The Best Fishing Destinations for Trophy Fish

The Best Fishing Destinations for Trophy Fish

Trophy fishing destinations have gotten complicated with all the marketing hype, Instagram hotspots, and outfitter claims flying around. As someone who’s chased big fish on five continents, I learned everything there is to know about which destinations deliver legitimate trophy opportunities versus which ones are overpriced tourist traps. Today, I will share it all with you.

Alaska, USA

Alaska stands out for those chasing large salmon and halibut, and the hype is actually justified for once. The state’s cold, pristine waters provide an ideal environment for these giants to reach sizes that seem impossible elsewhere. Fly fishing in rivers such as the Kenai, where king salmon over 50 pounds are caught regularly, is particularly popular during summer runs.

Charter boats from coastal towns like Homer can bring you face to face with massive halibut exceeding 200 pounds. The fishing is expensive—expect to spend several thousand for a week-long trip—but the catch rates and fish size make it worth it for serious trophy hunters. Peak season runs June through August when salmon are running and halibut are feeding actively.

Amazônia, Brazil

The Amazon River basin is famous for its exotic and sizeable species that don’t exist anywhere else. Peacock bass is a top target here, known for its vibrant colors and aggressive behavior that makes them fight like fish twice their size. Fishing lodges along the Rio Negro offer guided trips into the heart of the jungle where you’ll catch more fish in a day than most anglers catch in a year.

Anglers also encounter other species such as the tambaqui and the fearsome payara with teeth that look like something from a horror movie. The remote locations mean you’re truly disconnected from civilization, which appeals to some anglers and terrifies others. That’s what makes Amazon fishing endearing to us anglers—it’s as much adventure as fishing trip.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

Cape Cod is home to one of the best striper fisheries in the world, accessible without flying to remote locations. Spring and fall are peak seasons as striped bass migrate along the coastline in massive schools. Fishing from the shore or chartering a boat can yield sizable catches—40-pound fish are uncommon but not rare.

The area’s diverse waters also hold swarms of bluefish, black sea bass, and flounder. Probably should have led with this section, honestly—Cape Cod offers trophy opportunities within driving distance for millions of East Coast anglers, making it more accessible than exotic destinations.

Croatia

Croatia’s Adriatic coast is a haven for game fish enthusiasts chasing bluefin tuna that most Americans don’t realize exist in European waters. The massive tuna migrate through the Adriatic Sea following baitfish schools. Many fishing charters operate out of towns like Dubrovnik and Zadar, combining world-class fishing with stunning medieval architecture.

Anglers can also pursue swordfish and dentex, a prized local sea bream that fights harder than you’d expect from its size. The fishing is less expensive than comparable Mediterranean destinations, and Croatian hospitality makes the entire experience memorable beyond just the catches.

Florida Keys, USA

Florida Keys is renowned for its variety and abundance of game fish year-round. Tarpon, known as the silver king, are a primary draw—these prehistoric-looking fish jump spectacularly and test tackle to its limits. Bonefish and permit fishing in the flats are also legendary, requiring stealth and precision casting that separates skilled anglers from beginners.

Deep-sea options include marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi for anglers who prefer trolling to sight-fishing. Charter services are plentiful across Key West and Islamorada, ranging from budget-friendly half-day trips to premium full-day excursions. You can literally fish every day for a month and target different species each time.

New Zealand

New Zealand lures trout anglers from around the world with fish that average sizes most Americans consider trophies. Both North and South Islands offer exceptional fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout in water so clear you can watch fish refuse your fly. Rivers such as the Mataura and Tongariro are prime spots with consistent hatches and educated fish that demand perfect presentations.

Saltwater enthusiasts can target kingfish and snapper in the surrounding ocean waters that rival tropical destinations. The combination of stunning scenery, friendly locals, and world-class fishing makes New Zealand worth the long flight from North America.

Quebec, Canada

Quebec’s rivers are a magnet for those chasing Atlantic salmon, the king of freshwater game fish. The Bonaventure River, with its crystal-clear waters, provides a pristine environment where you fish to visible salmon holding in pools. Quebec also boasts superb brook trout fisheries in remote lakes where fish have never seen artificial flies.

Remote regions offer the best chances for large catches and are accessible through fishing lodges that handle logistics. The fishing season is short—summer months only—but the intensity of the fishing makes up for the limited window. Expect to catch and release multiple salmon per day in prime locations.

Scotland

Scotland’s lochs and rivers are steeped in angling history dating back centuries. Salmon fishing on the River Spey and Tay attracts anglers seeking large catches using traditional fly fishing methods. The country’s wild brown trout offer a challenging pursuit in peat-stained waters where reading the water matters more than fly selection.

Fly fishing in the Highlands presents stunning scenery and the chance for trophy fish in settings that look like movie backdrops. Scottish gillies (guides) possess generations of knowledge about their home waters, providing insights you couldn’t learn in a lifetime of independent fishing.

Victoria, Australia

Victoria’s Murray River is renowned for large Murray cod that can exceed 100 pounds. The river’s extensive waterways provide ample fishing opportunities year-round, though spring and fall produce the largest fish. Trout fishing in the Goulburn River and Eildon Pondage is also notable, with European-style techniques producing better results than American methods.

Saltwater anglers target snapper and kingfish in Port Phillip Bay within sight of Melbourne’s skyline. The accessibility combined with fish size makes Victoria an underrated trophy destination that doesn’t get the attention it deserves internationally.

Zambezi River, Africa

The Zambezi River is synonymous with the tigerfish, a fierce predator renowned for its fight that makes tarpon look tame. Both the upper and lower sections of the river are productive, with different seasons favoring different areas. Fishing safaris offer an immersive experience amidst Africa’s wildlife—elephants drinking from the same river you’re fishing isn’t unusual.

Other species include bream and the giant vundu catfish that can weigh over 100 pounds. The combination of exotic species, African adventure, and legitimate trophy fish makes the Zambezi a bucket-list destination for adventurous anglers who want more than just fishing from their trips.