Fly fishing commands a bit more skill than traditional fishing since it uses a lighter lure to attract the fish to the top of the water.
Fishing only requires a few tools, patience, and a positive attitude, so even people who have never fished before can quickly pick up the popular activity. Because the lure is lighter than a normal one, the fishing line has to be weighted differently, and the casting technique must be changed too. Fly fishing is a fun step-up from traditional fishing for skilled casters, and if you’re looking to try it this summer, there are some great places in the Midwest United States for fly fishing listed below.
1.) St. Croix River, Minnesota
The St. Croix River runs through part of eastern Minnesota, including the capital city, St. Paul, and is often ranked as an excellent fly fishing spot. Smallmouth bass and muskies are two of the most common fish in the river, but there are also sturgeons and catfish in the water. It is recommended that fly fishers cast where the river gets wider, and the banks are lower, so they will have a better chance of catching the fish.
2.) Pere Marquette River, Michigan
The Pere Marquette River feeds into Lake Michigan, and it is home to several different kinds of fish that can be caught year-round. Trout, steelhead, and salmon are all common species fly fishers can catch, and their migratory patterns are what set the Michigan river apart from other places.
3.) Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is just north of Green Bay, and the area also includes Lake Michigan. While Sturgeon Bay is famous for its smallmouth bass population, there are also opportunities to catch whitefish, perch, salmon, trout, muskies, and more. It’s one of the best places in Wisconsin for both normal fishing and fly fishing.
4.) Spearfish Creek, South Dakota
One of the most beautiful areas of South Dakota is in the Black Hills, and Spearfish Creek runs right through it, specifically the Spearfish Canyon. Wild rainbow trout fill the creek, as do brown trout, and in the waters around the creek, there are yellow perch. Since the creek doesn’t freeze over completely in the winter, you can fly fish here all year round.
5.) Mad River, Ohio
Mad River is found in West-central Ohio and flows into the Great Miami River. It is filled with brown trout and brook trout for fly fishers. To be successful when fly fishing the Mad River, make sure to go to the area of the river that is regularly stocked with trout, which starts near Bellefontaine and stops around Springfield. Fly fishing here is best in the fall and spring, so it may be best to wait until after the summer before visiting.
6.) Monroe Lake, Indiana
Monroe Lake is Indiana’s biggest body of water and is home to tons of fish. When fly fishers visit this Midwestern lake, they can find largemouth bass, the most commonly caught, flathead catfish, walleye, crappie, and stripers. Travel south of Bloomington, Indiana, to check out the many species of fish in this lake.
7.) Spirit Lake, Iowa
We all know about the United States’ Great Lakes, around Ohio and Michigan. But the state of Iowa has its own set of Great Lakes, and Spirit Lake is the largest of these. Not only is the lake large, but the amount of species that can be found in it is large, as well. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are two of the most common, but there are also bluegills, sunfish, walleye, yellow bass, and yellow perch. Spirit Lake is an excellent fly fishing spot in the Midwest.
8.) Cross Ranch State Park, North Dakota
This North Dakota state park is in the middle of the state and is found along the Missouri River. The seven-mile area is very natural and undeveloped and is a great, peaceful place for fly fishing. Walleye, trout, bass, and pike, as well as salmon and catfish, are popular types of fish in the river.
9.) Manistee River, Michigan
Salmon, steelhead, and trout migrate to the Manistee River throughout the year. It’s one of the most popular fly fishing areas in Michigan, and if you choose to fly fish here, keep in mind that typically the further downstream you go, the bigger the fish get. Additionally, there are a lot of bushes and shrubs along the river that could be potential hiding spots for the fish.
10.) Black Earth Creek, Wisconsin
Black Earth Creek can be found near Wisconsin’s state capital, Madison, and is best for fly fishing in the summer months. It’s an excellent source of trout, so much so that it doesn’t need to be stocked by an outside source. And the valley surrounding the creek is a beautiful bonus to the great fishing the creek promises.
If you’re a fly fisher looking to fish in the Midwest this summer, think about visiting some of the places above.
