Fly Fishing Vacation

There are thousands of fishing spots in the world to take a fly fishing vacation. So, when you pack up and head out for a fishing vacation, it is based on your own personal preference of where you would like to go. Here we have included some of the great fishing spots that comes highly recommended for their unique fishing opportunities.

South Africa

South Africa  offers first class fly fishing for many inland species including Trout, Yellowfish, Catfish and Bass. In the dams and rivers around Dullstroom, Belfast and Lydenburg you will find excellent fly fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout. There is also superb Saltwater fly fishing locations along the eastern coastal areas of South Africa, leading up to Mozambique.

Hampshire, England

In the chalk streams of this area, you can prospect for trout and Atlantic salmon. The Itchen and Test rivers offers the best fishing opportunities. The areas around these rivers are on private land and a very reasonably priced fee is required. The Itchen area is where the first artificial nymphs (fishing flies) were invented and this area of Hampshire will fulfill all of your fishing vacation dreams. There are many trout fisheries and trout fishing clubs in Hampshire.

Manitoba, Canada

Canada, as a fishing vacation destination, also known as the 'Land of Lakes'. Here are lterally hundreds of trophy fishing opportunities for fly fishers. Though northern pike can also be caught in the US and other countries, Manitoba has monsters that will put up a terrific fight on the long rod. Flies are used here with great success. Other species that can be fished in the Land of Lakes include rainbow, brook and brown trout, channel catfish and perch and pickerel. The best time to take a fishing vacation to Manitoba would be spring or fall, but many fish can also be caught during the summer months.

Wyoming, USA

If you are looking to catch trophy trout in the US, a vacation to Yellowstone National Park is a must. Slough Creek is full of trophy trout, as are other streams within the Park's boundaries, and they are all stocked regularly. Streams and rivers outside of the Park also offer great fishing opportunities, as do the waters of nearby Idaho and Montana. Wyoming is home to 62 native species, including Arctic grayling, burbot, channel catfish, shiners, chub, several trout species, suckers, goldeneye, mountain whitefish, shovelnose sturgeon, and a wide variety of smaller fish.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer a wide range of fishing opportunities for saltwater fly fishers and they flock to the area year round. Ernest Hemingway fished at Key West and it still offers the same opportunities today that it did then. The waters surrounding the Marquesas Islands offer tarpon, and bonefish. Other species caught in this area include blue marlin, black grouper, King mackerel, sailfish, yellowfin, barracuda, shark snapper and wahoo.

Missouri, USA

If you want the optimum outdoor experience, plan a fly fishing vacation in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Here you can fish for bass beneath the towering limestone bluffs that are part of Missouri's rivers. Missouri is home to over two hundred fish species, including several bass species, channel catfish, blue and flathead catfish, sunfish, bluegills, bullheads, muskellunge, walleye, shiners, lamprey, shad, pickerel, perch, trout gar, sturgeon and more. This State has more fish species than any other in the entire USA.

Fly Fishing Vacation Tips

Instead of packing all of your fly fishing gear to haul around the world, use a guide service that provides all necessary equipment in the price of their service. When booking a guide service, ask about years of experience, licensing, insurance and if they are bonded. Ask for references from people who have used their services. Be sure to check these references carefully. If a guide service hesitates when asked for services, run the other way as fast as you can.

Ask the guide service to provide necessary fishing licenses, permits and information on exporting your catch if you wish to do so. If this is the case, check with your Customs Office to see if you are allowed to import your fish from other countries. Ask the guide service the best time of year to book a fishing expedition for success in catching your targeted fish species.

Check with the local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Fishing Clubs or the equivalent in the countries and areas where you will be vacationing to find out more about the guide service that you are planning to hire. Some areas mandate that you hire a licensed guide to fish. Check fishing regulations of the area where you will be taking your fly fishing vacation.

If you have trouble choosing a destination for your fishing vacation, ask someone you know where they have enjoyed the ultimate fishing experience. Research your local library and Internet to find the perfect fly fishing vacation for you.