips like the trip offered by the Sydney Lake Lodge in Northwestern Ontario. This company offers professional fishing guides, dock service (your boat will be tended every night) and comfortable cabins. Any prize fish you catch here, however, must be returned to the lake in keeping with their strict conservation rules.

If you want to travel farther north, try the Tagish Lake Wilderness Lodge in the Yukon. Those folks have a fleet of aluminum boats and motors, fish finders, tackle and bait. And they promise to share their secrets for catching prize trout or pike.

Remember Canada’s East Coast, too, when looking for Canada fishing trips. The Maritime Provinces, nestled on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, have fishing opportunities for both the freshwater and saltwater angler.

Dave’s Guide Service, out of Nova Scotia, offers both boat and kayak trips complete with fishing gear and a box lunch. Dave specializes in Smallmouth bass.

Most Canada fishing trips come as complete packages. When booking your trip, be sure to check exactly what is included in your package. Tell the trip organizers if you have any special physical needs because most are ready and willing to accommodate you.

There are many Arizona fly fishing opportunities available to dedicated fly fishers and among these you should try out places such as Canyon Creek and Hawley. Here you can enjoy the pleasant weather though it can snow and get cold with temperatures hovering between 28 and 48 degrees. These areas have plenty of rainbows, brookie, browns, cutt and among the pattern fish you can also find some Simi's too.

Lake Rezzz

If it is trout that you want, then your Arizona fly fishing excursions should take you to Rezzz lake, especially during the fall though the weather will be cold. However, the water level would be good and you would be sure to find trout as well as the occasional bass backseat, while there are also some pattern fish to be found including Pupa's, Midges, Buggers and more. It would be a good idea to fish the dam area since there are many Simi's, Nymphs as well as Buggers there. If you want to go to Arizona fly fishing for Brookies, you will have to try the lakes.

Another option for you when you go fly fishing in Arizona is to try Earl Park which is a lake with excellent fly fishing opportunities though they last a mere three weeks tapering off towards the end of November. Or, you may want to try out Pacheta which is an ideal place for fall fly fishing though make sure to go fly fishing here before the lake freezes up. To get a better catch, you may need to go deep along the eastern shoreline.

Hawley is another popular destination when going Arizona fly fishing because it does have a number of browns and the best places to fly fish would be by the coves and sunken logs. Other options for Arizona fly fishing include going to Knoll and also Woods Canyon, especially in the month of November when the skies are clear and where it is warm when the sun is out and cold when there is no sun. This area is famous for rainbows though some fly fishers consider the quality of fishing at Knoll to be somewhat poor. For best results, you should be out fly fishing in the early morning no later than 8:30 AM.

Arizona fly fishing is filled with great opportunities and with so many different options to choose from, you will have your hands full trying the different places in the State.

Fly fishing in Colorado means enjoying the 6,000 miles of streams and also more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs where fishing opportunities abound whether it is for cold water fly fishing or fly fishing for warm water species. If you are looking to fly fish for trout in Colorado, be prepared for the many cold water streams and lakes that have brook or lake trout, native cutthroat trout and even brown as well as rainbow trout.

Warm Water Fish Species

When going fly fishing in Colorado, you can also fly fish for warm water fish species in the warm waters in the State which have many perch, walleye, catfish as well as sunfish and other species. You can rest assured that whatever swims beneath the surface is there waiting for you to catch while fly fishing.

If you are looking for fly fishing resources, you would do well to check out one of the many sites concerned with this sport. One that is aptly named Fly Fishing Colorado is certainly worth checking out as its focus is on Front Range streams that are located not too far from Denver. You can check out their stream flows which provides accurate information about major streams in the State and which are not more than three hour travel from Denver.

At Fly Fishing Colorado, you can also find guide books and maps with excellent pictures of of fish caught, especially those from the South Platte River area and also record rainbows landed from North Fork Guest Ranch. And, if you are really interested in fly fishing in Colorado and want to land you Colorado Rainbow Trout then you will be in luck because these are found in almost all cold water streams though finding rainbows of a larger size may not be all that easy.

