The old saying is everyday of fishing is better than a day at work. Few of us would disagree with it. While that may be so, some days of fly fishing are better than others. Specifically, we are talking about fly fishing spots every angler talks about.
As you well know, there are thousands upon thousands of great spots to hit. Heck, I’ve fished in Siberia of all places. Caught mostly vodka, but that is another story. Regardless, picking 5 is difficult, so don’t send me blazing emails about how wrong I am!
1. Alaska. There is little doubt it is one of the last great wildlife spots in the world. Well south of Anchorage, the Bristol Bay area offers a bevy of fish ranging from salmon to trout, pike and more. Hit the various waterways dumping into the bay during the summer.
2. Mardi Gras in Brazil is legendary and so is a particular fishing spot – the Rio Negro. Peacock bass are the explosive fighting fish legendary for breaking rods. They are actually cichlid, but who is going to quibble. Late winter is the best time of the year.
3. British Columbia is beautiful and known for its fishing, specifically steelhead. The Skeena River system is ideal. Steelheads average 15 pounds and are plentiful in the tributaries. September through October is the best time, but watch for rising rivers.
4. Argentina. Now there is a destination you might not think of with fly fishing. Well, the Rio Traful is a river in Patagonia with landlocked Salmon! The fishing is so good that President Eisenhower fished there and Ted Turner owns a big ranch on the river.
5. Western Colorado has a lot to offer and Gunnison River is it for fly fishing. Gunnison Gorge is the spot with towering rock cliffs and rainbows and trout. You’ll need a guide to get there as you have to access it by trail or boat. It is worth it.
These may not represent your top 5, but I guarantee a few days at any of these locations will have you reevaluating your top 5 list. Give any of them a try and you will not regret the decision to do so.