Dialing in your final list of schools to apply to? Currently, trout-bumming your way through college? Recent grad or washed-up alumni? We’ve all got our opinions when it comes to talking college rankings, so we thought we’d complicate it even more by adding fly fishing to the mix. Our top fly fishing college town list consists of the 25 best schools we deem fit for true fly fishing enthusiasts.
Criteria
While some schools have excellent trout fishing, others may have diverse offerings of species and fisheries. To properly rank the “best fly fishing colleges,” we judged each school on three criteria: diversity of species, proximity to water, and student fly fishing/conservation organizations.
Species Diversity/Fishing
For some, a trout sipping a dry may be the epitome of fly fishing, but the sport as a whole offers anglers much more. From warm water fisheries to coastal fisheries and everything in between, we felt it was important to take this into account in our rankings. Sure, trout fishing is fun, but it doesn’t hurt to expand your skillset to other areas.
Proximity to Water
As a college student, close proximity to water is crucial. You may not have a car or easy access to consistent fishing otherwise. We took this into account in our rankings and made sure schools were within accessible range for fishing. Whether between classes or a weekend send, the schools that made our list offer accessible fishing opportunities.
Student Organizations
If you’re interested in fly fishing or are a die-hard angler, good student organizations can make all the difference. They offer a chance to get involved and meet like-minded individuals. Additionally, programs like TU Costa 5 Rivers engage students in bigger conservation projects. Sure, you’ll get to fish, but you also get a chance to give back to local fisheries through conservation efforts.
After considering the overall cultures both on and off the water, we think these 25 schools deserve a place in the trophy case. After all, what would college football season be without a little competition of our own?
1. Montana State University – Bozeman, MT
Bozeman has always been a fly fishing destination in its own right, and Montana State University is no exception. Students obsessed with living the trout bum lifestyle are greeted with the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers in close proximity. Add to that the abundance of other world-class rivers across the state, and plenty of hidden gems, and it’s easy to see why the fly fishing obsessed flock here. The MSU Fly Fishing Club is also an active member of the TU 5 Rivers program, bringing together like-minded students to lead conservation projects and, of course, fish. The combination of fly fishing culture, world-class rivers, and big trout solidifies MSU as our top pick for trout bums. And if you’re going to skip class to fish, we recommend waiting for the salmonfly hatch.
2. University of Montana – Missoula, MT
Coming in at number 2 is the University of Montana, located in Missoula. Another Montana school, UM, is positioned near some iconic rivers. The Clark Fork runs right through town, Rock Creek is just down the road, and students speak in code about which hatch is happening. The UM Trout Unlimited 5 Rivers club connects students with the area’s epic fisheries, while also giving back to the resource through conservation work. Fly rods in one hand, stream restoration tools in the other. If you’re looking for a slightly smaller school than MSU without sacrificing the legendary Montana fishing, UM is a great choice.
3. Western Colorado University – Gunnison, CO
Western Colorado University finds itself approximately 2 miles from the nearest boat ramp on the Gunnison River. This legendary river is one of Colorado’s premier trout rivers and an easy commute to fish after class. In addition, several other nearby rivers, like the Taylor, give students other options to procrastinate school work and chase trout. The WCU Fly Fishing club is a staple at this school, offering weekly meetings in and outside of the classroom.
4. Appalachian State University – Boone, NC
Boone is where southern small-town vibes meet sneaky good trout fishing. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right by town and offers access to some fantastic wild small stream fishing. Appalachian State University is also less than an hour’s drive to the legendary Watauga and South Holston tailwaters. The college fly fishing club in Boone is making serious waves in the industry surrounding their conservation projects, community building, and fly tying nights. Also, rumor has it, the Appalachian State Fly Fishing club might be the fishiest group of guys and gals east of the Mississippi.
5. Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO
CSU Fly Fishing Club members live the dream. They have the benefits of a bustling campus life, mountain town vibes, and close proximity to great fishing. Positioned on the Front Range in Colorado, Boulder Creek is a short walk from campus. In addition, CSU’s centralized location makes it a great jumping-off point for the Rockies, Wyoming, or any of the nearby warm-water fisheries. Bonus points: the proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park makes skipping class almost too easy.
