I turn the Big 4-0 in a couple of weeks and my wife bought two Southwest Airlines tickets for anywhere I want to go.

So, what do you think?

aw heck, this will get a whole slew of different opinions!

South Padre has lots of good fishing as does Florida. The mountains are nice this time of year, I hear that the Cache de Podre River is on fire right now.

Then there is Alaska. There is some good fishing up that way about all the time, just depends on what weather one can stand

Those are a few of my thoughts on the matter.

This is just me, but I fished up in Utah a few years ago and caught a few nice brookies in some mountain lakes. One went 15". Ever since then I've always wanted to take an overnight guided fishing/camping trip down the Green River.

If intereste you might start by checking out this link for guides in Park City, Utah.
http://www.parkcityoutfitters.com/

First off Southwest has a limited number of state's that it fly's to. So before heading to Florida, Alaska or Utah, you need to get a flight schedule.

New Mexico in the Fall would be great for cold water trout. You could check out the San Juan river there. The Texas Coast now through Fall is also a good choice. Fly into Corpus Christi and drive over to Rockport, Aransas Pass or Port A. Or fly into the 'Valley' of South Texas and hit South Padre. Also, I think South West fly's to Arkansas, so check out the White River for cold water trout.

Or trade in the SW tickets and get on American and go for Alaska or Florida! But, I think you have plenty of options within a 7 state radius that SW fly's to. Good ol Wright Ammendment!

The Wright Ammendment only applies to Love Field. SWA can fly wherever they want from the other Texas airports so we have quite a few options.

We are kicking around South Padre, New Mexico and Utah. New Orleans is also a contender, but not because of the fishing...

I haven't done any saltwater fly fishing...are you chasing trout and reds like usual?

Keep the suggestions coming...

I would say New Mexico or Colorado for some trout. The San Juan has always been good to me. In fact I will be there in a couple of weeks and can let you know how the fishing is. If you can make the trip to Alaska I would highly suggest that as well.

I went to the mountains in AZ a while back and did some fly fishing. Some of the best fly fishing I have ever done. I landed an 8lb Rainbow Trout. Plenty of places to fish there.

Have Fun!

You've got to be kidding, right? Just south of there is some of the best redfish on fly area in the country!!!!!

Hey Lucky, 8lb. 'bows???!!!! Where in AZ?

I'd go for either Utah or Idaho--both great places.

No doubt where I would go...to the San Juan River for some of the very best trout fishing anywhere.

Fly SWA to Albuquerque NM, rent a car for a short drive to Abe's and fish away.

If youve never been there Id agree that you should consider the Jaun. Catching and landing a +20" on 22 midge pattern is quite an experience. The crowds are always something to consider, and late Sept/Oct offer good fishing with fewer partners.
Someone else mentioned the White in AR, also consider the Little Red. Fly into Little Rock and dirve about 70m to Heber Springs. There is more river to fish than NM(more solitude), and fishing around the generation schedule is less combursome than on the White.

Steubo,

Could you fish the Little Red the first time without a guide? I've fished the Norfolk and White but always drove by the Little Red? Will give it a try next time.

I was in christopher creek AZ, when I caught it. A Stream behind the cabins of The Village of Christopher Creek.

mswtx

So have you decided where to go? You do have some homework now of taking a camera and bringing us some fishing pix to post.