Discover top destinations for fly-out fishing. Plan a lodge-based trip with expert local guides and access to productive waters.
Fly-out fishing trips use floatplanes, helicopters, or bush planes to access waters you can’t reach by road or trail. From remote salmon rivers in Alaska to alpine trout streams in New Zealand, these trips deliver unmatched solitude, wild settings, and top-tier fishing.
Fly-out fishing (aka ‘fly-outs’) is not just about getting away—it’s about reaching waters few anglers ever see. Whether it’s a glacial headwater, tundra lake, or mid-river gravel bar, the goal is to fish wild, lightly pressured water where the fishing can be truly exceptional.
Unlike fly-in lodges where you stay in one place, fly-out trips involve daily access to new fisheries, returning each evening to a central base lodge. These trips are popular in areas with vast wilderness and limited road infrastructure, especially for species like salmon, trout, and Arctic char.
Fly-out trips are usually run by remote lodges with a fleet of aircraft and a roster of licensed bush pilots. Each morning, you and your guide load into a floatplane or chopper, heading to a new stretch of water based on weather, species movement, or angler goals.
Common destinations include:
Guides typically bring gear, food, safety equipment, and comms. Some trips are walk-and-wade, others include rafts cached at landing zones for float access.
These are some of the world’s top destinations for fly-out fishing trips, whether by floatplane, helicopter, or bush plane. From Alaska to Patagonia, each region offers access to remote waters with minimal pressure and exceptional fishing.
Alaska is the gold standard for fly-out fishing trips. Lodges use De Havilland floatplanes to reach salmon rivers, grayling creeks, and untouched trout streams deep in the backcountry.
Northern Canada offers classic fly-out trips for lake trout, grayling, and pike. Remote lodges use floatplanes to access hidden lakes and rivers with little or no fishing pressure.
Some lodges in Iceland offer helicopter-assisted access to secluded salmon and trout rivers, especially during peak seasonal runs. It’s a premium way to reach otherwise inaccessible beats in dramatic terrain.
South Island lodges use helicopters to reach alpine rivers holding big, spooky trout. These fly-out trips offer high-level sight fishing in crystal-clear water.
Patagonia is a standout for heli fishing, especially in southern Chile. Lodges use helicopters to reach remote valleys and river systems for trout. While Argentina has world-class fishing lodges, most fly-out access is based on the Chilean side.
At FishingExplora, we connect you with trusted fly-out fishing lodges and programs that deliver. From salmon rivers in Alaska to trout creeks in Patagonia, every trip is built around experienced pilots, expert guides, and premium logistics.
Fly-out fishing involves taking flights in small aircraft—like floatplanes or helicopters—from your main lodge to remote waters, returning each evening. In contrast, fly-in fishing means traveling by air to reach a remote lodge or camp where you stay for the duration of your trip.
Fly-out fishing trips usually cost between $6,000 and $12,000 per week, depending on location, aircraft type, and lodge quality. Helicopter-based trips and multi-river expeditions often carry a premium.
Not necessarily. While some destinations favor experienced anglers, many fly-out lodges cater to all skill levels and offer guided support for walk-and-wade, drift, or lake fishing scenarios.
No flight experience is required. Fly-out fishing trips are fully guided, and experienced bush pilots handle all flight logistics. Most guests are first-time floatplane passengers, and safety briefings are provided before departure.
Pack light but smart: layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, and essential tackle if not provided. Space is limited on small aircraft, so check with your lodge for weight restrictions and gear recommendations.
Ready to go remote? Browse trusted lodges with fly-out programs or search by region to plan your next wilderness adventure.
