Fly fishing in Chile has dramatically improved over the past decade and the trout fishing shows no signs of slowing down. The seasoning of quality local guides, exploration of trout waters, commitment to excellence in service, and a variety of fishing options each adds to Chile’s fantastic trout fishing. Currently, the variety of fly fishing options includes luxury fishing lodges, a mother ship, helicopter fly outs, and rustic style accommodations. Today, the selection of trout fishing lodges and locations in Chile are almost as varied as New Zealand.
The best fly fishing lodges in Chile presently exist in approximately a 100-mile radius of Coyhaique, which is serviced by the airport in Balmaceda, a 2-hour flight south of Santiago. We represent a wonderful collection of outfitters in Chilean Patagonia, including El Saltamontes, Spanish for “The Grasshoppers,” an idyllic, private ranch with outstanding dry fly fishing on the Nireguao River; Posada de los Farios, a small, intimate lodge fishing the lower Cisnes River, which offers optional fishing trips to the coastal fjords of Chile for big sea run rainbow trout and salmon.
Experienced, energetic local Chilean fly fishing guides from the Coyhaique area, a strategic location, and a magnificent new lodge gives Cinco Rios Lodge it’s reputation of a top Coyhaique fly fishing lodge. In addition to their superior guides and luxurious accommodations, Cinco Rios has easy access to an amazing amount of potent trout streams, including (but not limited to) the Paloma, Azul, Magote, Blanco, Simpson, Deseques, Pica Fina, Aysen, Nireguao and Manihaules Rivers. There is enough water here to satisfy a lifetime of trout fishing.
Estancia del Zorro, the sister lodge to Cinco Rios, is located on a private ranch near the Chile – Argentina border. In addition to a productive spring creek on the ranch, which holds brown trout to 30 inches, Estancia del Zorro guests enjoy trout fishing Patagonia on a variety of small creeks and streams loaded with smaller brown and rainbow trout, as well as access to larger rivers in the Coyhaique area.
Paloma River Lodge, located in the beautiful Paloma River Valley, offers opportunities for big brown and rainbow trout on the dry fly. The fishing area starts 200 yards from the front door on the Paloma River and extends over a diverse watershed. To access the trout fishing, the lodge uses horses, four-wheel-drive vehicles, jet-powered skiffs, and rafts, allowing each angler to customize his fishing experience. Paloma River Lodge offers private rooms, and accommodates only 6 anglers per week.
Futa Lodge, located on Chile’s Futaleufu River, is a delightful, small, authentic Chilean lodge set in Southern Chile’s countryside. Futa Lodge primarily fishes the Futaleufu River for native brown trout, rainbow trout, and the occasional sea run trout, but also offers excellent trout fishing on some smaller nearby rivers and lakes.
Yan Kee Way Lodge is an exquisite facility in Chile’s lake district, on the banks Lago Llanquihue. Yan Kee Way has transformed into an exclusive retreat to meet the needs of guests who want privacy, exclusivity, and luxurious amenities. Yah Kee Way is perfect for larger groups who aren’t afraid to pay for the price of luxury and want quality trout fishing and eco-tour opportunities close at hand.
Tres Rios, located just outside of Puerto Montt in the town of Puerto Varas, offers a variety of fly fishing opportunities, including fishing around Lago Llanquihui and the Petrohue River, trout fishing road trips to the Chaiten and Coyhaique areas, and helicopter fly out trips. Tres Rios is great for adventurous anglers or groups looking for serious fishing and a family style hospitality.
Nomads of the Seas is an exciting luxury mother ship operation, providing exploratory fishing trips into the wild coastline of Chilean Patagonia. The custom-built mother ship, complete with heli-pad and a fleet of jet boats, allows trout fisherman access to the previously un-fished waters of coastal Chile and non-anglers extreme comfort and wilderness tours. Guests stay in super deluxe accommodations and anglers target brown trout, rainbow trout and landlocked salmon.
Call for details. We’ll be happy to help you decide which lodge and fishery is best for you.
Alaska is synonymous with catching big fish, and lots of fish, in an environment that is wild, rugged and plentiful, like few left on earth. In a week it is possible to catch 10 kinds of the world’s greatest game fish, a different species every day. Or, you may choose to go with only one goal; catching the biggest Rainbow of your life. Everything is possible.
In the Bristol Bay watershed, where the lodges we represent are located, the season extends from mid-June to the end of September. The calendar below explains when each species can be caught. Many fisherman plan Alaska trips around one or more species of Salmon, realizing that Trout, Char, Dolly Varden, Pike, and Grayling are available season long.