To land you some good rainbows, you may want to check out some of the ranches located on the North Fork of South Platte Rive of which three are especially worth trying. These are North Fork Ranch, Boxwood Gulch and Long Meadow Ranch which together take up about two and a half miles of the North Fork of South Platte. You can access these ranches by taking highway 285 west of Denver, and if luck favors you, you could even land a 28 or 29 inch and eight pound Colorado rainbow trout.

People from all over the country will try and take in the fly fishing in East Tennessee at least once in their life and fly fishing in East Tennessee has enough prime spots filled with the most desirable fly fishing trophy fish you have seen almost anywhere in the country. The wooded areas in Tennessee make for some great secluded spots and make fly fishing in East Tennessee a great experience. Set aside some time when you decide to go fly fishing in East Tennessee because with all of the seclusion and great fishing you will find when you go fly fishing in East Tennessee you will probably never want to leave. But they would prefer if you did leave after a while so that other people can also enjoy fly fishing in East Tennessee.

The Watauga River is a great place to go fly fishing in East Tennessee because it is considered by those in Tennessee to be a very bountiful and secluded place to fish. The Watauga River starts near the Wilbur Dam in Elizabethton, Tennessee and winds its way through the beautiful woods of Eastern Tennessee. Among fishermen and people in the know in and around Tennessee the Watauga River is well know for its Rainbow and Brown trout fishing where the river is full of game for any fisherman. You may have to deal with some people swimming in some of the publicly accessible swimming sections of the river but most of the river's 16 mile stretch is only accessible by boat and that is just perfect for the person looking to cash in on fly fishing in East Tennessee on the Watauga River.

More Spots And Fish Variety

The South Holston River is also a well known spot for fly fishing in East Tennessee. This also begins near a dam as it starts at the South Holston Dam near Bluff City, Tennessee. The South Holston River is a nationally recognized trout fishery and it has been known to hold more than its fair share of trophy trout for the sport fishermen that come to check out what it has to offer.

With other prime locations such as Doe Creek, Stoney Creek, and Laurel Fork Creek Eastern Tennessee has something for every fisherman whether you are looking for trophy trout or you are looking to catch something you can have for dinner later that night. Give fly fishing in East Tennessee a try and you won't be sorry.

Montana may be thought of for many things considered part of the early west, as well as being one of five states to house the Rocky Mountains. However, fly fishing in Montana is legendary among devoted anglers. With the Yellowstone River winding through the south central part of the state, its clear and often cold waters are home to some of the largest trophy trout in the state. Additionally, passing through Hayden Valley, the river's scenery can sometimes make people forget that they are fly fishing in Montana.

Fantastic fishing is also reported in the Gallatin River and the Madison River as well as in many of the clear, crisp mountain lakes that are filled with the melted snow runoff from the mountains. The scenery invites the tourists but the trout fishing lures the angler to try their hand at fly fishing in Montana. With the availability of various fishing expeditions, folks can have their choice of how they want to approach their experience.

While many will remain on the banks of rivers such as the Big Horn River or even the tumultuous waters of the Missouri River, others may choose to wade in closer to the fish. As the rivers course through the valleys, their depth often changes suddenly and the river bottom they were standing on while fly fishing in Montana is suddenly neck deep or over their head. Many choose to use kayaks or rubber rafts as they fish the waters.

Higher Mountain Lakes Offer Different Challenges

When fly fishing in Montana the lakes in the upper elevations, above 9,000 feet offer some of the clearest waters for sight casting, but the trout in those areas are generally under a foot long. Most areas in these lakes are catch and release only and for catching trophies while fly fishing in Montana lakes at lower elevations or the major rivers offer a better opportunity.

Those who are unfamiliar with fly fishing in Montana will be better served by hiring a guide for their first outing or so, especially when fishing in unknown territories. As they follow the fish up or down a river, it may be easy to become disoriented and quickly lose their way back to the starting point on the river.

