Game trails A
Summer 2017
Newsletter for the Discriminating Fisherman
We Share Your Passion
Fishing in the months Ahead... Let Frontiers Take You There! An evening rise on the Bighorn
With the summer fishing season upon us, it is not too late to plan an exceptional 2017 departure. We still have some excellent availability at a number of top lodges from now into the early autumn months. We also invite our clients to consider a trip later in the year. We will introduce you to some of the very best fishing available worldwide, which happens to be in late October, November and December. Since 1969, our staff has traveled the globe looking for the best fishing and finest lodges this world has to offer. Whether you are planning a trip to Montana or Mongolia, it is imperative that you book with a company that is not only competent in handling your travel arrangements, but is also very knowledgeable on the fishing front. By traveling with Frontiers, you can have the confidence that you have put your trust in a company that takes both issues very seriously. In addition to having the benefit of our 45+ years of travel experience coordinating complicated itineraries in the far reaches of the world, you can be assured that our in-house fishing knowledge, perspective and experience is second to none in the outdoor travel business. If you have a fishing question of any type, ask to speak with one of our experts. From bluegill to blue marlin, we have someone here who can tell you how to catch it and what to bring so you are better prepared for your next fishing excursion. We realize that your vacation is not only a financial commitment, but an investment in valuable time. We are dedicated to the success of your holiday—whether it is your first or 50th with Frontiers. For us, fishing is a passion—a passion for travel, a passion to be in the outdoors and a passion to share. That is why Frontiers is your best resource for fishing travel advice! This newsletter shares some of our favorite summer, fall and early winter getaways. We will listen to your travel, timing, fishing and budget objectives—making sure that you are at the right lodge at the right time of the season with the right gear for a truly remarkable outdoor experience. Remember, we have been there! We look forward to hearing from you and wish you our very best wishes for the fishing seasons ahead.
Yellowfin tuna put a bend in the fly rod!
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Game Trails
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great last minute & Fall availability! It’s not too late to sneak in some great fishing this summer!
If your summer season is off to a start with no fishing dates on the calendar, we still have access to some incredible availability at a number of top lodges. There is prime space in Alaska, the American West, Europe and Russia. Call us today and we will book you in the right lodge based on your specific fishing, timing and budget objectives!
Russia
Seychelles
Ponoi River
Alphonse Island Resort
July 8 - 15: 5 rods
September 30 – October 7: 5 rods
August 12 - 19: 8 rods
October 21 – 28: 10 rods
August 19 - 26: 4 rods
October 28 – November 4: 4 rods
September 23 - 30: 2 rods
November 18 – 25: 2 rods
September 30-October 7: 1 rods
December 2 -9: 9 rods
Incredible Atlantic Salmon
American West Trout in the Lower 48
Big Hole Lodge August 20 - 26: 6 rods September 10 - 16: 4 rods
Saltwater Flats Fishing
December 9 – 16: 9 rods December 16 – 23: 4 rods December 23 – 30: 5 rods
Astove Island Lodge November 27 – December 4: 4 rods
September 24 - 30: 6 rods
December 4 – 11: 4 rods
October 1 - 7: 4 rods
Cosmoledo Atoll
