3 peaceful locales that offer the best fly-fishing in America
Plan for a fly-fishing adventure with your family and you’ll wake up in some of the country’s most pristine places. Here are three destinations to consider:
Western Montana:
Stunning scenery, plentiful fish and an enthusiastic community of guides combine to make Montana a top-notch base camp for fly-fishing. Spend a day on the Madison River with
Joe Dilschneider, owner of Ennis, Montana-based Trout-stalkers and your family will go home with more than basic casting skills. You’ll learn to “match the hatch” and fish pocket water from a raft.
Formed by the confluence of the Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison rivers at Three Forks, the mighty Missouri River flows 700 miles across Montana and is considered one of the most productive trout fisheries in the West. The town of Craig is among the numerous launch points from which families can explore this storied river.
Jackson County, North Carolina: With more than 3,000 miles of trout streams and 1,100 miles of hatchery-supported trout waters in the mountains alone, North Carolina is a fly-fishing haven. It’s also home to the nation’s only designated fly-fishing trail, the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, which takes anglers to 15 prime spots in the Great Smoky Mountains to cast a line. Expect a variety of options from wide-open rivers to small, secluded streams. The heart of the trail, the Tuckasegee River, is the county’s largest body of water. Designed by two outdoorsmen and fly-fishing guides, the trail is an ideal place for fly-fishers of all skill levels.
Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania: The Letort Spring Creek, Big Spring Creek and Yellow Breeches Creek are considered hallowed waters and have enticed fly-fishermen since the 1800s. Enthusiasts can expect to cast for brook, brown and rainbow in the streams, where a variety of riparian ecosystems provide diverse fly-fishing opportunities. Stay at the Allenberry Resort, where fly-fishing packages are offered. The valley is also home to the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum.