Where to Fish: The Best Lakes and Adventure Rivers in America

Fishing can be a peaceful retreat or a high-adrenaline adventure depending on where you go and what you’re aiming to catch. Here’s a list of the top 20 fishing destinations around the world, ranked from the most serene experiences to the most thrilling pursuits.

1. Dove Lake, Tasmania, Australia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Kashubin

Dove Lake offers a tranquil fishing setting beneath the stunning Cradle Mountain. It’s ideal for catching trout in a serene environment, with the occasional wallaby sighting.

2. Loch Awe, Scotland

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / R K Hill

In Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, anglers can enjoy peaceful sessions pursuing brown trout, pike, and perch surrounded by picturesque Scottish highlands.

3. Bighorn River, Montana, USA

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zack Frank

Known for its calm waters and abundant trout, the Bighorn River is a fly fisher’s paradise, offering a serene escape with top-notch fishing conditions.

4. Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ruklay Pousajja

Surrounded by majestic mountains, this glacier-formed lake is perfect for a quiet day of fishing for rainbow trout and salmon.

5. Lough Corrib, Ireland

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Greg Fellmann

In Ireland’s second-largest lake, fishermen can enjoy the tranquil waters while casting for brown trout amid ancient castles and lush landscapes.

6. Lake Jindabyne, Australia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Taras Vyshnya

Situated in the Snowy Mountains, this lake provides a peaceful fishing experience with the chance to catch rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.

7. River Test, England

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Penny Hicks

This famous chalk stream, known for its superb fly fishing, offers a quintessentially English setting to catch trout.

8. Lake St. Clair, Michigan, USA

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jerry Kozlowski

Ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful yet productive day on the water, Lake St. Clair is renowned for muskie, bass, and walleye fishing.

9. Lake Biwa, Japan

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / beeboys

Japan’s largest freshwater lake offers tranquil fishing spots where anglers can target largemouth bass and enjoy the serene scenery.

10. Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / kavram

A peaceful trout fishing haven, Lake Taupo is also known for its stunning, tranquil waters and beautiful, surrounding landscapes.

11. Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lijuan Guo

Moving into more thrilling experiences, Fraser River is famous for sturgeon fishing – these giant fish offer a challenging catch that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

12. Amazon Basin, Brazil

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gustavo Frazao

For adventurous anglers, the Amazon Basin offers peacock bass fishing in an exotic jungle environment, complete with the calls of wild animals.

13. Zambezi River, Zambia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / xamnesiacx84

Home to the ferocious tigerfish, the Zambezi River provides thrilling and challenging fishing against the backdrop of beautiful African scenery.

14. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Grey82

Cabo is a sport fishing hotspot where anglers can battle marlin, sailfish, and other massive game fish in exciting deep-sea fishing excursions.

15. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ting Cheng

Experience the thrill of fishing in one of the world’s most exquisite underwater ecosystems, targeting species like marlin, tuna, and giant trevally.

16. Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / anthony heflin

Known for its dynamic fishing conditions, the Outer Banks offers both offshore and surf fishing, with opportunities to catch marlin, sailfish, and more.

17. Andaman Islands, India

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hemanth Kumar J

The Andaman Islands provide thrilling saltwater game fishing with a chance to hook giant trevally, marlin, and tuna in relatively untouched waters.

18. Key West, Florida, USA

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / ventdusud

Key West is famous for both its flats fishing and offshore excursions, offering intense battles with tarpon, sailfish, and other species.

19. Ascension Bay, Mexico

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rainer Lesniewski

For those seeking a challenge, Ascension Bay offers permit, bonefish, and tarpon in a beautiful yet rugged setting, ideal for fly anglers looking for a thrill.

20. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dimitri Lisitsyn

Perhaps the most thrilling of all, the Skeleton Coast provides unique surf fishing amidst shipwrecks and strong Atlantic currents, targeting sharks and other large fish.

Gone Fishing

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Image Credit: Pexels / Thomas Forsberg

These destinations offer everything from calm, scenic fishing trips to extreme angling adventures in some of the world’s most challenging waters. Whether you’re looking for tranquility or thrill, there’s a fishing spot on this list to suit any angler’s desires.

18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / InesBazdar

It’s time for a reality check, American travelers. As you pack your bags and head overseas, ready to stamp your passport, it’s becoming glaringly obvious that not every destination is thrilled to see you. 18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Iryna Inshyna

American cities promise rich culture and unforgettable experiences, but rising crime rates can catch travelers off guard. This guide helps you stay safe while fully enjoying your adventures. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pavel L Photo and Video

Thinking about booking a cruise for your next getaway? Let’s have a real talk first. While cruising might seem like a breezy way to see the world, there are a few not-so-sunny truths that might make you reconsider. What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / gpointstudio.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.

The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.

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