Back to grid

Top fishing destinations and angling hotspots

Back to grid
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
8.9
Sockeye and king salmon crowd the Kenai River each summer during their upstream run. Anglers line the banks shoulder to shoulder during the peak weeks in July. Fly-out lodges can drop fishermen onto remote rivers reachable only by floatplane. Halibut charters out of Homer regularly land fish over one hundred pounds.
Highlights:
  • 🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
  • 🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
  • 🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks
Norway
Land of the long cloud
9.0
The Alta River has produced some of the largest Atlantic salmon ever landed on a fly. Anglers pay for limited beats along the river during a short summer season. Boats can also head into the fjords to jig for cod and halibut. Coastal camps near the Lofoten islands add saltwater fishing to the same trip.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø during winter
  • ⛰️ Hike to the breathtaking Trolltunga cliff viewpoint
  • 🛳️ Cruise through the stunning fjords of western Norway
Key West
Tropical charm at the end of the road
7.9
Ernest Hemingway fished these waters for tarpon and marlin during his years living in town. Flats guides still pole skiffs across the same backcountry Hemingway once fished. Anglers can sight-cast to tarpon rolling in the shallows near the reef. Deep-sea charters reach the Gulf Stream in well under an hour from the harbour.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the coral reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park
  • 🐈 Visit Ernest Hemingway’s House and meet its six-toed cats
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
8.1
Heavy-tackle anglers travel here each September for a shot at giant black marlin. The Ribbon Reefs just offshore have produced fish weighing over a thousand pounds. Crews can troll along the reef edge where the marlin gather to feed. Light-tackle sportfishing for smaller marlin runs earlier in the season.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Explore the tropical waterfalls and swimming holes of Atherton Tablelands
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the treetops
  • 🐠 Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
7.6
Deep water begins just offshore where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. Striped marlin gather here in numbers large enough to earn the marina its nickname. Anglers can also target dorado and wahoo on the same charter trip. Fleets head out daily from the marina chasing billfish year-round.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Experience thrilling ATV tours through desert landscapes
  • 🏖️ Relax on vibrant Medano Beach and swim safely
  • ⛵ Explore the iconic El Arco rock formation by boat
Florida
Sunshine State, Endless Adventure
8.6
Number plates here once carried the slogan "Fishing Capital of the World," reflecting the state's long angling reputation. Tarpon migrate along the coast each spring in large numbers. Backcountry guides can pole a skiff through the Everglades chasing snook and redfish. Deep-sea charters out of the Gulf Coast add sailfish and grouper to the mix.
Highlights:
  • 🐊 Spot alligators on an airboat tour in the Everglades
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Miami Beach
  • 🎠 Experience the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
8.3
The Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego holds sea-run brown trout that migrate in from the ocean. Anglers travel here specifically for a shot at trout weighing over fifteen pounds. Wide, windswept banks give fly casters plenty of room to work a long line. Lodges along the river operate only during the short summer season.
Highlights:
  • 🐧 Explore the diverse wildlife on Peninsula Valdés
  • ❄️ Witness the massive Perito Moreno Glacier up close
  • 🥾 Hike the legendary trails of Torres del Paine National Park
Bay of Islands
Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends
9.4
Zane Grey helped popularise big-game fishing here after visiting in the 1920s. Striped marlin and mako sharks still draw charter boats each summer season. Anglers can troll along current lines where baitfish gather offshore. The nearby Cavalli Islands add sheltered grounds for catching kingfish close to shore.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn indigenous history
  • 🛶 Kayak through limestone caves at Te Puna Marae
  • ⛵ Sail to Russell, explore historic whaling village
Ningaloo Coast
Australia's Accessible Underwater Wonderland
9.1
A reef sits close enough to shore here that anglers can reach deep water within minutes. Spanish mackerel and giant trevally patrol the drop-off just past the coral. Boats can also troll wider grounds for sailfish during the summer months. Shore-based anglers cast from rocky points for smaller reef species.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Explore Cape Range National Park’s rugged gorges
  • 🤿 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs from sandy beaches
  • 🦈 Swim with gentle whale sharks off the coast
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
5.7
Tigerfish with a mouthful of sharp teeth patrol the Zambezi River as it winds through this country. Anglers can also fish saltwater flats along the coast for giant trevally. Bazaruto Archipelago's channels hold sailfish within reach of a short boat ride. Guides often target tigerfish using lures that mimic small baitfish.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail on a traditional dhow along Mozambique Island
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Tofo Beach
  • 🐠 Dive among vibrant coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
7.7
Alphonse Atoll's shallow flats hold bonefish in numbers rarely matched anywhere else in the world. Fly anglers can also target giant trevally hunting along the same flats. St. Francois Atoll nearby adds permit and triggerfish to the mix. Guides pole skiffs across the sand flats at low tide to spot fish.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Copolia Trail on Mahe Island
  • 🐢 Encounter giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
  • 🏖️ Visit Anse Source d'Argent, famed pink sand beach
Bergen
The gateway to the fjords
8.0
A centuries-old fish market still sells cod hauled in from the surrounding fjords each morning. Deep channels near the harbour hold halibut that can weigh over a hundred pounds. Anglers can charter a boat to jig for coalfish just outside the city. Cod fishing here dates back to the Hanseatic trading era.
