Fishing in USA

1. Montana

Rivers: Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, Big Hole, Gallatin, Beaverhead, Clark Fork, Bighorn

Known as the “Mecca” of American fly fishing, Montana offers wide-open landscapes, prolific hatches, and legendary trout streams. The state boasts over 3,000 miles of blue-ribbon trout water flowing through dramatic mountain valleys and rolling plains.

Best for: Wild rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout Peak Season: June through October Notable Features:

• The Madison River offers consistent dry fly fishing with famous salmonfly hatches
• Yellowstone River provides excellent streamer fishing for large brown trout
• Big Hole River is renowned for its arctic grayling population
• Missouri River below Holter Dam features incredible midge and baetis hatches

Recommended Flies: Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Bugger, Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail

2. Colorado

Rivers: South Platte, Arkansas, Colorado, Blue, Gunnison, Roaring Fork, Fryingpan

Colorado’s high-altitude streams and tailwaters provide year-round fishing opportunities amid stunning Rocky Mountain scenery. The state offers everything from technical spring creek fishing to high-alpine adventure.

Best for: Rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout Peak Season: May through November Notable Features:

• South Platte offers challenging technical fishing with trophy brown trout
• Fryingpan River provides consistent mysis shrimp hatches
• High-country lakes and streams for native cutthroat trout
• Gold medal waters with strict regulations protecting quality fisheries

Recommended Flies: RS2, Barr Emerger, Amy’s Ant, Copper John, Zonker

3. Wyoming

Rivers: Snake, Green, North Platte, Bighorn, Wind River

Wyoming combines legendary Western fishing with pristine wilderness settings. From the famous Snake River in Jackson Hole to remote backcountry streams, Wyoming offers diverse angling experiences.

Best for: Cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout, and mountain whitefish Peak Season: June through September Notable Features:

• Snake River cutthroat trout fishing in Grand Teton National Park
• Green River tailwater below Flaming Gorge Reservoir
• North Platte grey reef section for large rainbow trout
• Wilderness pack trips to remote high-mountain lakes

Recommended Flies: Cutthroat Candy, Chubby Chernobyl, San Juan Worm, Girdle Bug, Lightning Bug

4. Idaho

Rivers: Henry’s Fork, South Fork Snake, Salmon, Clearwater, Boise

Idaho’s diverse waters range from technical spring creeks to powerful freestone rivers. The state offers excellent fishing for native species in pristine wilderness settings.

Best for: Rainbow, cutthroat, steelhead, and brook trout Peak Season: May through October Notable Features:

• Henry’s Fork Railroad Ranch for selective rainbow trout
• South Fork Snake River for consistent dry fly fishing
• Salmon River for steelhead runs
• Remote backcountry fishing opportunities

Recommended Flies: Henrys Fork Hopper, PMD Sparkle Dun, X-Caddis, Kaufmann Stone, Woolhead Sculpin

5. Pennsylvania

Rivers: Delaware, Lehigh, Yellow Breeches, Penns Creek, Little Juniata

Pennsylvania offers the birthplace of American fly fishing with rich history and excellent wild trout populations. The state features pristine limestone spring creeks and freestone mountain streams.

Best for: Wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout Peak Season: April through November Notable Features:

• Delaware River system for large wild trout
• Spring creek fishing in Cumberland Valley
• Native brook trout in mountain streams
• Historic fly fishing heritage and traditions

Recommended Flies: Sulphur Dun, Light Cahill, Trico Spinner, Green Weenie, Walt’s Worm

6. Alaska

Rivers: Kenai, Kvichak, Naknek, Nushagak, Copper

Alaska provides the ultimate wilderness fishing experience with enormous salmon runs, trophy rainbow trout, and pristine waters. Remote lodges offer access to untouched fisheries.

Best for: King salmon, rainbow trout, arctic char, grayling, pike Peak Season: June through September Notable Features:

• World record king salmon fishing
• Rainbow trout feeding on salmon eggs and flesh
• Fly-out fishing to remote waters
• Midnight sun extending fishing hours

Recommended Flies: Flesh Fly, Egg Sucking Leech, Clouser Minnow, Bunny Leech, Articulated Streamers

7. New York

Rivers: Delaware, Willowemoc, Beaverkill, Ausable, Salmon River

New York’s Catskill region is considered the birthplace of American dry fly fishing. The state offers historic waters, excellent wild trout populations, and world-class steelhead fishing.

Best for: Wild brown and brook trout, steelhead Peak Season: April through November Notable Features:

• Catskill Mountains fly fishing heritage
• Wild brook trout in Adirondack waters
• Great Lakes steelhead runs
• No-kill sections protecting wild trout

Recommended Flies: Catskill dry flies, Ausable Wulff, Steelhead Woolly Bugger, Egg patterns

8. Utah

Rivers: Green, Provo, Weber, Logan, Price

Utah’s diverse waters include productive tailwaters, high-mountain streams, and unique fisheries like the Provo River’s selective rainbow trout.

Best for: Rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout Peak Season: March through November Notable Features:

• Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam
• Provo River middle section for large rainbow trout
• High Uinta wilderness fishing
• Year-round tailwater fishing opportunities

Recommended Flies: Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail, BWO patterns, Streamers

9. Oregon

Rivers: Deschutes, McKenzie, Rogue, Metolius, John Day

Oregon offers diverse fishing from coastal steelhead rivers to high desert streams and spring-fed waters. The state combines excellent fishing with stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.

Best for: Steelhead, rainbow, cutthroat trout, salmon Peak Season: March through November Notable Features:

• Deschutes River steelhead and redband trout
• McKenzie River drift boat fishing
• Spring creek fishing in central Oregon
• Wild winter steelhead runs

Recommended Flies: Purple Peril, Muddler Minnow, October Caddis, Blue-Winged Olive, Woolly Worm

10. Michigan

Rivers: Au Sable, Manistee, Pere Marquette, Boardman

Michigan’s waters offer excellent trout fishing, famous mayfly hatches, and Great Lakes steelhead runs. The state provides diverse fishing opportunities from technical spring creeks to powerful steelhead rivers.

Best for: Brown, rainbow, brook trout, steelhead, salmon Peak Season: April through October Notable Features:

• Hexagenia limbata mayfly hatch on Au Sable River
• Great Lakes steelhead and salmon runs
• Wild brook trout in Upper Peninsula
• Historic trout fishing lodges and guides

Recommended Flies: Hex patterns, Griffith’s Gnat, Steelhead flies, Adams, Stimulator

Planning Your Trip

Essential Gear:

• Quality fly rod (9-foot, 5-weight for versatility)
• Floating and sinking fly lines
• Selection of leaders and tippet
• Waders and wading boots
• Fly boxes with local patterns
• Polarized sunglasses
• Landing net

Hiring Guides: Consider hiring local guides for:

• Learning new waters efficiently
• Understanding seasonal patterns
• Access to private waters
• Equipment and local fly recommendations
• Safety on unfamiliar rivers