When it comes to the best fly fishing rivers, it is very hard to compete with the many rivers that the western part of the United States has to offer. Compiling a list of the great fly fishing rivers in the western part of the United States would take forever, as almost every river in the west is stocked with fish just waiting to pounce on a perfectly cast fly.
However, there are some western rivers that seem to be a bit better than others. These rivers have seen many fish records taken from them and for a fly fishing enthusiast, there is simply no substitute. Here are some of the best fishing rivers in the west:
• Ogden River: The Ogden River in Ogden, Utah is filled with all kinds of fly-fishing favorites, including tiger trout and salmon. The river is a constant breeding ground for fish and there is rarely a bad day of fishing on the Ogden River.
• Clearwater River: The Clearwater River in Lewiston, Idaho is another western river that should get top billing. This river is one of the best in the state of Idaho for lovers of a good fighting fish. Rainbow trout are a mainstay in the river and the size of the ‘steelies’ in the Clearwater River will make you think you are fighting a wild stallion.
• Snake River: The Snake River is unique in that it stretches through the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. This incredible river ‘meanders’ an astounding 50 miles through all three states and offers incredible fishing no matter what state you are fishing in. It is a definite for any angler.
• Rock Creek River: Located in the ‘Big Sky’ part of the country, this Missoula, Montana river is where the ‘locals’ go when fishing for brown trout. For nine of the twelve months, this is the river in Montana for fly fishing, which is saying a lot considering all the wonderful fishing rivers in the great state.
• Gallatin River: Another impressive Montana river worth noting is the Gallatin River located in Bozeman, Montana. If you enjoy fly fishing or even drift boat fishing, this is a must-fishing river. No matter which part you fish, you’re bound to reel in some big ones.
• Truckee River: The Truckee River, located near Lake Tahoe, Nevada, is a river that may require a hike to get to the sweetest spots, but it will be a worthwhile hike. Here you will find many ‘feeder’ creeks offering spectacular fly fishing with some of the clearest water you have ever seen.
You really can’t go wrong with a fly fishing trip out west. However, you can increase your chances of not only landing fish, but huge fish as well, when you visit any of these western fly fishing rivers. A word of caution here, make sure your vacation is long because you will likely want to go to more than one of these western fishing spots while on your next fly fishing adventure.
