Fly fishing is an art form that not only brings food to the table, but allows you to connect with nature and unwind. Between tying your flies and patiently teasing the fish, your head must be in the game. While you can practice fly fishing just about anywhere there’s water, it’s in shallow lakes, rivers and streams you find the best fly fishing experiences. To get the most out of your adventure, you’ll want to get at least a weekend away, and will need to lodge overnight. While you could shack up at the local hotel, the hustle and bustle detracts from the experience. Rather than communing with the rowdy family next door, try one of these luxury fly fishing lodges near some of the best fishing spots on the continent.
Firehole Ranch
When you think of ideal fly fishing locations and exceptional lodging, Firehole Ranch in West Yellowstone, Montana is one of the first that comes to mind. They are listed as one of the best fly fishing lodges among many lists, including being rated #5 in the world by Forbes magazine. The ranch has 10 different cabins, with three different styles. The entire ranch welcomes up to 20 guests at a time, providing a relaxing and intimate experience for everyone. The experience is all-inclusive, including your fishing gear, gourmet meals prepared on-site with expertly paired wines, and fishing guides. You’ll be able to choose from fishing approaches, including shore casting, wading, and floating. You’ll also have your choice of additional activities including kayaking, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and more.
Nimmo Bay
Heading toward the northern West Coast, you’ll find Nimmo Bay about an hour flight north of Vancouver. Nestled in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, this resort has drawn global attention, including from National Geographic. Your stay here is dedicated to giving your mind and body a retreat from life, while allowing you to connect with the unique natural elements of the area. For fishing, you can fish directly on the resort lake, or take one of the resort helicopters reaching over 50,000 square miles and over 50 different bodies of water. Thanks to the nutrients afforded by the rain forest, you’ll fish for trophy sized halibut and trout, among other species. The lodge gives you simple luxury, with modern amenities that nod to the woodland experience. Your stay is all-inclusive with meals and lodging, with fishing other adventure gear included.
Bear Claw Lodge
Also in the Canadian Northwest is the Bear Claw Lodge, located just off the Kispiox River in British Columbia. You’ll be transported out to nature as you stay in this luxurious log cabin while fulfilling your desire for testing your skill with the fish. Your stay here includes your room with a full ensuite bathroom, along with incredible cuisine that’s mainly sourced from local ingredients. The lodge also offers a variety of relaxing amenities including a cedar sauna, indoor jacuzzi, massage and so much more. For fishing, you can either bring your own gear or use some of the house gear. You can choose to fish the home pool, or add on a guided helicopter or floatplane trip to one of the many fishing spots in the area. Regardless of how you choose to fish, you’ll love your time here and will leave refreshed.
Libby Camps
Moving out to the far North East, you’ll find Libby Camps nestled on the shores of Millinocket Lake in Maine. With a history stretching back to the late 1800s, this camp is no stranger to making fishing and hunting experiences exceptional. The lodges give the rustic feel without leaving comfort behind. The camp’s focus is on providing an exceptional fly fishing experience and giving anglers a comfortable place to share their fish stories at the end of the day. Your package includes you stay, home cooked dining, and your guide. Fly fishing from Libby Camps, you’ll primarily look for trout and landlocked salmon. The lodge has seaplanes to take you away from camp to one of the countless ponds within the 3.5 million acres of North Maine Woods.
Three Rivers Ranch
Located in the Teton Valley located in southeast Idaho is the Orvis endorsed fly fishing lodge, the Three Rivers Ranch. This ranch is just west of Yellowstone National Park and about an hour northeast of Idaho Falls, the closest regional airport. Three Rivers has licenses to operate on the honor roll of area rivers, including the Madison, Yellowstone, Henry’s Fork and South Fork of the Snake River. This gives every angler an ample opportunity to fish spectacular mountain rivers. The accommodation options include a room at the Robinson Lodge, one of the private cabins, or the Homestead. Regardless of where you choose to sleep, you’ll enjoy three gourmet meals a day with a western flare. Come with all the gear you enjoy, or purchase new gear at the fully stocked tackle shop.
4UR Ranch
Located just off the Rio Grande in Colorado, and between McClelland Mountain and Snowshoe Mountain, you’ll find 4UR Ranch. You never have to leave the ranch to enjoy incredible fly fishing with the 6 miles of Goose Creek that runs through the property. Each guest draws a “beat” of the property’s water by lottery the night before, and it’s theirs for the morning or afternoon catch. You’ll have your pick of four different guest cabins, each with a little different feel. Every cabin includes private bathroom and shower. You’ll have three gourmet meals every day at the main lodge, and coffee delivered to your cabin’s porch in the morning. You’ll also enjoy the game room, Maude’s Bar and deck, and the Palmer House recreation room and art studio. No matter what you enjoy doing when you’re not wooing the local fish, you’re sure to find something at the 4UR Ranch. Do you have a favorite luxury fly fishing lodge that didn’t make this list? Tell us about it in the comments below.
