Anywhere

[1fly]

I am planning a few out of state trips and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on places they really liked to fish.

Probably would need to be limited to CO,NV,WY,MT,ID,OR

[Jason B]

The Taylors is a good option and so is the Frying Pan. The Frying Pan is one river that i am for sure going to fish this year. Also YellowStone is a great park to fish many different rivers.
Jason B

[mcgx2]

I was raised in Northern California and can say without a doubt that some of the best flyfishing available is in the Northeastern part of the state. Erase any thoughts or comparisons to L.A., San Francisco, etc. This is country that is worth a visit by any flyfisherman. You have streams like Hat Creek, Fall River, Upper Sacramento River, McCloud River, Burney Creek, just to name a few. If you stay in the town of Burney you can easily get to most of these streams within an hour.

I learned to flyfish on these streams (except the upper Sacramento) and can highly recommend them.

mcg

[Larry S.]

I've always wondered about those places you mentioned. How is the access to them? Is it mostly public property and such or are you into somebody's field?

[Paul]

There are two places you have to treat yourself to this year. The first is Grey Reef on the North platte. Hit it in April, May, or June. It is outside Casper WY, It's a long drive but worth it. You have to float it and it is 99% nymph and streamer fishing but the size and numbers of fish is unreal. Every year this stretch gets hit a little harder as more people hear about it and I'm sure one day it will be another Bighorn or Upper green so treat yourself before that happens.

The next is Box Canyon in Nov. Wade fishing. Basically no one is there because of the weather, don't let that fool you. Use a two fly system B.H. DSP and a # 6 black stone fly. Seriously this is all you'll need with Plenty of lead to get it down. EXCELLENT fishing !!!

Warm river to Ashton on the lower Henries earlier in the year can be productive also as well as staying away from the crowds. Two years ago on the first part of Feb. two friends and I got a wild hair and went and floated this section for a day. We had to lower the boat into the river down a 15' snow bank at the put in but the ramp at Ashton had been plowed. We had the entire river to ourselves and saw herds of whitetail and mule deer along the river. We did more sightseeing than fishing and this is one of the most beautiful and memorial floats I have been on. Cooked chilli and cocoa to keep us warm. Bottom line great memories. Probably not alot of people that can say they did that float in the middle of winter.
We have a weekend trip planned to grey reef in May. Two boats and four people so far. Have room for a couple more people if anyone is interested in sharing gas and taking their turn rowing.
Anyway 1fly I hope this helps.
Tight lines

[mcgx2]

The Fall River is mostly private but there are 3 public access points the river. The River is fully navagable once one is on the river. One also needs a boat to fish this river as it is very deep (impossible to wade).

The Wild Trout section, and most of the upper parts of Hat Creek are mostly public access.

About 1/2 of the McCloud is public access with an additional section of Nature Conservancy land in which 10 rods a day are allowed on the river, first come first served.

The Upper Sacramento has a lot of public access, Though this is the stream I am least familiar with up there.

Burney Creek and the Pit River offer very good public access to some of the better sections. There are also numerous smaller streams in the area with good public access. Most of the fly shops are also very accomodating and will share with a person what is hot and what is not.

mcg

[1fly]

Paul,

Last fall, I had been hearing a lot about the Grey Reef and we almost went there. How many times have you been?

I have never fished the Henry's that early. You mentioned that the scenery and wildlife was great. How was the fishing?

How can I get in touch with you?

[Paul]

I've made the trip to Grey Reef 3 times with a total # of 7 days actually fishing it hard. You drive right past independence rock and I always go and climb up it to look at the names and dates carved into it. That usually takes a couple hours.

As well as the lower Henries, The fishing was slow if I remember right we netted around dozen white fish, 3 small rainbows and 1 respectable brown.

That was on a low snowpack year, I would call The Hyde shop and make sure it is accessable before you go.

You can reach me at roub@favorites.com
tight lines...

[Wes Johnson]

If you are going to California, I would recommend the Bishop area. Owens River, Hot Creek, Crawley Reservoir, high Sierra lakes, Walker River.

I used to fish the Owens River below Crawley dam and it was fantastic, the road down is from the town of Toms Place. You have to keep one eye on your fly and the other on the lookout for buzz-worms. Consistently produces large fish and larger rattlers.

[B.Horton]

Paul, Count me in for the Gray Reef trip. Let me know the dates.

[1fly]

Thanks for all the info everyone.


Jason B.

Yellowstone is great. Its just, "so crowded" as every one says. Hah! All you have to do is go on a 15 minute walk and you won't see another person! What is your favorite water?

Wes,

My dad lives in that area Tehachapi (sp?). I hooked him on to this site and he will probably have some questions for you. If not, I will. Next year I plan to head out there and fish with him.

Anybody have any experience in Alaska, Montana, Idaho. What about Wyoming2. I was hoping you would have some suggestions.

One more question. What is a "DSP"? As in "Use a two fly system B.H. DSP and a # 6 black stone fly. "

[Fred]

Deep Sparkle Pupa

[bob naftel]

I would strongly recommend Yellowstone.

I went this past September and did not have problems with the crowds. As stated there are just so many great rivers and streams to fish in a fairly localized area. Numerous camp sites or motels to stay in.

The most important thing is to really plan your trip before you go and read all about the rivers and hatches at the current time. I received great information from Craig Mathews Blue Ribbon Flies.

Everyone should plan a trip here.

Bob

[Wyoming 2]

1fly, I do have lots of suggestions...I guess I am a little wary about giving away my favorite Wyoming hot spots (I think the best fishing in Wyoming is relatively unknown and unfished). Many people already know about the North Platte, or the Snake River near Jackson, but there are some places I would consider better than either. IF you are looking for a great trip, try a high mountain adventure into the Wind Rivers. IF you are looking for some good river fishing, try the Salt River, the upper Green or any one of its numerous tributaries near Pinedale, Wyoming, or the New Fork River.
Also, I have driven through British Columbia to the southernmost tip of Alaska (Hyder) and had incredible salmon and trout fishing...the opportunities are endless once you are in the mountainous areas. Go northwest of Calgary and you won't have to look hard for great places to fish (also, despite what many may think, Canada is cheap! I spent around 500 dollars on 10 days worth of driving and fishing). The opportunities in Alaska are also endless...I would suggest anything north of the Kenai Peninsula! If you are interested in Alaska, you may want to ask PBHeppy...he emailed me and said that he lived in Alaska for a summer!