Whether you’re looking to tame the deep seas or go fly-fishing in a shallow river, North America has something for everyone, and we’ve got five great spots to drop your line.

Clear Creek Canyon near Golden, Colorado (Year-round)

Thirty minutes from downtown Denver is the charming town of Golden, Colo. Golden was originally a gold rush settlement. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the countryside and the rich mountain landscape as you drop your line into Clear Creek, which winds its way through the middle of town before emptying into Clear Creek Canyon, a prime fishing spot for trout. A favorite among local fishermen, here you’ll find brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and brook trout frequenting the steady stream.

Clear Creek runs parallel to U.S. Route 6 and, save for the runoff season, is fishable year round. Given its usually calm waters and convenient location, Clear Creek Canyon is both fruitful and easily accessible.

Nushagak River near Bristol Bay, Alaska (June-September)

If adventure is what you seek, head to Alaska’s remote Nushagak River. Once the location of a native fishing camp, this river is a hotbed for sockeye, rainbow trout and king salmon.

Roughly 20 float planes ferry anglers in from around Alaska daily in the hopes of catching a prestigious king salmon. If you plan to drop your line here, be prepared to sleep in a tent, as fishing lodges are numbered. You may have to fight a grizzly bear for your catch, but the scenic views and fruitful waters make the challenge worthwhile.

South Andros Island in the Bahamas (October-June)

For those looking to take their fishing adventure to warmer climates, South Andros Island offers both sun and fun, featuring beautiful beaches, coral reef fishing and fertile shallow waters. Air travel on major airlines requires visitors to travel through Nassau, Bahamas. Rather not have a pitstop in Nassau on your travel itinerary? Charter a flight from Ft. Lauderdale directly into the island.  

If you’re looking to catch quality bonefish, this is the spot for you. Whether fishing white sand flats, remote mangrove creeks or inland lakes, South Andros is teeming with Albulidae. Deep sea fishermen also will find reefs along the southern coast teeming with life, like the nearby trench nicknamed the “Tongue of the Ocean.”

Florida Keys, Fla. (Year-round)

For the best deep-sea fishing, check out the “Marathon Hump” in the Florida Keys. Located directly between Key West and Key Largo, the popular fishing hole is just a quick boat ride from the Marathon Mainland.

Also known as the “West Hump,” this seamount can be a rewarding test of stamina and strength for experienced fishermen. Water depths plummet as deep as 1,000 feet and feature everything from marlin to blackfin tuna. Some of the fish in this area are behemoths and will put up a serious fight, but the rewards make it all worthwhile. 

North Lake, Prince Edward Island, Canada (July-October)

Prince Edward Island (PEI) boasts something for every type of fisherman. From the quaint but busy streets of Charlottetown to the beautiful cliffs of Cavendish. Whether via air, sea or the eight-mile-long bridge that connects the island to the mainland, there are plenty of ways to enjoy what locals simply refer to as “The Island.” 

The northern coast of PEI features a national park packed with wildlife and scenic landscapes; it also boasts some of the best tuna fishing in the world. Every September, bluefin tuna approach the Gulf of St. Lawrence in droves. On a regular basis, these waters yield up to 1,200 pounds of bluefin. North Lake also is a great site for mackerel and shark fishing, so be ready to put up a fight when dropping a line in these waters.