If you want to pursue Rainbows with a dry fly, focus on June and July. But, if it’s a trophy Rainbow you’re after, they’ll be several pounds heavier in August and September.
Most Alaskan outfitters operate on a weekly schedule, and range in price from $5,000 to $9,000 for 7-nights / 6-days fishing. The difference is largely a matter of accommodations and if the lodge provides daily fly-outs. Other price factors include: the number of boats and airplanes being utilized; how remote the location is; the ratio of customers to staff; fishermen to guides; and whether, tackle, transfers, licenses, and drinks are included.
Fly-out lodges provide tremendous mobility, allowing you to pick prime fishing areas within a 150 mile radius of camp, and by flying to different locations every day, you get to see the vast, spectacular scenery and wildlife Alaska is famous for.
Bristol Bay Area Fishing Calendar
Species
Available
Rainbow Trout (2 – 10 lbs)
June Thru September
Dolly Varden (2 – 10 lbs)
Arctic Char (2 – 10 lbs)
Arctic Grayling (1 – 3 lbs)
Northern Pike (5 – 10 lbs)
King Salmon Average Size 20 – 30 lbs Trophy Size 50 lbs
Selecting from the lodges we represent in Alaska is a choice of better and best. Mission Lodge is clearly in the category of best. Management, accommodations, food, aircraft, pilots, and guides all get an A+. You can catch Rainbows to 8 lbs on the Agulawok without having to fly out, but, if you want to fly an hour to the Kvichak or the Moraine for a monster, they’ll do it. Through lease and permit, they’ve amassed prime fishing locations second to none. You won’t have time to fish all of the river camps they’ve equipped with guides and jet boats. Their equipment is safe, top notch, and meticulously maintained. The daily orchestration of putting you in the appropriate aircraft to fish the best river, for what you want to catch, is executed with military precision. You’ll be treated with the respect of a client and the care of a friend. You pay once and never reach into your wallet again (except for the gratuities, which you’ll be anxious to pay). You need a raincoat and clothes, otherwise you’ll be outfitted with top of the line fly or spinning rods & reels, waders, flies and lures.
Every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly in place. As all consummate professionals, Mission Lodge Staff make it look easy! You get to relax, joke, enjoy yourself, and catch more, different, and bigger fish than you’ve ever caught before. Mission Lodge has the highest rebooking rate of any lodge we work with and our clients come back feeling like they got what they paid for and more. Click here for rates and more information on Mission Lodge.
Enchanted Lake Lodge is located on 54 private acres within beautiful Katmai National Park. The lodge is perched high on a knoll overlooking Lake Nonvianuk and Enchanted Lake and offers breath-taking views in every direction. With the Kulik and Alagnak Rivers reachable by boat, and the Moraine, Funnel, Battle and American Creeks, as well as the Brooks, Big Ku, and Kvichak Rivers a short flight away, Enchanted Lake Lodge is perfectly situated for trophy Rainbow Trout. And that’s what they do!
If you’re looking to pursue big Rainbows with a fly rod, this is the lodge for you. Early season dry fishing is followed by salmon fry on the surface, and both provide exciting sight fishing opportunities. Once the Salmon drop their eggs in July, fishing egg patterns turns into high gear. The guides are focused on one thing, catching you big Rainbows.
Guests are awakened each morning with hot coffee, tea or chocolate and greeted at the airplane dock each evening with their favorite beverage. Sauna, cocktails and hor de’ouerves are available before dinner. There is a complimentary bar.
You’ll be flown in pristine DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes and the pilot/guides remain with the guests all day. Jet boats are stationed on productive rivers.
Most acclaimed of Alaskan lodges, Bristol Bay Lodge represents the classic Alaskan experience. Nestled around Bristol Bay Lodge are cozy cedar cabins, set among tall fir trees. All overlook majestic Lake Aleknagik, in the Wood River, Tikchik Lakes State Park. The ruggedly beautiful area is visited by fewer than 1,000 sport fishermen each year. The Wood, Nushagak, and Togiak Rivers abound in prime fish habitat.
Waiting serenely dockside are three immaculately maintained DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes. Adjacent to the floatplanes, rest the fleet of jet boats, patiently nodding on Aleknagik’s morning ripples, ready to explore the lake and its diverse rivers. The Agulowak River, a few minutes by boat from the lodge, offers wonderful fly fishing for Rainbows, Grayling, Dolly Varden, and Char.
Guests can also stay at heated overnight tent camps complete with cots, foam pads, sleeping bags, linens, a cook and two guides. These legendary Outpost Camps, famous for the extraordinary fishing they provide, offer the chance to fish all day and under the midnight sun, then sit around the campfire and truly relax.
