An afternoon spent catching wild trout doesn’t have to end inside a musty tent clutching your favorite can of bear spray. Ski towns across the country offer prime trout water within close proximity to world-class restaurants, entertainment, summer recreation and family-friendly activities. So, after the fish have found the bottom of the net, grab a cold-one and head for the hot tub at these top eight destinations.
You also can fish from a boat if, for whatever reason, you’d prefer that than from the banks. Most fishing ski boats are designed for fresh water use and can be fun for the family.
1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen‘s not only a playground for the rich and famous, it also caters to serious anglers with a multitude of high-country lakes, streams and rivers. Hit the infamous tailwater section of the Frying Pan River to target browns or float the Roaring Fork for an endless barrage of browns and rainbow, on average 12-18″ long.
2. Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman, Montana, situated between Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl Ski Area, acts as the perfect hub to base ski vacations during the winter. During summer months, however, the town turns its focus on fish, granting quick access to multiple river systems, including the Yellowstone, Gallatin and Madison. Micro-brews and macro-trout mix well in cowboy country.
3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Everything in Jackson Hole is big, from Corbet’s Couloir to the Tetons. It only figures the fishing would follow suit. The Snake River, Flat Creek, the South Fork and the Greys River are just a few of the angling opportunities found in this expansive valley; let’s not forget about easy access into Yellowstone National Park.
4. Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, is not only home to Mt. Bachelor (known for its light, dry snow and seemingly endless winters), but to a booming craft beer scene as well. After the thaw, angling opportunities abound, from steelhead on the Deschutes River to trout on the Metolious. It’s no wonder Bend was ranked by Field & Stream magazine as one of America’s top fishing towns.
5. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley is the birthplace of North American skiing, bringing to fruition some of the world’s very first chairlifts. When the lifts stop spinning, however, look to The Big Wood River and Silver Creek for excellent fishing. While The Big Wood offers superb dry fly fishing, Silver Creek will test your grit with large, spooky trout.
6. Stratton and Bromley, Vermont
The 59-mile Battenkill has been a world-renowned fly-fishing destination for more than a century. It winds through Southern Vermont’s farms, fields and forests all the way into New York. Check out the fishing in Manchester near Stratton and Bromley. Look for Wild Brown and Brook trout.
7. Upper Rio Grande, Taos, New Mexico
The epicenter for trout fishing in New Mexico is the Upper Rio Grande near the town and ski resort of Taos. Best bet is late summer and a great place to fish is the John Dunn Bridge. Other prime N.M. fly-fishing rivers are The Red and Hondo and Pueblo and Costilla Creeks.
8. Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes offers a bunch of options for fly-fishing near the ski resorts of Mammoth and June Mt. Looking for calm waters? The San Joaquin River is your best bet and, here, you can go for all three High Sierra species: Brook, Brown and Rainbow. Convict Lake has stunning view and clear waters. Valentine Lake offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery you’ll find anywhere.
August 18, 2024