6. University of Wyoming – Laramie, WY
Wyoming’s wind is basically a hazing ritual — if you can cast here, you can cast anywhere. But for those who brave the breeze, alpine cutthroats, big browns, and solitude are your reward. By graduation, you’ll have a degree, bulletproof double-hauls, and the skills needed to catch trout anywhere. The UW Fly Fishing club is also an active and engaging member within the Trout Unlimited 5 Rivers space.
7. Penn State University – State College, PA
Spring Creek, Penns Creek, and Bald Eagle Creek are the holy trinity of State College fly fishing. These legendary rivers have had literal books written on them and are filled with fly fishing heritage. Penn State also has the oldest fly fishing course in the country, which Joe Humphreys played a pivotal role in developing. Now George Daniel, a fly-fishing guru and former coach of the US Fly Fishing Team, runs the course, so expect a PHD in trout fishing. Students can also join the Penn State Fly Fishing Club, which promotes conservation and the fly fishing community.
8. University of Miami – Miami, FL
If you’re looking for four years of sunshine and excellent fishing, the University of Miami is your place. Your home waters are Biscayne Bay, where you can expect shots at bonefish, permit, and tarpon—the big three. In addition, the various canals within walking distance of campus hold peacock bass, snook, and tarpon. You’ll probably skip class for a tide window, and honestly, who wouldn’t? The only catch: you’ll spend more on gas and skiffs than on textbooks.
9. Fort Lewis – Durango, CO
Durango is an underrated gem, tucked in the San Juans with trout around every bend. Students fish the Animas before class, chase pike after, and squeeze in desert carp when they’re looking for a change. The diversity is insane, and it’s one of the only places where pulling a weekend trout slam actually feels doable. Although a sleeper pick, the Fort Lewis Fly Fishing Club is here to make a difference by getting students involved in local conservation projects.
10. University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
SLC is where powder days and trout days blend into one lifestyle. The Provo River is a stone’s throw from campus and offers some world-class fishing for students looking to take a break from the books. The student organizations play a big role in the University of Utah’s way of life. Another prominent member of Trout Unlimited Costa 5 Rivers program, the University of Utah Fly Fishing Club is just as likely to be found picking up bags full of trash or big kyped up rainbows.
11. East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, TN
The South Holston and Watauga tailwaters make ETSU a southern fly fishing stronghold. ETSU students are blessed with an abundance of well-known hatches that these two local tailwaters have to offer. Whether you enjoy throwing fall streamers or springtime sulfurs, this is the place to be. The student organizations are equally important as the fishing to this college town. The ETSU Fly Fishing club is making a difference around the tailwaters with organized trash cleanups as well as unique learning opportunities.
12. University of Oregon – Eugene, OR
Eugene is home to a student body that might be half trout hippie or half steelhead junkie. Want to target different species? This place has it all. You can hit the McKenzie and Willamette just down the road or head to the coast to chase chrome on the fly. Sure, Eugene’s fishing scene might lead you to missing a few classes, but you might just be surprised to find your professor on a river playing hooky as well.
13. Boise State University – Boise, ID
Boise State might be one of the only schools where trout literally run through campus. The Boise River is an on-campus fishery, with steelhead and trout practically in lecture range. Boise offers other well-known rivers, such as the Owyhee and Payette, which are phenomenal rivers to hunt for trout on the fly.
14. Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, VA
Hokies have the option to split their time between tailwaters or tight, small streams. Brook trout thrive in nearby Appalachian streams, while smallmouth in the New River keep things spicy. Conservation culture runs deep here, and the angling community is tight-knit — which makes this school a perfect candidate for this list. One of the most active 5 Rivers clubs in the nation, the VT Fly Fishing Club’s crew is all about fishing hard and protecting local waters. From tailwaters to brook trout streams, they bring Hokie pride to every bend in the river.
15. University of Washington – Seattle, WA
If steelhead obsession is a major you are looking to explore, Seattle is the place for you. Students here have the options of fishing the Skykomish, the Yakima, or just tying up wet flies with their school’s prominent fly fishing club. The Husky Fly Fishing Club is another proud and active member of the Trout Unlimited 5 Rivers program.
16. University of Vermont – Burlington, VT
17. Western Carolina University – Cullowhee, NC
18. University of Idaho – Moscow, ID
19. College of Charleston – Charleston, SC
20. University of Maine – Orono, ME
21. Texas State University – San Marcos, TX
22. Gonzaga University – Spokane, WA
23. Tulane University – New Orleans, LA
24. University of Nevada – Reno, NV
25. Northern Michigan University – Marquette, MI
26. Bonus: SUNY – College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Syracuse, NY
27. Bonus: Lees McRae College – Banner Elk, NC
Which schools did we miss? Feel free to comment below!