The stylish, well-appointed lodge, built in 1972 by Ron and Maggie McMillan is now run by the long time manager Steve Laurent. There are single, double and triple sleeping rooms in the lodge and in out-cabins for up to 6. Each unit has a private bath. The cabins have living rooms and a fireplace. Click here for rates and more information on Briston Bay Lodge.
Crystal Creek was originally located in the famed Wood-Tikchik area on Lake Nunavaugaluk, the southernmost Lake in the Wood River drainage. Built in the late 80’s by Terry Ebberly and veteran guide / bush pilot, Dan Michels, the lodge first opened in 1988. Dan bought out Terry a few years later and while the operation flourished and became one of Alaska’s premier fly out lodges, Dan was drawn by the by the big rainbows to the east on the Alaskan Peninsula, near the limits of their 120 mile flyout radius. In 2005, Dan found exactly what he was looking for and purchased a beautiful log & river rock lodge overlooking the Naknek River, one of Alaska’s premier trophy rainbow fisheries. By the 2006 season, Crystal Creek had moved to the new facility on the Naknek. The new location gave the lodge easy access to massive runs of all 5 species of Pacific Salmon, as well as the bounty of trophy Rainbow waters in the Katmai and Iliamna regions.
Crystal Creek is among the most luxurious lodges in Alaska. The massive 7,500 square foot log and river rock lodge and adjacent guest cabin provide spacious and tastefully appointed accommodations for up to 14 anglers. Meals and wine selections are gourmet, and staff and service top shelf. And with Dan’s 30 some years experience in the Alaska sportfishing business, Crystal Creek’s fishing program is second to none. Besides daily flyout fishing in the lodge’s fleet of impeccably maintained DeHavilland Beavers (2 on floats, 1 on tundra tires), the Salmon and Rainbow fishing can be spectacular within minutes of the lodge. The lodge is located very close to the Naknek Rapids, which stack up Salmon, food and monster Rainbows and is one of the best fishing areas on the river. Further, Crystal Creek also operates the incredible Yantarni Outpost Camp in the complete wilderness area of the southeast peninsula, which provides small stream, high volume Salmon fishing unmatched anywhere. Click here for rates and more information on Crystal Creek Lodge.
Royal Coachman Lodge is uniquely situated on the banks of the Nuyakuk River in the Wood-Tikchik State Park region of Bristol Bay, Alaska. Just downstream of the outlet to Tikchik Lake, its location offers remoteness, solitude and great local fishing on the Nuyakuk River for the rare non-fly out day or after hours fishing. The lodge has no neighbors and no other boats, cars or planes passing by the lodge. Nowhere else on earth will you find such a wide variety of sportfish. The sheer numbers of fish that this fishery supports is mind boggling. The area around Royal Coachman Lodge contains all five species of Pacific Salmon: Kings, Silvers, Sockeye, Chum and Pinks, along with seven species of freshwater gamefish, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Sheefish!
Royal Coachman’s veteran guides sit with guests each evening, around the fire or tying bench, planning the details of the next day’s outing according to each client’s preference. The lodge utilizes two DeHavilland Beavers on floats. Royal Coachman’s guides have fished around the world and make this their career. They can help the beginner learn how to cast, or show the experienced fly fishermen how to reach a tricky undercut bank. They will give you as much or as little assistance as you desire.
With two exclusive permits in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, one private trophy trout fishery permit, permits to fish Katmai National Park and Wood Tikchik State Park, three department of natural resources permits, and nearly 20 boats cached throughout the best fishing locations, Royal Coachman has honed it’s competitive edge. Guests fish a variety of waters from very small streams to large rivers, lakes and the throughfares that connect them. By maintaining boats with jet units scattered throughout the region, and because of the variety of waters, private leases, and exclusive use permits held by Royal Coachman, you get the best fishing the region has too offer every day! These fishing destinations are remote and most of the time you’ll be the only anglers there. Whether you’re an expert fly fisherman or a beginning spin caster, you will find the angling adventure that you are looking for. And, you’ll catch a lot of big fish. Click here for rates and more information on Royal Coachman Lodge.
Tent Camps and Float Trips
If you prefer a tent camp or float trip over a fly out lodge, you want to be sure you select a good river as your base of operations. The Kanektok is the best single river we’ve fished in Alaska. The Kanektok has phenomenal runs of Pacific salmon, plus strikingly colorful “Leopard” Rainbows, sea run Dolly Varden, Char and Grayling. The river is small by Alaskan standards and wadeable. There is no better river to fly fish for Kings (King Salmon 20-50 pounds). Chum fishing is outrageous and the Silver Salmon fishing will blow you away. One week Alaska West caught 1822 Silvers, an average of 22 per rod per day and many of them were taken on dry flies!
