I am looking for suggestions for a place to take my dad for a once in a lifetime trout fly-fishing trip. Ideally would be in the continuous 48 as I was thinking Colorado, Wyoming or Montana but would be open to other places. Cost isn�t that much of a factor but I would need this to be relatively �easy� fishing terrain due to my dad�s bad back. I would consider us between novice/intermediate skill levels (but we love the sport). Any suggestions (place, lodge, guide service, etc) would be appreciated.

One possibility is a trip down the White River in AR in float boats.

I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend the guys at Colorado Angler based out of Dillon/Silverthorne area in Colorado. Guys are first class in every aspect. We have gone with them now for 4 years and have never had anything bad to say about anything they do. We have done the float trips with them on most parts of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork rivers. They also offer private water trips for extreme trophy trout as well. Andrew and Hagen are both top notch guys and guides.

http://thecoloradoangler.com/

Dave

Float trip down the black canyon of the gunnison during the salmon fly hatch?

The Bighorn River would fit the criteria. It is pretty much all drift boat fishing, but it is a memorable place to fish. It is full of trout that average in the 18" range.

You fly into Billings, Montana and rent a car for the ~90 mile trip to Ft Smith, and you can visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield on the way. Lots of guides and lodge options, but other than the fishing, there is not much else to do.

The Silver Creek south of Sun Valley Idaho is a pretty mild stream that has huge brown trout. I don't know what your time frame is, but if you can catch the brown drake hatch the last week of May/first week of June then y'all will have a blast. Silver Creek Outfitters and Lost River Outfitters can give you more information and both have great guides. They can also give you more information on other trips in the area.

the grey reef
pyramid lake
black canyon of the gunnison

Get on a drift boat with my cousins in Oregon. Stealhead and trout. http://hollowaybrosfishing.com/

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. Being from Dallas, logistically the best place is looking like Colorado (easy flight from DFW-DEN).

Hawkpuppy is right about fishing out of silverthorn, the only problem is those waters get hammered. If I were you, I would try to get away from I70 in Colorado. Steamboat has some great water, and it is a much nicer place to visit in the summer than anywhere along I70. The yampa also has pike, which is a good time. I think american even started non-stop flights to Hayden (pretty much steamboat).

If you're looking for THE trip of a lifetime, book a father-son trip to an Alaskan lodge. I worked a summer at Tikchik Narrows. It's expensive, but the experience is beyond amazing. If this is the only trip you'll ever take, spend the money. You will never, ever forget it or regret it.

You can't take the money with you. The Obama administration will see to that!!

There are several lodges in the Bristol Bay drainage. I have no connection to, nor do I endorse Tikchik Narrows. Most all Alaskan lodges run a buy-one, get half off the second special at some point in the season. Some even have a waiting list for late cancellations where you can pay the difference... If you can travel at a moment's notice.

Look into all-inclusive lodges in the lower 48, too. Refer back to my statement about not taking it with you!!

JR

I second Alaska. If its a once in a lifetime Rainbow you want then there is no other place to go.....especially if cost is no issue.

For ease of access try these spots out

Colorado- Gunnison River. Gunnison Colorado.- Easy access near town.

Wyoming- Highly recommend a drift boat trip on Gray Reef on the North Platte River in Alcova, Wy, or you can easily wade fish along Seminoe Road just east of Rawlins, Wy.

Montana- Beaverhead River, Dillon, MT.- Try Poindexter Slough or High Bridge for easiest access. Big Hole River is just north of Dillon and offers great fishing and good access as well. Try a place called Maiden Rock or just fish along Highway 43.

Oregon- Deschutes river outside of Bend or the Metolius.

California- Kern River in Sequioa National Forest offers tons of access but can get crowded.

Yellowstone N.P., Wyoming- Probably the easiest access to some of the best fly fishing in the world in the Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Firehole Rivers.