100 Fishing Spots

Norway's Alta River in Finnmark is considered the world's greatest Atlantic salmon river—50 lb salmon are the dream. Midnight sun, strict fly-only beats, and generations of tradition define the Alta. Selected for our World 100 as the king of salmon rivers.

Andros Island in the Bahamas is the bonefish Mecca—100 miles of shallow sand flats with tailing fish. The birthplace of modern bonefishing, it offers the finest flats in the Atlantic and a tradition of expert guides. Selected for our World 100 as the definitive bonefish destination.

The Azores in the mid-Atlantic offer bluefin tuna and blue marlin in July—world-class big game from volcanic islands. The mix of species and the dramatic geography make the Azores a unique Atlantic destination. Selected for our World 100 as the mid-Atlantic big-game capital.

Spain's Canary Islands see 500 kg Atlantic bluefin tuna migrate through El Hierro waters January–March. Giant bluefin on stand-up tackle in volcanic island waters is a unique Atlantic experience. Selected for our World 100 as Europe's premier bluefin tuna fishery.

Thailand's Chiang Khong on the Mekong was home to the world record Mekong giant catfish (293 kg). The species is critically endangered; the northern Thailand Mekong remains iconic. Selected for our World 100 as the legendary home of the giant catfish.

Venezuela's Cinaruco River in the Apure Llanos is home to the payara—the "vampire fish" with 4-inch fangs. This sabre-tooth predator reaches 25 lb and attacks surface lures with explosive strikes. Selected for our World 100 as the most dramatic and prehistoric freshwater gamefish.

The Congo River in the DRC holds the goliath tigerfish—50 kg of prehistoric predator with razor teeth. Malebo Pool and the rapids offer the most extreme freshwater fishing on the planet. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate river monster destination.

Seychelles' Cosmoledo Atoll offers giant trevally on fly—40 kg GT hunting shallow flats in a pristine Indian Ocean atoll. Remote, fly-in only, and with minimal pressure, Cosmoledo is GT heaven. Selected for our World 100 as the finest GT on fly destination.

Mongolia's Eg-Uur River holds the world's largest salmonid—the taimen, to 60 kg and more. Horseback access, catch-and-release only, and pristine wilderness define this once-in-a-lifetime fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate taimen destination.

The Florida Keys offer the Grand Slam: tarpon, permit, and bonefish in the same day on the flats. This is the Mecca of saltwater fly fishing, with year-round opportunities, legendary guides, and the most technical sight-fishing on the planet. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate saltwater flats destination.

Quebec's Grand Cascapedia River is legendary for Atlantic salmon—fish over 40 lb are not uncommon on private beats. Traditional canoe and guide culture, strict conservation, and the river's remote Gaspé setting make it the crown jewel of North American salmon fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the most exclusive and storied Atlantic salmon river.

Colombia's Inirida River in the Guainía system is world-record peacock bass habitat. Remote Amazon tributaries hold massive tucunaré in untouched jungle. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate Amazon peacock bass destination.

Iztapa on Guatemala's Pacific coast holds world records for Pacific sailfish releases—50 or more fish per day in season. Sailfish Oasis and the local fleet have made it the sailfish release capital of the world. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest sailfish fishery on Earth.

Jardines de la Reina off Cuba is a Grand Slam paradise: permit, tarpon, and bonefish in pristine reef waters, often in one day. Access is by live-aboard only, preserving one of the Caribbean's last untouched fisheries. Selected for our World 100 as the most pristine Caribbean flats and reef fishery.

Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula has six species of Pacific salmon in untouched rivers. Helicopter lodges access wilderness that has never been overfished. Selected for our World 100 as the last great Pacific salmon frontier.

The Kenai River in Alaska holds the world record for king salmon (44 kg) and is the most famous salmon river in North America. July sees "combat fishing" at Soldotna where anglers line the banks for migrating kings. The river's glacial turquoise waters flow through pristine wilderness with mountain backdrops. Selected for our World 100 as the definitive Alaskan salmon experience and a bucket-list destination for every angler.

Russia's Kola Peninsula—Varzuga, Yokanga, and other rivers—is Atlantic salmon paradise. Prolific runs from June to August, helicopter lodges, and wilderness scale define the Kola. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest concentration of wild Atlantic salmon on Earth.

