Fly Fishing Places for Beer Lovers
Now that we have established that beer ought to be available at your favorite fly shop or that your local brewpub ought to carry fly tackle, we need a place to fish. So, where is the best fly fishing destination for beer lovers? That depends on the type of fly fishing you prefer. Cold-water species such as trout and salmon are typically found in northern climes or at high elevations in mountain regions, both in the western and eastern United States. Montana, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Alaska are favorite trout fishing destinations. Thanks to releases of cold water from large dams, trout also flourish in desert climates such as the San Juan River in New Mexico or as far south as the Guadalupe River in the Texas hill country.
Trout, however, are not the only fish that anglers pursue with a fly rod. In addition to cold-water species, saltwater and warm-water fly fishing have soared in popularity. Saltwater fly rod targets include those fish that cruise the shallow flats in search of food or those that tend to create feeding frenzies by marauding through schools of unsuspecting baitfish.
Bonefish, tarpon, permit and redfish (also known as red drum) are popular “flats” fish. The Key West area of Florida is well known for tarpon, bonefish and permit, while redfish thrive in the shallow flats from South Carolina to Florida and all along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas.
Popular bait-chasing fish include striped bass, false albacore, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Striped bass, or “stripers,” can be found on both the East and West Coasts but are a New England fly-fishing staple, as are bluefish. Spanish mackerel can show up just about anywhere, and one of the best places for false albacore (or “little tunny”) is Cape Lookout, North Carolina.
Warm water fly fishing opportunities are just about everywhere. From small ponds and streams to large lakes and rivers, fly fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass or one of the many sunfish species is almost as much fun as enjoying a beer afterwards. Another species gaining popularity as a warm-water fly-fishing target is common carp. These somewhat silly looking relatives of goldfish are big, strong fighters and are found virtually everywhere that there is some fresh water. They will test the mettle of any seasoned fly fisher. I know that fly fishing purists are skeptical of carp, but scoffing at carp on the fly is like refusing a free beer. Obviously, one of the attractions to warm-water fly fishing is that you can do it in your “own backyard,” but some popular destinations include Texas, Florida, Virginia and the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota.
So with all these choices, how does a beer lover decide what makes a great fly-fishing destination? For me, I apply the “Four Factor” test. Try it and you won’t be disappointed.
The Four Factors
Ease of travel: I prefer places that I can fly into relatively easily or that are within a reasonable driving distance, or better yet, within walking distance.
Accessibility: Some areas simply don’t have a lot of public access or perhaps require an expensive boat to get you there. Be cautioned, though. Too accessible may mean too much fishing pressure. That’s why I like to apply the “15-minute” rule. For instance, at a stream I will hike at least 15 minutes farther than the last fishermen before I start fishing.
Great Fishing: How you measure “great fishing” is up to you. Lots of fish, big fish, lots of big fish, or simply enjoying your time on the water.
Local Brewpub: A nearby brewpub or at least a local brewery is mandatory for a great fly-fishing destination.
Ok, so the test is pretty obvious, but if you at least stick with number four, you will be assured of a successful fly-fishing trip. That assumes, of course, that the fishing isn’t so bad that the all the fly fishers spend more time at the pub than on the water, causing the pub to run out of your favorite beer.
My Three Favorites
Three of my favorite destinations all pass the “Four Factor” test. For trout fishing, my favorite is the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming. With the multitude of attractions (skiing, fishing, hiking, rafting, etc.), airlines regularly fly into Jackson. The Snake River essentially flows through town, and the river and its many tributaries offer great fly fishing for cutthroat trout. Jackson is also the gateway to the Grand Tetons, Bridger Wilderness Area and Yellowstone National Park, all of which hold literally thousands of places to fly fish for trout, on public lands. Jackson is also home to Snake River Brewing Co. and the Jackson Hole Pub & Brewery, both a must for beer-loving fly fishers.
