Fly fishing video games are few and far in-between. Even though there are hundreds of fishing games on the market right now, very few have a fly fishing component. Games that are dedicated to fly fishing specifically are even less common.
Luckily, we’re in a golden age of indie games and niche game development, so there are a few fly fishing game options available. If you’re looking for a video game to scratch that fly fishing itch, keep reading for some of the best fly fishing simulators!
Ultimate Fishing Simulator
This game is dedicated to all types of fishing and is ridiculously broad in scope (in a good way). It has a very well fleshed out fly fishing component in addition to all the other fishing content.
The fly fishing itself is quite varied. You’re not just limited to classic dry flies. The game also has nymphs, streamers, and classic wet flies. For a streamer nut such as myself, this is exactly the kind of fly fishing simulator I’m looking for.
For the streamer nuts reading (me!), this game supports strip retrieves. Some of the other games on this list have streamers, but don’t implement strip retrieves as well as this game does.
You’re also not limited to chasing traditional fly fishing quarry (trout and salmon), you can chase a large number of species on the fly, both saltwater and fresh. One that’s particularly exciting for me is that striped bass are available to target on the fly in this game!
In my opinion. This is the best overall fly fishing simulator on this list. Casting, retrieve, and fighting the fish are all simulated to be very satisfying. The breadth of content is also hard to beat.
The game also has casting, bottom fishing, and ice fishing. Ice fishing is another fishing method that isn’t commonly found in fishing games, so this was a nice surprise!
Ultimate Fishing Simulator is available for Windows in Steam.
Fly Fishing Simulator HD
Unlike the other games on this list, this is a mobile game. For those looking for a fly fishing game they can play on their phone, this is the one for you!
Thankfully, the developer didn’t go the in-game-purchases route. Instead, there’s a free version, and a paid version (with much more content). The developer has traveled to, taken pictures, and actually fished the in game locations himself.
The central game mechanic is much like real-life fly fishing “match the hatch”.
Full disclosure. I played the free version to get info for this article, and ended up buying the full version that very same night! I’m hooked.
Fly Selection
You can “check hatches” and a picture of bugs present will appear alongside your fly selection. You then pick the pattern that you think will best imitate the insects present on the water at a given time.
It doesn’t stop at patterns either, each pattern has a range of sizes you can select. For example, an Adams is available in 8 sizes ranging from tiny midge-like size 22 to a beefy size 8. The developer is kind enough in the tutorial to point out that smaller numbers are larger flies, something that someone not familiar with fly fishing in real life wouldn’t realize.
The starting flies are also not all that you’re limited to either. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new flies by catching more fish (up to 160 different patterns!). The game doesn’t just limit you to dry flies either. Nymphs and streamers are also available.
You can then choose the best fly to match the hatch and start fishing!
Casting
I was really impressed with the way the fly line moves on the water, and how fly line management, in general, was represented in this game.
How much line is let out is managed separately from actually casting the rod, which allows for a surprising amount of line control. Somehow the controls are also fluid and straightforward!
Setting the hook and fighting the fish is similarly intuitive. Just pull back on the rod to set the hook (ensuring you don’t have an excess line out). Fighting the fish *is* done off the reel though, I suppose it would be fairly difficult to program in fighting the fish in the traditional fly fishing manner.
Other Thoughts on Fly Fishing Simulator
Overall it’s a quality fly fishing game that was obviously created by someone with first-hand experience in fly fishing. There’s even a fly tying feature! Never thought I’d see a fly tying component to a game.
Available for download from both the Google play store and the Apple app store. Available to play on both phones and tablets.
FarCry 5
Okay, so this is far from a dedicated fishing game, but Farcry 5 is a surprisingly good fly fishing simulator! The crazy part is that fishing is just a small part of a much larger game! The main game is an expansive open-world first-person shooter set in Montanna, which just happens to be a state with extensive fly fishing opportunities!
For folks that fly fish in real life. Be aware that even though the fishing mechanics are fun, the fly fishing terminology could have used some additional work. If the devs spent an hour reviewing the final product with someone that actually fly fishes, they could have put a nice final touch of polish on the terminology used in this game. I’m being pedantic though, the actual gameplay is plenty of fun!
There are a variety of different fish species available to catch. Most are typical fly fishing targets such as trout, salmon, and char. There are some real oddball fish available to catch though, like paddlefish!
Species List (12 different types of fish)
- Arctic Grayling
- Bull Trout
- Golden Trout
- Lake Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Kokanee Salmon
- Chinook Salmon
- Paddlefish
- Pallid Sturgeon
- Rock Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
FarCry 5 is available from Steam on PC, XBOX, and Playstation 5.
Fishing on the Fly
This is an indie game, and the developer is actually a fly fishing guide in real life. This means alot of first-hand knowledge went into the development of this game. The rivers are modeled after actual real rivers, and have structure present that reflects this.
There’s a hatch system in which the angler needs to match the hatch much like real life. The really cool thing is that the hatches change with the seasons!
Full disclosure that this game is early access. The game has well-developed core gameplay and features, but the game is a bit rough around the edges visually. The developer acknowledges this, and is currently working on getting it polished.
The developer even threw in some extra flavour such as local wildlife. Bears, buffaloes, and wolves will all make an appearance as you explore the waterways in Fishing on the Fly.
Fishing on the fly is available for download from Steam for windows
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