Kona on Hawaii's Big Island is the Pacific blue marlin capital—1,000 lb fish are targeted in the annual International Billfish Tournament. The deep water close to shore and consistent currents create ideal conditions. Selected for our World 100 as the world's premier blue marlin fishery.

Papua's Mamberamo River offers black bass and other species in untouched Indonesian wilderness. Fly-in-only access to remote rivers makes it one of the last frontiers of freshwater fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the most remote tropical river fishery.

Chile's Palena River in remote Patagonia offers wild rainbow trout in the Aysén wilderness. Helicopter access lodges provide fishing in rivers that see fewer anglers in a year than some rivers see in a day. Selected for our World 100 as the most remote and pristine Patagonian trout experience.

Pinas Bay in Panama hosts world records for black marlin and Pacific sailfish. Tropic Star Lodge has defined Central American big-game fishing for decades. The Darién coast offers unmatched billfish action. Selected for our World 100 as the most famous big-game lodge and sailfish capital.

The Ponoi River on the Kola Peninsula has the highest Atlantic salmon catch per rod of any river. Remote wilderness, helicopter access, and exceptional lodge operations make it the ultimate salmon trip. Selected for our World 100 as the most prolific salmon river per angler.

Argentina's Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego holds the world record for sea-run brown trout (36 kg). Wind-swept Patagonian rivers, January through March, offer the ultimate brown trout pilgrimage. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest sea-trout river in the world.

British Columbia's Skeena River is the holy grail of fly fishing—wild steelhead to 15 kg in untouched wilderness. Float trips from Terrace descend through cedar forests and crystal waters. The Skeena system represents the pinnacle of Pacific steelhead culture and catch-and-release ethics. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest wild steelhead river on Earth.

The Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet is the world's highest major river—fishing at 4,000 m for snow trout and Himalayan mahseer. The "roof of the world" offers a unique high-altitude fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the most dramatic high-elevation fishing experience.

Brazil's Amazon River offers peacock bass and pirarucu from jungle lodges. The world's most prized freshwater gamefish in the world's greatest river. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate Amazon fishing experience.

The Amur River on the Russia–China border holds itou salmon to 100 kg and taimen. Extreme remoteness and unique species define this frontier. Selected for our World 100 as the most extreme Asian river fishery.

Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago offers sailfish, blue marlin, and giant trevally from Inhambane. Indian Ocean offshore and reef fishing in a pristine setting. Selected for our World 100 as East Africa's premier offshore destination.

The Bighorn River in Montana is a trophy tailwater below Yellowtail Dam—20-inch browns and rainbows are common. Crow Agency and Fort Smith offer world-class drift boat fishing. Selected for our World 100 as America's finest tailwater trout fishery.

Boca Grande Pass in Florida is the tarpon capital—June sees 200 lb fish schooling through the pass. Snook, cobia, and grouper add to the diversity. Selected for our World 100 as the world's greatest tarpon migration fishery.

Alberta's Bow River flows through Calgary and holds world-class brown and rainbow trout. October is prime for drift boat fishing in one of North America's best urban trout rivers. Selected for our World 100 as the finest city trout river in the world.

Cabo San Lucas in Mexico is a striped marlin and dorado corridor November–April. The Pisces Fleet and Baja California waters are billfish legends. Selected for our World 100 as the Pacific's most accessible marlin capital.

Cape Cod in Massachusetts is a striped bass surfcasting classic; Montauk Point and the fall migration bring blitzes of bass and bluefish. Selected for our World 100 as the East Coast's premier striper destination.

India's Cauvery River offers mahseer on fly—humpback mahseer in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Galibore camp is a classic. Selected for our World 100 as India's premier fly-fishing mahseer river.

Argentina's Corrientes Province holds golden dorado—acrobatic game fish in the Rio Pirapo and tributaries. Electric gold in fast water defines this iconic South American species. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest dorado fishery on Earth.

Cozumel in Mexico offers Atlantic blue marlin in the Caribbean—600–800 lb fish in July–September. Deep blue water and Cozumel's reefs make it a unique Caribbean big-game destination. Selected for our World 100 as the Caribbean's premier blue marlin fishery.