Alaska West is located 5.5 miles from the mouth of the Kanektok River, where it empties into the Bering Sea, so the Salmon are consistently fresh and dime bright. Alaska West is a “tent lodge” made up of a combination of permanent and semi-permanent structures providing unbelievable comfort in the middle of the Alaskan Wilderness. The ‘tent’ part comes from heavy vinyl covers that are removed during the winter. Everything else is permanent – wooden floors, heaters, electrical system, water system, including the permanent shower house.
Alaska West puts anglers in the middle of the best fishing on the Kanektok for all 5 species of Pacific Salmon, “Leopard” Rainbow Trout, Char and Grayling. The Kanektok is one the best rivers in Alaska to target King Salmon of the fly, has amazing Chum and Sliver Salmon fishing. Click here for rates and more information on Alaska West.
Dave Duncan & Sons has developed an outstanding reputation after two generations of outfitting on the Kanektok River. From the outset, the Duncan’s knew the fishing was so good they called her “The Chosen River” to try and keep it a secret. Now, the Duncan’s operate two base camps and do a full river float on the Kanektok. While, both camps offer opportunities for all species, the Lower Base Camp is more focused on dime-bright salmon fresh from the salt and the Upper Base Camp is more focused on trophy “Leopard” Rainbows, particularly fun with a mouse imitation. Dave Duncan and Sons also do a 90-mile float trip that starts at the headwaters of the Kanektok and ends at the Bering Sea. The float is great way to experience the variety of fishing the Kanektok offers, as well the changes in the river’s personality as it negotiates its way from Kagati Lake to the Bering Sea. Both base camps and the 90-mile float provide anglers with a true Alaskan adventure on some of the best fishing water in Alaska. Click here for rates and more information on Dave Duncan and Sons.
Hope that you are all doing great there in Connecticut. A small report on what is going on at the Estancia, to wet your appetite.
Last week the fishing at the ranch was outstanding to say the least. Our guests caught very nice trout on the Pedregoso Creek, the Coyhaique River and of Course on the Zorro Spring Creek.
The Pedregoso was particularly productive there we have been averaging 50 trout per guest a day (between 12 and 19 inches).
At the Zorro Creek they caught an overage of 15 trout per day, they were from 16 to 24 inches. (all in dry flies, since they did not want to use nymphs).
We are starting to see some pretty good hatches in the afternoon (may flies and caddis); we expect that the fishing in the next weeks will keep getting better and better.
Now we have a group from New York and Pennsylvania, they are here for the second time and were having a blast in the Pedregoso today.
For more information, call (800-628-1447 / 860-434-9624) or email Chip Bates (chip@angleradventures.com) at Angler Adventures.
Jorge Graziosi was the guest speaker at a luncheon held September 9th, 2009 at the Anglers’ Club of New York, 101 Broad Street. Other invited guests included three representatives of Angler Adventures; owner Chip Bates, Travel Manager Judy Hall, and Webmaster Evan Peterson.
Jorge Graziosi has been guiding in Patagonia, Argentina since 1968. In 1999 he built and opened Arroyo Claro Lodge, located in the beautiful Carrileufu River Valley, a 3-hour drive south of Bariloche and 3-hours from the Chilean border. Jorge may be the only outfitter offering guests the opportunity to fish both Argentina and Chile. Arroyo Claro Lodge will host an Anglers’ Club outing January 23-30, 2010. Arrangements for the Anglers’ Club Argentina trip are being handled by Angler Adventures. Click here for more information on Arroyo Claro Lodge or contact Chip Bates at Angler Adventures: (800) 628-1447 or Chip@angleradventures.com.
We hope you enjoy Jorge Graziosi’s slide show presentation to the Anglers’ Club, below. If you would like the slide show to auto-play, please click on the menu in the lower left hand corner and select auto-play. Click here to read Angler Adventures September 2009 Newsletter.
Angler Adventures has negotiated several value packed “2 for the price of 1” deals at some of our premier lodges. For more information, please click on the lodge name, or call us at 800-628-1447 (860-434-9624).
Spectacular, remote setting.
6 person capacity.
Rainbows and big Browns.
Normal weekly price $3,250 per person, double occupancy / shared guide.
Angler Adventures’ Special for November 2009: $1,625 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
Excellent Bonefishing with good chances at Permit.
Access to Gorda Cay and Mores Island.
Price Reduction for 2010.
Normal weekly price $2,820 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
Angler Adventures’ Special through February 2010: $1,813 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon.
30-miles off the coast of Belize.
