The Blanda River, in northwestern Iceland, differs starkly from most of its Icelandic counterparts. Most rivers on the island nation flow through relatively sterile landscapes on often short, punctuated runs. By contrast, the Blanda is one of the longest rivers in the country, flowing for over 75 miles from its origin at the Hofsjökull glacier to where it meets the North Atlantic Ocean at Húnaflói Bay near the town of Blönduós.

The storied Bighorn River in southern Montana has long been known as a big-fish destination among the fly-fishing community. As it flows from beneath the towering Yellowtail Dam, its cold and uber-productive tailwater flows nurture a thriving brown and rainbow trout fishery for some 50 miles downriver, and anglers can take their pick of lodges and outfitters that provide access to this American treasure.