Article Highlights:

  • Prime spring mahi, tuna and marlin season fuels deep sea action in the Bahamas.
  • Belize delivers world-class flats fishing for permit, tarpon and bonefish.
  • Baja shines with striped marlin offshore and roosterfish and yellowtail inshore.
  • The Florida Keys host the iconic tarpon migration, a fly-fishing spectacle.
  • Chile and Argentina offer exceptional late-summer trout fishing in Patagonia.

 

 

From the tropical flats of the Bahamas to the icy rivers of Patagonia, the months of March through May open the door to some of the most dynamic fishing opportunities on Earth. As seasons transition across the hemispheres, global fisheries awaken in powerful and diverse ways. Whether your passion is deep sea action with mahi, tuna and marlin, the finesse of stalking bonefish on sunlit flats or battling wild trout in the pristine waters of Chile and Argentina, spring offers a wealth of remarkable experiences.

Across the globe, March to May are ideal months when warming waters, seasonal migrations and ecological rhythms converge, and make each destination unforgettable.

 

Bahamas: A Springtime Playground for Offshore Giants and Flats Favorites

When anglers dream of spring fishing, the Bahamas often sits at the top of the list. As March arrives, the waters surrounding the islands begin to teem with migratory pelagics, turning the offshore grounds into a paradise for deep sea enthusiasts. This is prime time for mahi, whose acrobatic leaps and electric colors are among the most thrilling sights in tropical fishing. The season also brings an influx of tuna, including blackfin and yellowfin, celebrated for their speed, strength and culinary excellence.

April and May mark the rise of early-season marlin, giving anglers the chance to battle one of the world’s most iconic blue-water predators.

Yet the Bahamas is equally legendary for its shallow-water magic. The endless flats host one of the most consistent bonefish populations in the world. With warming temperatures and clear visibility, spring is an ideal time to stalk these fast, elusive fish in shimmering, ankle-deep water.

Whether you’re poling across sunlit flats or chasing mahi offshore under open Bahamian skies, the islands deliver a springtime feast of fishing adventure.

 

Belize: Permit, Tarpon and Sailfish in a Compact Angler’s Paradise

Just a short flight from the United States, Belize packs world-class fishing variety into a compact, accessible country. From March through May, it becomes one of the most desirable fishing regions on Earth, especially for fly anglers.

The shallow flats of Belize are synonymous with permit and spring is one of the most productive windows of the year. These notoriously difficult fish reward finesse and precision and encounters increase significantly during these months.

Tarpon activity also ramps up, especially the big migratory fish that begin arriving in late April and May. These powerful silver giants, capable of spectacular leaps and blistering runs, offer one of the most exhilarating experiences in all of angling.

Offshore, Belize adds another layer of excitement. Spring waters attract sailfish, along with marlin, wahoo and tuna. Few destinations on Earth offer this blend of flats perfection and big-game blue-water opportunity.

 

Baja Mexico: Marlin, Roosterfish and Yellowtail in a Desert-Meets-Ocean Wonderland

Spring in Baja is a dramatic convergence of desert beauty and rich ocean life. From March through May, its waters deliver some of the world’s most exciting sportfishing.

The region is especially famous for its striped marlin fishery. Offshore from Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the East Cape, anglers often encounter some of the highest concentrations of striped marlin anywhere. Sight-casting to feeding marlin is a unique thrill offered during these months.

Baja is also revered for its roosterfish. Known for their dramatic dorsal fins and explosive strength, roosterfish peak in late April and May along the Sea of Cortez coastline. Anglers often target them close to shore with live bait, lures or flies.

Yellowtail, aggressive and excellent eating, remain strong throughout spring. These fish thrive around rocky reefs and other structure and are ideal targets for jigging or live-baiting.

With its mix of offshore and inshore action, Baja offers some of the most diverse spring fishing on the planet.

 

Florida Keys: The Tarpon Migration Defines Spring

No global fishing calendar is complete without the Florida Keys, especially between March and May. This stretch marks the beginning and peak of the tarpon migration, one of the greatest natural events in saltwater fly fishing.

Anglers gather from around the world to sight-fish these massive fish as they move along oceanside flats or roll through backcountry waters. The combination of shallow, clear water and fish exceeding 100 pounds creates a test of skill, stealth and endurance unlike any other.

Beyond tarpon, spring offers strong opportunities for bonefish and permit, completing the inshore super slam. Offshore, warming waters bring increasing numbers of mahi, adding variety to the season.

Spring is simply one of the most magical times to fish the Keys.

 

Chile: Trout Nirvana in Pristine Patagonia

While the Northern Hemisphere warms, Chile transitions from late summer into early autumn, an exceptional period for freshwater anglers. Patagonia, with its dramatic peaks and glacier-fed rivers, is a paradise for trout fishing.

March and April deliver some of the best conditions for brown and rainbow trout as cooler waters stimulate more predictable feeding behavior. Fly fishing dominates the region, with streamers, nymphs and dries all effective depending on river levels and local conditions.

Even into May, many rivers remain productive and late-season insect activity often provides memorable dry-fly opportunities. The combination of spectacular scenery and aggressive trout makes Chile a premier springtime destination.

 

Argentina: Trophy Trout and Dorado During the Autumn Transition

Across the Andes, Argentina offers equally impressive fishing from March through May. In Patagonia, cooler temperatures trigger feeding cycles in trout, especially browns and rainbows preparing for the spawn. Many anglers consider autumn one of the top times to fish Argentina’s rivers and lakes.

Northern Argentina adds a warm-water contrast: golden dorado. These fierce, acrobatic predators thrive in warm, tannic waterways and March and April provide excellent chances to target them before water temperatures cool in May.

For anglers seeking variety, few countries offer the range of opportunities found in Argentina during these months.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Fishing adventures — offshore, on remote flats or deep in the mountain wilderness — carry inherent risks. Whether you’re battling mahi in the Bahamas, stalking permit in Belize or wading into Patagonia for trout, emergencies can arise far from help. A Global Rescue membership provides critical protection, including field rescue, medical evacuation, medical advisory, security assistance and more. When your adventures take you off the beaten path, Global Rescue is the support system you want on your side.