booking the world`s best fly fishing lodges

BOOKING THE WORLD’S BEST FLY FISHING
LODGES, OUTFITTERS, & GUIDES
2010 GLOBAL ANGLING GUIDE
TRUSTED ADVICE – EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
“I
t is seldom that I
recommend an
organization or company
but Fly Water Travel
deserves my special
mention. I can say that
in terms of personalized
services, providing honest,
straightforward information,
and setting realistic
expectations, they are
simply the best. ” – Brad Freeburg,
Bozeman MT
©2010 by Fly Water Travel, LLC. All rights reserved. Photo credits: front cover, Brian Gies, back cover, Ken Morrish. All other photos Ken Morrish, Brian Gies, Rachel Andras, Val Atkinson, Jeff Edvalds, Brian O’Keefe, Jeff Vermillion, Lyn Donaldson,
Jared Cruce, Don Sias, Terry Gunn, Randy Morton, Scott Ferguson, Jim Andras, Tom Jenni, Scott O’Donnell, Mary-Kate Whitford, Kent Davenport, Deneki Outdoors, The Fly Shop, Nervous Waters, Lax-á and others. Graphic design by CarterWorks
of Ashland, Oregon, (541) 488-2391.
BOOKING THE WORLD’S BEST FLY FISHING
LODGES, OUTFITTERS, & GUIDES
TRUSTED ADVICE – EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
“A
Exotics
Saltwater Flats
Alaska
Canada
The Rockies
Pacific Northwest
New Zealand
ANGLING CLUB LAX-A
Árni Baldursson, Manager
Akurhvarf 16, 203 Kopavogur, Iceland
Tel: +354 5316100 Fax: +354 5576108 Mobile: +354 8983601
e mail: [email protected] | www.lax-a.net
www.lax-a.iswww.lax-a.es | www.lax-a.fr
ll the destinations we represent
have two common criteria:
The fishery and angling experience is
exceptional and the owners/operators
are safe, service-oriented professionals
whom we enjoy and trust.”
– KEN MORRISH, BRIAN GIES
FLY WATER TRAVEL
NEW
Season: May – October
Fish Species: Golden
dorado, Amazon pacú
Lodge Capacity:
4 anglers
Rate: $6,000 per
person for a 10 night/
6 day package
Full Details: See www.
flywatertravel.com
Fly Water’s Brian Gies with a reward from his most recent exploratory trip to Bolivia. Photo: Brian Gies
TSIMANE LODGE, BOLIVIA
T
A unique and challenging
simane may be the most excitthe top three angling experiences
ing, new destination we have
in their extensive careers.
adventure through the clear,
ever seen. Located in a remote,
Tsimane is operated by an
dorado-rich, jungle
indigenous territory of Bolivia
Argentine outfitter with exclusive
freestone rivers of Bolivia
where the Andes meet the upper
rights to the region. The split week
Amazon, the rivers of the region are both familiar
program incorporates three days at two separate luxury
and foreign. Technically jungle freestones, these rivers
base camps as well as the option to overnight at remote
are similar to the smaller winter steelhead systems of
out-camps. The main lodges feature cabins made from
the Pacific Northwest or the hearty trout systems on
hand hewn local timber, private bathrooms with hot
the west side of New Zealand’s South Island, but the
showers, satellite telephone and internet as well as fine
fierce migratory golden dorado that inhabit these rivcuisine. While anglers access the rivers by boat, considers mandate more tarpon-like techniques. In Bolivia,
erable walking and wading is essential to success. This
anglers wading wet with eight weight rods cast five
trip into the heart of the Bolivian jungle is best suited
inch flies on wire leaders through endless water types
to adventuresome, fit travelers. The rewards include
with consistent catches of pugnacious, aerial dorado
incredible flora and fauna, the opportunity to interact
in the 8-35 pound class. Without exception, all of the
with indigenous people, and world class fishing. Due to
anglers we sent to Tsimane in 2009 rate the trip among
the well deserved “buzz,” spaces are extremely limited.
Sage representative Van Rollo with an Agua Boa Temensis peacock. Photo: Van Rollo
AMAZON PEACOCK BASS
F
or anglers who enjoy warm getaways in the winter, unparalleled wildlife viewing, remote wilderness settings and
ultra-consistent fishing for large, aggressive, hard fighting fish, the Brazilian Amazon is a place you need to visit.
