If you’re looking for some solitude in your life, consider taking up the hobby of fly fishing. Not only is the technique easy to learn, but there are plenty of places around the U.S. where you can enjoy fly fishing on a peaceful, quiet getaway. Here are the top five places to take fly fishing trips this summer.
1. Blue River, Colorado
For the ultimate Colorado Fly Fishing experience, consider taking to the waters of the Blue River. Located close to a town called Kremmling, the Blue River departs the flow of the Colorado River on its way to Gore Range. With ideal timing, you may find that you’re the only fly fisherman on the 65-mile long river.
To get the most out of your experience, take advantage of one of the river’s many camping sites in and around the Green Mountain Reservoir. Alternately, some visiting fishermen choose to stay at the Hotel Frisco instead. If you need to pick up fishing supplies during your stay, The Blue Quill Angler shop has everything you need.
2. Rock Creek, Montana
Slightly shorter is the 52-mile long Rock Creek, located in Montana. But it’s known for being an excellent source of fresh fish, including various trout and the Rocky Mountain whitefish.
Traveling Rock Creek means you’ll pass through the Lolo National Forest. Serious fishers know to head to the upper portion of Rock Creek. You’ll likely catch bull, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. You can camp in Lolo or book accommodations at The Ranch at Rock Creek or The Cabin At Grassy Knoll to turn it into a multi-day trip.
3. Henry’s Fork, Idaho
As a Snake River tributary, Henry’s Fork is a fly fishing spot popular in Idaho. You’ll find this historic body of water close to Iron Park. In 1810, a trapper named Andrew Henry first discovered it, inspiring the name Henry Fork.
Known around the world as one of the best places for fly fishing, Henry’s Fork provides stunning views that include vast mountains and bright green grass as far as the eye can see.
Despite its overwhelming popularity, it is the ideal site for new fly fishers. To learn the ropes first, you can always enroll in the Blue Quill Angler’s Introduction to fly fishing classes. Then prepare for a trip to Henry’s Fork, ideally between late May and mid-July or between the middle of September and the end of October. If you visit in September or October, you’ll likely catch Rainbow trout, but you can also hunt geese and ducks at the same time.
4. Bighorn River, Montana
One of the best places in the world to go trout fishing is at Bighorn River in Montana. The Yellowtail Dam took what was a river with rough waters to the fishing sanctuary it is now. Armed with artificial flies for bate, Bighorn is the place to catch both brown and rainbow trout.
The only tricky part about fishing here is that some parts of the River are not accessible to the public. This is because the river occupies land owned by the Crow Indians. Fishing is permitted in the main recreational area, and you’ll find accommodations nearby, including campgrounds and indoor lodging.
5. White River, Arkansas
The White River stretches 722 miles and is ideal for catching trout. You can fish on your own or find the hotspots for guided fishing tours. For dry fly fishing, the perfect time to visit is August through December, except holiday weekends.
These are the top five fly fishing destinations to enjoy. Whether you are a new or experienced fisherman, each site has a lot to offer.