Only 6 spots currently available: 2 – November 7 – 14, 2009 & 4 – November 21 – 28, 2009.
Normal weekly price $3,902.58 per person, double occupancy / shared guide.
Angler Adventures’ Special: $2,573.09 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
Direct access to Bonefishing in the Marls.
Nice Accommodations and Gourmet Meals.
Great location for non-anglers.
Normal weekly price $6,800 per couple double occupancy / shared guide.
Angler Adventures’ Special, February 1st – March 15th, 2010: $4,250 per couple double occupancy / shared guide.
Extensive Hard Sand Flats.
Wade fisherman’s paradise.
Comfortable cottage style accommodations.
Normal weekly price $3,085 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
Angler Adventures’ Special for bookings confirmed before January 1, 2010: $1,962.50 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
Experience Chilean Patagonia in luxury.
Unparalleled level of Service.
Access to typically inaccessible fertile fishing grounds.
Normal weekly price $17,850 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
Angler Adventures’ Special: $8,925 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
These discounts are offered to new reservations only and do not apply to existing reservations, nor date changes to existing reservations. Discounts for alternate times, or other lodges may be available. If the above offerings aren’t exactly what you’re looking for call us at 1-800-628-1447; and we’ll find you the best possible deal!
Fly Fishing in Chile is known for big brown trout taking big surface flies. This is especially true in the Coyhaique area of Southern Patagonia. Typically anglers thinking about Chile imagine the splashy rises of trout taking 2” – 3” imitations of Cantaria Beetle, the largest beetle in Chile. This season offers something new, potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Quila Bamboo in the Paloma River Valley is seeding – an event that happens about every 15 years (estimated to take 60 years for the bloom to return to the same area). This “bloom” creates an explosion in the mouse population due to the abundance of food (Quila Seeds). This acute rise in rodent populations is a well-known phenomenon in South America, which has been scientifically documented since 1552.
Cinco Rios Chile is already exploiting the situation and catching large browns on mouse imitations, however owner Sebastian Galilea expects the fishing to peak in late February / early March when the rodent population is at its peak and the supply of Quila seeds has declined. Anyone who has fished the Arolik for Rainbows or Labrador for Brookies can testify to the voracious strikes on mice when skated over fish from an opposing bank or overhanging branch. The Paloma River, the Magote, the Rio Simpson, the Boca de Leon, and the Elizadle all have visible increases in the rodent populations and are proving productive when fished with a mouse imitation.
Cinco Rios – $3,675 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide
January 1 – 15 – 4 anglers
January 15 – 22 – 2 anglers
January 22 – 29 – 6 anglers
January 29 – February 19 – 2 anglers
February 26 – March 5 – 6 anglers
Paloma River Lodge – $3,250.00 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide
January 1 – February 12 – 8 anglers
February 12 – March 12 – 4 anglers
Cantaria Beetle of Southern Chile
Estancia del Zorro – $3,675 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide
While Cinco Rios’ sister lodge may not get to experience the boom in mice, the estancia is home to the famously productive Zorro spring creek. These are the last spots available for the 2010 – 2011 season:
We’ve put up a couple of report type posts on the fishing around Turneffe Atoll this week. Since Belize is a great summer fishing destination and there are some great special fishing rates at 5 of the best fishing operations in Belize, we thought we’d get those special rates all posted in one place. Click on the links below to visit each destinations web page or call (800-628-1447) / email (info@angleradventures.com) for more information or to confirm your reservation.
The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,859.72 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide. The regular rate is $3,384 per person.
The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,587.50 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide. The regular rate is $2,868.75 per person.
Belize River Lodge – July 24 – December 18, 2011 (limited space available)
The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,412 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide. The regular rate is $3,668 per person.
The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,595 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide. The regular rate is $3,474 per person.
The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $1,999 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide. The regular rate is $2,890 per person.
Adult, mutli-sea-winter (MSW) Atlantic salmon fish can be captured by hand tailing. This is accomplished by wrapping your hand and around the “wrist” of their tail (known as the caudal peduncle), just in front of the tail fin, much as you would grasp your own left wrist with your right hand just in front of your hand. The tail fin on an MSW fish has developed stiff exterior rays, and prevents the fish from slipping through.
Atlantic salmon that have only spent one winter at sea before returning to the river to spawn are known as grilse. Grilse are smaller, usually from 20 – 24 inches in length, and have not yet developed this stiffness in the tail fin’s exterior rays. A sure way to tell a big grilse from a small salmon is to check the development of the tail fin exterior rays. If they are stiff, and don’t collapse when you try to squeeze them together, it’s a salmon. But if they collapse, it’s a grilse.