Fishing well from November through mid-April, this venue is a proven winner.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge
Located in northern Brazil, the Agua Boa is remarkably clear, with white sand beaches more reminiscent
of the Florida Keys than what most expect of the
Amazon jungle. Overlooking the river is the Agua Boa
Amazon Lodge, the world’s first operation dedicated
exclusively to pursuing peacock bass and other jungle
species on the fly.
The lodge provides anglers with a level of comfort
unrivaled in the Amazon. Guests stay in private, air
conditioned bungalows with two queen beds, a sitting
area, private bathroom, and a porch overlooking the
river. Home to world class bird watching and wildlife
viewing, the lodge also features a swimming pool,
entertainment room, and other amenities suitable
for non-anglers. With over one hundred miles of private water, this is a premier peacock bass destination
for discerning fly fishers.
Rate: $5,500 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
River X
While some of our clients are slow to gravitate towards
an Amazon fishing adventure, we encourage them to
think of it as a stand-in for the ultimate saltwater fishing
trip – warm, visual, remarkably consistent, and packed
with some of the most voracious, hard fighting game
fish imaginable. These trips have all the attributes of a
saltwater fishing experience except they take place a few
thousand miles inland and you will likely return more
bruised and beaten from fighting fish than you would
from a typical trip to the Caribbean.
The Vermillion’s latest venture, River X, has been
built around the needs of hardcore fly anglers, especially
those interested in sight fishing. The floating safari camp
has tasteful cabin barges complete with air conditioning
and private shower baths, a spacious dining barge, and a
bilingual camp host. From this most unique base, anglers
set out by jet boat to fish for three species of peacock
bass as well as a dozen lesser known jungle species.
Rate: $4,850 per person for a 7 night/7 day package
“Great trip!
I sincerely appreciated the
superb advice we received
from Fly Water about the
experience we could expect.
Our trip was everything we
hoped for. The camp staff
and guides at Two Yurt were
always cheerful and eager
to make our trip successful.
Everyone involved, from first
inquiry and booking to the
staff on site, went out of their
way to ensure our success.”
– Barry Sehlin, WA
For truly game anglers looking for lots of big aggressive rainbows that love to slam skated mouse patterns, nothing compares to Kamchatka.
W
KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA
hile Kamchatka might not be as easy to reach as it once was, it is still well worth the effort of traveling through
Seoul or Moscow. This year we are proud to re-introduce a limited season on two of our all time favorite
systems, the Best of Kamchatka’s incomparable Ozernaya and Two Yurt rivers.
ALL THE OPTIONS
At Fly Water Travel we are proud to have strong,
working relationships with the major outfitters
involved in the Kamchatka fishing scene including
The Fly Shop, The Best of Kamchatka, and Ouzel
Expeditions. Whether you want to assemble a crew
for a week-long float trip between comfortable pre-set
camps, visit the peninsula’s only permanent lodge, or
enjoy a week at a comfortable base camp, we look forward to helping you select your perfect adventure.
FLOAT TRIPS:
The Two Yurt: A mid-sized river of tremendous diversity and natural beauty, the Two Yurt has long been a
Fly Water favorite. Catering to groups of six, Two Yurt
has five comfortable fixed camps, and some of the best
top water mouse fishing in the world.
Rate: $5,675 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
The Upper Zhupanova: This is a classic big fish float
trip best suited to anglers with summer steelhead
skills. With big water, demanding wading, and superb
scenery, this five camp trip is for anglers who prefer
quality over quantity.
Rate: $5,950 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
The Kabushka: Protected by its code name “the
Cabbage,” this is a broad shallow braided river that
is ideally suited to folks who really like to walk and
wade while the rafts bring up the rear. Outfitted by
veteran guide Paul Allred, this trophy float trip has lots
of monster rainbows that average 24 inches.
Rate: $5,450 per person for a 7 night/8 day package
BASE CAMPS:
The Ozernaya: The Ozernaya, often referred to as
the Oz, brings together a magical combination of
spring creek features, high catch rates, and remarkably large fish. Add to that basic A-frame mini-cabins,
jet boats, giant grayling, silvers and big rainbows
ravenous for the mouse and you will understand
why many consider this the crown jewel of the Russian rivers.
Rate: $5,675 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
FIXED LODGES:
Zendzur: Limited to six anglers per week, Zendzur is
actually Kamchatka’s only permanent lodge. Located
on the brawling lower reaches of the Zhupanova, this
is the place to try one’s luck at catching the peninsula’s
largest rainbows. With specimens sometimes topping
33 inches, this river is well suited to experienced
anglers with traditional steelhead fishing skills.
