If you’ve been itching for a good cast lately, 2025’s shaping up to be a banner year for the fly fishing crowd—let’s dig into a handful of stories making the rounds among those who live for the tug.
First off, if you’re anywhere near Fort McCoy—or just keen on chasing rainbows—there’s some happy news: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just finished stocking more than 15,000 rainbow trout across Fort McCoy’s waterways, right on schedule for the start of the new season. Locals are buzzing, especially since the hatchery folks always slip in a few bigger fish for those looking to land a brag-worthy catch. Word is, trout from previous stockings have bulked up nicely, with at least one rainbow surfacing at over 20 inches—sure beats a day at the office[3].
Over in central Oregon, the Middle Deschutes is in the thick of its annual Salmonfly Season and the start of the legendary spring Green Drake hatch. This year, early risers spotted the first salmonflies all the way up towards Tumalo, though the main hatch is still hanging closer to Steelhead Falls. Drake duns haven’t exploded off the water just yet, but experienced locals say the best action is coming soon—mid-May through Memorial Day is when you’ll want to drop what you’re doing and head out. Even with a slow start, the river’s putting out strong rises late in the afternoons, and tan caddis pupa or a classic PT nymph are your best bet[4].
Of course, every die-hard gear junkie is glued to this season’s new releases. From what’s coming out of The Fly Shop and Fly Fisherman’s 2025 Gear Guide, the chatter is all about lighter rods that still punch above their weight, new lines with extra stealth, and some seriously innovative waders. The field-tested awards went to reels with butter-smooth drags and next-gen materials, making it a good year to upgrade if you’ve got a little room in your kit—or garage[1][2].
And finally, for those chasing inspiration when you can’t make it on the water, the latest Drake Magazine spring issue is making the rounds with tales from Wyoming trout streams, epic streamer days, and even some tropical redfish stories from Louisiana. Might not be a substitute for a perfect drift, but it sure helps you daydream until your next trip out[5].
So whether you’re tying up a few more nymphs, scouting for bug activity, or just eyeballing the new rod racks at your local shop, there’s plenty to keep a fly fisher’s heart beating fast as the season kicks into high gear.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