Not a Grilse
Because of this lack of development in the exterior caudal fin rays of a grilse, if you try to “tail” a grilse with this conventional method, the tail fin collapses and he’ll squirt right out of your grasp!
But if your guide is not handy with the net when you’re about to land your grilse, you still can hand tail him using the technique I call the “Vulcan Grilse Grip”. Make a “V” or a “peace sign” by extending your index and middle finger of your dominant hand. With thumb extended, slide this “V” so one finger is on the top and the other along the bottom of the caudal peduncle. Now quickly wrap the thumb around and close the rest of your hand as if you’re trying to make a fist. You should now have a firm grasp on the fish! I’m not sure why this works, but it does.
A word of caution, never lift a salmon or a grilse you plan to release clear out of the water by the tail. This can cause internal damage. Please use hand tailing only as a means of securing the salmon in the water so you can remove the fly and properly release into the current. If you want to lift a salmon for a photo, use your other hand to gently support the body of the fish, and lift no more than a few inches from the water and for no more than a few seconds.
Many thanks to angling great Larry Solomon, co-author of the classic “The Caddis and the Angler”, for showing me this technique over 20 years ago on the Nepisiguit River.
As a travel agency specializing in international fishing travel, we’re regularly asked how to travel with fishing tackle. We recommend 100% of the time that traveling anglers pack expensive reels and flies in their carry on luggage to avoid them being delayed, lost or stolen while in route to your fishing destination. Also, despite not fitting into the airline usual “carry on requirements”, most airlines are allowing small cases of 3, 4 or 5 piece fly rods as carry-ons, as long as they fit in the overhead compartment (please check with your individual airline for their specific policies). Metal objects (such as pliers, scissors, snips, pocket knives, screwdrivers, etc) that could be considered dangerous, should be packed in your checked luggage to avoid delays and possible confiscation at security checkpoints.
The Travel Security Administration (TSA), the governmental body providing the manpower and regulations at our airports security checkpoints allow specialty fishing gear (like reels and flies) to be packed in check luggage. We recommend that anyone traveling with fishing tackle visit the TSA website and carry a printed copy of the document entitled: “Traveling with Special Items – Hunting and Fishing” with their carry luggage / E-Tickets.
“Why bones are special—The bonefish is the nearest thing there is to a perfect gamefish for fly-fishing anglers. A voracious predator, it readily (but warily) takes flies. It accelerates faster and sprints farther than any other fish you take on light tackle. It fights more doggedly than most fish twice its size.
This performance alone would qualify the bonefish as one of the world’s top fly-fishing targets. But what makes this silver phantom of the tropics the ultimate quarry in fly fishing is that you must see it—sometimes from 80 feet away—before you can even cast to it. You stalk it like a predator. You track it down, take your aim, and cast with precision. You must make no mistakes. The ruthless, primitive survival instincts of this skittish creature leave no room for error.”
Reprinted from Fly Fishing for Bonefish, New and Revised by Dick Brown, (copyright 2008). Published by Lyons Press an imprint of Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT
The Compleat Angler and Angler Adventures present “An Evening with Eve Reilly”. Eve has been the manager of the legendary Poronui Ranch for 18 years. Poronui, remotely located in the central part of the North Island of New Zealand, was recently voted by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 10 fly fishing destinations in the world, with a team of professional guides and convenient access to many of New Zealand’s best quality fishing waters.
Join Eve Reilly and Judy Hall for presentation and hear Eve’s masterful stories of the wily brown and rainbow trout fishing in the North Island (the ones that got away and the ones that didn’t). Judy and Eve are both keen fly fishers and outdoor enthusiasts. Please join us Monday, June 27th, 2011 at the Compleat Angler’s new location, 537 Post Road, Darien, CT, 7:00 PM.
We will have some nice raffle prizes, as well as offering anyone at the presentation who books a minimum 4-night/3-day fishing package November 1st – December 15th, 2011 at Poronui will get a FREE helicopter fly out during their stay!
For friends of Poronui and Angler Adventures, this is a great opportunity to catch up, talk fishing, and maybe win a raffle prize. Call or email The Compleat Angler or Angler Adventures to reserve a spot, seating is limited.
Long time favorite bonefishing lodge, Andros South, has just added another incentive to take a bonefishing trip this fall. For October, November and December, Andros South reduced their 7-night/6-day fishing package rate from $3,950 per person to $3,250 per person, a savings of $700 per person.
The $3,250 rate includes 7 nights having your own room, 6 days fishing south Andros Island with 2 anglers guide, all meals and drinks (including beer, wine, and liquor), round-trip transportation to Andros South from the South Andros airport, loaner fishing equipment (if needed), Global Rescue enrollment, and Bahamian room tax.
