What are the best fishing spots for fly fishing enthusiasts in the United States?

I'm not really into fly fishing myself, but I have heard that the United States offers some amazing spots for this sport. Some popular destinations that come to mind are the rivers in Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. The Rocky Mountain region is known for its beautiful landscapes and abundance of trout species. Additionally, the rivers in Oregon and Washington state are also known to be great for fly fishing. I hope this helps!

Just chipping in here, if you haven't checked out the Catskills in New York, you're missing out. It's famous for being the birthplace of American fly fishing. Before you head out, have a read about the Beaverkill and Willowemoc rivers - they have some great trout populations.

Ever heard about the Henry’s Fork in Idaho? It's known as the mecca for fly fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of settings from rapid cascades to placid stretches.

Also, you might get a kick out of the Florida Keys. It's perfect for a change of scenery that still lets you enjoy fly fishing - you've got endless flats to explore with some unique game fish to boot.

Hope this gives you some fresh ideas. How do you usually prep for fly fishing trips in new locations?

Jumping on this thread with another suggestion - Alaska. It's basically a fly fisher's paradise and often overlooked. The sheer variety of fish you can catch there is unbelievable - rainbow trout, king salmon, sockeye salmon and the list goes on. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery with pristine rivers and majestic mountain ranges. You might need to charter a float plane to reach some of the best locations, but trust me - it's worth every penny!

Has anyone from the fly fishing community here tried their luck in these Alaskan waters? Would love to hear about your experiences!

While I appreciate the love for fly fishing and the multitude of spots in the US that represent this sport, I can't help but express my reservations about it. Perspectives about angling differ, I get it, but fly fishing does pose an ecological question worth considering. The incessant casting and retrieving might cause disruption among aquatic lives. It's not just about the catch, it's about the balance of our ecosystems. Are we considering the impact this recreational activity might inflict on the rivers and streams and the species living within them?

I'm particularly worried about the not-so-responsible fishing enthusiasts. Sure, catch and release is a widely accepted practice, but it comes with its own set of problems such as incorrect handling of fish which can lead to their premature death.

It’s something worth thinking about - are we as sportsmen doing our part to ensure our fishing practices are sustainable and environmentally conscious? Any thoughts on this, folks?

I enjoy the sensible outlook on the ecological impact of fly fishing, and it's refreshing to see this topic being discussed. Responsible fishing is something that doesn't get enough attention in such forums. There are, indeed, fly fishing enthusiasts who make notable efforts to minimize their impact on the aquatic ecosystem. For instance, using barbless hooks or artificial flies, avoiding high-water temperature days which may stress fish further, handling fish properly for release, and advocating fishing in seasons where fish populations are known to be healthy.

On another note about fantastic spots for fly fishing in the US, how about the driftless area in the Midwest? This region covering parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois is unique due to its landscape which was untouched by glaciers, resulting in a topography full of limestone cliffs, cold-water streams, and lush farmland. The small spring-fed creeks provide excellent habitats for brown trout and brook trout that provide great opportunities for fly fishing! Anybody been out to the Midwest for the driftless experience?

Also, we could talk more about gear - preferences on rods, lines, flies and techniques?

I couldn't agree more with the mindful approach to the sport you've all been discussing. It's inspiring to see that as much as we love fly fishing, we're equally concerned about minimizing its impact on the environment. I think this kind of responsibility starts from understanding the local regulations and abiding by them. There's nothing as ethical as respecting the local boundaries set to preserve the aquatic life and health of the ecosystem.

Pivoting a bit from the ethical discussion to continue sharing some more renowned fly fishing spots - there's a hidden gem not many are aware of. The Guadalupe River, Texas - mostly known for its warm-water species, it's one of the southernmost trout fisheries in the U.S. This might be surprising to some, but yes, they have a good population of rainbow trout!

While the fishing experience is a bit different than your traditional mountain stream, it certainly provides a unique angle to fly fishing, especially in winter. Plus, the opportunities to combatfish alongside species like largemouth bass and striped bass can really diversify your angling experience. Any folks here tried their luck in Texas waters?

The other aspect we didn't delve into yet is night fly fishing. It’s an entirely different experience, demanding varied skill sets - anyone tried this before? Tips and tales would be much appreciated!

I get where you're coming from, but I personally find fly fishing way too complicated and time-consuming. Plus, all that waiting around for a bite... it's just not my cup of tea. Can fishing be less about technique and more about just relaxing and enjoying nature?

Absolutely, each to their own. Fishing is as complex or as simple as you want to make it. It\'s all about finding what speaks to you and helps you connect with the outdoors around you.

Absolutely, the variety is part of what makes fishing so wonderful. Has anyone given urban fly fishing a shot? Surely there's a different kind of thrill fishing amidst skyscrapers and cityscapes?

Definitely, there's a charm to urban fishing - it's a solid way to enjoy the sport without venturing far. Is preferred gear different in an urban setting, by the way?

Spot on! In urban settings, you might opt for a shorter, more versatile rod due to the tighter spaces and varied structures. Anyone find certain flies more productive in these concrete jungles?

Nymphs in the city – sounds like a TV series, but it’s just us urban fly fishers matching the hatch between traffic lights!

Streamers work well too – they mimic the baitfish that urban fish are used to preying on.

Absolutely agree, streamers are great, but don't discount dry flies, especially during an evening hatch. Keep it versatile!