Peak fly fishing season kicks off this Spring across the US, and anglers are planning their upcoming fishing trips that are sure to reel them in. Whether You’re looking forward to spending time adventuring in the great outdoors or are planning a tranquil wilderness retreat, these seven destinations are the perfect catch for a Spring or Summer escape.
Big Cedar Lodge | Ridgedale, MO
Founded by renowned angler and Bass Pro Shops CEO-Founder Johnny Morris, Big Cedar Lodge is the avid fisherman or fisherwoman’s paradise, with a variety of fishing opportunities across the property and nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. At nearby sister property Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, guests can participate in guided and solo fly fishing in the rainbow trout-laden creeks that wind through the 10,000-acre nature park. Guests can opt for self-guided flyfishing—which also allows you to take your fresh catch home with you—by the hour, or book a guided flyfishing experience that has tailored instruction based on experience levels. In the guided excursion guests will learn fly casting and tying, plus all the inside tricks for catching rainbow trout throughout the canyon. Flyfishing is open to both children (with supervision) and adults.
Primland Resort | Meadow of Dan, Virginia
Located on 12,000 acres in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort is a majestic year-round mountain retreat that provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience for travelers of all kinds. With endless outdoor adventures across the property, guests can explore the unspoiled wilderness with hunting, fishing and beyond. Seasoned anglers will thrill at the catch and release opportunities with unrivaled access to a six-mile stretch of the Dan River, which is rugged, remote, and home to spirited wild brown, brook, and rainbow trout. For beginners, the more placid Kibler Valley offers three stocked ponds for guests to catch their own trout or bass for lunch or experience the rush of catch and release fishing on a broad and forgiving stretch of river in Kibler Valley. Guests can purchase a fishing license on property and all groups will be accompanied by one of Primland’s expert flyfishing guides.
Shore Lodge | McCall, Idaho
As spring blossoms and the snow melts, Shore Lodge, an award-winning lakefront resort located in McCall, Idaho, offers the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts to find new adventure. Long beloved by those who have discovered it, the quaint resort town sits on the western edge of Valley County, Idaho, and is located just 2.5 hours outside of Boise. With Payette Lake steps away and Louie Lake just 11 miles out, Shore Lodge offers the best bait and fly fishing at guests’ fingertips. Novice and avid fishers have the opportunity to catch cutthroat trout, Chinook salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, Kokanee, crappie, yellow perch, and more throughout the many rivers and glacier-carved lakes. Sitting atop the world at an elevation of 5,000 feet, McCall has over 200 lakes within a 30-mile radius, offering plentiful and uncrowded fishing experiences. For those just getting started, Shore Lodge’s concierge will assist in providing a list of the best spots. With rugged mountains as the backdrop, this four-season hideaway embodies the spirit of the destination – peaceful, authentic, and vibrant.
Keswick Hall | Charlottesville, VA
Located in the idyllic Charlottesville countryside and buttressed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick Hall recently reopened after a four-year closure and top-to-bottom-renovation, debuting an award-winning golf course, brand-new Spa, picture-perfect infinity pool, 80 sumptuous guestrooms and suites, and a culinary program overseen by Jean-Georges, including Marigold by Jean-Georges. The destination is located at the epicenter of America’s birthplace and offers guests the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the area at Monticello and University of Virginia, as well as enjoy the many outdoor adventures and wineries in the area. Keswick Hall guests can work with the concierge to plan a guided fly fishing excursion during their stay.
The Lodge at Blue Sky | Park City, UT
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection is located on a sprawling 3,500-acre private ranch, nestled within the scenic Wasatch Mountain Range. The Lodge at Blue Sky invites guests to slow down and forge meaningful connections with the land, animals and people that have long called Blue Sky home. The resort offers seasonal, guided Fly Fishing experiences, bringing guests to Blue Ribbon Rivers, challenging mountain streams, remote alpine lakes and stocked ponds for diversity in technique and education. Fly fishing is one of nature’s most sacred activities, a way to be truly still, reflective and appreciative of the natural wonder around you.
Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection (Santa Fe, NM)
With an onsite stream, guests are able to learn the art of fly fishing without having to step foot off property. The resort’s Fly Fishing Outpost is run by Land of Enchantment Guides, an ORVIS-endorsed outfitter, allows guests to purchase fishing licenses, reels, rods, clothing, sunglasses, fishing gear and more. Fly Fishing experiences Include: a Full Immersion Fly Fishing Class over two days; Spirituality Through Fly Fishing, a specific trip geared as much towards finding inner peace and harmony with the natural world as the fishin; and Private Fishing in The Valles Caldera, a guided trip on the best private ranches and preserves in the area.
Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection (Deer Valley, UT)
Nestled at the foot of Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Express lift, the European-style resort is the nexus of thrilling adventure and modern alpine luxury. Down the round and tucked behind the famous Hobbit House in Midway, Utah is where Goldener Hirsch guests have private access to the Provo River. The river is abundant with brown and rainbow trout reaching record lengths. Catch, release, and settle into a picnic along the water prepared by Chef Nicolas Lebas.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection | Telluride, C
Telluride is an angler’s paradise, with some of the finest trout streams in the Rock Mountains and plenty of lakes, ponds, and alpine creeks. Madeline Hotel & Residences offers half or full day fly fishing experiences. A half day fly fishing trip is a great opportunity for first timers to “get their feet wet” with a modest time commitment. Productive and beautiful sections of the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers are easily reachable with a 20-30-minute drive from Telluride. A full day trip opens the playbook for a more immersive experience without the inherent time constraints of a half day trip. More water choices are available, and guests have the freedom to potentially fish several parts of a given river over the course of the day. Many of Telluride’s prime fly-fishing destinations require a full day trip, including most of the private water, the Lower Dolores River, Lower Gunnison River and the Uncompahgre River. This experience also includes an exquisite picnic lunch prepared by the Madeline Hotel culinary team.
