Where would you go? We did Canada this year, and would definitely go back, but want to do something different next year. Looking for some recommendations for the guys that have traveled a bit in the US or abroad. Open to fresh or salt, but prefer not real touristy areas.

So far, we are thinking a private ranch in Montana, Alaska, Canada again, or Iceland...

Looks like you already have a dream list..

Patagonia. Fly to Buenos Aires. From Buenos Aires, get a bus to Bariloche, about 20 hours. The bus ride was cheap. A plane would be better, but obviously a lot more expensive. We rented a car for 3 weeks. We fished Los Alerces Park, several rivers and lakes in this area, The rivadavia was the most beautiful river I've ever seen or fished. This river has spring creek that branches off of the river. It has big bows and browns. Pm if you're interested in this location.

Los Jardines de la Reina, Cuba and stay on La Tortuga. Spent a week down there this past April and quickly re-booked a week in April 2017. We got tired of catching bonefish on the 2nd day. Monster tarpon - many schools daily. Plus a wide variety of other species. I think we caught north of 12 different species that week. Haven't been to Seychelles yet, but its on the list toward the top.

A recent instagram post by Water Works Lamson has me wanting to go to Iceland. Looks amazing.

I have fished in the Bahamas for the past 20 years primarily for bonefish and permit on fly. Andros, Grand Bahama(eastern end), Crooked, and the Acklins. Not sure but sounds like you are planning for next year; but as you know hurricane Matthew did some damage on the west side of the chain. Talked to the owner of East End lodge (google this lodge) on Grand Bahamas and they are ready to go now, so they dodged a bullet. Andros flyfishing is best on the eastern side of the island and to the north in the jolters. They should be ok too. Let me know if you need additional info, but check out the Bahamas. Easy to travel to, fast to get there through Miami, and lots of fish. Have fish 4 times in Belize as well. Lots of bonefish there too, but tend to be smaller.

What's your budget?
You want a fully guided lodge deal or more of a DIY trip?

@Jesse10 - Patagonia Cast and Blast trip is in the bucket list a few years down.

@Fishinole - Always wanted to do saltwater, but Bahamas seemed at bit touristy for our liking. We toss up destinations every year between south and north, and my group tend to lean towards northern places. I guess we like the cold not so traveled places. Feels more like an adventure.

@Catfish676 - I may hit you up for some info on Cuba, that sounds like fun.

@Flyfish4 - Budget would be about $2-3k ish for next year give or take. We don't want a fully guided lodge or anything. Not big on itineraries. More about exploring, taking awesome photos of the fishing spots we come across.

Iceland is the front runner atm, but saltwater would be awesome too. We have never caught a bonefish...

Just a little more info here, we rented a car in Bariloche and traveled and fished a lot of water. I think we spent around 3,000 a person. The 1,300 plane ticket is included in that 3,000. My buddy caught a 30 inch brown on the Limay the first day. We were able to access a ton of water due to the alpacka rafts we had stuffed in our back packs. The weather was perfect most days. It dropped to freezing temps at night, but got into the 60's during the day. The rivers were still high at the end of November, but I think the middle of December would be perfect. It was a trip of a lifetime. In my opinion, nothing compares to Argentina and Chile. The hostels were like 8 dollars a night. It's the cheapest place to go excluding your plane ticket. Hope you guys have a blast whatever y'all decide.

fun, fun

Bahamas can be touristy if you are in Nassau or Freeport, otherwise the good bonefish lodges are away from anything and everyone. You would have to use guides in most spots due to large areas that need to be covered to find fish. I have fished the Joulters in N Andros with a couple of different guides that basically took me to the flat and we waded for 8 hours and never saw another human. I understand the "cold" attraction after growing up in FL and living in TX for the past 15 years. I'm heading to Idaho next year in July in lieu of my normal Bahamas trip.

All I can say is a 5lb bonefish that gets into your backing of your 8wt 2-3 times still raises the hair on the back of my neck. A double digit bonefish makes me wonder if my reel is actually going to stay together. They really are an amazing fish on fly! But it will be in the low 90's with lot's of humidity in the summer. Winter is better if you want fewer shots at singles and pairs of bigger fish, but the Winter usually brings overcast skies which makes sight fishing a challenge.

Not to be a downer, but iceland on that budget will tough.

Not a downer. Thanks for everyone's suggestions. It's still a work in progress.

Yea, given your budget, I would also scratch off Cuba or Seychelles. I was about to also suggest The Palometa Club at Punta Allen, Mexico, which was my most recent fly trip in July, but def north of your budget unfortunately. Its bona fide awesome for anyone after Permit. We were finding 6-8 schools daily and these weren't juvenile fish. Top notch guides, lodge, food, etc. Scenery was similar to JDR, but not quite as indescribably beautiful. Punta Allen is regarded as the Permit Capital of the World, as they say, and did not disappoint. I do not suggest renting a Jeep and driving the road from Tulum to Punta Allen like I did. There is a better option.