The American West is synonymous with trout fishing. Large rivers, blanket hatches, and some of the highest densities of trout per square mile beckon fly fishing purists from across the world. While you can find a few trout in just about any Western river, some are better than others. Over our years of fishing the American West, here are 5 iconic rivers every angler should fish at least once.
1. Green River – Utah
The Green River has earned its name as a trout factory. It has some of the highest densities of trout in the world, at roughly 12,000 fish per mile in the upper section below Flaming Gorge Dam. Anglers can expect to find a mix of rainbows and browns with a rare cutthroat throughout. This tailwater fishery is productive year-round, and some true giants can be found, especially in the C section further downriver. While anglers can catch fish any way they choose, one of this river’s highlights is its annual summer cicada hatch.
2. South Fork of the Snake River – Idaho
The South Fork of the Snake River, simply known as the South Fork, is one of Idaho’s premier trout fisheries. It runs 66 miles through Southeastern Idaho, and homes native Yellowstone cutthroats, browns, and rainbows. Anglers will find some of the most scenic floats in the country on this pristine stretch of water. The bug life on this river is prolific, and accommodations at the South Fork Lodge are world-class. If you’re looking for a trophy fish, the South Fork grows them big, just take a look at this 29.5-inch brown trout caught this year. They also have an epic mutant stone fly hatch, if you like big fish chasing down foam bugs.
3. Big Hole River – Montana
Montana’s Big Hole River is widely considered one of the best rivers in the world for fly anglers. The Big Hole is a freestone river with over 150 miles of fishable water. Anglers can expect to come across browns, rainbows, cutthroats, and even Arctic grayling. This river gets prolific hatches throughout the year, so bring your dry fly A-game. While it’s faced its fair share of conservation issues in recent years, it is still a destination fishery worth visiting. The river can be crowded in the summer, so your best bet to visit is early spring and fall.
4. Frying Pan River – Colorado
We couldn’t complete this list without a river in our own backyard. The Frying Pan River, or Pan for short, is one of Colorado’s premier trout fisheries with a Gold Medal stretch spanning 14 miles beginning at Ruedi Dam. It flows through the town of Basalt, where it meets another legendary river, the Roaring Fork River. It’s one of the more wading-friendly rivers on this list and is filled with healthy rainbow and brown trout, along with the occasional cutthroat. The Mother’s Day hatch is epic, and the Pan gets a good number of drakes as things start to warm up. Add to that the surrounding mountain towns of Aspen, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs, and there is plenty to do on and off the water.
5. Clark Fork River – Montana
Another Montana River, the Clark Fork, is a freestone flowing 300+ miles through some of Montana’s most scenic areas and is one of the few rivers that caters to all anglers. Depending on the stretch, your fish range from a small stream to a giant, almost tailwater-like river. The upper reaches are small, and as more rivers join the Clark Fork, it grows in size. Anglers can expect to come across browns, rainbows, and cutthroats, with some truly lunker fish found throughout. This freestone river offers excellent dry fly fishing, with good fishing after runoff and throughout the summer. If pods of rising fish are what you’re after, the Clark Fork is the place to be.
