Our top recommendation for an unparalleled fly-out fishing experience is the legendary Bristol Bay Lodge, strategically located in the heart of North America's largest state park, Wood-Tikchik. In such unspoiled and untouched surroundings, guests staying at this private, luxurious hideaway can expect to catch a great abundance and variety of fish.
The Fishing
The fishing area available to guests at Bristol Bay Lodge includes the remarkably fertile drainage systems of the Wood, TikChik, Nushagak, Togiak and Goodnews Rivers, with their unique networks of large lakes and miles of rivers and streams. Much of southwestern Alaska's prime fishing water is accessible only by float plane. Once at the fishing grounds mobility is still a major key. Spotted throughout the region on remote rivers and streams are a dozen riverboats, outfitted with jet units for easy accessibility to the most productive fishing spots. At the main lodge, another six boats are kept for angling on the local rivers.
Bristol Bay Lodge offers fishing for all five species of Pacific salmon, Alaska's famous leopard-spotted rainbow trout, sea-run dolly varden, arctic char, grayling and northern pike. The most distinctive aspect of this operation is their exclusive overnight camps, Birch Creek and Rainbow. No one else but Bristol Bay Lodge can offer such a unique rotation schedule consisting of day and overnight fishing trips, first-class accommodations, 33 years of experience, and attentive service. For an impeccably run fishing operation, look no further than Bristol Bay Lodge.
Many anglers have wished for an option combining the pleasantries of trout fishing with the "risk and reward" elements of fishing for bright sea trout. On the Rio Gallegos, Bella Vista delivers a perfect blend of the two disciplines along with fine private ranch accommodations, expert European hosts and guides, and caring service for parties of up to eight fishermen.
The Fishing
Fishing on the Rio Gallegos is primarily wet fly fishing for the sea-run trout that ascend the river from November through late March. While the Gallegos is a long river, sea-run trout travel quickly and are often caught nickel-bright. The average sea-run fish is over 9 pounds, but trout of 20 to 25 pounds are taken each season on the Gallegos. Fishing for the resident trout is done on the Rio Chico which is a "braided spring creek," but there are miles and miles of water available. These trout are uneducated to the ways of the fly rod and readily grab dry flies. Where else can an angler dry fly fish for spring creek trout in the morning and sea run trout in the afternoon . . . nowhere.
Estancia de Los Rios is a 360,000-acre working ranch north of Coyhaique on the Argentina-Chile border. Here with great vistas of the glacier-dotted Andes to the south, Estancia de Los Rios is nestled in a wide valley in Chilean Patagonia. The crystal-clear water of the Rio Cisnes meanders for 60 miles through the ranch.
The Fishing
Each riffle, tail water, river bend, and cut-bank pool in the Rio Cisnes holds trout, lots of trout. Dry flies, nymphs, and emergers all take large numbers of fish. The wading is on gravel bottoms; the vast property ensures fishing in total solitude; and no other person will be seen unless it is a gaucho hard at work. There are stretches of the river perfect for the novice where instant success will build confidence in fishing techniques. All the fishing beats on the Cisnes are less than 50 minutes from the modern lodge. Additionally, there is a wide variety of fishable water including spring creeks with large fish for those wanting a technical challenge. An overnight camping trip provides fishing in an adjacent valley where the trout rarely have seen a fly, and a day float on the lower river combines spectacular natural beauty with great fishing. English-speaking guides not only provide great tips for taking trout but are knowledgeable of the history and geology of this remarkable land.
From Lake Rotoroa Lodge, located in the Nelson Lakes National Park on the northern tip of the South Island is found some of the world's best brown trout fishing. From this lodge, it is possible to fish for browns on more than 40 different rivers of varying size that typically yield 3-6 pounders. Trout over 10 pounds are landed by lodge guests most every season. We think Lake Rotoroa Lodge is another "must stop" on any itinerary in New Zealand.
The Fishing
Lake Rotoroa's masterful guides are a joy to fish with and will take you to wilderness streams that produce many big trout. Most of the best rivers of the Nelson area are located within comfortable driving distances from the lodge. Both nymphs and dries produce trophy browns and some rainbows for anglers who can negotiate the short walks over fairly rugged stream beds.
The emergence of salmon fishing on Russia's Kola Peninsula has, for many, introduced, rekindled or enhanced the enjoyment of one of the most traditional types of fly fishing-that for Atlantic salmon. In just short of a decade, the Ponoi has grown from an unknown to being recognized as one of the great Atlantic salmon rivers in the world today. Consistent across a long season, massive and improving runs, and with the aggressive and free-taking nature of the fish, the Ponoi provides Atlantic salmon fishing in two of its purest forms: almost all floating line fishing-and excellent opportunities to fish skated dry flies. Throughout the 1990s, sound investment in equipment, thoughtful management, attention to detail in a logically complex part of the world, and good relations with regional government have also earned the Ponoi the reputation as the most reliable operation on the Kola Peninsula. Further, the terrific fishing and stable management is complemented by a superb camp facility and the warm hospitality of a caring Western and Russian staff.
The Fishing
The Ponoi is fly-fishing-only and catch-and-release. The river is a big and gentle gradient river with greatly varying character, providing the opportunity to fish the way you like under different conditions - wading, bank casting, or boat fishing. Most of the fishing is with floating line, and it is a superior river for dry-fly fishing for Atlantic salmon. Depending on personal preference, both single- and double-handed rods are used effectively here as well as a cross-section of traditional Atlantic salmon fly patterns. Frontiers provides comprehensive pre-trip information to each registrant, outlining clothing and tackle suggestions as well as other important details. Wide-body, 18-ft river boats with 55-hp Mariner outboard motors (all with jet units when needed) are used to transport rods to closer beats and provide a stable casting platform when anchored and dropped through pools. MI-2, twin-jet helicopters piloted by veteran crews are used to fly to more distant beats. You will have about eight hours of guided fishing daily, plus the big home pool right in front of the Ryabaga camp is always open for those who want to extend their fishing day. This terrific pool has produced as many as 200 salmon in a week while being fished only during extra hours!