Best fishing destinations in North America

Productive ocean banks and vast wilderness lakes in North America

North America's fishing destinations are among the most celebrated in the world, with the continent's fly fishing rivers, great lake systems and deep sea game fishing grounds having defined global angling culture across multiple disciplines. The continent's most significant fishing environments combine exceptional fish populations, dramatic natural settings and a depth of guiding expertise that has produced some of the world's most refined angling traditions around specific species and watersheds.

The continent's river systems hold some of the world's most significant trout and salmon fly fishing, with legendary watersheds across the west and northeast attracting dedicated anglers from around the world. Deep sea and offshore charter operations along both coasts deliver game fishing of considerable quality, with marlin, tuna and sailfish among the most sought-after species across the continent's most productive offshore grounds.

Licence requirements vary considerably by state and species and checking requirements before travel is essential. Seasonal timing is critical with migration windows and spawning protections defining access periods at the most significant destinations. Access to the most celebrated river beats and guide services books out well in advance and specialist operators are the most reliable route to securing the best experiences.

Country
Belize
Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems
The country was called British Honduras until 1973 and became independent in 1981. Shallow flats near Ambergris Caye hold bonefish, permit and tarpon. Catching all three in one day is called a grand slam. Beyond the Belize Barrier Reef, deep water holds snapper, grouper and wahoo.
State/Prefecture in United States
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
The Kenai River produced a record 97 pound king salmon in 1985. King fishing has been limited in recent years, but sockeye runs come in late June and early August. Coho salmon run in early August and again in early October. Homer, on Kachemak Bay, is a hub for halibut charters.
City in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
At the southern tip of Baja California, the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez over deep water. Striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and dorado are common offshore catches. Bisbee's Black and Blue tournament, held each October, pays out millions in prizes. Charters leave the marina at dawn and often return by early afternoon.
Region in United States
Outer Banks
Wild horses and pristine shores
A hurricane cut Oregon Inlet through the barrier islands in 1846. Charter boats now leave the nearby harbour for trips out towards the Gulf Stream. Surf anglers cast from Cape Hatteras beaches for red drum and bluefish. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, finished in 1870, was moved inland in 1999 to escape erosion.
City in United States
Key West
Tropical charm at the end of the road
Many Key West restaurants will cook a guest's own catch, a practice called catch and cook. Charter boats work the Gulf Stream for sailfish, mahi mahi and wahoo. Shallow flats west of town hold bonefish, permit and tarpon. Ernest Hemingway lived here from 1931 to 1939 and fished the nearby waters.
State/Prefecture in United States
Louisiana
Cajun Soul and Vibrant Culture
The state has more coastal wetland than any other state in the lower 48. Venice, at the end of Highway 23, is a launch point for tuna, cobia and redfish. The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo draws anglers each summer. Oil and gas platforms off the coast attract tuna, snapper and cobia.
State/Prefecture in United States
Florida
Sunshine State, Endless Adventure
Fishing runs all year in Florida, with a different catch in each season. Tarpon gather at Boca Grande Pass from May into July. Sailfish season off Palm Beach peaks in winter. Lake Okeechobee, nicknamed the Big O, is known for largemouth bass. Most anglers need a Florida fishing licence.
Nature Reserve in United States
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Pristine lakes, untouched wilderness paradise
Loons call across still lakes as canoes glide towards quiet bays. The wilderness covers about 1.1 million acres and has over 1,100 lakes. Anglers catch walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and lake trout. Overnight visits need a permit, which must be reserved in advance from May to September.
State/Prefecture in United States
Montana
Wild Beauty & Vast Big Skies
The Madison River near Ennis holds rainbow and brown trout. Guides float the Missouri River below Holter Dam, a famous trout stretch. The Yellowstone River has no storage dams and holds brown, rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The salmonfly hatch, a burst of huge stoneflies, peaks in June.
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