If you like fly fishing like I do, you will want to look at this list of the best states for fly fishing. I break down each state by location so you can plan a trip easily.
Best States for Fly Fishing
| State | Top Fishing Spots | Main Fish Species | Best Time to Fish | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Kenai River, Bristol Bay, Kvichak River, Kodiak Island | Salmon, rainbow trout, steelhead | June – October | Largest salmon runs in the world, remote and pristine waters |
| Wyoming | Yellowstone River, Snake River, North Platte River, Wind River Range | Cutthroat trout, brown trout, rainbow trout | June – September | Blue-ribbon trout streams, backcountry fishing |
| Montana | Madison River, Gallatin River, Big Hole River, Bighorn River | Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout | April – October | Legendary fly fishing culture, diverse fisheries |
| Washington | Yakima River, Skagit River, Hoh River, Rocky Ford Creek | Steelhead, salmon, rainbow trout | Year-round (varies by species) | Excellent steelhead rivers, coastal and inland fisheries |
| Arizona | Lees Ferry, Oak Creek, White Mountains | Apache trout, Gila trout, rainbow trout | Year-round (varies by location) | Rare native trout, high-altitude desert fishing |
Fly Fishing Alaska
Alaska is THE destination for fly fishing. With so many runs of fish, you will never run out of options. Also, the action is packed into just a few short warm months.
Best Fly Fishing Spots in Alaska
| Location | Target Fish | Best Time to Fish |
|---|---|---|
| Kenai River | Rainbow trout, king salmon | June to September |
| Bristol Bay | Sockeye salmon, char | July to August |
| Kvichak River | Trophy rainbow trout | June to October |
| Kodiak Island | Steelhead, coho salmon | September to November |
Why Alaska is a Top Fly Fishing Destination
My favorite fish to catch fly fishing in Alaska is a salmon. With so many different kinds of salmon and areas to catch them in, the opportunities are endless. Even if you just fly in for a few days, you can hire a guide to put you on the fish. Or if you are DIY like me, you can use these Alaska locations to plan you trip.
Alaska Fly Fishing Tips & Regulations
- Use big streamers: to mimic baitfish when targeting trophy trout.
- Fly out to remote locations: for a true Alaskan experience, many areas are accessible only by floatplane.
- Hire a boat charter: You can hire a boat to fish off of or take you to remote access areas.
- Know the regulations: Certain rivers have strict catch and release rules. Be sure to check the limits and bait restrictions.
Fly Fishing Wyoming
Wyoming offers some of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in the U.S. I primarily target the native trout in Wyoming. Some of the best river to fish are below.
Best Spots in Wyoming
- Yellowstone River – Famous for its cutthroat trout populations.
- Snake River – Known for aggressive native cutthroat trout.
- North Platte River – A top location for large brown and rainbow trout.
- Wind River Range – A backcountry destination with high-elevation lakes.
Why Wyoming is a Top Fly Fishing Destination
- Famous Cutthroat Trout Streams – Home to native Yellowstone and Snake River cutthroat.
- Less Crowded Than Other Western States – Less fishing pressure compared to Montana and Colorado.
- High-Altitude Streams and Lakes – Offers excellent fishing in remote locations.
Wyoming Fly Fishing Tips & Regulations
- Best season: Summer (June–September) when trout are most active.
- Use terrestrial flies like hoppers and beetles in late summer.
- Check Yellowstone National Park rules: Some areas have barbless hook requirements.
Fly Fishing Montana
Montana is the gold standard for fly fishing. The combination of clear mountain rivers, large trout populations, and a deep fly fishing culture makes it one of the best places to cast a line.
Best Spots in Montana
| River | Main Fish Species | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Madison River | Rainbow & brown trout | June – October |
| Gallatin River | Cutthroat & rainbow | May – September |
| Big Hole River | Wild brown trout | April – July |
| Bighorn River | Trophy trout | Year-round |
Why Montana is a Top Destination
- Legendary Waters – Madison, Yellowstone, and Gallatin Rivers offer world-class fishing.
- Diverse Fisheries – Cold mountain streams and big tailwaters provide different experiences.
- Strong Conservation Efforts – Montana protects its rivers with barbless hook regulations and catch-and-release fishing.
Montana Fly Fishing Tips & Regulations
- Use dry flies during summer hatches.
- Wade carefully to avoid spooking fish in clear water.
- Purchase a Montana fishing license online before heading out.
Fly Fishing Washington State
Washington is unique in that it offers both trout and salmon fly fishing. From the Yakima River to wild coastal steelhead runs, there’s something for every angler. Washington is a top destination for wild steelhead. These ocean run fish pack a punch in the river. They are the fastest migratory fish.
Best Fly Fishing Spots in Washington
- Yakima River – Best trout fishing in the state.
- Skagit River – Premier winter steelhead destination.
- Hoh River – A remote spot for wild steelhead.
- Rocky Ford Creek – One of the best spring creeks in the U.S.
Washington Fly Fishing Tips & Regulations
- Use egg patterns in salmon-spawning areas.
- Watch out for seasonal closures on steelhead rivers.
- Use spey rods for casting in wide rivers.
Fly Fishing Arizona
Arizona might not be the first place you think of for fly fishing, but high-altitude mountain lakes and rivers make it one of the best states for fly fishing in the Southwest. I personally have fished the Colorado river in Arizona. It was a trip I will never forget. We fished from the dam all the way to the landing!
Best Fly Fishing Spots in Arizona
| Waterbody | Fish Species | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Lees Ferry | Rainbow trout | Year-round |
| Oak Creek | Brown trout | March – May |
| White Mountains | Apache & Gila trout | Summer |
Why Arizona is a Top Destination
- Rare Native Trout – Home to Apache and Gila trout, found nowhere else.
- Diverse Fishing Environments – Cold tailwaters and high-elevation streams. Easily float the rivers with a guide or your own boat.
- Year-Round Fishing – Lees Ferry offers trout fishing even in winter. The fast water and temperature keep the water ice free.
Arizona Fly Fishing Tips & Regulations
- Use small nymphs in clear desert waters.
- Check seasonal closures for native trout conservation areas.
- Use barbless hooks for catch-and-release fishing.