Highlights:
  • 🐟 Visit the lively Fish Market and taste local seafood
  • 🏘️ Stroll through Bryggen’s colorful wooden Hanseatic Wharf
  • 🚡 Ride the Fløibanen funicular for stunning views over Bergen
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Pristine lakes, untouched wilderness paradise
8.4
Motorboats are banned across this million-acre wilderness, leaving canoes as the main way to fish its lakes. Walleye and smallmouth bass are the most sought species among paddling anglers. Fishermen can portage between lakes to reach water that sees few other boats. Campsites along the shoreline let anglers fish at dawn straight from shore.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Discover waterfalls like Devil’s Cascade and Johnson Falls
  • 🥾 Hike to Eagle Mountain, Minnesota’s highest point
  • 🛶 Go on an overnight canoe camping trip through lakes
Outer Banks
Wild horses and pristine shores
8.0
The Gulf Stream passes closer to shore here than almost anywhere else on the East Coast. Boats can reach blue marlin grounds within an hour of leaving the dock. Anglers gave this stretch of coast the nickname the Marlin Capital of the World. Surf fishermen also cast for red drum right from the beach.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive along the scenic Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
  • 🛩️ Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
  • 🌊 Climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Belize
Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems
7.0
Shallow flats along this coast hold bonefish, tarpon and permit within casting distance of the shore. Anglers chase all three species in a single day to complete a grand slam. Guides can pole a skiff silently across the flats to avoid spooking fish. Turneffe Atoll ranks among the most productive of these flats.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail between tropical cayes across the Belize Barrier Reef
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Caracol
  • 🤿 Dive or snorkel the breathtaking Great Blue Hole
Christmas Island
Island Paradise of Red Crabs
8.3
Steep drop-offs sit just a short boat ride from shore around this remote Australian territory. Sailfish and yellowfin tuna gather along these deep edges within minutes of leaving the harbour. Anglers can also cast for giant trevally hunting bait near the reef. Marlin sometimes turn up on the same offshore runs.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore the rainforest trails of Christmas Island National Park
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral gardens and reef fish at Flying Fish Cove
  • 🦀 Witness the spectacular annual red crab migration
Iceland
Land of fire and ice
9.7
Glacier-fed rivers here hold some of the purest wild Atlantic salmon runs left in Europe. Strict catch-and-release rules and limited daily rods keep pressure on each river low. Anglers can wade into gin-clear pools where salmon hold before continuing upstream. Permits on the most famous rivers sell out more than a year in advance.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the full Ring Road and explore Iceland’s natural wonders
  • 💦 Soak in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • 🌌 Marvel at the dancing Northern Lights in winter
Louisiana
Cajun Soul and Vibrant Culture
7.2
Marsh channels around Venice hold redfish that anglers call bull reds once they exceed ten pounds. Speckled trout also gather in these brackish waters each autumn. Guides can pole a shallow boat right up to schools feeding along the grass lines. The mouth of the Mississippi River adds tarpon to the mix each summer.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Cruise the bayous on a guided swamp boat tour
  • 🎷 Take a jazz-filled evening stroll through the French Quarter
  • 🎭 Join the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans
Montana
Wild Beauty & Vast Big Skies
8.4
The Madison and Yellowstone Rivers rank among the most storied trout streams in the country. Fly fishermen wade these waters chasing wild rainbow and brown trout year-round. Guides can float a drift boat through canyon stretches inaccessible on foot. Blue-ribbon status here means strict limits protect the wild trout population.
