Introduction: Hey there, fellow anglers and outdoor enthusiasts! We are bringing you a little piece of wisdom from my many years of casting lines and chasing fins. Today, we’re going to dive deep into the heart of America, exploring some of the most underrated trout fishing states that this great country has to offer. So, grab your gear, and let’s set out on an adventure to uncover these hidden gems.

Arkansas

 The Natural State’s Hidden Treasures When people think of Arkansas, trout fishing might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But let me tell you, this state is home to some of the finest cold-water fisheries in the South. The White River and the Little Red River offer world-class brown and rainbow trout fishing, with the chance to hook into a trophy-sized fish. The scenery is just as breathtaking as the fishing, with lush forests and rolling hills providing a stunning backdrop to your angling adventure.

Missouri

A Trout Angler’s Paradise Missouri might be known for its bass fishing, but the trout action here is second to none. The state boasts a number of spring-fed streams, such as the Current River and the North Fork of the White River, offering crystal-clear waters teeming with rainbow and brown trout. The Missouri Department of Conservation does an excellent job of managing these fisheries, ensuring that anglers have plenty of opportunities to catch quality fish.

Georgia

The Southern Trout Haven Georgia is another state that might surprise you with its trout fishing potential. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the northern part of the state is home to a plethora of streams and rivers that harbor wild and stocked trout. The Chattahoochee River, in particular, offers excellent fishing right in the heart of Atlanta, providing a unique urban trout fishing experience.

New Mexico

The Land of Enchantment’s Secret Streams New Mexico’s diverse landscape offers a variety of trout fishing opportunities, from high mountain streams to desert rivers. The San Juan River is a world-renowned tailwater fishery, known for its high fish counts and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized trout. But don’t overlook the smaller streams and rivers scattered throughout the state, as they offer excellent fishing in a more secluded setting.

West Virginia

The Mountain State’s Hidden Angling Gems West Virginia’s rugged terrain and pristine waters make it a trout angler’s dream. The state is home to a number of wild trout streams, offering the chance to catch native brook trout in a remote and scenic setting. The Elk River and the Cranberry River are two standout fisheries, providing excellent fly fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Conclusion: So there you have it, my fellow anglers – a rundown of some of the most underrated trout fishing states in the U.S. Don’t let these hidden gems pass you by; pack up your gear, hit the road, and experience the incredible trout fishing that these states have to offer. Remember, it’s not always about the size of the fish, but the adventure of the chase and the beauty of the journey. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Arkansas: The Natural State’s Aquatic Jewels

  • White River: Famous for its massive brown trout, the White River is a must-visit. The tailwaters below Bull Shoals Dam provide consistent cold water, making it a haven for trout.
  • Little Red River: Home to the former world record brown trout, the Little Red is a legendary trout stream. Greers Ferry Dam keeps the waters cool and the trout happy.
  • North Fork River: A smaller cousin to the White River, the North Fork offers excellent fishing in a more intimate setting. Look out for hefty rainbows and browns.
  • Caddo River: While primarily known for smallmouth bass, the Caddo also holds a good population of rainbow trout, especially in its upper reaches.
  • Spring River: Fed by Mammoth Spring, one of the world’s largest springs, the Spring River offers consistent year-round trout fishing.

Missouri: The Show-Me State’s Trout Treasures

  • Current River: Renowned for its spring-fed waters and wild rainbow trout, the Current River is a fly angler’s dream.
  • North Fork of the White River: Offering both quality and quantity, this river is a hotspot for rainbow and brown trout.
  • Roaring River: A popular state park destination, Roaring River provides excellent access and ample trout for anglers.
  • Bennett Spring State Park: With its large spring and well-stocked waters, Bennett Spring is a favorite among Missouri trout fishermen.
  • Meramec River: Below Maramec Spring Park, the Meramec turns into a fine trout fishery, with good numbers of rainbows and the occasional brown.

Georgia: The Peach State’s Trout Havens

  • Chattahoochee River: From its headwaters in the mountains to the tailwater below Buford Dam, the ‘Hooch is Georgia’s trout fishing backbone.
  • Toccoa River: Flowing through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Toccoa offers excellent trout fishing, particularly in its tailwater section.
  • Dukes Creek: This small stream within Smithgall Woods State Park is known for its large, wary trout – a true test for any angler.
  • Chattooga River: A Wild and Scenic River, the Chattooga offers remote, wild trout fishing in a stunning setting.
  • Noontootla Creek: A small, picturesque stream, Noontootla is known for its wild brown and rainbow trout.

