5 Great Destinations for a Fishing Trip that Will Surprise You

Have you been longing for a new place to fish? Maybe you’ve been coming back to the same old fishing hole for years, and you’re tired of it. You might be craving a change of scenery, and want to see if you can hook a new type of fish. If this sounds like you, then you need to keep reading, because I’ve got some great news for you!

In addition to traveling, I love to fish. I’ve been in love with spending time on the water since I was 4-years-old. Anytime I go somewhere new, I always see if there’s anywhere I can set my line. I’ve been very lucky to find some great fishing spots in some of the most unlikely places, and I want to share my discoveries with you!

Below are five great fishing destinations for travel enthusiasts that you probably haven’t heard of.

1.   Fontenelle Creek, Wy. (USA)

Not too far from the city of Kemmerer, on the western border of the state of Wyoming, there’s a creek. You wouldn’t think much of it at first glance. It’s only about eight feet deep in its deepest portions, and it isn’t much to look at. But if you love to fish, Fontenelle Creek is a hidden gem in the heart of the Big Sky Country that you don’t want to miss!

Why I Love It

I’ll admit I’m not all that great at fly fishing,but I love it just the same! Fontenelle Creek offers plenty of great spots for both fly fishing and angling. It’s in a very remote part of the state, meaning it can be a little tough to find, but also that it’s secluded and peaceful.

Trout is the staple species in the creek, and you can expect to fill your bucket full of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout.

2.   Umba River, Kola Peninsula (Russia)

Like salmon? If so, I’ve got the perfect spot for you. Nestled in the northwestern edge of Russia, in one of the coldest parts of the country, you’ll find the Umba River. Starting at Lake Umbozero, about 62 miles to the northeast of Kandalaksha, the river snakes its way throughout the Kola, until it empties into the Kandalaksha Gulf, near the town of Umba.

Why I Love It

This is one of the toughest fishing trips I’ve ever taken. The cold was biting, the river wide and deep, and it turns out that bears love the salmon as much as the fishermen do.

Despite all that, it’s also one of the best trips I’ve ever had. If you can make it out in May, as I did, you’re almost guaranteed to land a bite as soon as you cast out. The salmon are migrating this time of year, and massive schools of them pack together as they follow the current. As long as you’ve packed the right gear, you’ll catch more salmon than you can fit in your bucket!

Bear in mind, the Umba allows for catch and release only, so ensure you respect the law as you fish.

3.   Piñas Bay (Panama)

If you travel along the southern coast of Panama, you’ll find Piñas Bay. Bordering on the Pacific Ocean, the bay is a beautiful spot, with expansive beaches, lush jungle, and plenty of sunshine. For those who love to fish, it’s not only one of the best spots in Panama, but in the entire world!

Why I Love It

Piñas Bay is great not only for its location but also the wide variety of fish you can catch. Common species you’ll find include:

• Marlin
• Sailfish
• Tuna
• Swordfish
• Snapper
• Dorado

There are also many sub-species you can find in addition to the ones on this list.

4.   The Eg River (Mongolia)

If you’ve ever watched fishing shows that focus on “monster fish,” and wondered if you could snare one of these gigantic species, the Eg River is the place to find out. Flowing out of the southern edge of Khuvsgul Lake, the Eg River is home to several different species of giant fish.

Why I Love It

I wanted to see if I could handle one of these oversized monsters, and the Eg River gave me plenty of opportunities. Taimen are the most common species to be found, and they can grow as long as seven feet and weigh as much as 230 pounds! Be ready to test your mettle as you try to land one of these monsters. Taimen are aggressive and will put up a fight the likes of which you’ve never seen before!

5.   Rio Colorado (Costa Rica)

A tributary of the San Juan River, the Rio Colorado spans over 60 miles long. Surrounded by the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Preserve, Rio Colorado is an amazing destination for animal lovers, scientists, nature lovers, and fishermen alike.

Why I Love It

The river is home to Costa Rica’s most famous species of fish, tarpon, and there’s a lot of them. While not as aggressive as taimen, these fish will still pose a challenge for you, as they can grow up to eight feet long and weigh as much as 300 pounds! I promise it’s a challenge worth accepting though, as nothing feels better than overcoming one of these monsters and hauling it up into your boat.