Fishing in the western U.S. is a beloved pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s not hard to see why. With its crystal-clear rivers, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain vistas, the western region of the United States offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice looking to catch your first fish, fishing in the western United States is an unforgettable experience.
Here are our top 5 reasons to fish the Western U.S.:
Blue ribbon fisheries are everywhere! If you’re unfamiliar with blue ribbon fisheries, they refer to a recreational area with great fishing opportunities. Official blue ribbon criteria include water quality and quantity, public accessibility, healthy repopulation to keep the size and number of fish at a good level, the ability for the fish populations to withstand angling pressure, and possibly the opportunity to fish for a specific species. Therefor, these fisheries are a great opportunity to fish the Western U.S. and catch a variety of healthy, beautiful fish. You do not have to look far for blue ribbon trout water in the west.
Fish for a diversity of species. Many of the waters located in the Western U.S. are home to a variety of trout and other species. On any given day you can reel in a variety of trout alone. Some trout species include Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, or if you’re lucky, the predatory Bull Trout. Even so, you may also have some opportunities to catch “non-traditional” species like bass, crappie, bluegill or others. Nevertheless, these are just as fun (in my humble opinion). If you have a particular species in mind that you want to catch, there’s sure to be a fishery that lends itself to making that happen.
Easy to get to. Getting to any of the western states is a breeze no matter where you are located. If you opt to fly, start by travelling to a major airport like Denver or Salt Lake City and then catch a small plane to remote areas like Stanley, Idaho or Seeley Lake, Montana – it is sure to be an adventure in itself! If you prefer road trips, check out this site to plan fun activities along the way! There’s nothing like driving through the countryside at your leisure.
Landscapes are stunning. Undoubtedly, some of these fisheries are located in some of the most stunning places on earth. Fishing tends to lead you into some amazing places where ever you go, but fishing the west is unforgettable. From cascading cliffs and ancient sequoia trees of Yosemite, to the rusty red layers of the Grand Canyon, the west coast looks more like an artist’s masterfully picked-palette than an actual place to set foot on. Sure the New York skyline is nice, but you’ve never seen anything like the wide open spaces in the west!
Last but not least, craft breweries are everywhere. Without a doubt, one of the best ways to relax after a day of fishing is to enjoy a cold beer. Unwind with a nice cold craft brew and the plethora of breweries located in the West. It doesn’t matter if you are in Colorado or Idaho, Montana or Wyoming, you are never more than a stone’s throw away from a craft brewery. Many of these locations also offer tours and tastings on a daily basis. Along with tasty beer, many of these places offer unique food truck experiences or menus of their own.
Interested? Got Fishing can answer all your questions and set you up with a great outfitter! Check out our available adventures here.