Rate: $5,950 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
Traditional gers at Vermillion’s Eg Uur Taimen camp. Photo: Brian Gies
MONGOLIA
M
ongolia offers massive surface oriented fish, an unequalled cultural experience and two distinct fishing seasons
(May – June, followed by September). Now with exceptional base camps and float trips available, we look
forward to helping you plan a most memorable trip to Mongolia.
The Taimen Camps, Mongolia
Mongolia is a wild, unbroken land reminiscent
of Montana and the American West before settlement. Here you will find some of the world’s largest
remaining tracts of true wilderness, rich with clear,
free flowing rivers and vast golden forests of birch,
aspen, larch and alder.
You will also find the world’s largest salmonoid, the taimen, a vicious surface-oriented predator
known for its explosive dry fly takes. While these
unique fish average 28 to 30 inches, anglers have
landed fish in excess of 60 inches and had encounters
with fish estimated at over 100 pounds!
Located in the north central portion of Mongolia, the Vermillion’s taimen camps are well-appointed
with comfortable 18-foot gers (traditional Mongolian
tents) complete with wood stoves, electricity, tables,
chairs, and wood floors. Additionally, all camps have
hot showers, translators well versed in Mongolian
culture, and exceptional American guides who will
help you access miles of prime water via jet boat.
Rate: $5,900 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
Fish Mongolia,
Delger Muron Float Trip NEW
For the truly game traveling angler, a float trip through
the wilds of outer Mongolia represents one of the ultimate angling adventures. Rich with native culture,
stunning scenery and countless opportunities to hook
huge fish, this wilderness float trip is unlike any other.
The Delger Muron River is one of the most beautiful
and best kept secrets in Mongolia. Carved through
limestone and granite bedrock, this clear pristine river
is flanked by spectacular cliffs and rock pinnacles. Additionally, the Delger Muron offers world-class fishing
for Mongolia’s native lenok trout and grayling.
Utilizing state of the art rafts with bow and stern
fishing stations, anglers will cover 5-8 miles of water
each day enabling ample time to wade fish prime runs.
Hot lunches will be prepared streamside and anglers will
arrive at fully set up overnight camps. All camps include
individual tents, thermarest mattresses, a dining tent,
toilet tent and simple shower. After a hearty breakfast
anglers can begin working their way downstream and
be picked up by their guides once camp is broken. Fish
Mongolia uses both native and western guides to facilitate the most enriching and productive trip possible.
Rate: $4,450 per person for a 9 night/6 day package
Fly Water Travel can set you up with the top billfish lodges in Costa Rica and Guatemala. Photos: Ken Morrish
CENTRAL AMERICA, BILLFISH
D
uring the November through May dry season, both Costa Rica and Guatemala offer a wide range of quality
options for targeting Pacific sailfish and the occasional marlin on the fly. For hardened anglers after the most
fish possible, we recommend Guatemala. For families wanting a great time for everyone, Costa Rica is a natural.
Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica
Located on the spectacular Osa Peninsula, Crocodile Bay Lodge is a tasteful destination dedicated to
showing clients the country’s finest offshore fishing
and all the ecological wonders of Costa Rica. Here
fly anglers targeting Pacific sailfish can choose from a
wide variety of boats that best suit their budgets and
fishing preferences. The lodge, situated on 44 acres of
tastefully manicured tropical gardens, features spacious,
air conditioned rooms with private baths and decks,
a splendid pool, a full spa, fine cuisine, and a staff of
seasoned, professional guides.
In addition to a serious fishing program, Crocodile
Bay is a natural for families and non-anglers offering a
wide variety of eco-tourism activities including birding,
horseback riding, nature walks, kayaking, snorkeling
and surfing.
Rate: $3,995-$5,695 per person for a 5 night/5 day package
Casa Vieja, Guatemala NEW
For those seeking the ultimate sailfish on the fly experience, this is the place. The finest boats tackle, captains
and facilities are found at Casa Vieja in Guatemala.
With experienced captains, including Ron Hamlin, exquisite wood hull boats, and daily releases averaging 12
fish per boat per day, this is truly the finest operation
for serious anglers in search of Pacific sailfish on the
fly. Tasteful accommodations and fine dining complete
this high-end saltwater experience. Due to very high
return rates, spaces are extremely limited and advance
reservations are required.
