fly fishing in Euope
 

Is fresh water fishing a possibility in Europe? This may be the only way I can convince my husband to go there for an in 2006. (He wants to go to Patagonia which does not thrill me!)

I have done fly fishing in streams under the midnight sun in Iceland, caught quite a few trouts, delightful experience.

Hope Iceland not too remote for you.

It seems fly fisihing salmon is quite popular in Scotland, but I haven't tried yet.

Thanks, Judy. I was kinda of thinking Iceland would be one of the suggestions. It sounds wonderful.

Lots of fly fishing in the UK. I've stayed at places in Scotland, Wales and England that have rights to fish right outside. Would be lots for a non-fishing spouse to do while husband is fishing too.

As others have mentioned, most of the quality fly fishing in Europe is centered in the UK. Essentially all of the water is private, though much is accessible for a fee or included as part of a hotel or inn package. The very best water, including the best beats on some of the "name" salmon rivers in Scotland, will be unavailable at any price, unless you happen to have the right title attached to your name.

I'm not sure about the current policies, but at one time - and perhaps still - the style of fishing on British trout streams was very closely regulated, i.e., no wading, casting only to rising fish with an upstream presentation, all fish to be killed, etc. If that's still the case, it may not appeal to your husband (it certainly doesn't appeal to me).

There is good fishing to be had in Ireland, but I know very little about the details, and there has been considerable recent interest in Denmark, Lithuania, and Slovenia. There's not much of interest for a real traveling fly fisherman in most of the rest of Europe, in spite of what would appear to be some very inviting streams. You can get more, and I'm sure better, information from the Bulletin Boards at the Fly Fisherman Magazine web site (www.flyshop.com). You could also pick up a copy of the magazine, which will have ads for contacts regarding fishing in some of the European countries

I have been to Patagonia fly fishing several times and it's an interesting place that you may not want to write off too quickly. There's admittedly little cultural activity, but the fishing is in one of the most beautiful places on earth, in the foothills of the Andes surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, herds of red stag, and sheep ranches. It's a rare experience these days to float down a major river for three days and not see a single sign of human activity of any kind - you can still do that in Patagonia. Most access is via Buenos Aires, which is an fascinating and surprisingly "European" city with much to see and do.