Hey anglers. Retired a year ago. Planned an epic trip to Central PA to fish its limestone creeks and streams. Then lost my house in a fire. So that never happened. Now starting over with planning for 2026. I can go anywhere (including PA), at any time of the year. I can drive to the Sierra, or I can fly somewhere, get a car, and drive myself (that was the plan for last year's ill-fated trip). I can take three days, or a week. I can car camp or stay in a lodge/hotel. Prefer streams and creeks to rivers, wading OK if not too technical (I'll be on my own). Value privacy, natural beauty, clear water over volume of hits or size of fish. Happy to go for smaller trout as well as medium and large. Favorite rigs are 3 wt nymphing and dry fly rods, 4 wt dry. Hiking 2-3 miles is fine. I tie my own flies, so feel free to factor that in. Thanks in advance.
The sierra has some really nice streams in beautiful locations. Can’t beat catching goldens in an alpine meadow.
Hard to beat backpacking into the GTW and hunting Goldens! I have crossed that one off my list but will definitely go back!
Agreed. The Eastern Sierra is my home water and I recently spent a week in the backcountry with the goldens. One of the best trips ever!
Michigan can’t compete with some of the dramatic scenery you’ll see out west but it’s hard to beat for small creeks and streams. Jordan and Au Sable rivers are well-known but I find the Pere Marquette is quieter during the peak months. Not as familiar with the Upper Peninsula but it’s harder to get to, which should translate to more spots where you’ll be the only one fishing.
I like the sound of that! Don’t mind harder to get to if that means solitude, beauty and unpressured waters.
Don't sleep on the Driftless. It seems to check a lot of your boxes. Might not be as epic as out west though.
Yes, the Driftless has caught my attention but I I know next to nothing about where, when, etc. The closest I have come is Driftless Glen Bourbon, which matches well with tying flies.
I can definitely give you advice if you're interested in the area.
Alaska? It’s relatively easy to find privacy, natural beauty, and clear water there.
Agreed! Saving that one for a trip with some buddies.
If you come to central PA, I’d be happy to steer you in the right direction on where to fish, hatches etc.. I live in close proximity to the best limestone creeks and rivers and know them well.
That would be so awesome! Are you in Harrisburg or State College? That was the epicenter of my 2025 trip that never was.
I’m in the Center/Blair county area. So, the State College area creeks are part of what I’d call my home waters.
Thanks - sent you a chat invite.
If you want to go to central PA and need advice, dm me
Sent you a chat invite.
Man upper Sacramento in summer would be so great! You should go 🙏
Fly into Spokane, rent a car; then spend your time finding North Idaho streams for Westslope Cutthroat; NF Couer da Alene and its tribs; They readily take dries. Can be some decent sized fish as well. It’s perfect for your 3 and 4 wt rods and the type of water you are wanting to fish. Plenty of opportunities to hike in as well
Love WS Cutties; spent four days in Stanley once and fished the MF Salmon from top to bottom! Don’t know the Couer d’Alene area at all; will dm you for more information if you don’t mind.