Missouri River Ranch
November 23 – 30: 4 rods
July 30 - August 10: 4 rods
December 7 – 14: 3 rods
August 29 - September 9: 4 rods
Slovenia
September 14 - October 5: 4 rods October 10 - 21: 4 rods
Madison Valley Ranch
Trout in the Julian Alps Lustrick Fly Fishing July 29 - August 5: 6 rods
August 10 - 15: 4 rods
August 12 - 19: 4 rods
August 22 - 31: 10 rods
September 23 - 30: 6 rods
September 23 - 31: 6 rods October 1 - 15: 10 rods
Three Rivers Ranch August 12 - 24: 4 rods October 1 - 6: 8 rods
Argentina Epic Golden Dorado Pira Lodge October 7 - 14: 8 rods November 5 - 12: 8 rods November 10 - 17: 8 rods
Chile
Patagonia Trout
Martin Pescador Lodge
Spain
Trout in the Pyrenees Salvelinus August 18 - 25: 2 rods October 21 - 28: 4 rods November 10 - 17: 8 rods
Alaska
Great Variety of Species Bristol Bay Lodge July 15 - 22: 4 rods July 29 - August 5: 2 rods August 5 - 12: 4 rods August 12 - 19: 8 rods September 9 - 16: 12 rods
December 16 - 23
Intricate Bay Lodge
December 23 - 30
July 30 - September 5: 4 rods
Mongolia
September 17 - 23: 6 rods
Taimen Fishing
Enchanted Lake Lodge
September 11 - 18: 4 rods
July 2 - 9: 2 rods Only spot open in their season
September 24-October 2: 6 rods Corresponds with Eagle Festival
Goodnews River Lodge
Boliva
June 21 - 28: 4 rods
Golden Dorado in the Jungle Pluma Lodge August 12 - 19: 5 rods
June 28 - July 5: 6 rods July 5 - 12: 3 rods July 19 - 16: 5 rods August 2 - 9: 6 rods
September 16 - 23 (specific dates): 4 rods October 7 - 14: 2 rods
Secure Lodge July 28 - August 4: 6 rods August 4 - 11: 3 rods
Brazil
Amazing Peacock Bass
Hoodoo Lodge August 31 - September 7: 2 rods September 9 - 16: 4 spaces
Kulik Lodge Plenty of mid-August and September dates still open for 3, 4 and 7-day trips.
Agua Boa November 4 - 11 November 18 - 25 November 25 - December 2
Book one of these departures, mention this newsletter, and Frontiers will present you with a $100 gift certificate and a selection of flies from our tackle and gear partner, The Fly Fishers!! Availability subject to change. Contact a Frontiers Specialist for the most recent listings.
Game Trails
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Where We’ve Been Lately Frontiers does more exploratory travel and on-site evaluation than any other travel company!
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1. Tom Gilliland - Rio Marie, Brazil
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2. Richard Scrope - Ryabaga Camp, The Ponoi, Russia 3. Joe Linscott - H20 Bonefishing, Bahamas 4. Hank Ingram - Estancia de los Rios, Chile 5. Kristene Fitzgerald - Slovenia 6. Mollie Fitzgerald - Alta River, Norway 7. Mike Fitzgerald - Owen River Lodge, New Zealand 8. Bob Artzberger - Grand Slam Lodge, Mexico 9. Ben Hoffman - Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland 10. Tarquin Millington-Drake - Providence Atoll, Seychelles 11. Derek Hathazy - Quepos, Costa Rica 12. Joe Codd - Pesca Panama, Panama 13. Denise Schreiber - Madison Valley Ranch, Montana
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Follow Our Travels: www.frontiersinthefield.com | facebook.com/frontierstravel | instagram.com/frontierstravel
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Game Trails
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Poronui Lodge
Pira Lodge
Argentina
New Zealand Sight fishing on the North Island for trophy rainbows and browns.
Fishing in the Fourth Quarter My Favorite Time of the Year! By: Mike Fitzgerald
Tres Valles Lodge
New Zealand Argentina The point at which beauty, vast remoteness and inexhaustible trout fishing collide.
The most aggressive of fresh water species in the most scenic of tropical biospheres.
