Fly Fishing Frenzy: Midwest Trout, Western Salmonflies, and the Hottest Gear for 2025
Here’s a little roundup of what’s been buzzing in the US fly fishing scene this spring. If you’re one of those folks who starts rigging up rods before the coffee’s even done, read on—there’s plenty to tempt you, whether your heart’s in big hatches or shiny new gear.First off, talk in the Midwest is all about Fort McCoy’s annual trout stocking. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just wrapped up dropping more than 15,000 rainbow trout into Fort McCoy’s waterways, and some of those fish are tanks—a few over 20 inches have been found hanging around from previous years. The hatchery doesn’t just deliver; they actually raise these rainbows and do a full health check before letting them loose. So if you’re in the area, you’ve got a shot at both that quick limit and a surprise lunker, all just in time for the season opener[1].Out West, the Middle Deschutes in Oregon is kicking off its Salmonfly Season for 2025, and the locals are already spotting those unmistakable big bugs around Steelhead Falls and even creeping toward the Tumalo area. If you’re looking to hit the river for the famed Drake hatch, keep your eyes peeled mid-May onward, since the explosive rises in mid-river are a dead giveaway the mayflies are popping. And if you’re smart, you’ll have a mix of tan caddis pupa, Golden Stones, and a few trusty nymphs in your box. The best two weeks are still ahead, so there’s plenty of time to chase those epic dry fly eats[5].If you’re a gear junkie (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), there’s lots to drool over. The Fly Shop and others are dropping their picks for the hottest new rods, reels, and gadgets for 2025. A few things are already getting chatter—think lighter-weight sticks with serious backbone and some slick, updated waterproof packs. Fly Fisherman’s 2025 Gear Guide Award Winners just landed, too, so you know your wish list is about to get a little longer[2][4].For the print crowd, the new spring issues of The Drake are out, covering everything from Wyoming trout runs to chasing redfish in Louisiana salt, and even some Hawaiian fly adventures. This season’s coverage seems to lean hard into variety—so whether you’re a diehard trout bum or itching to get salty, there’s something to inspire your next cast[3].All in all, whether you’re chasing fresh-stocked rainbows in the Midwest, looking for the start of Salmonfly madness out West, or just drooling over the latest gear, 2025 is shaping up to be another wild ride for American fly fishers. The rivers are full, the bugs are starting, and the only thing left is to pack a lunch and get after it. See you out there.