Where the Trout Are Jumping

Where the Trout Are Jumping

A guide to some of the nation's best fishing holes

A friendly fly fisherman may give you directions to his favorite fishing hole, but a smart one will guard his spot like gold. Fly fishermen tend to be tightlipped about where the fish are biting, so finding a good fishing spot can seem overwhelming to those just starting out. But we've done some of your work for you and compiled a list of some of the country's best fly fishing rivers. While there are thousands of good fishing holes around the country, fly fishing experts at the Federation of Fly Fishers and Fly Fisherman magazine recommended these rivers as surefire winners. If none of them are within an easy drive, the experts recommend asking a local fly shop for advice. But ask where the best river access is, they say, not where a particular hole is. Easy access will allow you to roam up and down the river with the fish, as opposed to being confined to a single fishing spot.

Alagnak River, Alaska: The Alagnak, with its giant trout and amazing scenery, is just one of Alaska's many fishing pleasures. If you tire of the river, the region also offers excellent lakes and ponds.

Au Sable River, Michigan: One of the few midwestern rivers to make the list, the Au Sable is a good bet for all kinds of trout. But midwesterners shouldn't bemoan a lack of fishing holes. The tributaries to the Great Lakes offer great pike and small mouth bass fishing.

Trout River. Photo by Elena.

Beaverkill River, New York: Bass prefer the warmer waters of lakes and ponds, and are more common in the East. This is one of the best bass rivers in the country. Use a dry fly. You may also catch some small rainbow trout.

Bighorn and Madison Rivers, Montana: Montana is the Mecca of fly fishing, and these two Montana rivers are considered the best of the best. Trout thrive in the cool, mountain waters. Fish these waters with dry or wet flies for brown and rainbow trout. The average catch is about 10 to 12 inches.

Green River, Vermont: Good for rainbow and brown trout, with a few bass.

Jackson River, Virginia: The Jackson River is an easy day trip from Washington, D.C., or Richmond, Va. It is considered one of the best trout streams in the area.

Lower Deschutes River, Oregon: This cold water stream is teeming with trout and bass. Catches average 1 to 4 pounds for the trout and 6 to 10 pounds for the bass.

San Juan River, New Mexico: The San Juan is respected as one of the premier big-trout rivers in the country. Rainbow trout are plentiful. But so are annoying crowds of fishermen. The best time to fish the San Juan is in the off-season (late fall or early spring).

Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania: Some portions of the Susquehanna are polluted, but the river (which winds through Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland) offers excellent small mouth bass fishing.