We often get asked, “When is the best time to fish? That’s a tough question to answer based on the fact that we operate in both hemispheres with varying seasons and due to Mother Nature’s ability to throw a curve ball at any moment. If you really pinned me down though, I would lean personally to the fourth quarter of the year. October is my favorite month for trout in the American West. With winter approaching, the trout are feeding aggressively and there is plenty of elbow room. After Labor Day, the number of fishing tourists in the West drops dramatically. Once rifle season is open for big game, the locals do not even fish. It’s beautiful and we often get incredible Autumn Summer and even dry flies! On the saltwater front, I also really like to look at the Atlantic and Caribbean in November and December. The flats in the Bahamas, Mexico and Belize have been well rested in the heavy booking months from March 1 through to early June. There is also a period of about 6-10 weeks after the hurricane season and before the winter cold fronts and wind start coming through. We sometimes see the best flats fishing of the
season. The lodges tend to be uncrowded and the guides are anxious to get back working hard. It’s also the start of the season at Alphonse Island in the Seychelles. The first couple of months again can be some of the top angling of the season since the fish have seen no pressure for some months. Think about the Salt at this time of the year. It tends to be very special. The peacock bass in the Amazon are coming to life in in the fall and the fishing can be great in November and December on the Agua Boa. Moving to the Southern Hemisphere, we have incredible trophy trout fishing at the start of the season. The big trout are feeding strongly as the rivers get back into shape. If I could plan my personal trip trout fishing in Patagonia or New Zealand, I would go between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The fish have not seen too many flies and you often have the rivers to yourself. The golden dorado in South America can also be great in certain areas October through December. Think about getting away at this time of the year!
Grand Slam Lodge
Argentina Mexico Premier property on the Yucatan Peninsula, located near the village of Punta Allen.
Game Trails
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Alphonse Island Resort
Seychelles
Delphi Club
Bahamas
If you check one destination off your bucket list, it should be Alphonse!
Easy access, superb beachfront accommodations, and a prolific flats system.
Martin Pescador Lodge
Owen River Lodge
Chile
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New Zealand
The ideal fusion of large Chilean trout, water diversity and gourmet cuisine.
Early season brings big browns, grand smiles and warm South Island Kiwi hospitality.
Pacific Fins Resort
Missouri River Ranch
Guatemala The best sailfishing also has the added bonus of consistently calm waters.
Montana One of the world’s best tailwaters in Montana fishes great through October, even with dries!
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Game Trails
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Frontiers in the Field
The Ponoi River Ryabaga Camp
By: Mollie Fitzgerald
Comfortable guest cabins on the river
Although I’ve been to Ponoi many times, it has been over three years since my last visit and thus it was with great anticipation that I came out for the opening week this year. I invited my godson, William, who had just graduated from Georgetown five days earlier, to join me; he was not only new to salmon fishing but new to fly fishing altogether. I was so excited for him to have this unique wilderness experience and to see it through his eyes. Saturday morning brought an early start and Marjaliisa Bjorkbom, our long-standing Helsinki representative, helped us navigate the chaos of Helsinki’s Vantaa Airport which has grown in the past few years. There is a whole new international wing to keep up with Finnair’s tremendous expansion into Asian routes. We have a new charter service this year and this was the first week with the bigger plane so I was more than a little nervous hoping that it would accommodate all of the fishermen’s luggage—which it thankfully did in the final analysis! It was a short 1 hour, 45 minute
flight due north and whoosh, we were in Murmansk! The inefficiencies of Murmansk Airport’s Russian Passport Control have not changed one iota and I took advantage of the long wait to pop into the ladies room and swap my turtle neck for a tee shirt due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Who would have guessed we’d be in short sleeves above the Arctic Circle in early spring? Reunited with luggage, we passed through customs easily and the familiar faces of Sasha, Julia and Steve who escorted us to the “VIP Room,” a private lounge reserved for the exclusive use of Ponoi guests. To my surprise, they had a nice spread of snacks, well upgraded since my prior visit, and the bar even had a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc on offer. While the bags were weighed and the helicopter loaded, we became well acquainted with our fellow anglers who were all characters of note!! The helicopter journey was uneventful— non-stop at 1 hour, 45 minutes across a
Mollie Fitzgerald with a nice Ponoi salmon!
