Alaska's famed Bristol Bay drainage is a fly-fishing paradise, where giant leopard-spotted rainbow trout grow to monstrous proportions, propelled by the region's prolific insect life and the presence of one of the last great sockeye salmon runs left on earth. The big trout grow fat on salmon fry, salmon eggs, and, later in the season, decaying salmon flesh — from start to finish, the fly-fishing season in Bristol Bay is fast and furious. Simply put, it's the best place in the world to chase trophy rainbows in their native waters. 

The first-ever Belizean lodge constructed exclusively for fly fishers 60 years ago is still a classic destination for anglers of all stripes. Over the years, Belize River Lodge has only gotten better with age. Its beautifully manicured grounds are breathtaking, and conjure up a bit of old-school fly fishing nostalgia amid a touch of Caribbean class. Comfortable, updated accommodations and over-the-top service greet anglers upon arrival, but it's the easy access to some of the best tarpon fishing and flats fishing in Central America that will keep fly fishers coming back.