There are literally more species in Florida that can be caught on a fly rod than I can begin to list, freshwater and saltwater. What are the best rivers for fly fishing in America? Vote up the top fly fishing rivers in the United States. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for the latest gear reviews, as well as priority booking for our hosted trips, and links to our digital issues. Fly-fishing in the great wilderness shrouded rivers of the American Northwest and Canada are only the tip of the iceberg. Missoula, Montana. Oak Creek is one of the best fly fishing spots if you are looking to catch all types of catfish and bass. In addition to the camping and lodging options within Yellowstone National Park, there are campsites available at places like the Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA, Yellowstone River Campgrounds and Yankee Jim campground north of Gardiner. They are very knowledgeable of the best places to fish in the area, and they know which types of flies work for themselves or the other anglers that come into their shops. Tennessee Valley Uncharted 2,671 views Encompassing everything from the Seattle area west to the Olympics, Western... Eastern Washingtonâs Best: Rocky Ford Creek. One of the best trout streams in the U.S., the Colorado River has great trout fishing throughout much of its reach in Colorado, as well as in the fantastic tailwater below Glen Canyon Dam in ⦠Roscoe in New York is nicknamed Trout Town USA. 5 Of The Best Fly Fishing Destinations In The United States 1. In almost every state in the U.S., there are great fly fishing waters. List RulesVote up the top fly fishing rivers in the United States. Just along the southwestern border of this peaceful hamlet also once named the “best outdoor sports town in New York,” is the confluence of the Beaver Kill and the Willowemoc Creek known as Junction Pool, with a commemorative sign nearby that hails it as “one of the most famous pools in angling literature”. Beware of the Special Trout Water regulations. Stretching more than 55 miles across the Shenandoah Valley with two prominent forks extending approximately 100 miles each, the Shenandoah River features year-round fishing with the most productive months being April through September. This is a small, laid-back college town, ⦠In Colorado, the town of Glenwood Springs offers some of the best fly fishing in the America with the Fryingpan River and Gunnison River close by and fabulous sunshine nearly year-round. San Diego is one of the best fishing destinations in the country for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. An introduction to five of America's best fly fishing rivers. Roosevelt Lake From its shallow, warm, and deep waters, youâll have the chance to catch large catfish, carp, and bass. Roscoe, New York. 888-777-5060 Here are some of the best US rivers for fly fishing. While most people fly fishing, spin fishing is both legal and productive. Despite an estimated population of less than 700 residents, Roscoe offers a number of camping and overnight accommodations, such as Roscoe Campsite Park, Russell Brook Campsites, Baxter House and Creekside Bed and Bath and Reynold House Inn and Motel. With several fly fishing organizations throughout the state, the sport is alive and well among its loyal proponents. Extending 692 miles through Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota, the Yellowstone River is the only undammed river in the continental U.S. and features a wealth of fishing access points for visiting anglers. For the experienced fly fishing enthusiast, it’s not hard to think of several phenomenal rivers across the country, although coming up with just five might easily provoke a hearty debate. Wild rainbow trout and hatchery and wild steelhead fishing can be quite good, and some years there is a... John Day River. Attracting fishing enthusiasts worldwide, the Au Sable River is also home to several notable fly fishing shops, guide services and outfitters and among the best are Old Au Sable Fly Shop, Ron’s Fly Shop and Gates Au Sable Lodge in Grayling, Streamside in Fairview and Au Sable Angler and Trophy Waters Fly Shop in the community of Mio. Letâs take a look at some of the best Buckeye waters for engaging in the popular sport. There are good numbers of both browns and brookies here, and trophies are much more common than further upstream. As a tributary of the Roaring Fork ⦠This list ranks the most popular fly fishing waters in the United States. However, the majority of the San Juan River passes through southeastern Utah and more prominently, in northwestern New Mexico, where the fly fishing for big brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout just below Navajo Dam is world renowned, particularly the Miracle Mile section just over four miles downstream that’s known as one of “North America’s most hallowed fishing waters.” Plenty of camping and RV parking is available along the shores of New Mexico’s second largest lake at Navajo Lake State Park, along with noteworthy fishing lodges like the Rainbow Lodge, Soaring Eagle Lodge, the Octagon Inn and the Orvis-endorsed Fisheads San Juan River Lodge. Montana and Wyoming