Highlights:
  • 🐎 Go horseback riding through wide open Big Sky Country
  • 🦬 Spot wildlife and geysers in Yellowstone’s rugged wilderness
  • 🏞️ Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
Madeira
Dramatic Cliffs and Eternal Spring
8.0
Deep water forms close to this volcanic island's steep coastline, cutting travel time to blue marlin grounds. Boats have landed marlin weighing over a thousand pounds within a short run from the harbour. Anglers can also target bigeye tuna along the same drop-offs. The island's game fishing season runs mainly through the summer months.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Swim in the volcanic natural pools of Porto Moniz
  • 🌊 Drive along the dramatic coastal roads of Madeira’s north coast
  • 🥾 Hike the stunning Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail above the clouds
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
Giant trevally patrol the channels between atolls, ambushing baitfish swept through by the tide. Live-bait anglers can target yellowfin tuna feeding on the same currents. Fly fishermen wade the flats at low tide chasing bonefish and triggerfish. Guides know specific channel mouths where the trevally gather to feed.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
8.4
Warm Kuroshio current waters pass close to these islands, drawing marlin and tuna within reach of small boats. Anglers can troll along reef edges where the current pushes baitfish together. Local spearfishing traditions also target reef fish in the shallow lagoons. Charter crews often head out before dawn to catch the morning feeding window.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on white sands of Emerald and Zanpa Beaches
  • 🏯 Explore historic Shuri Castle, former Ryukyu Kingdom palace
  • 🐋 Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks
South Island
Majestic fjords and alpine peaks
9.3
Rivers here have produced brown trout weighing well over fifteen pounds in the clearest of pools. Sight-fishing means anglers spot individual trout before making a single cast. Guides can walk riverbanks for hours searching for one feeding fish worth targeting. The Mataura River is especially known among visiting fly fishermen.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore Fiordland's Milford Sound sunset cruise
  • ⛵ Cruise Abel Tasman National Park
  • 🏞️ Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing sunrise
Scotland
Mystic Highlands and Historic Castles
7.7
The River Tay has produced record Atlantic salmon, including one of the largest ever caught on rod and line. Anglers fish its beats each autumn during the peak salmon run. Ghillies guide boats along the river towards pools where fish tend to hold. The Spey nearby is known instead for its long, sweeping fly casts.
Highlights:
  • 🏚️ Walk through the mysterious Real Mary King's Close
  • ⛰️ Hike up to panoramic views from Arthur’s Seat
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle in Old Town
Ireland
Emerald Isle of timeless charm
7.9
Lough Corrib holds some of the largest wild pike found anywhere in Europe. Boats can drift across the lake's countless bays while trolling for trout and pike. Anglers also fish for wild brown trout during the mayfly hatch each May. Guides know specific drop-offs where the biggest pike tend to hold.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Marvel at the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Wild Atlantic Way from Cork to Donegal
  • 💋 Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
Japan
Bullet trains, temples, onsen and neon cities
10.0
Fishermen on the Nagara River still practice ukai, a centuries-old method of catching ayu using trained cormorants. Torch-lit boats drift downstream at night while the birds dive for fish. Anglers can also fish for ayu themselves using a traditional method called tomozuri. The tradition has continued on this river for over a thousand years.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Admire Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Pavilion shimmering in sunlight
  • 🚶🏻 Walk the iconic Shibuya Crossing and feel Tokyo’s pulse
  • 🏔️ See Mount Fuji reflect on Lake Kawaguchi at sunrise
Kenya
Safari paradise meets coastal charm
6.6
Sailfish gather along the Pemba Channel off this coast, drawing big-game anglers each season. Hemingway-era fishing lodges near Malindi still operate from the same stretch of coastline. Boats can troll for marlin and tuna within a short run from the harbour. Deep water begins close enough to shore to reach in under an hour.