Article by Team Flylords, based in Basalt, Colorado.
All the central New York schools – Colgate, Cornell, Hamilton, Ithaca, Syracuse – all of the Catskills and Adirondack rivers are in short driving distance, plus all the lakes in the area, and steelhead and salmon too. And don’t forget NYC and LI schools with their saltwater access. But mostly, GO ‘GATE!!!!
Why on earth is UNC on this list instead of one of the many schools in western NC? There is exactly zero decent fishing within at least 100 miles of UNC. Come on guys…
Unc-Asheville, APP state, Western Carolina university are the logical choices here.
Eckerd College in St Petersburg, FL – the school is literally on the water with a marina on Tampa Bay
Brevard College in Brevard, NC. Easy access to some of the best trout fishing in the eastern U.S.
I’m with Andrew, “come on man”…
Black Hills State University, located in Spearfish, South Dakota!
This is a incredible fishery that few people travel to specifically for the fishing, however if you decide too, it is 100% worth it. As a local, I have a hard time traveling anywhere else for a fishing trip because most places are a downgrade.
I completely understand why it didn’t make the list because it isn’t exactly well known, but if you’re looking for backcountry spring-fed creeks with brook trout, brown trout well over 16 inches, or wild rainbow trout the Black Hills have got your back! An added benefit of the fact it isn’t a well known place, is that it’s possible to find water where you can fish all day and never see another angler.
There is excellent fishing within a 5 minute walk of campus, and if you’re willing to drive more than 30 minutes you can find some insane fisheries. I would recommend calling the fly shop in Rapid City for more information on where to fish!
Northern Michigan University on the shore of Lake Superior + all the tributaries you want! Chocolay,Dead,Carp,Yellow Dog,Little Garlic…
Missoula is a no brainer. I hate to be the guy that says that is because I go to school there but it’s true. From the Blackfoot to the Bitterroot to the Clark Fork and Flathead. Rock creek and other creeks have ample fish and no people. I have never fished in Colorado but I can’t imagine going to any river and being alone. Just because everyone goes to bozman to fish the Madison and the Yellowstone does not mean its a fly fishing mecca for College kids. In Bozman you need to drive out of town to get to good fishing. You can float anywhere in Missoula after class and that is the true fly fishing college town.
Really not understanding why Washington State University and the University of Idaho are not on this list. They are together almost one University in the middle of trout and smallmouth central.
Only one university has ever been known as Fly Fishing U
Penn State
We Are ! The Penn State Fly Fishing program started by George Harvey and then by Joe Humphreys continues on to this day!
Do you guys know where Idaho State University is? Henry’s Fork, South Fork, Silver Creek. Oh wait, never mind, let’s keep it quiet.
Plymouth State University in Plymouth NH. It’s right smack dab between the Lakes Region and White Mountains. The Pemigewasset & Baker Rivers basically run right thru campus.
Goodness! You include Chapel Hill and ignore both Asheville and Western Carolina. From Asheville, you have not only quick access to the best trout fishing east of the Mississippi (Davidson, South Holston, Green, North and South Mills, etc. etc. ) but you also have great small mouth fishing and even Muskie fishing on the French Broad. Yikes, you really missed the boat.
You forgot to mention the University of Maine in Orono, ME. Nearby, I fly fish for smallmouth/largemouth/striped bass and American shad in the Penobscot river (that surrounds the school), and brook/brown/rainbow trout, salmon, and a whole host of various fish species throughout the state.
Virginia Tech and Liberty College . And Dah VMI in Lexington.
University of Minnesota Duluth. You have Great Lakes Steelhead, Brown Trout, Coaster Brook Trout, Killer Smallmouth Fishing, Workd Class Musky Fiahing all within an hour of campus!
St. Lawrence University in the Adirondacks. Oodles of native trout!!! Weekend excursions kept me out of the bars and probably saved my liver.
Humboldt state University in n. California is the closest to the excellent blue ribbon water ways ; upper/lower Sacramento River, Trinity River, McCloud, Pitt, Hat creek not to mention the Eel, Mad, Smith, Klamath rivers
Gannon University in Erie, PA. Nothing like catching a 32 inch Stealhead with a foot or more of snow on the ground
UNR in Reno, NV. Truckee river, Pryamid Lake, Walker river, Carson River, lots of Sierra lakes and rivers/ creeks within an hour or so.
