< Back to Table of Contents
A father and son fly-fishing
ADOBE STOCK
Waterfront Views:
On the Fly
Waders on and rods up—experience a fly-fishing adventure on one of America’s scenic rivers.
By Virginia Brown
Just before dawn, a haze lingers over the water. The cadence of wildlife and the natural environment beats all around. It’s peaceful, serene—and the time to catch fish. From the glacier-fed channels of the Rocky Mountains to rushing currents down South, America’s most scenic rivers offer a timeless source of peace and quiet: fly-fishing. As the country celebrates 250 years, it’s fitting to reflect on some of the most beautiful places to fly-fish in America.
Fly-fishing in the White River, Arkansas
Arkansas Tourism
Arkansas
Arkansas is widely regarded as a world-class fly-fishing destination. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the White River in particular has earned a reputation for some of the best trout fisheries in the U.S.
Gaston’s White River Resort offers half- and full-day fishing trips, with expert guides who takes guest to the best pockets of the White River, where you’re bound to catch rainbow, cutthroat, tiger and brook trout. But brown trout are the most sought-after, since they can grow longer than 30 inches long in these waters, according to resort owner Clint Gaston.
“The White River holds some of the best trout fishing in the country, but it’s the combination of wildlife and the quality of fishing that makes it so special,” he says. In addition to catching fish, other thrills come in the form of graceful blue herons and powerful bald eagles winging in to do some fishing of their own. Other wildlife sightings include fox, deer, otter and beaver.
Fly-fishing in Arkansas is a year-round affair. Winter is great for the folks who want to “streamer” fish with a distinct lure, and spring is good for “dry” fishing, while trout eat surface caddis. The summer and fall months are best for midge fishing and other fly patterns. Early mornings and evenings are great, but you can catch fish at all hours of the day.
Also in The Natural State, the country’s first national river, the Buffalo National River, is a serene, protected waterway and surrounding landscape that’s managed by the National Park Service. The river offers warm-water fly-fishing that differs from cold-stream trout fishing. Don’t be surprised if you catch a smallmouth bass in certain sections. The Buffalo Outdoor Center, from its outpost in Ponca, partners with experts for guided boat or wading trips.
Brown trout caught fly-fishing in Colorado
adobe stock
Colorado
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado features several Gold Medal waters, including the South Platte, Fryingpan, and Arkansas rivers. In partnership with Trip Canvas, AAA offers discounts on half-day lessons on Clear Creek, not far from Denver. On these guided trips, novice anglers learn how to cast, wade, understand trout habits and read the water.
From Kremmling, book a four-hour fishing tour on the Upper Colorado with AVA, using your AAA Membership to get the best rates. On the Western Slope, Rich Valley Adventures also offers thrill-of-the-catch adventures on the Roaring Fork River, which teems with native cutthroat, brook, rainbow and brown trout.
Fly-fishing in the Madison River, Wyoming
Montana
With crystal-clear, cold waters and stunning backdrops, Montana draws anglers from far and wide—and for good reason. Hubs like Bozeman, Ennis and Missoula top the list, with the best fly-fishing rivers, including the Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, Big Hole, and Bitterroot.
Many outfitters, including Montana Fly Fishing Guides, are uniquely qualified to lead you on any number of on-water adventures. Let them show off the Upper Madison’s “50-Mile Riffle,” a famous stretch known for its thriving wild-trout population and shallow, fast-moving waters. On a trip along the Stillwater River, another fast, free-flowing stream, browns and rainbows, some reaching up to 20 inches long, abound.
Near Bozeman, seek out Luke Montgomery, an experienced outfitter who can help you navigate the legendary rivers and streams of southwest Montana. Book a four-hour, half-day fishing trip or a full-day experience through AAA. Full-day excursions last about seven hours. Novice fly-fishers are welcome, as are those looking for new places to test their expertise.
For fly-fishing inside Yellowstone National Park, check out AAA’s Full Day Montana Fly-Fishing Adventure.
Fly-fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Smoky Mountain Guides
North Carolina & Tennessee
Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the best trout fishing in the region. Through AAA’s Trip Canvas partnership, book an outdoor adventure with Smoky Mountain Guides, whose experts can direct you to prime spots within the park and lead a bespoke four-hour trip. Focus fish include rainbow, brown or brook trout, with the outfitter providing all the gear you need. Just be sure you have a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license and your Great Smoky Mountains National Park pass.
A couple of hours east, expert fly-fishing guide Dave Bergman founded Hendersonville Outfitters in downtown Hendersonville. Bergman offers guided tours of several rivers and streams throughout the region, including in the popular resort town of Brevard. Not only a guide, Bergman is also invested in efforts to keep area waters thriving. He partners with Tuxedo Falls, a treehouse glamping resort with two on-property streams and five waterfalls. Here, he serves as the resort’s exclusive fly-fishing guide while also working to maintain, stock and increase the trout populations. When he’s not guiding, he can be found leading fly-tying clinics in popular area breweries.
If looking for a hotel in Hendersonville, North Carolina, consider reserving a studio suite at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Flat Rock. AAA Members save and earn Marriott Bonvoy points when booking AAA rates!
Fly-fishing is offered through Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
CHETOLA RESORT
In the High Country, Blowing Rock’s charming Chetola Resort offers fly-fishing wades or floats led by award-winning guide Dom Costello, and others, on one or two popular tailwaters, the South Holston or the Watauga River. Either choice presents excellent fly-fishing and the opportunity to appreciate the lush Appalachian Mountain landscape.
Whether casting here in the cool currents of the Appalachians or across the country in the rivers of the Rockies or the Ozarks, fly-fishing offers more than the chance to land a trophy fish. It’s an invitation to slow down, listen to the rhythm of the rivers and experience some of America’s most spectacular landscapes one cast at a time.
Ready to cast your line in some of America's most legendary waters? Whether you're planning a weekend on a nearby river or a fishing trip farther from home, AAA Members can save on the experience. Discover how to get discounts on comfortable hotels and Hertz rental cars and earn cash back on outdoor clothing and gear at AAA.com/Save.
If you’d like to share this article with someone, click the SHARE icon at the top right of the page.
Check out these other stories!
Hidden Giants: On The Hunt for Trolls
Five Most Pet-Friendly National Parks
Local Events: July & August
Tours that Reveal America’s Hidden History
