Last year we put together a tongue-in-cheek list of the world’s ten best fly fishing destinations, just for fun. It got some debate and more than one “How the hell did you leave that off?” Fair enough.
So here’s our 2026 edition, also posted to the North American Fly Fishing Forum for their members to chew over.
We’ve expanded it to twelve, retired a few destinations, added a few new obsessions (three once-secret spots), and tried to balance the iconic bucket-list fisheries with places that still make even experienced destination anglers ask, “Hang on... where’s that?”.
As always, this list is completely subjective, only mildly biased, and guaranteed to annoy somebody. Apologies in advance. This list that might get us in trouble – don’t be surprised if we have to edit it very soon ...
1. Fiordland, New Zealand (of course)
Boat or heli access is best; wild brown trout in valleys so spectacular they look AI-generated. Spend a few days camping beside a backcountry river and you’ll quickly understand why so many anglers dream about New Zealand’s South Island. Take someone who can cook!
2. Manuae Island, Cook Islands – Where GTs crash the party
Easy-going bonefish 7-15lb and truly giant GTs 50-100lb+ that come in on the tide by the dozen; all on an uninhabited atoll in the middle of nowhere sporting an old airstrip from WWII. Access is limited to one outfitter, the landowners are determined to keep it pristine, and it’s where your editor is fishing this August).
3. Chubut, Argentine Patagonia – Rivers of desire
The birthplace of Argentine fly fishing. Chubut has it all: spring creeks, freestone rivers, constant dry fly eats, and enough wild brown & rainbow trout to satisfy any angler for weeks. Add good wine (excellent Pinot Noir down here), legendary meals, direct flights from Buenos Aires and stunning hospitality ... this region is hard to beat for bucket list float trips.
4. Holbox, Mexico – Tarpon sans Sagasso
Hit Holbox in June, before the summer crowds roll in, and you’ll find migratory tarpon rolling just offshore while the beach bars are still setting out the chairs. Big fish, warm evenings, cold margaritas and tacos. Your editor broke a Sage R8 12wt on a biggie here last month.
5. Slovenia – Europe’s best-kept secret
Slovenia somehow flies under the radar despite having rivers that look photoshopped to be like NZ, haha! The Soča and Idrijca are home to stunning marble trout, hard-fighting rainbows, and there’s enough dry fly water to make any trout nut smile. Chalkstream fans will love the Unica. Let’s go!
6. Kanton Island, Kiribati – Properly remote
28 residents live on this atoll currently. Thatched huts and fans – no A/C. Just casting to bonefish, trevally, GTs every day. Kanton feels like the sort of place fly fishing used to be. Still in its exploratory phase. Loads of tough logistics to work through, but finally there are regular trips underway.
7. Kerguelen Islands – Trout at the (very, very) edge of the world
Wild brown trout, 20lb+ sea-runs, and more wind than locals. The French call them the Desolation Islands, which tells you everything you need to know. If remote is your thing, this is about as far as it goes. Don’t tell anyone we mentioned this spot!
8. Penrhyn (Tongareva), Cook Islands – The sleeper
By now everyone knows Aitutaki. Hardly anyone talks about Penrhyn. Huge white flats, willing bonefish (it’s a bit sharky though), and about as much solitude as you’ll find anywhere in the Pacific. If you enjoy discovering places before everyone else does, this one’s for you.
9. Baja, Mexico – Surf stoke for salties
Roosterfish might get all the headlines, but Baja is so much more than that. Dorado, yellowtail, jacks (toros), cabrilla, and even billfish are all within reach depending on the season ... finish the day with fish tacos and a cold cerveza while watching another Baja sunset. Bliss.
10. Argentina’s Golden Dorado – The one we’re definitely not naming!
No, not the Paraná. Not Corrientes. Meh. This is somewhere in Argentina’s high country (go further north-west), golden dorado explode on surface flies in water so clear you’d swear you were trout fishing. If you know, you know. If you don’t... well, that’s half the fun.
11. Puerto Rico – The Permit problem
If you think you’re good at spotting fish, Puerto Rico is about to humble you. World-class permit, migratory tarpon, and endless opportunities to question your life choices after another refused crab fly. Keep casting, it only takes one, right?
12. Bhutan – Himalayan giants
Chasing Bhutan’s golden mahseer is fish of a lifetime stuff, living in jungle rivers beneath the Himalayas. It’s remote, wildly different, and proof that fly fishing adventures don’t have to fit the usual mold.
Honourable Mentions
We could easily have squeezed another dozen onto the list. Kamchatka (one day we’ll all get back there), British Columbia steelhead, Iceland again, the Río Menendez tributary of the Rio Grande on Tierra del Fuego, Tasmania ... and surely every one of you has another destination that deserves a spot.
That’s the list – for now anyway. Have a favorite we’ve missed? Drop us a comment below.
For further reading …
The World’s 10 Best Fly Fishing Destinations
Let’s be honest – you can toss a fly in a muddy creek and still have a great time, right. But then there are those places. The ones that haunt your daydreams and make you consider selling your car to pay for a plane ticket.
I fished Penrhyn many years ago. One of our guides spent a month there. Call me if you want more intel.
If you want to go to any of the remote atolls, we have some 2027 dates for Manuae and Kanton; currently working on a flight schedule for Penrhyn.