Amherst MA should be in the 25. It is close to the Swift, Deerfield and Connecticut Rivers and 1 1/2 hour drive to the Farmington River. Lots of smaller rivers and streams hold brook trout and some warm water species. The area not only has an abundance of quality fishing but 5 colleges including UMass Amherst in close proximity. Great town, great schools and great fishing.
Northern Michigan University in Marquette Michigan
Where is the University of Montana in Missoula at the junction of the Bitterroot, Clark Fork and Blackfoot. The University of Montana should be in the top five
Also the University of Vermont is in Burlington
UNC-Asheville, Brevard College (how on Earth did you miss that one) and Western Carolina University
Easiest way to get people to give up their favorite fishing spots – put out a list of mediocre places tied to some school spirit/pride.
There are no trout near Missoul
Florida Gulf Coast University (Super close to the Gulf of Mexico and lots of inshore fishing and beach fishing) and Ursinus College outside of Philadelphia (Right next to two major rivers). Florida Gulf Coast University has one of the most active fishing clubs in the state of Florida’s University system.
Didn’t the flylords founder go to Sewanee…in TN?
Princeton and maybe Rutgers .Northwest NJ and especially Raritan river and its branches have get fishing access.
Corvallis, Idaho?
Brevard College in Brevard NC has the Pisgah Forest and the Davidson River within 3 miles plus the WLEE Program that is teaching Wildlife Experiential Education as part of the campus curriculum
Or Add in UNCW and the Cape Fear River fishing plus within close proximity to the entire NC & SC coast and the Redfish, Marlin and other fishing is an undiscovered gem
Missoula and University of Montana not making this list discredits it in my eyes.
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA. Mountain brook trout on both flanks of the Valley of Virginia; spring creek browns; smallmouth and muskies; an excellent fly shop in town (owned by JMU alumni) and a couple others in easy driving distance; craft beer and good cafes.
Hahahahah
Your from Basalt ?
You must have not wanted to mention your favorite fishing area
The old Western State in Gunnison CO
How can you pass up the
Mighty Gunnison, the Black Canyon, and every little creek and tributary around .
I get it!
I agree with you
Don’t mention it
Or all the other Pilgs will flock here
Bravo
Chico State. Multiple species. Endless year round options. Easy to get away from other anglers. Super underrated.
University of Oregon has the following fisheries within an hours drive. Pacific ocean Salmon and steelhead. Salmon and Steelhead on the Umpqua R. Smallmouth bass on the Umpqua. The Willamette and McKenzie rivers are top notch. One hour, give or take, you can reach the beginnings of the Cascades lakes trout fisheries going east. Just remember, all fishermen are liar’s.
I’m sure there’s a lot of places that could be added, but I have a few… I went to school in River Falls WI (UW), one of the best trout streams in WI runs right through town, it’s at the top of the driftless, and Madison WI is at the bottom of the driftless… Fantastic fishing at your doorstep, and great college towns…. Also can’t believe Bozeman is not on the list, or Missoula….
Wabash College (Crawfordsville, IN) is near Sigar Creek, one of Indiana’s premiere and most beautiful smallmouth streams. Professor Emeritus and former Dean David Hadley taught a Freshman Tutorial on fly fishing for a number of years. Some Little Giant! WAF.
Gonzaga University – Close to all of the many high alpine lakes in Northern Central Washington as well as some strong Eastern Washington Fisheries like the Spokane River and the less known Rocky Ford in Moses Lake. Not to mention the other cold and warm water lakes and streams that are in Eastern Washington that put you in range of not only trout and salmon but large and small mouth bass, yellow perch, wallleye, and more. Of course, Gonzaga is also 30 minutes from Northern Idaho where you have access to the North and South fork CDA River, the St. John’s River, and priest River. Again, not to mention the many lakes and less known rivers in the area. If all of this isn’t enough for you, Missoula is 3 hours away and British Columbia is 2+ hours away.
East Tennessee State University
Within 30 mins are MULTIPLE trout streams!!
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How could you possibly miss Michigan Technoligical University in Houghton in Michigan’s upper peninsula. They even teach fly casting in gym class.