A Guide to Finding the Best Fishing Lodges Abroad

If you’re willing to look beyond the UK for that once-in-a-lifetime fishing experience, the options are wider — and wilder — than ever. From glacier-fed rivers in Patagonia to authentic fishing camps in the highlands of Africa, it’s never been easier to reach the kinds of places most anglers only read about.

This short guide offers a clear look at what makes a great fishing lodge — and how to find one that fits your expectations.

Checklist for Picking a Fishing Lodge

A good fishing lodge is about more than just accommodation — it’s about access, reliability, and the people who run it. For travelling anglers from the UK, a few key factors can make all the difference:

1. Backup Fishing Options: Good fishing isn’t guaranteed anywhere, but certain lodges are located on waters that tend to produce more consistent results — even when conditions aren’t perfect. If poor weather or river levels could be a factor, it’s worth checking whether the lodge offers a backup plan or access to alternative waters to help keep your week productive.
2. Familiar Techniques: For fly fishers, it’s worth checking whether the lodge supports the style of fishing you’re used to — whether that’s single- or double-handed rods, or whether focus is on dry flies, wets or hefting a heavy lure across the water. It’s a detail that’s often overlooked, but being able to fish in a familiar way from day one means less adjustment and more time focused on what you came for.
3. Local Expertise: Experienced guides who know their waters intimately and provide honest, tactical advice are invaluable. If you are someone that is looking for a more full-on guided experience, check with the lodge owner the ratio of guides to guests that they supply. Many lodges employ multiple guides to ensure every angler receives the support they need to make the most of their week on the water.
4. Low Pressure: The best fishing often happens far from the crowds — in remote settings with well-managed access and minimal angling pressure. Whether it’s private estancias in Argentina or fly-in wilderness rivers in Alaska, these off-the-beaten-track locations consistently produce better fishing. You’ll usually pay a high premium for this kind of access, but more often than not, it’s worth every penny.
5. Solid Infrastructure: Comfortable accommodation, quality meals, reliable boats, and efficient transport all combine to remove the usual stresses of travel. A well-run lodge takes care of these details so you can focus entirely on fishing.
6. Rental or Loaner Gear: Travelling light can make a big difference — especially when you’re heading abroad for a week-long fishing trip. Some lodges offer high-quality rental or loaner gear, from waders and boots to rods and reels, which can be very practical if you’re trying to avoid lugging heavy bags through airports. This is particularly helpful for wade-based trips, where bringing your own full kit might not be an option. Whether you’re saving space or just want a backup in case something goes wrong, it’s worth asking in advance what’s available on-site and whether it’s included or comes at an extra cost.
7. Airport Shuttle Service: Most of us are competent travellers and don’t need the help of a full-service travel agent to get us to the destination country. But once you arrive, having organised onward travel to the fishing grounds is a major advantage. Most reputable lodges offer airport shuttle services from the nearest regional airport, and some will even arrange overnight accommodation if you’re on a late flight. Just be sure to check what’s included — and what isn’t — in the weekly rate before you book.

These are just some of the finer details that often separate a truly rewarding trip from one that just looks good in the brochure.

Global Destinations for the Traveling Angler

Here are a few standout destinations beyond Europe that consistently appeal to fly anglers with a background in trout and salmon fishing.

Eastern Canada

For those willing to travel a little further than Iceland, Eastern Canada is a compelling alternative. Rivers in Quebec, Newfoundland, and Labrador offer Atlantic salmon fishing on a grander scale — bigger systems, a wilder setting, and a strong fishing culture. You’re still casting flies on classic holding water with two-handed rods, but now in an environment that feels more remote and untouched. It’s not necessarily better — but it’s broader, and for many, more rewarding.

Alaska

Not every angler wants to stick to the familiar, and that’s where places like Alaska come in. It offers serious variety: five species of Pacific salmon, wild trout, Arctic char, and grayling, all across different river types and ecosystems. If you’re used to single-handed rods and streamers, you’ll feel right at home — and the sheer number of fish, along with the scale of the landscape, makes it unforgettable. The best fishing is in remote areas where pressure is low and logistics are handled by seasoned lodge operators.

