Most anglers start off fishing the neighborhood bass pond or small-town trout stream. Slowly we progress, expanding our reach to more local and then eventually regional waters. Inevitably our focus turns beyond the borders of our home country, and we start daydreaming of bigger trips—exotic destinations teeming with strange fish that fight epically hard. And eventually, we take those trips, and they change our lives as anglers.
The world is full of water, both fresh and salt, and therefore full of fish species. That means there are endless dream destinations to go fishing, really. To narrow down these spots, we chose at least one each from the six fishable continents. (If you can figure out Antarctica, more power to you.) We included a few basic starting points. From there, it's your job to turn this dream fishing trip into a reality. Good luck.
North America: Craig, Montana | Brown and Rainbow Trout
Getty Images, Washington Post
Big western brown and rainbow trout make an angler's mouth water. And it's hard to find a destination more "Big Trout Town U.S.A." than the small but flush outpost of Craig, Montana. Located in the middle of the Big Sky State, Craig rests on the banks of the Missouri River and is home to three fly shops, one restaurant, one bar, and one mechanic. The Missouri is famous for its prolific trout population, including multitudes of rainbow trout and some truly bruiser brown trout.
Where to stay: Craig Trout Camp is located directly in town, within walking distance of Joe's Bar and everything else Craig has to offer.
Local experts: Headhunters Fly Shop
South America: Jungle Regions, Bolivia | Golden Dorado
Getty Images, Juan Pablo Marchelletti
The Bolivian Amazon is rife with jungle rivers, such as the Pluma and Isisama, which are home to a myriad of strange and unusual species—enough to tempt any angler's imagination. The team at Tsimané has developed several camps in the remote jungle regions of Bolivia, where anglers can target the king of the jungle river, the golden dorado, as well as pacú, moturo (a jungle catfish), and yatorana (an aggressive jungle sportfish). Hiking and fishing through the pristine waters of the region is an adventure in itself, but the truly wild fishing opportunities should be on every fisherman's bucket list. Boat-based anglers will fish lower in the watershed, while those who opt for the helicopter fishing program will fly up into the headwaters and fish in smaller (yet very productive) water.
Where to stay: Pluma Lodge, home to both a boat-based fishing program and Tsimané's new heli-fishing program, which allows access to jungle headwaters.
Local experts: Tsimané Lodge
Europe: Iceland | Sea-run Brown Trout
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You may have heard tales of fishing sea-run brown trout in the waters around the southern tip of South America and parts of Europe, but it remains a fairly new idea for most North American anglers. These trout are anadromous fish, meaning they travel from freshwater to saltwater every year, which makes them a highly-desired target on a fishing rod. Fish along Iceland's dramatic southern coastline and find yourself surrounded by stark natural beauty while you cast into gorgeous glacial waters.
Where to stay: Fish Partner's sea-run brown trout lodge, Battle Hill Lodge is designed as a comfy respite from Iceland's sometimes-challenging weather. Guests are well cared for and well fed, thanks to Chef Fabi and her team's excellent welcome.
Local Experts: Fish Partner has exclusive access to a variety of rivers with productive sea-trout fishing. From small, rocky rivers to the massive Vatnamót River, which spreads like a giant plain across black lava fields, there's no shortage of tempting waters.
Africa: Makhangoa, Lesotho | Yellowfish
Getty Images, DEA / S. Vannini
If you've ever dreamed of going totally off the edge of the world—Lesotho is your spot. The high-altitude, mountainous country is located wholly within South Africa and is home to wild, winding rivers that support healthy populations of yellowfish and trout. Yellowfish, which look like a barbel, often eat dry flies well and make a perfect species for anglers who prefer delicate presentations and skillful tactics required for trout fishing.
Where to stay: Set alongside the local village of Makhangoa, the Makhangoa Community Camp is an ongoing project run by outfitter African Waters, offering remarkable comfort in the middle of the Lesotho mountains.
Local experts: African Waters. The Bokong River winds lazily beside the camp. You'll fish the large, estuary-like waters near camp by foot and from a raft, and also hike further upriver to fish small waters lined with boulders.
Africa: Gabon | Tarpon, Bohar Snapper, Sharks
Getty Images, David_Pibrac
Home to the longest stretch of untouched coastline remaining on the continent of Africa, Gabon is a saltwater angler's dream. A healthy estuary system as well as plenty of opportunities for surf fishing present a variety of options for game fishermen, and it's possible to be fishing the beach and see a forest buffalo or a forest elephant wandering your way. Tarpon, bohar snapper, and even sharks can be caught in this unique African fishery, also run by African Waters.
Where to stay: The Sette Cama Camp offers jungle comfort with smoothly run operations, thanks to the seasoned crew at African Waters.