Oregon's Deschutes River offers premier summer steelhead and trout through high-desert canyon. Maupin and the lower Deschutes define Pacific Northwest steelhead culture. Selected for our World 100 as one of the West's greatest steelhead rivers.

Spain's Ebro River holds European wels catfish to 100 kg and more. The Mequinenza reservoir is the monster catfish capital of Europe. Selected for our World 100 as the world's greatest catfish fishery.

Iceland's Ellidaár River runs through Reykjavík—wild Atlantic salmon through the capital. June–September offer urban salmon fishing in a unique setting. Selected for our World 100 as the only major capital with a world-class salmon river.

Florida's Everglades offer snook and redfish in the backcountry; Ten Thousand Islands and kayak fishing define the experience. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate subtropical inshore fishery.

Wyoming's Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is a blue-ribbon tailwater with trophy rainbow and brown trout. Seedskadee and the upper Green offer diverse waters. Selected for our World 100 as the premier tailwater of the Rocky Mountains.

Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast offers roosterfish—a unique Pacific game fish with a dramatic dorsal fin. Nosara and Samara Peninsula are the heart of roosterfish country. Selected for our World 100 as the premier roosterfish destination.

Japan's Hokkaido holds itou (Japanese taimen) over 1 m and wild brown trout. Shiretoko UNESCO rivers offer pristine wilderness fishing. Selected for our World 100 as Asia's finest wild salmonid fishery.

Lake Baikal—the world's deepest lake—offers Baikal omul ice fishing, taimen, and giant grayling. Listvyanka and winter fishing are legendary. Selected for our World 100 as the most unique Siberian freshwater fishery.

Lake Tanganyika is the world's longest and deepest lake—Nile perch, tigerfish, and the Mahale Mountains backdrop. Kigoma in Tanzania offers a unique East African fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the most dramatic Rift Valley lake fishery.

Norway's Lofoten Islands offer Arctic cod and coalfish from traditional wooden boats. Henningsvær and Svolvær provide winter drama and Nordic fishing culture. Selected for our World 100 as the most dramatic cold-water island fishery.

Montana's Madison River is a blue-ribbon trout stream with over 3,000 trout per mile. The Yellowstone gateway offers classic nymph and dry-fly fishing in one of America's most iconic rivers. Selected for our World 100 as the quintessential Western trout river.

Peru's Madre de Dios River in the Amazon holds peacock bass in remote jungle; Inkaterra and other lodges offer record tucunaré on fly. Selected for our World 100 as the finest Amazon lodge-based peacock fishery.

The Maldives offer giant trevally, wahoo, and bonefish on pristine atolls. Popping, jigging, and flats fishing in one archipelago. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate Indian Ocean multi-species destination.

Malindi Marine Reserve in Kenya sees striped marlin and sailfish peak March–April. Prime season and accessible coast make it a key Kenyan destination. Selected for our World 100 as Kenya's sailfish capital.

Mauritius in the Indian Ocean holds blue marlin and yellowfin tuna records. Le Morne peninsula is the base for IGFA-class fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the Indian Ocean's premier big-game island.

New Brunswick's Miramichi River is Atlantic salmon heartland—the crown jewel of Canadian salmon fishing. Summer and fall runs draw anglers from every continent. Selected for our World 100 as Canada's greatest Atlantic salmon river.

Oman's Musandam Peninsula offers dogtooth tuna and GT jigging in the Arabian Sea. Grouper and amberjack add to the mix in dramatic fjord scenery. Selected for our World 100 as the Arabian Peninsula's premier offshore fishery.

Alaska's Naknek River and Bristol Bay host the world's largest sockeye salmon run each July. King salmon add to the diversity in this legendary Alaskan fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the heart of the greatest sockeye run on Earth.

Ontario's Nipigon River held the world record brook trout (6.57 lb, 1915). The remote Lake Nipigon system still offers exceptional brookie and fly-in access. Selected for our World 100 as the legendary home of trophy brook trout.

Palau in Micronesia offers dogtooth tuna jigging and GT at Ngemelis Wall and Blue Corner. Pristine Pacific bluewater and unique geography. Selected for our World 100 as Micronesia's finest bluewater destination.