Rate: $3,400-$5,850 per person for a 6 night/5 day package
The Great Sailfishing Company,
Guatemala NEW
If you ask where the world’s finest sailfishing is to be
found, it won’t be long before the conversation turns
to Guatemala. The simple fact is that there are a lot
of sailfish here and anglers typically raise 15 to 25 fish
per day in the prime months. At The Great Sailfishing
Company anglers can pick from private villas complete
with personal cook or tasteful accommodations within
a larger resort. For those who want to break up their
stay with guided tours of local craft markets or a few
days of inshore fishing for roosterfish, snook and snapper, your host will be happy to accommodate you. For
a great, reasonably priced sailfishing experience and an
opportunity to fish the unrivaled waters of Guatemala,
this is the place.
Rate: $2,460-$4,800 for a 5 night/4 day fishing package
Mexico’s northern Yucatan offers the world’s most exciting and accessible baby tarpon fishing. Photos: Rick Messner and Brian Gies
BABY TARPON
T
he fertile mangrove-lined waters of Mexico’s northern Yucatan Peninsula represent the most prolific, juvenile tarpon
fishery in the world. Easy to get to, inexpensive, and well-suited to light tackle, this region is ideal for short trips or
for longer adventures that combine two or more of the destinations below. While considered a year-round destination
by some, we recommend visiting between April and November.
Tarpon Cay Lodge
Not far from the bustling madness of Cancun on the
northern shore of the Yucatan is the charming town of
San Felipe and an unparalleled opportunity to target
juvenile tarpon in the 5 to 25+ pound class. Recognized by the government for its biological wealth, this
incredible fishery has been designated a marine preserve,
thus protecting this tarpon “nursery” from commercial
netting and fishing.
Accommodations for six at Tarpon Cay Lodge are
airy and bright with all rooms featuring ocean views,
ceiling fans, air conditioning and private baths. Delicious, hearty meals are served in the main lodge with
most anglers taking full advantage of the rooftop decks
in the evening hours.
Rate: $3,295 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
Campeche
Located on the western Yucatan, the quaint historic
city of Campeche offers access to more than 80 miles of
mangrove coast, hundreds of inlet creeks, and numerous
channels rich with baby tarpon. Offering skilled and
kind-hearted guides, a wonderfully quaint town with
Mayan and Spanish history and flats-style sight fishing
for feisty tarpon in the 5 to 30 pound class, Campeche
is a favorite for saltwater anglers of all skills.
Standard packages offer accommodations at the
Ocean View Hotel, comparable to a Best Western. Light
breakfasts are served at the hotel and ample lunches are
served aboard the pangas. Guests enjoy evening meals (not
included) at various restaurants in this charming historical
city. Upgraded accommodations are also available.
Rate: $2,725-$2,800 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
Isla del Sabalo
Located about three hours north of Campeche by boat,
Isla del Sabalo or Island of the Tarpon, offers anglers a
quaint, small lodge venue from which to explore the most
remote waters of the greater Campeche Bay region. With a
vast array of habitats and crystal clear waters, anglers stalk
juvenile tarpon from the bow of guided pangas with little
if any competition.
Groups of six enjoy ocean facing, beachfront cottages
with private baths and tasty local fare served in the comfort
of the main palapa overlooking the water. Anglers fly into
the town of Merida where they will be met and transferred
1.5 hours in an air conditioned van to the island.
Rate: $3,295 per person for a 7 night/6 day package
Heading out for another day in paradise. Photo: Brian Gies
NEW
Season: Year-round
Fish Species: Bonefish,
permit, tarpon, snook,
jacks, and barracuda
Lodge Capacity:
22 anglers
Rate: $2,205 per person
for a 5 night/4 day package
Full Details: See www.
flywatertravel.com
PESCA MAYA LODGE, MEXICO
L
with private baths and some with
ocated on a white sand beach
Where value, flexible stay
ocean views. There is also an ocean
90 miles south of Cancun, Pesca
lengths, variety of species,
front terrace for relaxing and enjoyMaya Lodge is a casual favorite for
and Mexican hospitality
ing pre-dinner appetizers. Meals are
serious anglers in search of Ascension
come together
home-style, with breakfast buffet
Bay’s best fly fishing. Here bonefish,
and
box
lunches
for
anglers. For non-anglers, the chef
permit, tarpon, snook and barracuda cruise an endless
will prepare a traditional Mexican lunch at the lodge.