New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment’s Trout Oases

  • San Juan River: Below Navajo Dam, the San Juan is a world-famous tailwater with staggering numbers of large trout.
  • Pecos River: Flowing through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Pecos offers great fishing for wild brown and stocked rainbow trout.
  • Rio Grande: In its wilder, upper reaches, the Rio Grande holds a healthy population of brown trout and some rainbows.
  • Cimarron River: This small stream in the northeastern part of the state is a hidden gem, with good fishing for browns and rainbows.
  • Red River: A tributary to the Rio Grande, the Red River offers excellent fishing in a deep, rugged canyon.

West Virginia: The Mountain State’s Trout Sanctuaries

  • Elk River: Known for its large rainbow trout, the Elk is one of West Virginia’s premier trout streams.
  • Cranberry River: A remote, wild trout stream, the Cranberry is a favorite among fly anglers seeking solitude and native brook trout.
  • South Branch of the Potomac: This large river offers a variety of trout fishing opportunities, from stocked rainbows to wild brook trout in its tributaries.
  • Williams River: Flowing through the Monongahela National Forest, the Williams is a beautiful, wild trout stream.
  • Shavers Fork: One of the state’s best-known trout streams, Shavers Fork offers both stocked and wild trout in a scenic setting.

Each of these states has its own unique trout fishing experiences to offer, and I hope this list helps you find your next great adventure on the water. Tight lines and happy fishing, my friends!

Underrated Flies:

  • Soft Hackle Wet Fly: This is a classic pattern that’s often overlooked in today’s world of intricate dry flies and streamers. It’s incredibly versatile and can be fished in a variety of ways to imitate emerging insects, drowned terrestrials, or small baitfish. Try it in sizes 12-16.
  • Zug Bug: This is a fantastic nymph pattern that imitates a variety of aquatic insects. It’s particularly effective in freestone streams and rivers, making it a great choice for many of the waters in Arkansas, Missouri, and West Virginia. Sizes 12-16 are most common.
  • Partridge and Orange: This simple wet fly is deadly on trout, especially in smaller streams and during caddis hatches. The soft hackle gives it a lifelike movement in the water, and the bright orange body can be a real attractor. Sizes 14-18 work well.
  • Squirrel Nymph: This pattern is a great imitation of a variety of aquatic insects, and its bushy body provides plenty of movement in the water. It’s a solid choice for fishing the tailwaters in Arkansas and New Mexico. Sizes 12-16 are most effective.
  • Griffith’s Gnat: Don’t let its small size fool you; this fly is a trout magnet, especially when midges are on the water. It’s a must-have for fishing the spring creeks and tailwaters across all these states. Sizes 18-22 are ideal.

Fly Fishing Techniques:

  • Swinging Wet Flies: This is a classic technique that’s often overlooked in favor of nymphing or dry fly fishing. Cast your wet fly across and downstream, and let it swing through the current. The movement of the fly can trigger aggressive strikes from trout.
  • High-Sticking Nymphing: This technique involves keeping as much of your fly line off the water as possible to achieve a drag-free drift. It’s particularly effective in fast, turbulent water where trout are holding close to the bottom.
  • Dry-Dropper Rig: This setup involves attaching a nymph or wet fly below a dry fly. The dry fly acts as both an attractor and a strike indicator, allowing you to target trout feeding at different depths.
  • Streamer Fishing with a Dead Drift: While streamers are typically fished with an active retrieve, dead-drifting them like a nymph can be incredibly effective, especially in tailwaters where trout are used to seeing small baitfish and sculpins tumbling in the current.
  • Soft Hackle on the Swing for Emergers: When insects are emerging, trout will often key in on the nymphs and emergers in the water column. Fishing a soft hackle wet fly on a tight line swing can be a deadly way to imitate these vulnerable stages of insect life.

By incorporating these underrated flies and techniques into your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the diverse and challenging trout waters of Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia, New Mexico, and West Virginia. Remember, the key is to observe the water, understand the trout’s behavior, and adapt your approach accordingly. Tight lines and enjoy the adventure!