Here at The Fly Shop, we’ve spent decades sending traveling anglers around the globe in pursuit of legendary fisheries. From tigerfish in Africa, golden dorado in Bolivia, Atlantic salmon in Russia, and sea-run browns in Tierra del Fuego, we love helping anglers check off bucket-list destinations.
But sometimes, the best fishing trips don’t require a passport, jet lag, or burning a full week (or two) of vacation.
Right here in the U.S. there are world-class fly fishing lodges offering exceptional fishing, professional guide service, and flexible trip lengths that make them perfect for quick getaways with friends, father son trips,or long weekends when time is limited. These destinations combine convenience with outstanding angling and are often overlooked in favor of far off exotic adventures.
Below is a seasonal look at some of our favorite close to home fly fishing lodges, all represented by The Fly Shop.
Spring (Pre-Runoff)
Springtime in the Rockies can be a magical time to fish, especially on tailwaters that offer stable flows and reliable insect activity while freestone rivers are swollen with snowmelt.
Missouri River, Montana
Missouri River Lodge Old world Montana lodge feel
On DeMark Lodge Family owned and operated perfect for small groups
The Missouri River shines in the spring with prolific Blue Winged Olive hatches, excellent nymphing, and far lighter crowds than peak summer months. Long slicks, technical dry fly opportunities, and healthy trout populations make this a favorite for anglers who appreciate precision-fly fishing and numbers of trout.
Big Horn River, Montana
Kingfisher Lodge One of the best values in the Rockies
The Big Horn is another springtime standout, offering consistent flows, strong BWO activity, and dependable fishing when other rivers are unfishable. Expect quality trout, excellent guide service, and classic tailwater fishing at its finest.
White River, Arkansas
White River Trout Club Big brown trout and riverfront accommodations
If you’re willing to head south, the White River offers a shot at big, predatory brown trout in the spring. Between blizzard caddis hatches, sulfur duns, and streamer fishing, this is a destination for anglers who like the possibility of a truly memorable fish on every cast.
Lower Sacramento River, California
The Fly Shop Guide Service Easy to get to with direct flights from SEA, SFO and DEN
Our home waters here at The Fly Shop are an incredible option in the springtime. When most western rivers are still frozen or blown out because of snow melt, The Lower Sacramento shines with prolific hatches of caddis and mayflies. The upper rivers here in Northern California like the Upper Sac, McCloud and Hat creek can offer you your first consistent trout fishing of the year from mid March through May.
Early Summer (Post-Runoff)
As runoff subsides, Western rivers come alive with some of the most sought after dry-fly fishing of the year.
Madison & Big Hole Rivers, Montana
Madison Valley Ranch A quintessential Montana lodge experience
Madison Double R Over the top luxury on one of the most famous Montana trout streams
Complete Fly Fisher Spend the days fishing and the evenings on a culinary journey
Ruby Springs Lodge Picturesque cabins nestled on a private stream
Early summer means stonefly season! The kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. These lodges put you in prime position to fish legendary waters with large dries, aggressive trout, and long daylight hours. It’s classic Western fly fishing with variety, scenery, and heart pounding surface eats.
Upper Columbia River, Washington
Black Bear Lodge Big rainbows in the beautiful Pacific Northwest
The upper Columbia river sports an incredible population of rainbow trout with an average size of 18-20”. This overlooked fishery is a true gem and fishes well with several different tactics. Swing fishing from the gravel bars can be productive as well as nymphing from the jet boats that they use to access the many riffles and runs in the upper stretches of the river. But, when you hit it right, the insect hatches will have these hefty fish looking to the surface for dry flies.
Summer
Late summer brings warm days, stable weather, and some of the best dry fly fishing of the season.
South Fork & Henry’s Fork of the Snake
Teton Valley Lodge Centrally located in the best water Idaho has to offer
Henry’s Fork Lodge Beautiful lodge setting with excellent meals
This is hopper time. Fishing large terrestrials to eager trout on iconic rivers like the South Fork and Henry’s Fork is about as fun as fly fishing gets. Add in spectacular scenery, technical spring creeks, and exceptional guide programs, these lodges deliver a complete late summer Rocky Mountain experience.
Backcountry Over Night Trips
Spotted Bear Ranch Real Wilderness pack trip in the “Bob”
Black Canyon Anglers Nobody knows the canyon like these guys
And if you’re truly looking for a bucket list trip this Summer without having to leave the country, head out into the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana or the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado for a multi day float trip with trout filled days and more stars than you thought existed at night.
Fall
Fall is prime time for anglers looking to avoid crowds and target large, aggressive fish. Across nearly all of the rivers mentioned above, streamer fishing for big browns can be outstanding as trout prepare for winter. It’s also a great time to explore something a little different.
Idaho
Teton Valley Lodge Options to add bird hunting to the itinerary
If it’s a cast-and-blast opportunity you’re looking for, chase grouse and pheasants behind an English setter for some challenging shooting amidst mountain canyons draped in Fall colors one day and chase that last dry fly sip of the year the next. Fall offers unique experiences with fewer anglers and dramatic scenery.
Southern Saltwater Options
Woodland Plantation (Louisiana) Built by a pirate and offers true Southern Comfort
Bay Flats Lodge (Texas) Great operation with Texas hospitality
When trout season is winding down, point your compass south. Fall redfish programs provide outstanding sight-fishing opportunities, mild weather, and an exciting change of pace. Extend your season without travelling far, and enjoy sight-fishing from a poled skiff with an English speaking guide.
World-Class Fishing, Without the Long Flight
You don’t need to travel halfway around the world to enjoy exceptional fly fishing. With flexible trip lengths, professional guides, and consistent fishing, they’re ideal for anglers who want maximum return on limited time – all in your backyard.
If you’re looking for a shorter getaway, a first lodge experience, or simply incredible fishing close to home, The Fly Shop can help you find the perfect fit.
Give us a call and let’s start planning your next adventure. No passport required.