Australians are spoiled in one sense — we live closer to some of the world's greatest fly fishing than most anglers realise. But the true bucket list stretches far beyond our shores. Here are the eight destinations I recommend without hesitation, and why. Every one of them I've stood on personally. No commissions. No affiliates. Just honest recommendations from someone who's been there.
Christmas Island — Pacific Ocean
Bonefish · Giant Trevally · Triggerfish
Australia's closest world-class saltwater destination and the finest bonefish fishery in the Pacific. Every fish sight-fished on foot. The GT fishing is exceptional. Genuinely suits first-timers and seasoned flats anglers equally. Currently offering up to 20% off for 2026.
Mongolia — Onon River Wilderness
Taimen · Lenok · Grayling
The taimen is the world's largest salmonid. The Onon River is one of the last places they survive in genuine numbers. Six days floating a wilderness river, camping in ger-style tents. An experience that redefines what fly fishing can be.
Amazon, Brazil — Rio Marié
Giant Peacock Bass
Fly fishing only, catch-and-release, 600 miles of private jungle river. Fish averaging 10 pounds with genuine shots at 20-pound giants. The most explosive topwater fishing on earth.
New Zealand — South Island
Wild Brown Trout
The finest big-trout sight fishing in the world. Crystal-clear rivers, genuinely challenging fish, and landscapes that take your breath away. UppaCreek and Mataura River Lodge — two of the best guided operations anywhere.
Patagonia — Las Buitreras
Sea-Run Brown Trout
Private beats on the Rio Gallegos targeting sea-run browns. Limited rods, pristine wilderness. If Montana is what wild trout fishing used to look like, Patagonia is what it still can be.
Greenland — Two River Valley
Arctic Char · Brown Trout
Helicopter-access tented camp on untouched Arctic rivers. Maximum 6–8 anglers per week. Trophy Arctic char and brown trout in one of the world's last true wilderness fisheries.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Yellowtail Kingfish
Trophy yellowtail kingfish on fly from Paihia — one of the most underrated saltwater experiences in the Pacific. Year-round availability, spectacular scenery, raw topwater action.
Mataura River, New Zealand
Wild Brown Trout — Dry Fly
Southland, NZ — the brown trout capital of the world. Dean Whaanga, 40+ years experience. Free-rising wild brown trout on dry flies in one of the most productive trout fisheries on the planet.
"Every destination on this list I've fished personally. None are here because someone paid me. Worldwide Angler charges zero commission — my only interest is matching you with the right destination for your experience, budget and bucket list."
— Frank Gadea
First saltwater trip
Christmas Island
First trout trip
Mataura River, NZ
Most remote
Mongolia or Greenland
Most explosive species
Amazon peacock bass
Best for couples
NZ South Island
Best value 2026
Christmas Island
Not sure where to start? Get in touch for free destination advice. Frank will ask a few questions about your experience, budget and goals — and match you with the right destination. Get free advice →