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There are great locations for fly fishing all around the world. And, with a little investment of time, you probably can fly fish successfully at a location convenient to you. Just check out the boards on the Internet (e.g. www.troutpredator.com if you are looking to fish freshwater in the Northeast U.S.) or inquire at fly shops and outfitters. Hiring a guide will save you some time by placing you in the middle of the hottest fishing spots with the right gear and the right flies.

If you are interested in fishing for trout in Southern New England, here are my recommendations:
1. The Housatonic River in Northwest Connecticut - large brown trout in the 18" to 23" are frequently caught here and the insect hatches are tremendous. This river has less traffic on it than others. One caution - don't eat the fish - they are contaminated with pcb's courtesy of GE (practice catch and release). High water temps force the metabolism of trout to shut-down in the heat of summer.
2. The Farmington River in Connecticut - Prolific hatches of insects and easy wading access. Finding the best spots is very easy - just drive into any pull-off spot on the road and follow the well-worn trail! The price to be paid for a great river with easy access is heavy competition. There are tons of fishermen on the river every weekend so plan to be patient and courteous, you just might be rewarded with some inside tips! If elbow-to-elbow fishing is not for you go on an off-day, such as a weekday or a rainy day when the water is high -believe me, the fish don't mind.
3. The upper Delaware River in Southeastern New York State - I have not fished this river much at all, but I am advised that it is a mecca for big water and big fish.
4. The Westfield River in Western Massachusetts - Shuts down in the hot summer weather, but good fishing otherwise.
5. The Deerfield River in Western Massachusetts - The power company that runs the dam here seems to be in cahoots with the recreational whitewater outfitters. This means high water in the middle of the day especially on weekends. Fly fishing in high water takes skill and wading can be treacherous, but the big fish are more accessible under these conditions. Time your trip by checking websites for the flows and you will be rewarded with solitude on one of the best rivers in New England.
6. The Connetquot River on Long Island - Show up early in the day to rent a 'beat' from the State for half a day (http://nysparks.state.ny.us/p arks/info.asp?parkID=69). This a public version of a British style fishing club and offers sea-run brook trout and rainbows just a few miles from the City!
7. The Ausable River in the Adirondacks - I haven't fished it but it is at the top of many lists.
8. Connecticut Lakes Region in Northern New Hampshire - the headwaters of the Connecticut River. Big fish and solitude.
9. Salmon River and other rivers that dump into Lake Ontario in upstate New York - known more for the salmon fishery, there are enormous brown trout as a result of the abundance of food (salmon eggs).
10. Millers River in Central Massachusetts - This is the closest dependable trout stream accessible to folks from Boston.

Learn more about this author, Eric Halloran.
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