Author Topic: Fly Fishing River/Stream Bucket List (Read 528 times)

Chad Mano · « **on:** October 21, 2011, 01:05:08 AM »

Sorry if this topic has been discussed. I searched the forums (I'm pretty new here) as best I could and couldn't find anything.

I've been fly fishing for about 15 years, started in college, but have never fished outside of Utah, Idaho (only the Henry's Fork), and Yellowstone. Hitting a point in life where a real fly fishing trip every few years with the family might be possible.

So I've been thinking I should make a fly fishing bucket list. I'm looking for opinions on the top 10 fly fishing rivers/streams for North America, and then an additional 5 throughout the world. And I'd like to be able to make a list of specific rivers or sections of rivers, not just locations. (Ex. Madison River qualifies, Madison River in Yellowstone Park qualifies, but Yellowstone Park doesn't). I know this might sound silly, but I want to be able to say, "I fished the _____ river/stream."

Any criteria you have works. For example, I imagine that Wrigley Field is on most baseball stadium bucket lists. I've been there and it's definitely...old. Bad sight-lines (if you have cheap tickets), horse trough urinals, dark concourse, etc. However, because of the incredible history and aura, it's a place I'll always remember and I feel very privileged to have been able to go. So it's not just about the biggest fish, or most beautiful area (but it could be). It can be about the history/story behind the river (or whatever else you want).

If you could include a sentence or two explaining why you included each place that'd be great. Feel free to mention stillwater too, for the benefit of all, although I'm mostly interested in making a bucket list for myself of rivers/streams.

Thanks!

Loren Williams · « **Reply #1 on:** October 21, 2011, 07:09:09 AM »

Hi Chad,

For me, it's about the entire package and I do appreciate difficult/challenging fishing so my top rivers may not be for you if numbers matter-but here they are (in no order):

1. Wheao River, North Island New Zealand. Completely undeveloped with giant browns and abundant large Russian River strain rainbows this was by far the most exotic, productive and fun river I have fished..ever. Period. Without a doubt.
2. Bella River, northern Slovakia-no idea what town it is near. This river is a high gradient, super clear river that dumps out of the Polish Tatras and comes complete with interesting, but pleasant, vegetative odors; gypsies; and great fishing for wild browns and grayling.
3. Little Pine Lagoon: Tasmania: a cool little highland still water with large abundant wild browns. This lake is easily accessed along it's complete shoreline and has boats you can rent..heck you can wade across it in most places.

I have fished others around the world, but as of yet these are the only ones I'd dream to refish.

1. Big Fishing Creek, Lamar, PA: words cannot describe this stream until you fish it. Wild browns and brookies, difficult fish and technical conditions in a downright photo perfect northeast setting with many other awesome streams in close proximity
2. Kings River, California. Yeah, it's mostly strong stocked bows but the canyon itself combined with super sexy gin clear water that makes me want to go back.
3. Nantahala River, NC: I just think this river and it's abundant population of wild rainbows defines FUN flyfishing for me. I especially love the section above the hydro input but it is all excellent fishing in a classic Great Smokey Mountain setting.
4. Delaware River, NY/PA border. Tailwater uber fishery for wild rainbows and browns. The browns are pretty but I go for the bows in some of the most technical water I have ever fished. These fish rival any steelhead I have ever met for pure strength and acrobatics. The Catskills aren't too hard on the eyes either.
5. Arkansas River, Leadville, CO and down. Words cannot describe this wild brown trout factory especially if you like to fish dries and technical nymphing, or streamer fishing for that matter.

There are so many more..if I think too hard my list will never be solidified.

Bill Steudler · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2011, 10:34:15 AM »

Chad,

Great thread!

I have to agree with Loren that there is a lot of primo water in the United States. I spent some time on the Henry's Fork this summer and would have to rank that river in my top 10. I have not been fortunate enough to fish all over the world like Loren has but I have fished some pretty stellar rivers in North America.

1. Big Fishing Creek(Lamar, PA)-If you want a challenge, go here. I have seen it humble some of the best anglers in the country.

2. Madison River(Bear Trap Canyon Access Ennis, Montana)-Words cannot not describe the fishing or the Bikini Hatch.

3. Lower Ruby River(Alder, MT)-Lived on this river this past summer, average Brown Trout was 17" with virtually no fishing pressure. It is often forgotten because it is in the middle of nowhere.

4. Poindexter Slough(Dillion, MT)-side channel of the Beaverhead River, possibly the greatest Brown Trout fishery I have ever experienced.

5. Penns Creek(Coburn, PA)-bug factory, big fish, big fish.

I am only going to post 5 because well, I can't actually decide on a top 10.

Check this website....www.fishcentralpa.com...I guide on all these rivers, there is information about PA and MT.

Roy Greenway Jr · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2011, 05:38:43 PM »

Great white in salt pond

Roy Greenway Jr · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2011, 05:39:20 PM »

Sorry I thought I was in the search bar.. Lol

Chad Mano · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2011, 12:19:04 AM »

The "challenge" isn't a criteria I had thought of (and I'm sure there's many more). That's great. Thanks for the insight Loren.

And Bill, I'm now excited about the two-day drive we'll be making next summer to visit some friends in Alberta. Dillon is an option for the overnight break point. Maybe I'll put it on my bucket list, just so I can feel like I'm making progress.

I figured for those who have fished all over that narrowing down a list would be a tough task. I really appreciate the insight.

I was doing some calculations today, and if I have 10 north american rivers and 5 others in the world, and if I can average one trip every other year (some will be easy, some will take some saving up for, and "regular" family vacations still have to happen), it'll take 30 years to finish the list. I better get started!