British Columbia

Another standout location — steelhead are the prize here, especially on rivers like the Skeena and its tributaries, but the region also offers strong Chinook and Coho runs. It’s a dramatic, scenic part of the world that rewards anglers who time their visit right.

Argentina

Down in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, anglers can target monster sea-trout on rivers like the Río Grande. These fish behave much like salmon, and the fishing — often with two-handers covering long, wind-swept pools — offers a thrilling challenge. You also have incredible fishing for large wild browns and rainbows, in clear glacier-fed waters.

While you’re in Argentina, it’s also worth considering a detour north to the Iberá Marshes, where Golden dorado provide a very different kind of challenge — aggressive takes and fast-paced action in warm freshwater channels.

Chile

Stretching down the spine of South America, Chile offers some of the most scenic and remote trout fishing on the continent. The rivers and lakes of Patagonia — especially around Aysén and further south — hold wild browns and rainbows, often in near-untouched waters with little pressure. The landscape is dramatic, the water clear, and the fishing varied, from small spring creeks to big drift-boat rivers. Many of the best lodges offer a mix of wading and boat access, with strong local guiding and excellent hospitality built around the fishing season.

Tropical Destinations

For those seeking warmth and a true escape from the colder British months, saltwater fly fishing is increasingly popular. Bonefish, permit, tarpon and trevally lodges from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean offer shallow-water action, easy wading, and fast-paced sight-casting. It’s a different game — but one many UK trout and salmon anglers are beginning to explore.

Making Exceptional Fishing Trips Easier to Find

With so much fishing content now promoted online, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to cut through the noise. For many anglers, the challenge isn’t a lack of destinations — it’s knowing who to trust, how to book, and what to expect on arrival.

One platform that’s starting to fill this gap is FishingExplora, built specifically for travelling anglers looking for trusted, lodge-based fishing experiences around the world. Each listing includes detailed information and crucially, allows you to contact hosts directly. You deal directly with the people who run the lodges — no middlemen, no sales fluff — just a clear way to connect with proven operators who understand what serious anglers need.

Tips When Planning a Fishing Trip Abroad

Fishing abroad can be an incredible experience — but to make the most of it, a little planning goes a long way.

• Account for Jetlag: Crossing multiple time zones and adjusting to new climates can be draining. The last thing you want is to miss prime fishing time because you’re too tired to get going. If you’re travelling far — especially to warmer destinations — allow at least a couple of days before your fishing week to acclimatise to the local time and conditions.
• Understand Tipping Policies: Tipping customs vary widely by region. For example, many lodges in North America expect a tip of 10–20% on top of your final invoice to fairly reward guides and staff. Some lodges include gratuities in their pricing, while others don’t. Check these details beforehand to avoid any awkward moments or confusion during your stay.
• Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance: A solid travel insurance policy is essential. Beyond standard coverage, look for options that include emergency evacuation from remote areas in case of medical emergencies. Some policies even cover lost fishing days due to poor weather — a worthwhile safeguard when your trip hinges on good conditions. Platforms like FishingExplora have partnered with fishing travel insurance providers to offer tailored, reliable coverage designed specifically for travelling anglers, helping you fish with confidence no matter where you go.
• Matching the Trip to Your Fitness Level: Not all fishing lodges offer the same kind of physical experience. Some involve long days of walk-wading across uneven terrain, slippery rocks, or strong currents — which can be physically demanding. Others might involve boat-based fishing with far less exertion. If fitness is a concern, it’s worth checking in advance what level of mobility or stamina is expected. Pick a lodge where you feel comfortable with the type of fishing on offer, and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about daily routines, wading conditions, or distances covered on foot. The right fit will make your trip far more enjoyable — and far less exhausting.

Final Thoughts

Fishing abroad isn’t just about catching more fish — it’s about making your time count. It’s the experience of visiting new countries, seeing unfamiliar landscapes, and meeting people from different cultures that often makes a trip truly memorable. Many fishing lodges and camps, especially those set in non-Western regions, place this cultural connection at the heart of the experience.

Whether you’re chasing Atlantic salmon in Labrador in Canada or bonefish in the Bahamas, the key is finding the right place, at the right time, with the right people behind it. The best lodges deliver on all three. For UK anglers willing to look further afield, that next great trip might be closer — and more enriching — than you think.