Best Fly-Fishing Spots in North America

Man fly fishing in a calm foggy river at dawn

Image Credit:

Raphael Fortier Metivier

Fly fishing is as much about where you fish as how you fish. North America is home to some of the world’s most famous trout streams, salmon rivers, and saltwater flats, offering opportunities for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Former American Angler editor and longtime fishing guide Phil Monahan shared some of his favorite fly-fishing destinations across the United States and Canada. Whether you’re chasing rainbow trout in Montana, Atlantic salmon in New Brunswick, or tarpon in Florida, these waters belong on every angler’s bucket list.

Best Fly-Fishing Spots in North America

State/Province	Fly-Fishing Destination	Best Known For
Alaska	Kvichak River	King salmon, Arctic char
Arkansas	Red River	Brown trout
California	Sacramento River	Rainbow trout, steelhead
Colorado	Gunnison River	Rainbow and brown trout
Florida	Buchanan Bank	Tarpon
Idaho	Snake River	Trout
Maine	Upper Dam (Rangeley Lakes)	Brown trout, salmon
Michigan	Pere Marquette River	Steelhead, king salmon, brown trout
Montana	Big Hole River	Rainbow and brown trout
Montana/Wyoming	Yellowstone, Big Horn & Madison rivers	Trophy trout
New Jersey	Raritan River	Brook and rainbow trout
New Mexico	San Juan River	Rainbow and brown trout
New York	Delaware River, Ausable River	Rainbow and brown trout
North Carolina	Davidson River	Brook and rainbow trout
Oregon	Deschutes River, Umpqua River	Rainbow trout
Pennsylvania	Spring Creek, Yellow Breeches	Brown trout
Texas	South Padre Island	Redfish
Wyoming	Firehole River	Rainbow and brown trout
Wyoming	Snake River	Cutthroat trout
Quebec	Cascapedia River	Atlantic salmon
New Brunswick	Miramichi River	Atlantic salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best state for fly fishing?

Montana, Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, and Idaho consistently rank among the best states for fly fishing thanks to their abundance of trout rivers and public access.

Where is the best trout fishing in North America?

Top destinations include the Gunnison River (Colorado), Yellowstone River (Montana/Wyoming), Snake River (Idaho and Wyoming), San Juan River (New Mexico), and the Deschutes River (Oregon).

What is the best time of year for fly fishing?

Spring through fall is ideal in most regions, although many tailwater rivers provide excellent fishing year-round.

Can beginners fly fish at these destinations?

Yes. Many of these rivers offer guided trips, fly shops, and beginner-friendly access points.

Good luck, and remember that you can’t catch anything without a line in the water!

Fishing

About The Author

Jennifer Keating

Digital Editor

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at The Old Farmer’s Almanac. She is an active equestrian and spends much of her free time at the barn. When she’s not riding, she loves caring for her extensive collecti...