vast tundra wilderness—and we arrived atop “Helicopter Hill” to the smiling faces of Ryabaga Camp manager, Joaquin and his international team of guides. We paused at the “Stairway to Heaven,” a lengthy staircase built to help guests navigate the steep descent, for a quick photo on this balmy day. William and I were staying in a duplex cabin # 4 & 5 which afforded awesome views of the river. The addition of single occupancy cabins with ensuite bathrooms, replacing the canvas tents, is the biggest capital improvement to the camp! Having seen the footprint of the cabins and stud-walls of the structures in my last visit three years ago, it was fantastic to now be staying in one! It is spacious and has a queen bed, chest of drawers, small desk and several useful hooks. One of the senior guides, Juan, appeared at our cabin to issue fishing licenses, and help us organize and rig our tackle, much of which we were borrowing from the camp. He
explained each step to William who soaked it in like a sponge. We went for a walk around camp and I was filled with nostalgia for the many memories that came flooding back. I’ve spent many weeks in this camp wearing different hats in various roles from kitchen helper to hostess, so was looking through a lens with a well-trained eye. I was so impressed by the new ventilation system in the kitchen, and the Ponoi Museum which documents the history of this special place. Under the stewardship of Russian owner, Ilya Sherbovich, Ryabaga has truly matured! It was a record-breaking opening week with over 1,200 fish—more than many rivers produce in a whole season. The guest list spanned from age 22 to 80+ and everyone caught fish, including William, who had 28 to his rod for the week! Where else in the world could such a result be possible? The Ponoi team continues to inspire me with their innovation, the easy camaraderie between guests and staff, and their infectious passion and enthusiasm for this amazing river.
Mollie’s Top Fives at the Ponoi 5 Great Upgrades:
5 Things That Have NOT Changed:
1: The cabins - Even though the tents of “yester-year” were supremely comfortable, the cabins have raised the game to a new level and having the private bathroom was awesome on chilly nights and mornings.
1: The Big Tent – the convivial vibe to this gathering spot where guests and staff connect is just as effervescent as always and the “hook game” is still there!
2: Breakfast now cooked to order – eggs the way you like them and delivered hot – a triumph for the kitchen (which I know is under a lot of stress at that time of day). 3: The gym - as if days spent wading, pulling anchor ropes and wrangling big fish were not enough, this is a welcome addition for guests and staff alike. 4: Wi-Fi – although a bit sketchy from the more distant cabins, the option is there for those who need to be connected. 5: The hovercraft - used for speedy, warm delivery to the bottom beats.
2: The amazing international guide team who coped with my hundreds of questions and poor casting in windy conditions with eternal optimism (and they produced amazing shore lunches!). 3: Catch & Release – the focus on conservation of and education about the Atlantic salmon. 4: The Home Pool – this continues to produce astonishing results for those who cannot resist fishing “after hours” under the Midnight Sun—surely one of the best home pools in the world. 5: The culinary tradition—always an anchor point of the camp, the kitchen team has moved from strength to strength and each meal surpassed the prior one.
Game Trails
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Reports from Our Travels Fishing Fun at Alphonse Island By: Bob Artzberger
my rod tip and spooked. Wayne and I looked
on a fish using straight 100 lb. fluorocarbon
at each other and starting laughing. That
tippet, I slowly regained all of my backing
fish is one I will always remember!
and had the fly line back on the reel. A couple of minutes later there were high fives
As the tide continued to fill the flats, it was
all around when Wayne was able to tail my
time to move and chase some bonefish.
first Alphonse GT.
That’s one of the best features at Alphonse! The lodge offers so many different fishing
The rest of the week flew by. The overall
options during the course of the day. After
fishing experience at Alphonse continues
some good success on the bonefish, we
to amaze. An unmatched population of
chose to eat lunch and chase some GT’s in
bonefish both on the shallow flats of the
the afternoon.
lagoon and outside coral reef, triggerfish, bohar snapper, permit, milkfish, bluefin
We opted to try the Bijoutier Flats using
trevally and GT’s all make Alphonse Island
the popper deigned and made famous by
one of the premier fly fishing destinations in
ex- Alphonse guide, James Christmas, the
the world.
