5 Fly-Fishing Destinations That Will Take Your Breath Away

By Jennifer Brunton

Imagine you’re preparing for an amazing fly-fishing adventure. You’ve spent some time finding just the right gear—the perfect rod, some great flies. Now it’s time to pack up your tackle box, along with some hearty eats and waterproof attire, and get out on the road. 

As you arrive at your secluded destination bright and early, your heart rises when you see the sparkling water and breathe in all that fresh air. You step into your waders and then venture out into the cold river, ready to cast your line. 

Propelled by the graceful whipping and coiling of your line, your fly lands gently on the surface just above a fish. Thinking it’s just seen an insect up above, the fish takes your lure. With great satisfaction, you begin to reel in your first catch of the day. 

Now envision doing all that in some of the most stunning and untouched destinations on Earth.

“Fly fishing often takes you to beautiful places,” says Scott Bowen, a former editor at Field & Stream and a contributor to fly-fishing site MidCurrent.com. “The fish are not guaranteed to bite, but such amazing places offer other rewards.” 

Here are five memorable fly-fishing destinations from around the world. They combine world-class fishing opportunities with pristine environments that will amaze any angler, of any skill level. 

Patagonia

On the remote southern tips of Argentina and Chile, sea-run brown trout swim into the mouths of wide, shallow rivers after fattening up in the Atlantic Ocean. 

These trout are legendary for both their abundance and their size. Anglers have been known to catch record-breaking, 30-plus-pound trout here.

Just about everywhere you go in this sparsely populated region of endless grasslands and spiky peaks feels like your own private wilderness: There are only two million inhabitants in an area more than twice the size of California. 

And many of Patagonia’s lakes and creeks, along with its famed rivers, offer long, smooth surfaces that are ideal for landing your flies. 

If going easy on the environment is a priority for your family, you’re in luck. The region’s extensive eco-friendly initiatives include the creation of huge new tracts of parkland and strict catch-and-release laws on the Rio Grande River. Area guide companies, such as Nervous Waters, support those conservation efforts, ensuring anglers will be able to fish these waters for years to come. 

The best fishing is in spring and summer, which means November through March in Patagonia. 

Mongolia 

With its sprawling landscape of lofty mountains and vast empty plains broken up by deep forests, this largely rural country bordering both Russia and China boasts an untamed splendor. Pure, transparent rivers and streams teeming with fish crisscross the landlocked nation. 

The region’s elusive and powerful taimen, also known as the Siberian salmon, can be a tough adversary for even top anglers. But the sense of accomplishment from catching one of these noble creatures is certainly worth the trip. These beautiful gray and red speckled fish migrate long distances via Mongolia’s rivers, feeding as they go until they can weigh as much as 100 pounds. 

Fish Mongolia is one outfit that seeks to protect taimen habitats while guiding customers on one-of-a-kind fishing adventures. 

Fishing season in Mongolia runs from June through October. 

Belize 

If you’re new to saltwater angling, Belize’s crystal-clear flats—shallow areas along the shore—will make you a convert, pronto. There’s not much that can beat casting for bonefish, tarpon and permit in miles of turquoise water. Belize anglers consider catching all three in one day a fly-fishing Grand Slam. 

Ambergris Caye, on the country’s Caribbean coast, is as scenic as it gets. It’s also packed with aquatic life, making for unmatched sight casting: attempting to land your fly where you see a fish (or where you expect fish to be). 

As a special green bonus for ecologically conscious travelers, Belize has been working hard to protect its environmental resources. The effort shows in Belize’s clean beaches and healthy seas.

Experts and novices alike will find plenty to do in this Central American anglers’ paradise. Local family-owned lodges, such as El Pescador, offer fly-fishing opportunities during all 12 months of the year. 

Alaska

Alaska hosts all five species of Pacific salmon found in North American waters, not to mention trophy-sized—30 inches and up in length—rainbow trout. 

For the ultimate backwoods experience, you can hire an outfitter to fly you in a float plane to a pristine lake. 

If you want more in the way of creature comforts, out-of-the-way locations offer cozy quarters and square meals while giving guests access to superb fishing spots.

If you’re staying in Anchorage or Juneau, you can reach rivers, creeks and stocked lakes inside of an hour by car. And some companies offer day-trip flights to more remote locations. 

You can fish Alaska’s abundant game fish population from June to September. During those months, you’ll be able to fish from very early in the morning until the wee hours, because the sun will set for only a couple of hours after midnight. 

New Zealand

New Zealand’s world-renowned brown trout are a challenging quarry. But that only makes a fly angler all the more determined. Wade into the country’s translucent streams to sight cast on these wily fish. Broad, shallow stretches ensure you’ll have enough leeway to locate the deep holes where trout linger.

Although some areas support fly-fishing year-round, October through April are primo fishing months all over New Zealand. 

And between fishing sessions, be sure to visit the country’s lush rainforests and other natural wonders. This far-flung country is home to animals and plants that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 

Maybe you’re already hooked on fly-fishing. Or maybe you’re just getting started. Either way, one of the most wonderful things about fly-fishing is that it’s a great way for a family to experience some of the most magical wilderness locations the world has to offer.

But whether you’re looking to travel as a family, with friends or solo, you’ll want to fish these magnificent locales. You’ll experience majestic sights while enjoying the peace that comes from time spent in a special outdoor place.

A former academic turned freelance writer and editor, Jennifer Brunton lives and works in Vermont.

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