Trout Fishing Locations

Trout fishing offers a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels, with diverse environments ranging from pristine mountain streams to expansive lakes. This document highlights some of North America's premier destinations for trout fishing, detailing their unique characteristics and the species of trout you can expect to find.

Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA

Colorado is renowned for its abundant trout fisheries, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. The state boasts a "Gold Medal" stream designation for certain sections of rivers that consistently produce large trout and provide excellent public access.

• Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout (various subspecies), Brook Trout.
• Key Rivers/Areas:
  • Arkansas River: Known for its diverse trout population and stunning scenery.
  • South Platte River (Dream Stream): A popular spot for large brown and rainbow trout.
  • Fryingpan River: Famous for its consistently large trout due to tailwater conditions.
  • Colorado River: Offers a mix of accessible and remote fishing opportunities.
• Tips: Fly fishing is popular here, with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers all proving effective depending on the season and hatch.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho, USA

Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for fly fishing, offering a unique opportunity to fish in a wilderness setting. Its waters are home to native cutthroat trout, as well as rainbow and brown trout.

• Species: Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout.
• Key Rivers/Lakes:
  • Slough Creek: A renowned dry fly fishery for large cutthroat trout.
  • Lamar River: Excellent for cutthroat trout, especially during the salmonfly hatch.
  • Firehole River: Unique geothermal activity allows for year-round fishing.
  • Yellowstone Lake: Offers opportunities for large cutthroat trout.
• Regulations: Special regulations apply within the park, including catch-and-release only in many areas and specific tackle restrictions. A valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit is required.

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is a vast province with an incredible array of trout fishing opportunities, from large lakes holding massive rainbow trout to remote rivers teeming with various species.

• Species: Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead (sea-run rainbow trout), Dolly Varden, Bull Trout, Brook Trout.
• Key Regions/Lakes:
  • Kamloops Area: Famous for the "Kamloops Rainbow," a unique strain of rainbow trout known for its size and fighting ability.
  • Fraser River System: Offers diverse fishing, including opportunities for steelhead.
  • Thompson River: Another prime steelhead fishery.
  • Kootenay Lake: Known for Gerrard Rainbow Trout, which can exceed 20 pounds.
• Tips: Stillwater fishing with chironomids and leeches is very effective in the lakes, while spey casting is popular for steelhead in rivers.

The Ozarks, Arkansas/Missouri, USA

The cold tailwater fisheries of the Ozarks provide excellent trout fishing, particularly for brown and rainbow trout, thriving below dams that release consistently cold water.

• Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout.
• Key Rivers:
  • White River (Arkansas): One of the most famous trout fisheries in the world, known for its trophy brown trout.
  • Little Red River (Arkansas): Another fantastic brown trout fishery.
  • Norfork River (Arkansas): Offers good numbers of rainbow and brown trout.
  • Current River (Missouri): Known for its wild rainbow trout and scenic beauty.
• Tips: Wading and drift boat fishing are common. Streamers and sculpin patterns are often effective for larger brown trout.

Patagonia, Argentina/Chile

While not in North America, Patagonia deserves a mention for its world-class trout fishing that draws anglers globally. Its vast, pristine landscapes offer incredible opportunities for large brown and rainbow trout.

• Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout.
• Key Regions/Rivers:
  • Rio Limay (Argentina): Known for its large brown trout.
  • Rio Chimehuin (Argentina): A classic dry fly river.
  • Lake Strobel (Argentina), also known as Jurassic Lake: Famous for incredibly large rainbow trout.
  • Futaleufú River (Chile): Offers diverse fishing in a stunning setting.
• Tips: Fishing guides are highly recommended due to the vastness and remote nature of many fisheries.