Highlights:
  • 🦁 Go on a Big Five safari in Amboseli National Park
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Kenya and enjoy panoramic alpine views
  • 🦓 Witness the Great Migration across the Maasai Mara plains
Papua New Guinea
Last paradise of South Pacific
5.7
Anglers rediscovered the papuan black bass in the country's remote rivers during the 1990s. The fish fights hard enough that guides recommend heavy tackle even for smaller specimens. Boats can reach jungle river mouths only after a long run along the coast. Few anglers fish these waters, since access still requires a dedicated expedition.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Trek the historic Kokoda Track through dense rainforest
  • 🎭 Meet the colorful tribes at the Mount Hagen Festival
  • 🤿 Dive among WWII wrecks in Rabaul’s volcanic waters
Azores
Volcanic Isles of Atlantic Wonders
8.5
Deep water close to shore lets big-game boats reach blue marlin grounds within an hour. Anglers have landed marlin over a thousand pounds off these islands. Crews can spot tuna schools boiling on the surface from the flybridge. The volcanic drop-offs nearby also hold large schools of bigeye tuna.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation at Gorreana
  • ♨️ Relax in the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha
  • 🥾 Hike through the volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
6.6
Peacock bass in the Vichada and Bita rivers can grow past twenty pounds in the right pools. Fly anglers travel to these remote eastern rivers specifically to target trophy-sized fish. Guides can pole a boat along undercut banks where the bass ambush baitfish. Few other anglers fish these waters outside of a handful of lodges.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Enjoy Colombian coffee at plantations in Salento
  • 🥾 Hike to the Lost City deep in the Sierra Nevada
  • 🏰 Wander the colonial streets of Cartagena’s walled city
Mongolia
Land of endless steppes
7.7
Remote rivers here hold taimen, the largest member of the salmon family, growing well over four feet long. Anglers can float these rivers by raft for days without seeing another camp. Catch-and-release rules protect the taimen, since the fish grow slowly. Guides often use large mouse-pattern flies to draw strikes on the surface.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the Gandan Monastery and observe morning prayers
  • 🌌 Stay overnight in a traditional ger under starry skies
  • 🐎 Ride a horse across the vast Mongolian steppe
Thailand
Land of smiles and contrasts
8.0
Bungsamran Lake near Bangkok stocks Mekong giant catfish and arapaima that can weigh several hundred pounds. Anglers fish from platforms built right at the water's edge. Guides can net and weigh a catch before releasing it back into the lake. The lake draws fishermen from overseas specifically to chase these oversized species.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Experience the lantern festival during Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
  • 🌃 Explore Chiang Mai’s night markets and street food
  • 🏯 Visit the ornate Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
Uganda
Pearl of Africa's diverse landscapes
7.1
Nile perch weighing over two hundred pounds have been landed near the source of the Nile at Jinja. Boats can troll along the river's edge where the current pushes baitfish together. Anglers also fish the calmer waters of Lake Victoria for smaller perch. Guides know specific channels where the biggest fish tend to hold.
Highlights:
  • 🦓 Take a safari across the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 🐘 Watch hippos and elephants along the Kazinga Channel
  • 🦍 Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to meet mountain gorillas
Venezuela
Land of diverse tropical landscapes
5.6
The Rio Cinaruco holds peacock bass prized by fly anglers for their explosive strikes. Remote lodges along the river operate only during the dry season each year. Anglers can cast towards submerged logs where the bass wait to ambush prey. Few other rivers in South America see this little fishing pressure.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Relax on the white sands of Los Roques archipelago
  • 🦜 Explore the wildlife and plains of Los Llanos
  • 🌊 Marvel at Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall
Namibia
Desert wilderness meets wildlife wonders
6.9
Anglers cast into the surf along the Skeleton Coast for large sharks that patrol close to the beach. Steenbras and kob also gather in these cold, nutrient-rich waters. Fishermen can wade out from the sand and cast well beyond the breakers. Annual shark-tagging competitions still draw anglers to this stretch of coastline.
Highlights:
  • ⚓ Visit the eerie shipwrecks along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
  • 🐘 Spot wildlife on a safari through Etosha National Park
  • 🏜️ Climb the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei at sunrise
Amazon River
Endless green corridor, untamed wildlife sanctuary
Peacock bass and giant arapaima both live in this river's countless tributaries and oxbow lakes. Anglers can target arapaima that surface for air, giving away their position with a loud gulp. Guides pole small boats into flooded forest channels where bass ambush baitfish. Some lodges here operate on a strict catch-and-release basis to protect stocks.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Sleep under stars in eco-lodge, listen to night chorus
  • 🛖 Visit indigenous community markets, taste fermented cassava delicacies
  • 🚣‍♂️ Canoe through dense rainforest canopies, spotting wildlife
Feedback