are home to such an enormous collection of legendary rivers, one could easily fill a complete list of America’s Top 10 for fly fishing destinations between these two states positioned in the Western U.S. Take for example iconic rivers like the Blackfoot and Gallatin as well as the fabled rivers in Yellowstone National Park, such as Firehole, Gibbon and the Madison River. Of the many legendary rivers within the breathtaking Catskill region in New York State known as the birthplace of American dry fly fishing, the Beaver Kill River is unquestionably among the most revered. One of the most beautiful and most graceful examples of angling, fly fishing is often described as a true art form, perhaps best exemplified by a lone fisherman wading in knee deep water amid rushing waters and the peaceful silence of a spellbinding forest. Traveling very close to the famous “Four Corners” region of the Southwestern U.S., the San Juan measures approximately 383 miles long and one of its own tributaries, the Animas River, is among a select number of Colorado Gold Medal rivers, capable of producing at least twelve 14 inch or larger trout per acre and 60 pounds of trout per acre. North America and the Caribbean are perhaps the best fishing grounds in the world. The Missouri river produces great hatches, premier dry fly fishing, large trout and even world class carp fishing! Other prominent access points include Twin Bridge on the North Branch, Chapel, Mio Roadside Park and Boat Launch and McKinley Bridge on the South Branch. ©2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Also, Salmonflies are hatching during that one month stretch. The Missouri River is a classic and one of the best Montana fly fishing rivers. One of the most popular fly fishing rivers in Colorado (for good reason) is the South Platte River. Stonefly Upper Pecos River Fly Fishing. Related: Top Fishing Destinations In The U.S. By viewing our video content, you are accepting the terms of our. Best Fly Fishing Rivers in Washington Western Washingtonâs Best: Hoh River. In Colorado, the town of Glenwood Springs offers some of the best fly fishing in the America with the Fryingpan River and Gunnison River ⦠Through his published works, Gordon became known as the “Father Of American Fly Fishing” for advancing the popularity of what is now one of America’s favorite pastimes. Missoula and West Yellowstone are two ⦠This sixty-mile long spring creek runs from near Bellefontaine all the way to Dayton. Said to be North America’s premiere destination for big trout, the San Juan River is one of the major tributaries of the Colorado River. Fly Fishing for Trout with an Expert on the South Holston (Top 10 Trout River in America) - Duration: 8:12. Green River, Utah - Dutch John, Utah 2. But the ten on our list are guaranteed to provide some of the best fly fishing of your life and most include Gold Medal Stream sections, as designated by the state of Colorado. The White River - Cotter, Arkansas 4. San Juan River - Navajo Dam, New Mexico 5. With the average trout size exceeding 12 inches, it is no wonder the fly fish industry in the state generates nearly a billion dollars a year. Running for over 722 miles through the south tip of Missouri and the top half of Arkansas, the... 2. From the M-72 Bridge downstream to the CCC Bridge, the river is fly- fishing only. 6. As one of the major tributaries filtering into Lake Huron, the Au Sable River is frequently known as a dry-fly nirvana, with multiple access points across the north, south and main branches of this celebrated blue-ribbon trout river, particularly the legendary nine-mile stretch known as the Holy Waters. More Great Fly Fishing Rivers in Northeast Oregon Imnaha River. Related: 7 Best Fly Fishing Locations In The World. The fish-rich waters of Rock Creek flow for 52 miles just southeast of Missoula. TOP 25 Places to Catch Large Trout Fly Fishing in America 1. South Platte River. This is the launching point for the hallowed rivers... 2. Not surprisingly, several exceptional outfitters operate within the region, such as Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in the historic city of Harrisonburg, Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg and Shenandoah River Outfitters in Luray, which also features cabins, cottages and campsites. Green River, Utah. North Fork of The White River - Dora, Missouri 7. Make sure to be here in January to catch some amazing Striped Bass as they migrate through the area in the winter. The main tributary of the Potomac, the Shenandoah River is one of the premier rivers for smallmouth bass in the Eastern U.S. and among the top rated fly fishing rivers in the country. From California to New York, New Mexico, and Missouri, there are plenty of rivers for fly fishing in the United States. By hiring a guide, one can float downstream in a boat allowing them to fish all the best water and see the surrounding landscape while casting a fly line. Photo Credit: MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images. Itâs true American wilderness for even the fanciest of fly fishermen or women, and nothing really compares to going off the grid to this cold state for a fly fishing endeavor.