Fishing, particularly fly fishing, has seen a significant resurgence in popularity post-pandemic, with 58 million Americans participating in 2024, according to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation. This growth has prompted high-end hotels and classic fishing destinations like Montana and Chile to expand and upgrade their fishing experiences.
Several luxury properties are now integrating sophisticated fishing programs. For instance, Eleven Rio Palena Lodge in Chile provides helicopter access to glacier-fed streams rich with rainbow trout. The Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection, offers net-fishing lessons in the caldera, where guests can catch barbouni (red mullet) and skaros (parrot fish).
In the United States, hotels like Montage Big Sky are offering a variety of fly-fishing excursions, including float or walk-and-wade trips, and even helicopter-accessible backcountry trips. Guests at Montage can book one of the new five- or six-bedroom Mountain Homes, complete with amenities like fire pits, saunas, and kitchens, for group fishing trips. They also offer private ranch fly fishing through Minturn Anglers and a "Cast & Taste" excursion that combines a half-day of fly fishing with a scenic picnic lunch and wine.
Luxury lodges are tailoring experiences for all skill levels, from family-friendly introductory sessions on quiet streams to multi-day heli-trips to remote alpine lakes. These offerings emphasize fly fishing as part of a broader luxury getaway, allowing guests to immerse themselves in breathtaking natural environments while learning or refining their skills. Experienced guides are readily available to help uncover secret fishing spots and teach advanced techniques.
Patagonia in Argentina is highlighted as a premier bucket-list destination for fly-fishing, particularly for large sea-run brown trout, steelhead, and Pacific salmon in demanding rivers like the Rio Gallegos. Hotels in this region, such as Estancia Las Buitreras, offer immersiveweek-long experiences tailored for both experienced anglers and beginners, providing access to challenging waters and expert guidance.