Local experts: African Waters. Come prepared for variety: Anglers can fish the surf at night, but also spend their days cruising the estuaries via boat, where you're likely to spot African wildlife in addition to your catch of the day.
Australia: Tasmania | Brown Trout
Getty Image, Kevin Cass
Tasmania is home to arguably the best brown trout fishing in the world. The original stock of the famed New Zealand brown trout are Tasmanian, and the small island receives far less tourist traffic than its neighbors. Tasmania's central highlands are home to exquisite sight-fishing in its many lakes, while the midlands lend themselves to small rivers and streams in a nearly rainforest-like environment. Tasmania offers fishing opportunities in the highlands (pampas-looking highland lakes set against a dramatic landscape), midlands (rainforest stream fishing), and the lowlands (classic lake and river fishing), where it's not uncommon to see wombats lumbering along or platypus swimming. It's possible to fit several different fishing environments into just a few days of fishing.
Where to stay: The Thousand Lakes Wilderness Lodge in the highlands offers comfy accommodations and rich history in Tasmanian outdoor adventure.
Local experts: Riverfly 1864
Asia: Hokkaido, Japan | Golden Char and Rainbow Trout
Getty Images, W. Buss
It's well worth making the trek to Japan's northern island of Hokkaido to fish for golden char, a fish that turns a unique champagne color because of the sediments in the lakes in which it's found. The rivers and lakes of the island also support a strong population of very healthy rainbow trout. Wade-fishing in Lake Akan, which is shadowed by a large volcano, is a particularly memorable experience. Several productive freestone rivers are also a short drive away from the village of Kushiro. Japan's unique culture and ease of travel make this an ideal stop for anglers traveling with family or friends who may want to mix in some non-fishing days as well.
Where to stay: This modern hotel Lake Akan Tsuruga Wings features a variety of onsen, or Japanese hot springs, for a relaxing soak after a day fishing the local rivers and lakes. You'll find exceptional food options on-site, and a wander through the small village of Kushiro is well worth the steps.
Local experts: Shigeru Takada at Tsuruga Adventure Base is the region's most knowledgeable fishing guide and a very fun man to spend time on the water with.
Indian Ocean: The Seychelles | GTs, Bonefish, Milkfish
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Most anglers whisper the words "the Seychelles" with hushed and reverent tones. The chain of islands in the Indian Ocean has been the subject of many films and articles and continues to draw anglers from around the world. It's a strong option to tick off many bucket-list species, including giant trevally, milkfish, large bonefish, Indo-Pacific permit, and parrotfish. The pristine flats for which the Seychelles are famous for making for a dream-worthy fishing backdrop, whether you're fishing from a boat or wading crystal-clear flats.
Where to stay: Alphonse Island is part of a large group of atolls, perched atop over 10,000 acres of white sand flats that are filled with gamefish.
Local experts: The Alphonse Fishing Company runs operations on a variety of islands.
Caribbean Sea: Ambergris Caye, Belize | Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Snook, Reef Fish
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A relatively short flight from many major U.S. airports, Belize is an easy country both to travel and to travel within. The island of Ambergris Caye is home to a large fishing industry, thanks to the expansive flats surrounding the island. Fishers can expect to chase bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, snapper, and other species and can choose to either fish the flats or head out onto the reef for a more traditional reef-fishing experience.
Where to stay: El Pescador Lodge has access to more than 400 square miles of saltwater flats. On any given day, anglers could be plying the mangroves for juvenile tarpon, cruising the flats for bonefish, or heading out for a day of reef fishing.
Local experts: The team at El Pescador Lodge can set up fishing days as well as snorkeling, diving, cave tours, and more. The staff is also keen to recommend good activities and dining options in the nearby town of San Pedro.
South Pacific: Anaa Atoll, French Polynesia | Bonefish and GTs
Getty Images, Sablin
We all think about what it would be like to show up on some far-flung tropical island with no resorts, no lodges, and no tourists—just some friendly locals and plenty of obliging fish. Well, welcome to Anaa. This small South Pacific atoll is home to a community fly-fishing project led by conservation group IndiFly, and lodging is available at exactly one location. The flats surrounding the island teem with large bonefish, trevally, parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and many other species. Anaa is home to gorgeous, white-sand flats, and anglers will spend most of their time wading these flats looking for cruising fish. A day fishing the reef is also worthwhile, but be prepared to battle the surf and waves as you fish over the edge. Expect warm island hospitality, excellent fishing, and a trip to remember for the rest of your life.
Where to stay: Fly Fishing Anaa Toku Kaiga is arguably the only tourist booking destination on the island, and offers a homey, well-run, and comfortable welcome on the small atoll.
Local experts: IndiFly helped found the fishery on Anaa and continues to develop the evolving fishing programs.
READ MORE: The Best Trout Streams to Fish in the Western U.S. and Canada