And you get your own room!
There is currently space in the following weeks (please call or email to confirm that space is still available).
Tanzania offers one of the finest fisheries left on the planet – Tigerfishing on the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers. This is the place if you’re looking to catch a big Tigerfish on the fly. The season runs from August to November (15 weeks) each year, with a maximum of 8 rods per week (4 rods per river).
The early part of the season is good for big fish with less numbers and late season in better for more fish with a decrease in average size. Early season the water levels are higher and guests can expect to hook around 10 fish per day. During the later part of the season, water levels are lower and warmer, and this attract more small male fish into the system from floodplains downstream, accounting for the increase in smaller fish in the system. During this time, clients will expect to hook up to 20 or so fish per day.
The strikes are violent and when a Tigerfish hits your fly, she’s moving at top speed. Due to the voracity, strength, and size of these fish, a 50% hook up to landed fish ratio is considered doing well. Tigersfish will actually hold the fly in their jaws for an entire fight, unhooked, only to open their mouth at the boat and spit the fly. Similar to Tarpon fishing, it’s all about the take, the acrobatic jumps, and the fight.
The past 2 seasons on the Mnyera and Ruhudji were superb: 578 fish landed between 10 and 20 lbs and 31 fish breaking the magical 20lb mark. To put this in perspective, a trophy Tigerfish from any other river would be 12 pounds. On the Mnyera and Ruhudji, the average fish is between 8 – 12 lbs.
The cost for 7-nights / 6-days fishing is USD $6,750 per person person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily.
The Compleat Angler and Angler Adventures present “An Evening with Eve Reilly”. Eve celebrates managing the legendary Poronui Sporting Lodge for 20 years. Poronui, remotely located in the central part of the North Island of New Zealand, was recently voted by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 10 fly fishing destinations in the world, with a team of professional guides and convenient access to many of New Zealand’s best quality fishing waters.
Join Eve Reilly and Judy Hall for a spectacular visual presentation and to hear Eve’s masterful stories of the wily brown and rainbow trout fishing in the North Island (the ones that got away and the ones that didn’t). Judy and Eve are both keen fly fishers and outdoor enthusiasts. Please join us Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at the Compleat Angler’s new location, 541 Post Road, Darien, CT, 7:00 PM.
We will have some nice door prizes, as well as offering anyone at the presentation who books a minimum 6-night/5-day fishing package at Poronui Sporting Lodge from October 1 – December 31, 2013 a substantial discount only available through Angler Adventures.
Come see and hear what it’s like to trout fish this magical country. Click here for more information on Poronui.
Call or email The Compleat Angler or Angler Adventures to reserve a spot, seating is limited.
Steve Renehan landed the 26″, 8 lb Brown pictured above on a dry fly in late-February, fishing an unnamed river with Fly Fishing Andes, based in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Equally impressive was the incredible dry fly fishing Seve Renehan & Tom Gahan experienced one evening on the Collon Cura River, while staying at Ted Turner’s, Collon Cura Lodge. The pair landed 20 fish over 20″ from the same pool! The minnow migration was in full swing and the browns & rainbows were feeding with near reckless abandon.
The minnow migration is a yearly phenomenon that takes place on the Collon Cura from late-January into March. Swarms of minnows leave the nearby reservoir and swim up the Collon Cura. During the migration, big fish flood into the river. While streamer fishing can be deadly, excellent dry fly fishing can be had, skating big attractor patterns. Philip Giffin landed a tackle busting 23″ rainbow, but all agreed, even the 13 – 22″ rainbows on the Collon Cura are among the hardest fighting trout anywhere!
Jim & Joan Hunter also enjoyed this phenomenal fishing on their third January trip to Fly Fishing Andes. One of the highlights was floating the “secret” river, where every fish caught was 22 – 24 inches. Joan had the touch, landing at least one fish 21″ or more each of their 14 fishing days.
Space is already filling up for the 2014 – 2015 Season in Argentina. If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Argentina, give Angler Adventures a call (800-628-1447) or drop us email (info@angleradventures.com) and we’ll help you pick the right lodge, rivers and dates.
Not listed above are our other fine Argentine Trout Fishing Destinations: Arroyo Claro, Rio Manso, San Huberto, Tecka Lodge, and Tipiliuke. Also, be on the look out for a future newsletter announcing a web page (and video) for Jurassic Lake and its trophy Rainbow Trout fishing.
If you don’t have a winter getaway planned, there’s still time and plenty of space (click here for a complete listing of available dates at 19 of our best lodges).
