With summer upon us, it’s time to pull the fly fishing gear out of the closet and start wetting the line again. That is unless you’re one of those hardcore fishermen who will brave the coldest winter temperatures in pursuit of an elusive rainbow trout.
Don’t count us amongst those, though, as we are purely in it for the warm summer mornings spent out in the solitude that the river offers.
If you’re looking to make this year of fly fishing your best one yet, then here are 13 incredible rivers in the United States where you can hook into your next trophy catch.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is one of America’s longest free-flowing rivers, and within those waters, it offers up hundreds of fishable miles. This huge river is usually best fished by drift boat as it can be difficult to wade out far enough to hit the best parts.
On the Yellowstone, you can expect to catch tons of fish, with a few tipping the scales into personal best territory. Expect to find cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and lake trout along with whitefish throughout the river.
Au Sable River
Known as one of the best, if not the best, fly fishing rivers west of the Mississippi, the Au Sable River in upper Michigan offers a world-class fishing experience for all levels of angler. This river sees a series of hatches that take place starting in mid-spring and run through late summer, which will keep the fish biting throughout the season.
If you spend enough time on the river, don’t be surprised to land a trophy brown trout!
White River
This fabled Arkansas river is a must-visit for anglers for the lunkers that swim beneath its surface. It’s not unheard of for fly fishers to land brown trout that tip the scales at over 30 pounds and rainbows that reach nearly 20 pounds.
The river’s width and depth have long made it a favorite for boaters with spinner setups, but fly fishermen have also come to love this incredible stretch of water.
Deschutes River
Running from Central Oregon down to the Columbia River, the Big D, as it is known locally, is home to a variety of fly fishing options that range from small rainbows in its upper reaches to a world-class steelhead run along the lower sections. One of the most popular times to fish the Deschutes is during the salmon fly hatch, which usually takes place in late spring, although the exact timing varies year by year.
Spending a couple of bucks at one of the many local fly shops in Central Oregon will be more than enough to get you some intel on if, when, and where the hatch is taking place at any given time.
South Platte River
This 400+ mile-long river system is one of the most accessible and productive fly fishing rivers near Denver so you can expect company on its more popular sections. The crowds come for a reason, though, and that is the hungry fish that will keep your line taught for as long as you’re on the water. There are a number of dams along the river’s length, and it’s these areas where the truly big fish hang out. Once you learn them, you’ll be landing personal bests in no time flat.
San Juan River
Getting to the San Juan River can take a little work as it runs through remote stretches of northern New Mexico. This is one place where the juice is worth the squeeze as this stretch of water consistently pumps out massive (and I do mean massive) rainbow and brown trout. The region’s mild winters mean these waters can be fished 365 days a year, and there are plenty of lodges and guide services ready and waiting to show you the ropes of this incredible river.
Green River
Fly fishermen are often looking for three things in a river: productive fishing, beautiful scenery, and easy access. Well, if you’re looking for a river that checks all three boxes in spades, then the Green River in Utah is the one for you. This destination stream and its crystal clear waters run through narrow gorges that will leave you spending just as much time taking in the landscapes as watching the water.
Much of the river is best fished by drift boat but the wadable sections are filled with trails and elevated boardwalks to get you to the prime fishing spots.
Kern River
This California river begins high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is fed by dozens of tributaries, many of which are also fishable. Within this popular river, you’ll find a large population of both hatchery and native trout that are eager to lend a discerning eye to your fly. These mountain waters are home to numerous hatches throughout the year, so proper identification and fly choice are crucial to ensure a successful day on the water.
Snake River
The Snake is a massive river that starts in the mountains of Wyoming before crossing into Idaho and ultimately Oregon, where it flows into the Columbia. Because of this, there are hundreds of miles of fishable waters on the Snake, but some of the most popular are around Grand Teton National Park. Here, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views, more wildlife than you can shake a stick at, and plenty of hungry fish who thrive in these cold waters.
One of the best ways to get out on this world-class river is through a guide out of Jackson Hole. These folks know the river inside and out, and their float trips are second to none.
Kenai River
Ask most people about fishing in Alaska and the first things that come to mind are off-shore fishing for halibut or standing in a line with hundreds of fellow anglers trying to snag salmon returning to spawn. It’s best to let them think that while you head out to the pristine waters of the Kenai River, where an average trout would be a trophy on nearly any other river in the country.
Once you’re in the backcountry on a float trip along the Kenai, you’ll most likely have entire stretches of the river all to yourself and can land more fish than you’ll know what to do with.
Yakima River
Washington’s only blue ribbon trout stream, the Yakima River starts its journey high in the cascades before snaking its way through the dry side of Washington and eventually flowing into the Columbia River. Along these stretches, you’ll find narrow canyons teeming with hatches, wide, slow-moving sections of river perfect for drifting, and no shortage of remote stretches where you’re sure to be the only one on the water.
Gallatin River
A classic Wyoming/Montana river that was the setting for the movie A River Runs Through It, the Gallatin is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike for its fast fishing action and picturesque setting. The River begins in Yellowstone National Park and in its upper reaches is nothing more than a meandering stream where fishermen rub shoulders with the local wildlife.
As it continues downstream, the river gorge narrows into one of the most beautiful stretches of river you’ll find anywhere in the country. This area gets busy during the summer but if you’re will to walk a little you can usually find your own little piece of paradise.
Madison River
Last but most certainly not least of the Montana rivers that trace their roots back to Yellowstone is the Madison. This river flows through some of the most picturesque land in the state and takes on a variety of characteristics along its length. This means that one stretch may be dead one month, but a few miles downriver, you’ll find the trout as hungry as ever.
Anglers love the Madison as it is easily wadeable, making it the perfect DIY river. With that said, you’ll most likely still see plenty of folks out on guided trips, as this is Montana fly fishing, after all.
Expect to run into both productive numbers and impressively large fish along the length of the river, and if the fish aren’t biting, just move a couple of miles, and you will probably change your luck.