array of crystal clear flats, mangrove lagoons, chanThe lodge features its own fly shop, 15 boats with
nels, and reefs. Anglers fish two per panga under the
some of the region’s best guides as well as a beautiful
watchful eye of both a senior and junior guide, maxibeach where you can relax while not fishing. Stays
mizing their chances from the boat and while wading.
of varying length are welcome and shuttles from the
Additionally, Pesca Maya is one of the only lodges in
greater Cancun region can be arranged for anglers
the region that operates year-round. For some of our
wanting to slip away from the bustle of the northern
most seasoned permit hunting clientele, this represents
resorts for a few days of quality flats fishing. Soulful,
the opportunity for well rested fish in the off season
simple and fairly priced, Pesca Maya is a Fly Water
months of August and September when all the other
favorite for our seasoned permit hunters and first
lodges have closed their doors.
time saltwater anglers alike.
Pesca Maya offers ten air conditioned rooms all
Tim Caine with one of his many Playa Blanca permit. Photo: Tim Caine
CASA BLANCA & PLAYA BLANCA, MEXICO
L
ocated at the southern end of
Remarkably, the fishing in AscenThe most secluded,
Ascension Bay in the heart of the
sion Bay is actually improving due
experienced and
1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere
to the biosphere’s protected status
professional operations
Preserve, Casa Blanca has established
and a growing conservation ethic
in the greater
itself as Mexico’s premier saltwater
among its inhabitants. Whether
Ascension Bay region
destination.
you are a seasoned angler in search
For nearly fifteen years Casa Blanca has mesof permit, or a novice angler intent upon landing
merized anglers with its endless expanses of turquoise
your very first bonefish, you will be eager to revisit
flats and its exceptional service. The guides here are
Ascension Bay year after year.
among the most experienced anywhere, and many
For those who want the same great fishing with
have dedicated the majority of their lives to learning
non-angling companions or family members, we
the subtle intricacies of this prolific fishery.
suggest Playa Blanca. Located just nine miles south
In addition to bonefish, tarpon and permit,
of Casa Blanca, Playa Blanca offers a more intimate
anglers can fish for numerous other species, insetting, a wonderful beach, Mayan ruins, and a wide
cluding snook, barracuda, snapper and jacks,
range of outdoor activities. Packages vary in length
making this the ultimate destination for anglers
and include a private air charter flight to the island
keen on variety.
from Cancun.
Season: October – June
Fish Species: Bonefish,
permit, tarpon, barracuda,
snook and jacks
Lodge Capacity:
22 anglers (Casa Blanca);
14 anglers (Playa Blanca)
Rate: $3,545-$4,365 per
person for a 7 night/6 day
package
Full Details: See www.
flywatertravel.com
Season: February – October
Fish Species: Bonefish,
jacks
Lodge Capacity:
12 anglers
Rate: $3,755 per person
for a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See www.
flywatertravel.com
With wade fishing, great accommodations, a long season and lots of hearty fish, Los Roques is a Fly Water favorite. Photo: Ken Morrish
SIGHT CAST, LOS ROQUES, VENEZUELA
W
Wade fish for big bones
hen placed on the spot and
While the area abounds with tarpon,
while enjoying fine meals
asked which bonefishing desbarracuda, and jacks, it is the worldand boutique hotel
tinations in the world get our highest
class bonefishing that draws anglers
accommodations
marks, no conversation is complete
back year after year.
without mention of Chris Yrazabal’s opSimilar to Christmas Island, Los
eration in Los Roques. The reasons are many: the fishery
Roques is blessed with consistent weather and water
is truly remarkable; the accommodations are exceedingly
temperatures, not to mention high fish counts. Bonefish
tasteful; and the guides and staff are as good as they get.
average 4 pounds with numerous fish in the 6 to 10
Technically an atoll within the Lesser Antilles,
pound class. Meals and accommodations at Acuarela
the Los Roques region is made up of more than 300
Lodge are greatly enjoyed by anglers and discerning
cays, with a vast diversity of saltwater habitats includnon-anglers alike. For anglers who love to wade fish
ing magnificent coral beds, grass and hard sand flats,
for high numbers of good sized bonefish, Los Roques
pristine beaches, and remarkable “pancake” flats. Betis truly one of the finest flats fishing destinations in the
ter yet, nearly all of the fishing is done while wading.
world today. Stays of varying lengths are available.