The state may also be known for many forms of outdoor sports such as big game hunting, but fly fishing in Montana is a well-known pastime for anglers around the country. In late spring the rush will be on to hook onto the trophy that they can brag about for years to come.

Oregon is known for its beautiful scenery and picture perfect lakes and streams and from those lakes and streams you can enjoy fly fishing in Oregon. Enjoying fly fishing in Oregon is a little different than some other spots because when you go fly fishing in Oregon you are there for the scenery and the seclusion as much as you are there for the fishing. You can really get away with fly fishing in Oregon and when you are on the boat relaxing and you look around you and see clear skies and mountains all around you then you will quickly begin to understand why fly fishing in Oregon has been popular for many years and why it will remain popular for many years to come.

One of the more famous spots for fly fishing in Oregon is the McKenzie River. The McKenzie runs from the mountains and has its origins in high water falls so the water is rough and full of fish migrating through the river. Special boats were designed to be able to go fly fishing on the McKenzie River called McKenzie boats. These boats are designed with an extra tough outer shell to protect against the rough river and the rocks at the bottom of it while the inside is padded extra comfortable to make the rough journey a little easier to tolerate. Many people that go fly fishing in Oregon say that you truly have not gone fly fishing in Oregon until you have gone down the McKenzie River.

Dress Right And Visit Often

Much of the fly fishing in Oregon is done in or around the mountains and it can pretty cold in the mountains especially in winter. It can get cold almost anywhere in Oregon in the winter so be sure you dress for the elements and bring plenty of warm extra clothing along because you are bound to get wet when you are fly fishing in Oregon and it would be in your best interest to protect yourself from the elements and be able to get out of wet and cold clothing as soon as possible.

The fly fishing in Oregon industry is booming and there are plenty of resorts and businesses that can help you find the best fly fishing when you plan your next trip to Oregon. Unless you know exactly where you are going there is no need to go at it alone when a fully qualified guide can lead you to all the great spots you will need in Oregon.

How much you appreciate the splendor of the outdoors will help decide which of the many makes and streams you visit for fly fishing Rocky Mountain trout. With over 50 lakes to choose from, being fed by about 150 streams, there is no end to the options for fly fishing Rocky Mountain waters. The mountains carve borders and seemingly endless scenery as they course through five Midwestern states.

The type of rod you use for fly fishing Rocky Mountain lakes will probably be a lightweight rod with significant bending at the tip. In the high mountain lakes and streams the trout tend to run smaller and even a number one road with light line can feel as though a one-pound trout is putting up a good fight. While most of the lakes are protected from the wind, when the breeze does start to pick up you will want a heavier rod and line to help your casting. A number five weight rod is probably the heaviest you will want to carry and use only in case of higher wind.

Most of the anglers fly fishing Rocky Mountain streams and lakes find trout feeding along the edge of the shoreline where they can see the fish as they head towards the fly. Most anglers claim the best trout fishing is available in some of the higher lakes as it is more like cast and catch than cast and hope.

Understanding The Flies Used In Different States

When fly fishing Rocky Mountain lakes, it is important to know what the native insects are to a particular state. Additionally, the time of year and the location in which you are fishing will be key to using the right fly for the right fish. Bushy, dry flies seem to work best on streams while lake trout seem to look for floating mayflies throughout most of the year.

When approaching a lake fly fishing Rocky Mountain waters, travel slowly and you should be able to see the fish swimming in their selected areas. Unlike fish in rapid streams, those in the lake tend to swim in a specific pattern between the center of the lake and the shore. most of their food will be gathered near the shore and you should spend a few minutes recognizing the swimming pattern before dropping a fly onto the water.

Once you understand where the fish is swimming around, wait until it is moving away from the shore and then drop the fly on the water on it anticipated return trip. If it refuses the bait, wait until it swims away before pulling the line and offering it a second time.

