Hey everyone—Christian Bacasa here, host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast. April is one of my favorite months to get out on the water. Spring is in full swing, hatches are picking up, and fish are on the move after a long winter. I’ve spent a good amount of time researching this year’s hottest fly fishing spots, and I want to share my top five destinations for April 2025. These aren’t just guesses—they’re backed by experience, research, and a deep love for helping you make the most of your time on the water.
From chasing trout in the mountain streams of the Rockies to stalking tarpon on the flats of the Florida Keys, I’ve got something for every angler. Plus, I’ll give you gear recommendations for each location—perfect if you're thinking about upgrading your setup or exploring new fly patterns from our eCommerce shop.
1. Montana - Yellowstone Area: A Spring Classic for Trout
Montana’s Yellowstone region is a place I’ll never get tired of visiting. The rivers here—Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin—are legendary, and for good reason. April is a transitional month with snowmelt stirring up active trout and early-season hatches bringing the river to life.
Species to Target: Cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout.
Recommended Gear: A 5-weight rod with both floating and intermediate sinking lines. You’ll want Parachute Adams (#14–18), Pheasant Tails (#16–20), and Semi-seal leeches(#4–8). These are all the basic patterns for success.
My Take: One of my favorite memories is floating the Madison in early April, watching midges pop and big trout rising like clockwork. It’s about more than catching—it’s witnessing a whole ecosystem waking up after winter. It’s not salmonfies but man it can be an amazing boil when the hatch is on.
2. Florida Keys: Saltwater Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking to break away from freshwater this April, the Florida Keys are calling. The bonefish are tailing, tarpon are rolling, and permit are patrolling the flats. The action is real—and so is the challenge.
Species to Target: Bonefish, tarpon, permit, and snook.
Recommended Gear: For bonefish and snook, go with an 8-weight rod. For tarpon, step up to a 10- or 12-weight. Bring Gotcha flies (#2–4), shrimp patterns (#4–6), my favorite, the black and purple EP bait pattern by Puglisi, and don’t forget a solid pair of polarized sunglasses.
My Take: I’ll never forget watching a giant tarpon rip into my backing like my drag wasn’t fixed. The adrenaline hit is unmatched. Just remember: invert your rod tip when you feel the jumps coming. Staying high like a trout angler is a rookie mistake.
3. Colorado - South Platte & Blue River: Pre-Runoff Perfection
April is a sweet spot in Colorado. Runoff hasn’t hit yet, and trout are feeding hard on midges and blue-winged olives. The South Platte below Cheesman Canyon and the Blue River near Silverthorne are two of my go-tos.
Species to Target: Rainbow and brown trout.
Recommended Gear: A 5-weight rod with floating line and 5X–6X leaders. Bring midges (#20–24) and BWOs (#18–22) for those picky eaters.
My Take: Colorado weather can swing wildly in spring. One minute it’s snowing, the next you’re fishing in a T-shirt. I’ve had days where rising trout kept me in one run for hours. Be prepared, and layer up! I think having a puffy in the west is almost always a need when in elevation.
4. Utah - Provo River: My Home Water, My Spring Favorite
Being based in Park City, I fish the Provo River more than anywhere else. In April, it shines thanks to the buffalo midge hatch - oversized midges stuck in a shuck that drive trout nuts. It’s my home water, and the buffalo midge can produce one of the silliest trout-eating events you’ll ever see. They must taste like candy because the fish get stupid.
Species to Target: Rainbow and brown trout.
Recommended Gear: A 3- or 4-weight rod with floating line. Use MotherShuckers, No-See-Em and the occasional BWO dry patterns - (#18–22)
My Take: There’s something magical about fishing the Provo in April. You’ll see those midges blanketing the water like tiny little twigs, and trout just can’t help themselves. Don’t overlook this fishery - it’s one of the best blue-ribbon spots in the West. Even better, the access is only 40 minutes from the airport.
5. Ozarks - Missouri/Arkansas: The Underrated Gem
Most anglers overlook the Ozarks, but they’re making a name for themselves. Rivers like the White and North Fork in Missouri and Arkansas are stocked with big, aggressive trout and the pressure is way less than what you’ll find out West.
Species to Target: Rainbow and brown trout.
Recommended Gear: A 5-weight rod with floating line. Stock your box with Woolly Buggers (#6–10), Prince Nymphs (#14–16), and Adams dry flies (#14–18).
My Take: One spring I fished below Bull Shoals Dam and was blown away by the fish size and the solitude. It’s a place where you can disconnect from everything else and just focus on fishing. Highly underrated and 100% worth the trip.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re looking for alternatives, don’t sleep on the Yakima River in Washington, the San Juan in New Mexico, or the Blackfoot in Montana. Spring fishing across the U.S. is turning on right now.
Final Thoughts — Pack Your Gear and Go!
No matter where you’re headed this April, the opportunities are endless. Whether you're into dry flies, streamers, or saltwater stalks, this is a perfect time to explore, learn, and connect with nature—and hopefully land a few trophy fish while you're at it.
Be sure to check out our hand-curated Fly Fishing Gear Shop for rods, reels, lines, and fly selections designed for each of these destinations. I’ve tested a ton of products, and I only stock what I trust and use myself.
Tight lines,
Christian Bacasa
Host, Fly Fishing Insider Podcast and Blog