Mauritius – US Dollar Rules, Save $1,500
St. Brandon’s is one of the most remote, exotic bonefish destinations on the planet. Now is a great time to tick St. Brandon’s off your bucket list – The exchange rate for US Dollars to Euros is the lowest in well over a year (1.17 on January 16, 2015). This is akin to a $1,500 per person discount. The cost of a 9-night / 6.5 day fishing dream trip is 7,100 Euro’s pp, approx US$8,037.
April 27 – May 6, 3 rods
May 8 – 17, 8 rods
May 27 – June 5, 2 rods
September 26 – October 5, 4 rods
October 7 – 16, 2 rods
Delphi Lodge on Abaco is a spectacular ocean front property with access to the famous Marls of Abaco, which remains the most prolific bonefishing in the Bahamas. Book anytime April 1-11 and get a $100 per night, per person discount. That’s $700 off per person for the week! Or, book in June and take off $1000 per week. Click here for more on Delphi, including rates.
Book a trip to Pesca Maya Lodge on Mexico’s stunning Yucatan Peninsula and get a free fly rod and reel! Booking 7 nights/6 days at $3,848 per person, double, or 6 nights/5 days at $3,305 per person, double, gets you a free Templefork BVK 9 foot 8 weight fly rod and a TFO 375 large arbor reel, a $660 value! Booking 5 nights/4 days at $2,762 or 4 nights/3 days at $2,219 gets you the BVK rod, a $310 value. We’ve got the dates you want. For details contact Doug Schlink: doug@angleradventures.com 860-434-9624 or 800-628-1447. Click here for more on Pesca Maya.
Angler Adventures client Bob Cosgriff landed this massive permit while fishing at Grey’s Point Inn on Acklins Island with head guide, Garon Williamson. Bob sent us the story of how he caught and landed this fish of a life time. Click or Tap here to read Bob’s account.
Best Deal in Argentina! Incredible dry fly fishing, spectacular scenery, truly remote fishing.
Cost: $3,200 per angler with 4 people. Save $1,350 per person!
$3,500 per angler with 2 people
3-nights /3-days camping plus 4-nights / 3-days fishing rivers closer to Arroyo Claro Lodge, Cholila Argentina.
Best times Jan – March.
Prime Space in Tierra del Fuego
Kau Tapen Lodge on the Rio Grande, the most famous sea-run trout river in the world, home to 5 of 7 IGFA records.
28+ pound fish caught annually
20 pound fish released weekly
15 pound fish released daily.
Dates: Jan 14 – 21, 4 rods
Cost: $9,550 per person
Largest Private Fishing Ranch in Patagonia
Tecka Lodge is unique. 90 miles of private water. Two Rivers. Two Lodges.
Best dates Jan 7 – 28
Cost: $5,600 per angler, 7-nights / 6-days
$950 per angler per day for shorter stays
Best Week for Big Browns
Comfortable accommodations. Expert Guiding. Includes Collon Cura and Limay Rivers. Proven week for big resident trout. Fly Fishing Andes has broken the code!
Dates: Feb 18 – March 25
Cost: $6,090 per person, 7-nights / 6-days. Longer packages available.
Dragonfly Bonanza
This is a hatch like no other. Big Browns and Rainbows looking up! Rio Manso Lodge is the ideal location for couples, non-fishing activities too. Best time Dec 18 – Jan 7. Take the family.
Cost: $4,750 per person fishing. $3,100 per person non-fishing
Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge isn’t easy to get to, but what do you except from a fishery that produces monster after monster rainbows. This trip deserves to be on your bucket list. Good Fishing Nov – April.
Cost: $5,200 per person, 7-nights / 6-days fishing
$3,100 per person, 4-nights / 3-days fishing
Arroyo Claro offers combination trips Argentina & Chile. We also work with Benjamin Beale of El Encuentro Fly Fishing in the Esquel area, Las Pampas Lodge in the Rio Pico area, and Challuaquin Lodge on the Rio Grande in Trevelin.
November 12 – 19, 2016, 4 rods. Great week on Lago Strobel, AKA Jurassic Lake. Spring Run in the Barrancoso River. Primetime on Moro Spring Creek and the Chain Lakes. Normally sold out!
December 10 – 17, 2016, 2 rods. Late-Spring conditions. Some of the longest days of the year. Check out the trailer that was filmed the same week.
January 2 – 9, 2017, 2 rods. Prime Time Summer fishing. Excellent sight fishing on Strobel Lake and the Barrancoso River.
April 1 – 8, 2017, 4 rods. Fall run on the Barrancoso River. Best time to target big fish in Strobel Lake’s only tributary.
Nomads of the Seas