Brazil's Pantanal—the world's largest wetland—holds golden dorado, piranha, and tucunare. Corumbá accessibility and lodge-based fishing make it the gateway to this legendary fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest wetland fishery on the planet.

Papua New Guinea holds black bass and giant trevally at Cape Vogel and Madang. Remote PNG and pristine reefs define the experience. Selected for our World 100 as the last frontier of Pacific reef fishing.

Argentina's Paraná River—South America's second longest—holds golden dorado and surubi catfish. Entre Ríos province offers diverse and prolific fishing. Selected for our World 100 as one of South America's greatest river systems.

Puerto Vallarta sees Pacific sailfish peak November–January; striped marlin and dorado at El Morro Bank. Mexico's Pacific coast offers world-class billfish. Selected for our World 100 as the finest Pacific Mexico sailfish fishery.

India's Ramganga River in Jim Corbett National Park holds golden mahseer to 50 kg—the sacred fish and India's greatest freshwater gamefish. Uttarakhand offers a unique cultural and angling experience. Selected for our World 100 as the definitive mahseer destination.

Scotland's River Spey is the birthplace of Spey casting; Grantown-on-Spey and Ballindalloch sit in whisky country. The Spey defines Scottish salmon fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the most iconic Scottish salmon river.

Scotland's River Tay is the premier Scottish salmon river—Kenmore and Aberfeldy beats hold spring salmon and historical records. Selected for our World 100 as Scotland's greatest salmon river.

The River Tweed on the Scotland–England border is an Atlantic salmon powerhouse—Kelso and Berwick beats peak in autumn. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest border salmon river.

New Mexico's San Juan River below Navajo Dam produces 20-inch plus rainbows with legendary consistency. Quality fly-fishing waters near Aztec make it a year-round destination. Selected for our World 100 as the finest tailwater in the American Southwest.

Malaysian Borneo's Sarawak offers toman (giant snakehead), belida, and sebarau in Batang Ai jungle lakes. Unique species and rainforest setting define this fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the premier Borneo jungle fishing destination.

Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula—UNESCO wilderness—holds wild itou salmon. Permit fishing and bear-watching combine in a unique experience. Selected for our World 100 as Japan's finest wilderness salmonid destination.

Idaho's Snake River offers wild steelhead and chinook salmon; the Hell's Canyon stretch is legendary. September through January brings steelhead into the system. Selected for our World 100 as the premier Snake River steelhead fishery.

The Solomon Islands offer remote Melanesian GT popping—Munda, Ghizo, Marovo Lagoon. Untouched Pacific islands and minimal pressure. Selected for our World 100 as the most remote Pacific island fishery.

Iceland's Tungnaá River in the highlands offers remote salmon fishing; the Tungnafjöt system peaks in August. Wilderness camps and minimal pressure define the experience. Selected for our World 100 as Iceland's finest wilderness salmon river.

Watamu on Kenya's coast is the billfish capital—March–April striped marlin and the Watamu Marine Park. Grouper and other reef species add diversity. Selected for our World 100 as Kenya's finest billfish and reef fishery.

Fiji's Yasawa Islands offer giant trevally on popping gear—remote islands, coral, and bluewater variety. Selected for our World 100 as the premier South Pacific GT and reef fishery.

The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe–Zambia border holds tigerfish in rapids and pools. September is prime for this iconic African gamefish. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest tigerfish fishery in Africa.

The Zanzibar Channel at the Indo-Pacific meeting point holds blue marlin and yellowfin tuna. Pemba Island offshore offers trophy fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the premier Tanzania offshore fishery.

India's Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal offer offshore big game—dogtooth tuna, GT. Port Blair is the gateway to remote waters. Selected for our World 100 as India's finest offshore island fishery.

Panama's Bocas del Toro offers Atlantic tarpon in Caribbean lagoons—snook, jack, and archipelago fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the premier Caribbean tarpon destination in Central America.

Minnesota's Boundary Waters offer wilderness canoe fishing—walleye, muskie, northern pike in the northwoods. BWCA permit and Canada border lakes. Selected for our World 100 as the premier wilderness canoe fishery.

