Totally hooked on fly fishing and don't want to be stymied by the changing seasons? Don't despair, there's a world-class fishing experience waiting for you – every season of the year!
"With great lodges and destinations around the globe, anglers can chase summer and catch a variety of species in some very exciting environments!", says our fly fishing afficionado, Zach Lazarri.
(It's worth noting that we are basing this guide on the North American seasons. For southern hemisphere destinations, the opposite season is relevant, for example, when we say 'summer' in reference to summer in North America, it's winter in New Zealand.)
Spring fly fishing destinations
"Spring for fly fishing is very underrated and is one of my favorite seasons to chase big trout", says Zach.
In the Western US, fly fishing in spring comes with the caveat of high water potential. It's a dance with runoff, but some of the best fishing of the year can occur in March, April and May.
Early-season fly fishing can bring especially good rivers and looking for fly fishing vacations in Montana is a great move. Tailwater fisheries are especially productive in spring and our Montana fly fishing lodges are exceptional during this season.
Fly fishing in spring can also be a little tricky, because it has some crossover with the southern hemisphere. Spring in North America is fall in South America and New Zealand, making it a great time to chase big fish in those respective countries.
"I personally love March in the southern hemisphere, because big brown trout are on the move", says Zach. "They migrate from giant lakes and reservoirs into river systems, where they eventually spawn and enjoy spring trout fly hatches. Some of the largest brown trout on earth are caught during this vulnerable time period".
Where to go fly fishing in the summer
Most anglers live for summer fly fishing trips. Casting to rising trout from a drift boat in the western US is a summertime classic and some incredible warm-weather fly fishing destinations await! Here are five important rules to remember when fishing from a raft or drift boat.
Fly fishing lodges in Colorado have some amazing summer waters to explore and these, along with Wyoming fly fishing lodges, Idaho and Montana fishing vacations, top the list for float trips and for high-country fly fishing.
Fishing in Idaho in the summer is magical, too and you can experience some of the best dry fly fishing in the country on the Henry's Fork during the summer months.
"I think fly fishing in the western United States is the best summer move you can make", says Zach. "However, the one outlier in that group includes Alaska. It's not exactly road trip-friendly, but Alaska has to be my top choice for summer trips".
Travel logistics are much easier in the lower 48 states, but there is nothing comparable to fly fishing vacations in Alaska. The opportunity to catch king salmon, big rainbow trout, go bear viewing and experience a remote wilderness beyond compare is completely unique.
Fall fly fishing vacations
As things cool down, the most desired fall fly fishing destinations are essentially a continuation of summer.
It's not quite time for the southern hemisphere opportunities, but North America is still loaded with great float fishing!
Fall and autumn fly fishing destinations include all of the aforementioned best states for fly fishing in the summer, along with fly fishing lodges in North Carolina.
On North Carolina's rivers, keen anglers can enjoy fly fishing vacations that include both float and wade trips. They run year-round, but fall particularly offers a great climate and is an idyllic time of year to experience this region. "I also like that they offer both trout and smallmouth bass fishing," says Zach.
Traveling to the Rocky Mountain states is also great in the fall. Summer crowds are long gone and many locals are busy hunting – this leaves rivers wide open with chances at big brown trout. "I love September and October both", says Zach, "but prepare for storms and colder weather as the season progresses".
Where can I fly fish in the winter?
While Alaska and the western US rivers are frozen and covered in snow, some of the most productive trout fisheries on earth are hitting their prime months in the southern hemisphere. This is the best time to head out on a southern hemisphere fly fishing vacation!
Trout fishing seasons in New Zealand, Argentina and Chile open in November, and these are the prime freshwater destinations during the North American winter.
"I like November in Patagonia because few people are fishing," advises Zach. "You might encounter more rain and higher water, but the fishing is excellent".
For most anglers, traveling after the holidays is more convenient. January and February are peak summer months, and you won't find many places with rivers and lakes as beautiful as those fly fishing lodges in Patagonia and New Zealand.
If you're looking for world-class operations in in the southern hemisphere, head to our fly fishing lodges in New Zealand.
Many anglers dream of a giant New Zealand brown trout slurping a dry fly and you can make that a reality in these places.
"Keep in mind, this country also has some insanely productive fishing for rainbow trout as well" advises Zach. "Don't overlook the fact that bruiser rainbows can also keep your rod bent!"
And bonus: there are plenty of adventures for the non-anglers in your party, too!
"Fly fishing vacations in Argentina run the Alumine River which has some of the best dry fly fishing I've encountered anywhere," recalls Zach. "Rainbow trout circle eddies and line up beneath trees to catch falling caterpillars. It's really unique and the fishing is amazing!"
On the Chilean side of the Andes, Aysen has big, wild rivers where king salmon pile into deep pools and big brown trout hold beneath log jams.
"The coastal effect, combined with big trout makes these waters some that bring me back as often as possible", says Zach.
Planning Your Epic Fly Fishing Vacation
The great thing about planning your fly fishing trip is that you always have an opportunity to chase.
First, take a look at your personal schedule and identify openings for trips. Next, think about budget and logistics.
For folks living in the US and Canada, you can easily shotgun a trip to the west or to North Carolina where airports make things super easy to plan.
For Alaska, Patagonia and New Zealand, advanced planning and booking are more necessary. Day trips are possible but these are more remote destinations where you'll want to hit the ground running.
Work closely with the lodges and outfitters to sort out dates and logistics, like what to pack for your fly fishing vacation, so you can focus on the fishing the minute you arrive!
Original article written by freelance writer and fishing afficionado, Zach Lazzari.
Co-written, edited and created by Kate Hammaren; luxury and adventure travel writer, editor and world traveler.
About our author, Zach Lazzari
Zach Lazzari is a freelance outdoor writer, fly fisherman and full-time adventure traveler. After a decade of guiding anglers in Colorado, Montana, Alaska and Patagonia, he turned to the travel and media industry to continue pursuing new species in exciting locations. Zach has written for The Drake, Orvis, NRS, and many other brands and publications in the outdoor industry.