Where to Stay in Top 10 Fly Fishing Towns Across America

My wife recently decided she is going to be traveling with me on my fishing trips, as I work in the fishing industry, and our son will be making these trips with me very soon. As you might guess, she doesn't want to be left out. Personally, I think this is awesome and a dream come true. However, one thing I've quickly discovered is that my choices on where to stay is going to have to be upgraded. Now, when looking for places to stay on a fishing trip, a pull-off on the side on the road just isn't good enough.

With that in mind, our bargain is simple. We can fish wherever I want, but she gets to pick the places to stay. If your other half is like mine, then you know that last part comes with a price. However, after planning out our year, it's not as bad as you might think! If you're considering making this same bargain with your wife or husband, then a few of these places might work. Besides, what's a few extra bones when you get to fish dream rivers with your loved ones?

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

When you want to fly fish Colorado, Glenwood Springs is at the center of a lot. You are within a quick drive to the Blue, Dream, and right on the Colorado and Roaring Fork. It just doesn't get much better. When there, stay at the Hotel Colorado. For about $100 a night, you have a place you will never forget when you aren't on the water.

Madison River

The fly fishing on Madison River in Montana is said to be some of the best in the country. Running from Madison Junction in Yellowstone to Three Forks, it is classified as a blue ribbon fishery in Montana and is one of the most productive streams in the state for brown trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. The portions of Madison River below Quake Lake and Hebgen Lake are consistent fish-filled hot spots.The Madison Valley Ranch offers Orvis Endorsed fly fishing trips on the Madison River. Expect plenty of open space, world-class fly fishing, an attentive staff, gourmet meals and fine wines.

Casper, Wyoming

Flying into Casper gives you some of the best fly fishing in the country. Fishing the Miracle Mile is just flat out incredible. However, other than just standard hotels, there isn't much around there. There's where the Ramkota comes into focus. Again, for about $100 a night, you are in for an experience both on the water and off.

Monterville, West Virginia

The Elk Springs Resort, located just outside of Monterville on the banks of the Elk River, is the kind of place to return to every year. A full service bar and restaurant is right on the property and bug hatches rival some of the best anywhere. Depending on the time of year and season, you can find a room ranging from $70 to $160.

Lew Beach, New York

The Catskills in New York are the birthplace of American fly fishing. The Catskills' variety of waterways provides prime fly fishing conditions for both novice and seasoned anglers. 

For a cozy place to stay in the Catskills, the Beaverkill Valley Inn is hard to beat. This bed and breakfast offers everything a five-star resort would have but is run by down-home folks with a personal touch. The Inn offers lodging and meal plans that makes it easy to relax in the mountains when the fishing is done. For a weekend stay, there is a two night minimum. Running $445 for everything isn't cheap. However, if you get to fish the Catskills with your spouse, it's worth it.

Bozeman, Montana

Fly fishing the Bozeman area of Montana is a dream trip for many fly fishermen all over the world. When headed in that direction to fish the Yellowstone, Madison, or Gallatin rivers, staying at the Gallatin River Lodge will be the icing on top of the trip. Surprise your wife or husband with a romance package and make this trip a memory you will want to repeat. Lodging starts at $170 a night, but with an on site chef and the environment, this place is special.

Grayling, Michigan

With more than a hundred miles of cool, clear streams to explore nearby, Grayling, Michigan is a great location for fly anglers. Numerous road access points and public fishing sites make this an easy place for a visiting angler to navigate. Fishing regulations vary between sections on the river with some flies-only and catch-and-release areas.

The Hanson House, located right in the middle of Grayling and minutes from the Au Sable, will give you a relaxing and memorable place to stay. Bed and breakfasts are quickly becoming a go-to option when traveling with the family for a variety of reasons and the Hanson House ranks up there with the best of them. Rates start at $50 per night.

Asheville, North Carolina

If you want to fish the Appalachian mountains for native brook trout and want to do it up, stay at the Grand Bohemian. You are a short drive to world class trout waters but your significant other will be spoiled beyond their imagination if they don't want to fish. You may be the only person walking around in waders ordering a glass of bourbon, but for $250 a night, you should be able to wear whatever you want while sipping fresh made moonshine.

There are several options for booking an experienced local fly fishing outfitter, including Hunter Banks Company, Curtis Wright Outfitters, Asheville Fly Fishing, Brown Trout Fly Fishing, Altamont Anglers Fly Fishing Guides, Asheville Drifters, Orvis, Brookside Guides, and Southern Appalachian Anglers. There are packages for every skill level from beginner to expert.

Another option for lodging is Sourwood Inn, which offers fly fishing packages. Don't miss out on Asheville's numerous barbeque joints. There are some of the best in the South.

Provo, Utah

Staying in Provo is a fly fisherman's haven. An abundance of rivers are all in near proximity, but none closer than the Provo river. Staying anywhere in Provo is nice, but staying at the Hines Mansion might be the best. You are going to drop some coin here, but fishing the provo and a few other rivers in the area is a nice trade off. Coming in at $165 a night, there are more expensive places in the area, but none are going to be better.

Cotter, Arkansas

If you dream of catching 20-pound browns and 30-inch rainbows, then you need to head to the White river outside of Cotter, Arkansas. Check into the lavish White River Inn, a luxury bed and breakfast that caters specifically to fly fishermen. Rates include lodging, fishing guides, first-class meals, and beverages. Packages start at $1,450.

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