Fly Fishing Bucket List (Dream Catches)
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Permit
Coming Soon
2
Tarpon
Verified
World Record
286 lb 9 oz
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Signature Fact
They breathe air using a lung-like swim bladder, so those surface "rolls" are actual gulps of oxygen.
3
Bonefish
Verified
World Record
16 lb 0 oz
B. Allen DeMoss / 1971
Walker’s Cay, Bahamas
B. Allen DeMoss / 1971
Walker’s Cay, Bahamas
Signature Fact
Their larvae are transparent, leaf-shaped drifters that actually shrink before transforming into juvenile bonefish.
4
Steelhead
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
42 lb 2 oz
Karl Mauser / 1970
Bulkley River, British Columbia
Karl Mauser / 1970
Bulkley River, British Columbia
Signature Fact
Unlike their salmon cousins, many survive spawning and do it again-some return to spawn up to three times.
5
Brown Trout
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
44 lb 5 oz
Seumas Petrie / 2020
Ohau Canal, Twizel, New Zealand
Seumas Petrie / 2020
Ohau Canal, Twizel, New Zealand
Signature Fact
Brown trout have been filmed snatching low-flying bats off the water-night monsters with a mammal habit.
6
Atlantic Salmon
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
7
Arapaima
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
Arapaima must breathe air and surfaces every 5 to 15 minutes, gulping loudly like a surfacing submarine.
8
Giant Trevally
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
9
Peacock Bass
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
27 lb 0 oz
Gilberto Fernandes / 2010
Rio Negro, Brazil
Gilberto Fernandes / 2010
Rio Negro, Brazil
Signature Fact
That fake eyespot on the tail is a piranha decoy, drawing bites away from the brain.
10
Golden Dorado
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
FAQs
What are the top fly fishing bucket list fish?
Permit, tarpon, bonefish, steelhead, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon are among the most iconic fly fishing bucket list species.
Why are these fish important to fly anglers?
They represent a combination of technical skill, challenge, and tradition, often requiring years of experience to catch consistently.
Do you need to travel to catch these fish on fly?
Often, yes. Many of these species are found in specific regions or require dedicated trips to target effectively.
Are these fish difficult to catch on fly?
Yes. Most are highly technical and require precision casting, presentation, and experience.
What makes a fish a fly fishing dream catch?
It’s a mix of difficulty, prestige, environment, and the overall experience of pursuing the fish on fly.
