Article Highlights:

  • Alaska and Mongolia offer some of the best freshwater fishing for salmon and taimen.
  • Remote locations like the Amazon and Siberia offer unique fishing experiences but lack emergency medical care.
  • European catfish in Spain’s Ebro River offer a thrilling challenge for anglers.

 

The world is full of incredible freshwater fishing destinations, each with its unique species, challenges, and rewards. Before you book your next freshwater fishing adventure, check out some of the best international freshwater fishing spots, the types of fish you can expect to catch and the challenges you might encounter when visiting certain remote or politically unstable regions.

The Best Freshwater Fishing Destinations

Alaska, USA

Alaska is a paradise for freshwater fishing, offering some of the best opportunities to catch freshwater salmon. The state’s rivers, such as the Kenai and the Kasilof, are teeming with all five species of Pacific salmon: king, silver, sockeye, pink and chum salmon. Additionally, Alaska’s pristine waters offer freshwater trout, Arctic grayling and freshwater shad. This destination attracts thousands of anglers annually looking for the thrill of landing a massive salmon in the wild.

 

Mongolia

Mongolia is famous for its remote fishing locations and untouched rivers, making it one of the best places to catch taimen, the world’s largest freshwater salmon. Taimen are known for their aggressive strikes and strength, making them a coveted catch for anglers who love a challenge. Mongolia’s rivers, such as the Delger Muron and the Eg-Ur, are remote but rewarding for those willing to venture into the wilderness.

 

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC is currently listed as a “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” by the U.S. Department of State due to crime and civil unrest, making travel to the country ill-advised. It’s an unfortunate circumstance for adventurers since the Congo River is one of the most remote and wild places for freshwater fishing. Anglers here can target the goliath tigerfish, a fearsome predator known for its size and sharp teeth. While the fishing is phenomenal, emergency medical care and emergency response capabilities in the DRC are limited, making it a high-risk location for anglers.

Freshwater fishing offers anglers a unique set of benefits and challenges, from the peace of being on a remote lake to the thrill of catching a giant European catfish. John Davis, a seasoned freshwater fishing guide, explains that “The beauty of freshwater fishing is that it connects you with nature in a way that no other sport can. There’s nothing quite like being on a river at sunrise, casting your line and feeling that tug on your reel.”

However, as Davis points out, freshwater fishing isn’t without its challenges. “It’s important to be prepared, especially if you’re fishing in remote locations. Make sure you plan for medical emergencies, especially if you’re targeting species like taimen in Mongolia or goliath tigerfish in the Congo.”

 

Spain

Spain is home to the giant European catfish, a fish that can grow to enormous sizes, making it a top destination for anglers who want to battle with one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. The Ebro River is the most famous spot for catching European catfish, with some specimens reaching over 200 pounds. Alongside catfish, Spain’s rivers and lakes also offer opportunities to catch carp and freshwater shad.

 

Brazil (Amazon Basin)

The Amazon Basin offers a unique freshwater fishing experience, where anglers can target peacock bass, piranha and freshwater catfish such as redtail catfish and piraíba (giant catfish). The Amazon’s remote waterways and stunning biodiversity attract adventurous anglers, but the region’s isolated location presents challenges, such as limited access to emergency medical care and logistical difficulties.

 

Norway

Norway is known for its incredible scenery and pristine rivers, which offer world-class fishing for Atlantic salmon. Freshwater fishing enthusiasts flock to rivers like the Gaula and the Namsen to catch trophy-sized salmon. Norway’s government tightly regulates its fishing industry to ensure the sustainability of its rivers, making it an ideal destination for responsible anglers.

 

Remote and Challenging Destinations for Freshwater Fishing

While freshwater fishing can take you to beautiful and serene locations, some of the best fishing spots are in regions with political instability, civil unrest or other safety concerns.

Sarah Jenkins, an angler who has fished in remote regions around the world, adds, “Freshwater fishing is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a test of your patience and perseverance. The conditions aren’t always ideal, and sometimes it takes hours—or even days—to catch the fish you’re after. But when you finally land that big one, it makes all the hard work worth it.”

 

Here are some destinations where freshwater fishing is a bit more challenging due to these factors:

Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar’s rivers and lakes are home to a variety of freshwater species, including freshwater catfish. The Irrawaddy River offers unique fishing experiences, but the country has experienced periods of political instability and civil unrest, particularly in remote regions. Access to medical care is limited in rural areas, and there may be language barriers when seeking assistance in an emergency.

 

Venezuela

Venezuela’s rivers, particularly in the Orinoco Basin, are rich in freshwater fish, including peacock bass and freshwater catfish. However, Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic crisis, coupled with high crime rates, makes it a challenging destination for tourists. Tourists are often targeted for theft, and emergency medical services may be inadequate, especially in remote fishing areas.

 

Russia (Siberia)

Russia is listed as a “do not travel” destination by the U.S. Department of State due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. But when, and if, travel to Russia opens up freshwater fishing in Siberia’s vast wilderness offers some of the most remote freshwater fishing opportunities in the world. Anglers can target taimen and Siberian sturgeon in the icy rivers of this expansive region. However, the extreme remoteness of Siberia means that emergency medical care is scarce, and evacuating an injured angler can be a logistical nightmare.

 

Bolivia

Bolivia is an excellent destination for freshwater fishing, especially for the golden dorado, which is considered one of the most prized game fish in South America. Bolivia’s rivers, particularly those in the Amazon Basin and its tributaries, provide prime habitats for this powerful and aggressive species.

Jim Klug, founder of Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, knows well the risks involved when freshwater fishing in remote regions and suffering a serious injury. Klug was in the jungles of Bolivia to photograph and fish for Golden Dorado.

“We had made the trip to Tsimane’s Asunta River Lodge on the Secure River, one of the most remote and untouched areas in Bolivia. This is an area that is home to spectacular Golden Dorado – one of the largest, meanest and toughest fish found anywhere in the world of freshwater fishing,” he said.

Three days into the trip Klug was blinded and concussed after a 20-foot-long wooden pole used to maneuver the canoes along the Secure River freakishly whacked him in the eye. “I sustained a serious blunt force trauma injury to my right eye, which took out my vision entirely and left me with a serious concussion,” he said. “I received a healthy dose of reality that included a scary medical situation, a Global Rescue evac and two days in the hospital in Miami.”

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Fishing in remote areas like the Amazon, Mongolia or Siberia can be exhilarating, but it also comes with inherent risks. Many of these locations lack reliable access to emergency medical care, and local emergency response capabilities may be minimal at best.

Before embarking on a freshwater fishing adventure in these areas, it’s essential to have a comprehensive travel insurance plan and a reliable evacuation service.

At Global Rescue, we specialize in medical evacuations and rescue services, and emphasize the importance of preparation for remote fishing trips. “It’s not enough to rely on travel insurance,” says Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. “In remote locations, you need a service that can deploy personnel to your location and get you the medical attention you need, quickly.”

Richards likens Global Rescue’s services to “AAA for your body,” explaining that in places like the Amazon Basin or the Siberian wilderness, traditional travel insurance may not be sufficient to cover the costs of medical evacuations or emergency response.