Itinerary: Fishing the Rockies

The best trout fishing in North America is contained within the region, with thousands of uncrowded lakes and streams and over 40 species of gamefish.

Day 1/4 – Arrive Sioux Falls
Nearly 30 species of fish inhabit the streams and lakes of South Dakota. The Missouri River and Glacial Lakes area offer trophy walleye, northern pike, bass, sauger, salmon, catfish, bluegill and perch. The Missouri River near the Oahe Dam by Pierre is yielding massive trout. Rainbow, brook and brown trout fishing is available in the 14 lakes and 481 kilometers of mountain streams of the Black Hills. Overnights Sioux Falls, Watertown, Pierre.

Days 5/8 – To Thermopolis, Saratoga, Green River, Jackson Hole
The Bighorn River near Thermopolis is one of the top five trout fishing waters in the country and yields cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Public access is available along most of the rivers, and local guides and outfitters take fishermen to areas of the river where the number of fish caught depends entirely upon the enthusiasm and skill of the fisherman. The North Platte River near Saratoga yields over 2,000 catchable trout per kilometer, and is accessed by local guides and outfitters in flat-bottomed boats. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers 150 kilometers of shoreline surrounded by steep canyon walls. Trout, bass and kokanee salmon grow to record size in the 150 meter deep lake. The Snake River near Jackson is also one of the country’s top five, and the recent site of the World Fly Fishing Federation competition. Overnights Thermopolis, Saratoga, Green River, Jackson Hole.

Days 9/12 – Jackson Hole to West Yellowstone and Bozeman
Three of the five highest rated blue-ribbon trout fisheries in North America are within easy reach of West Yellowstone and Bozeman. The Madison River, which is considered by many fly-fisherman to be the top rated river in all the country, produces thousands of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout per kilometer. The Gallatin River challenges anglers to some of the most spectacular scenery and fighting trout in the region. And don’t forget the Yellowstone River, also a treat for anglers, which provides awesome scenery as it travels north out of Yellowstone Park. Overnights West Yellowstone and/or Bozeman.Days.

13/16 – Bozeman to Island Park, Sun Valley and Boise
To trout fisherman, Henry’s Fork is famous as a river unparalleled for wild cutthroat trout weighing more than 10 pounds. Fly-fishermen from around the world flock to Silver Creek’s spring-fed waters which are loaded with huge native trout. Sun Valley and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area are fly-fishing at its finest. Only the spectacular scenery could top the lunker trout in the area’s rivers, lakes and streams. Overnights Island Park, Sun Valley, Island Park.

Days 17/20 – Boise to Coeur d’Alene, Sand Point, Spokane
In Coeur D’Alene, contact River Odysseys West (ROW) for all-inclusive river rafting packages on nine of Idaho’s rivers. Fishing boats can also be rented in Post Falls or Spokane for trout fishing on the Spokane River from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene, and access is good for fishing lakes in and aorund Spokane within 40 miles of the city. Lowland season opens in April. Overnight Coeur d’Alene, Sand Point, and Spokane.

Day 21 – Depart Spokane

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