Cast your line and enjoy the serene sounds of nature as you reel in one of the country’s best-kept secrets: fly fishing. From trout to salmon, there are plenty of species to target in each state. Grab your waders and rod, and let's explore some of the best states to go fly fishing in the US!

What Is Fly Fishing?

Fly fishing is a type of angling that involves using a fly rod to cast artificial flies. The fly fisher uses lightweight tackle and specialized techniques to pursue fish like trout, salmon, and bass. Fly fishing suits both fresh and saltwater, making it an ideal activity for any outdoorsman.

It's no secret that some of the best fly fishing spots in the world are in the United States. With the country’s abundance of pristine waterways and stunning landscapes, it's hard not to fall in love with this sport. It can be challenging to determine just where to cast your line with so many options.

Here’s a look at some of the best states for fly fishing, each offering its own unique set of experiences that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

Colorado

The Centennial State is well-known for its world-class fly fishing, and with good reason. Colorado offers everything from rushing mountain streams to serene alpine lakes, making it a perfect destination for any angler. Some of the most popular species to target in Colorado include rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Texas

Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about fly fishing, but this state is home to a wealth of excellent fisheries. With over 250 miles of rocky coastline and countless inland waterways, Texas offers anglers plenty of opportunities to wet a line. Popular species include redfish, speckled trout, and black drum.

Alaska

The Last Frontier is a fly fisherman's dream come true. With its vast and untamed landscapes, Alaska offers anglers a unique fishing experience that you can’t find anywhere else. Some of the most popular species to target in Alaska include salmon, rainbow trout, and arctic char.

Florida

Florida may be best known for its saltwater fishing, but that doesn't mean it lacks excellent fly fishing opportunities. The Sunshine State is home to various freshwater fisheries, including bass, catfish, and crappie. And with miles of coastline and countless artificial lakes, there are plenty of fly fishing spots in Florida!

Montana

Among our list of the best states to go fly fishing in the US is Montana. The state offers anglers a wide variety of fisheries to choose from, including rivers like the Yellowstone River and lakes such as Lake McDonald. Popular species include cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, whitefish, and grayling.

Cast your line and enjoy the serene sounds of nature as you reel in one of the biggest catches on Earth. Pack up, grab your gear, and get ready to hit the water!