One of the most attractive aspects of Texas fly fishing is the diversity of options and the type of fish available for catching. Saltwater fly fishing in the Gulf of Mexico offers some of the most diverse selection of game fish from reds to tarpon and there are numerous charters available with experienced captains to take people to the fish they hope to catch. Whether on the waters of the Gulf or inland waterways, Texas fly fishing can offer production for anglers of many experience levels.

Some charters make offers for year-round fishing trips, but realistically the weather does not always cooperate with the feeding fish for fly fishing. Most qualified captains will offer trips only when they can sight cast the flies onto the water in conditions that are conducive to catching fish. Texas fly fishing is best during the summer when the water is warmer and the visibility into the water is deeper. During winter the colder temperatures may drive the fish into other areas where they feed on deeper food supplies.

With the number of charters advertised for Texas fly fishing, you will want to choose one that focuses on fly fishing instead of hybrid trips that may have all types of lines running around the boat. Bair casting charters can be exciting, but Texas fly fishing trips allow anglers to experience catching larger fish on lighter tackle.

Saltwater Not Only Draw To Fish In Texas

Anglers who have no desire to expose their equipment to the saltwater conditions can find Texas fly fishing opportunities in many inland rivers and streams where trout and steelhead make their home. Lake Whitney outside Dallas is known for some good trout fishing in early spring but until March most of the larger species tend to hug the bottom of fast-moving rivers heading into the main body.

There are numerous streams between Austin and San Antonio that offer anglers the chance to try their hand at Texas fly fishing with many different species available for catching. These are good areas for those trying to catch a large variety of fish on flies instead of the usual trout and salmon.

Despite the usual warm weather of the state, Texas fly fishing success can vary based on weather conditions and areas near the southern coast can be hit with stiff winds for several days. When the winds whip over land, the amount of food available in the waterways increases, as well as making it extremely difficult to place a featherweight fly with any accuracy.

Seeking a great place for fly fishing in the contiguous United States is quite a challenge as there are so many great places to choose from. Vermont fly fishing however is one of the best kept secrets around because who would think to look to one of the smallest states in the union for indulging in a little casting fun?

Vermont fly fishing is just a few hours away from several major airports so that you can easily jet your way there. What is amazing is that there are over 4,000 miles of streams in Vermont which offer the best trout around whether it is rainbow, brook, brown or some other native trout species. In addition, there are many miles of other bodies of water to choose from for Vermont fly fishing excursions like Lake Champlain as well as various other lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

What You Need to Get Started

When it comes to Vermont fly fishing, one of the first things you are going to need besides your gear and lodging is a fishing license. There is no fee for anyone under the age of 15 to go Vermont fly fishing but those between the ages of 15 to 17 will pay around $15 as a non-resident while people age 18 and over pay around $40 as a non-resident for a license.

Of course, the next thing you want to consider in your Vermont fly fishing trip is purchasing needed supplies, especially if you did not want to travel with your own rod and reel along with a motley crew of flies. There are numerous outfitters in the state who can help you out with your equipment needs.

The best scenario, when Vermont fly fishing especially if you are not from the area, is to book a guide who can take you to the best streams, lakes and rivers for your fishing pleasure. They will likely have package deals and provide the equipment you need to get started on your angling adventure.

Fishing Options

The best part about Vermont fly fishing is that there are quite a few avenues to pursue when it comes to location as well as method. There are several rivers to fish that feed into the vast waters of Lake Champlain which you can explore as well as some of the local “ponds,” reservoirs, streams and brooks.

In addition, you can choose to go wade fishing for your Vermont fly fishing trip, stay along the banks of the water or even choose to fly fish from a kayak or inflatable boat. Each option provides a different experience for you depending on the weather conditions as well as the fish species you wish to pursue. Whether you stick to one of the main water ways or grab a compass and head off into the wilds to a remote stream, your Vermont fly fishing trip will be an unforgettable experience.