The 5 Best Places to Fly Fish in the U.S.

Anyone who fly fishes knows that there is nothing more relaxing than being immersed in the landscape of a beautiful river or lake, enjoying the tranquility of nature, and catching a fish on a rod, but perhaps you are tired of catching the same old bass in the same old town. If you are ready to take your RV somewhere new to fly fish, then you’ve come to the right place. 

To help you plan your trip, here is a list of the five best places to fly fish in the U.S. In addition, be sure to obtain a fishing license in the state you intend to go fly fishing in prior to your trip.

1. South Holston Lake, Bristol, TN

Not only is South Holston Lake home to the world’s third largest earthen dam, it’s also one of the top two lakes in the state of Tennessee. Spending time outdoors is a popular activity for those visiting the city of Bristol, especially for those who like to fly fish. The weir dam here is one of the top-rated destinations for fly fishing in the U.S. Fishers who head to the river may catch white bass, which migrate to this area in the spring, as well as trout, such as brown, rainbow, and brook. The lake is known for its large trout, which makes it an exciting spot for fisherman to check out. 

Obtain a Tennessee fishing license here.

Where to Stay

• Bristol/Kingsport KOA Holiday — hookups available 
• Rogers Gardens Campground — hookups available 
• Shadrack Campground — hookups available 
• Earhart Campground — hookups available 
• Pole Position Campground — hookups available 
• Bristol Campground — no electric hookups
• Thunder Mountain Campground Bristol — hookups available 

2. Estes Park, CO

While many people may think of Colorado as a premier spot for hiking, it’s also a fly fisher’s paradise. With so many bodies of water in and outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, especially lakes, there are plenty of spots to catch a fish or two. The Big Thompson Canyon, an iconic fly fishing spot, includes more than 20 miles of river with several rainbow and brown trout around to catch. Fly fishers can also head to Moraine Lake to catch small brook trout or even Lake Estes to catch yellow perch, walleyes, and rainbow trout!

Obtain a Colorado fishing license here.

Where to Stay

• Aspenglen Campground — no hookups available 
• Timber Creek Campground — no hookups available 
• Glacier Basin Campground — no hookups available 
• Mary’s Lake Campground — hookups available 

3. Everglades National Park, FL

With 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands, Everglades National Park is a popular spot for fly fishing. Make your way to the seagrass marshes, backcountry bay arras, and mangroves along this lively coast to catch some unique fish. Within the shallow shore areas, fishers will find snook and redfish. During the months of May and June, tarpon can be found all over the park. Some of the best spots to fly fish in this park are Everglades City, Lopez River, Sandfly Island, and more.

Obtain a Florida fishing license here.

Where to Stay

• Flamingo Campground — no hookups available 
• Long Pine Key Campground— no hookups available 

4. Yellowstone National Park, MT

Not only is Yellowstone National Park known for its unique hydrothermal features, such as hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles, it’s also a famous spot for fly fishing. In Yellowstone, you’ll find Gallatin, Madison, Snake, and Yellowstone trout. Fly fishers can explore different streams and rivers around the park, such as Yellowstone River, where you can fish in the Grand and Black Canyons,  Gardner River, a  small river with deep pools, Lewis River, located in the southern park, and many more spots. On your way to different fishing spots, you’ll likely spot herds of bison!

Obtain a Montana fishing license here.

Where to Stay

Yellowstone National Park has 12 RV-friendly campgrounds.

• Bridge Bay Campground — no hookups available
• Madison Campground — no hookups available
• Indian Creek Campground —no hookups available 
• Mammoth Campground — no hookups available
• Norris Campground— no hookups available
• Pebble Creek Campground— no hookups available
• Tower Fall Campground — no hookups available
• Lewis Lake Campground — no hookups available
• Canyon Campground — no hookups available
• Fishing Bridge RV Park — hookups available
• Grant Village Campgrounds — no hookups available
• Slough Creek Campground— no hookups available

5. Kenai River, Kenai, AK 

From the taiga forests at lower elevations to the glaciers up in the mountains, there’s nowhere like fishing in the state of Alaska. While trout is a common fish to catch in other places, Alaska is best for snagging some salmon from popular fishing spots, such as the 82-mile Kenai River system. There are many companies that offer guided fishing tours, where you will get to catch pink salmon, halibut, steelhead, rainbow trout, and many more fish species.

Obtain an Alaska fishing license here.

Where to stay

• Savage River Campground — no hookups available 
• Riley Creek Campground — no hookups available 
• Teklanika River Campground — no hookups available 

From the mountainous landscapes out west to the wetlands down south, there are so many different areas to fly fish in the U.S. Catch everything from rainbow and brook trout to various salmon species, depending on where you go. If you’re both a fisher and a surfer, then be sure to explore the best places to go surfing as well.

See you on the road!