Poland's Bug River on the Belarus border holds trophy pike in lowland rivers. Pike, perch, and bream in a historic waterway. Selected for our World 100 as Central Europe's premier pike river.

South Africa's Cape Point and False Bay offer yellowfin tuna and snoek. Cold Benguela upwelling creates rich waters. Selected for our World 100 as South Africa's premier tuna and coastal fishery.

Cape Verde sees Atlantic blue marlin migration November–February. Mid-ocean archipelago and wahoo and dorado make it a unique Atlantic destination. Selected for our World 100 as the Atlantic's mid-ocean billfish capital.

Chesapeake Bay in Maryland is the largest estuary in the USA—striped bass, blue crab, and rockfish surfcasting. A classic American fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest estuary fishery in North America.

Christmas Island in Kiribati is a bonefish and giant trevally paradise—Indo-Pacific remote flats, 10 kg GT on fly. Selected for our World 100 as the most remote Pacific flats destination.

Connemara in Ireland offers wild brown trout on limestone loughs. Galway and the mayfly season in May define Irish stillwater fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the finest Irish lough trout fishery.

Kerala's backwaters offer traditional cast-net fishing and houseboat life on Vembanad Lake. Alappuzha is the heart of backwater culture. Selected for our World 100 as the most cultural and unique Indian fishery.

Japan's Lake Biwa is the country's largest lake—largemouth bass records and black bass tournaments. Shiga Prefecture. Selected for our World 100 as Japan's premier bass fishery.

Lake Erie is the walleye capital of the world—Great Lakes trophy walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass. Ohio and the islands are the heart of the fishery. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest walleye fishery on Earth.

Finland's Lake Inari in Lapland holds Arctic grayling and perch—August–September prime. Ice fishing in winter for brown trout. Selected for our World 100 as the premier Arctic European lake fishery.

Lake Malawi holds tigerfish and endemic cichlids. Nkhata Bay and crystal-clear waters define this Rift Valley lake. Selected for our World 100 as the most biodiverse freshwater fishery.

Sweden's Lake Vänern is the EU's largest lake—Swedish record sea trout and pike. Near Gothenburg, it offers diverse freshwater fishing. Selected for our World 100 as Scandinavia's greatest lake fishery.

Lake Victoria in Kenya holds Nile perch to 100 kg—Africa's largest lake. Kisumu is the base; endemic cichlids face habitat crisis. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest African lake fishery.

Louisiana's bayous offer red drum and speckled trout in Cajun marsh country. Atchafalaya Basin and the coast define inshore fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the ultimate marsh and bayou fishery.

Vietnam's Mekong Delta offers river monster fishing—snakehead, catfish, barb. Can Tho and the floating markets define river culture. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest Mekong Delta fishery.

New Caledonia has the Pacific's largest lagoon (UNESCO)—coral trout and GT. Noumea offshore and lagoon fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the finest Pacific lagoon and reef fishery.

Mozambique's Niassa Reserve offers vundu catfish and tigerfish on the Lugenda River. Fly-camp-only access to remote wilderness. Selected for our World 100 as the most remote African river fishery.

Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef—World Heritage site—offers sailfish and queenfish April–June. Coral reef and bluewater combine. Selected for our World 100 as Australia's premier reef and billfish destination.

Italy's Po River in the Po Valley holds monster wels catfish—250 kg records from Cremona and Mantua. Selected for our World 100 as Europe's greatest catfish river.

Ireland's River Moy has the highest rod catch of any Irish river. Ballina in County Mayo sees prolific salmon July–September. Selected for our World 100 as Ireland's greatest salmon river.

Tonga in the South Pacific offers yellowfin tuna and wahoo—Ha'apai remote bluewater and deep-drop bottom fishing. Selected for our World 100 as the premier Polynesian offshore fishery.

Russia's Volga Delta at Astrakhan holds giant zander and asp; the Caspian mouth once held beluga sturgeon. Selected for our World 100 as the greatest river delta fishery in Europe.

Namibia's Walvis Bay benefits from cold Benguela upwelling—offshore tuna and kabeljou. Skeleton Coast richness. Selected for our World 100 as the premier Namibian offshore fishery.