NYAP (Not Your Average Popper). GT’s
As our clients can attest, Alphonse
time I saw a fish directly at 12 o’clock about
continues to be one of the world’s premier
50 feet away. My cast landed just to the
saltwater destinations. Offering outstanding
left, the trigger immediately saw it and was
fishing, service and facilities, every avid
interested. I gave the line a short slow strip
saltwater angler should visit Alphonse
and the trigger came over to investigate.
Island at least once in his lifetime.
With another short slowwww strip, he bounced on the fly. I stripped set and….
On my first day at Alphonse, I awoke to
nothing. Wayne and I couldn’t believe it. We
brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies. As
could tell this fish was hot and hungry, as
luck would have it, I was assigned Wayne
he quickly started looking for the food that
Haselau, the senior most guide on the
got away. I did another short slow strip and
island, whom I had the pleasure of fishing
stopped. He was all over the fly again…
with during my last visit. He is not only a great guide, but also a wealth of information
This game of eat, set and nothing went
on the history, ecology and fishing at
on for another 10 feet or so until the fly
Alphonse and St. Francois.
snagged a small piece of coral. I was just about ready to cuss my misfortune when
With the tide just starting to push onto
Wayne said, “leave it there.” We watched
the finger flats inside the lagoon, it was
as the trigger approached the coral, turned
triggerfish time. Anchoring the boat on the
sideways and went down and dug the fly
edge of the channel, we got out and started
from the coral. The game of wits continue,
to wade the coral, sand and grass covered
the trigger would eat and I’d set the hook
flats. Within minutes of walking, Wayne
and nothing. Finally with both Wayne and I
pointed out a fish to my right at the same
on our knees, the fish got within five feet of
are attracted to sound and this fly makes
As the last day of fishing sadly came to
a lot of noise if fished correctly. My first
an end and we headed back to Alphonse
cast – bloop, bloop, bloop, bloop – calling all
Island, I sat and enjoyed an ice cold beer
GT’s. Blind casting this fly with a 12-weight
while reflecting on my memorable week
will make a man out of you very quickly.
while enjoying the fishing stories of my
Forty-five tiring minutes later my bloop,
fellow anglers.
bloop, bloop finally was rewarded with a nice bluefin trevally followed shortly by a crushing hit by a bohar snapper. Renewed hope and with some adrenaline kicking in, we moved up the shoal to a spot which had us both exclaiming, “This looks fishy.” Wayne proclaimed several minutes later, “It’s going to happen.” I’m not sure if it was meant to keep me on top of my game or he really felt it, but I made a cast over a white sandy bottom on the edge of a dark patch. Moments later, a missile came out of nowhere and crushed my fly. I quickly yelled to Wayne “like that?” and I watched in amazement as my fly line disappeared from my reel and was well into my backing even with my drag on my reel tightened all the way. Knowing you can put a lot of pressure
Top 5 Reasons to Book a Trip to Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica
Splendor in Slovenia By: Kristene Fitzgerald Slovenia is a beautiful country nestled in the Julian Alps bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. The
By: Derek Hathazy
picturesque mountain valleys have wonderful freestone and spring fed streams, home to the best trout fishing in Eastern Europe. We made our first exploratory trip there over 25 years ago in conjunction with Trout Unlimited when the region was still part of Yugoslavia. It’s
Zancudo’s 32’ Contenders are top quality!
wonderful to visit again in the modern If you’re looking for a tropical place to fish
Costa Rica. Colorful flowers, large native
for a few days while enjoying eco tours with
shrubberies and a constant tropical breeze
the family or non-fishing companion, look
flow throughout the resort. Each room is
out in the river behind the lodge to catch
no further than Zancudo Lodge!
equipped with the comforts of home. One
fun size fish on light tackle. The lodge
Today, the trout fishing is better than
thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry during
also offers kite surfing, stand-up paddle
ever with browns, rainbows, brookies,
1. The Fishing
your visit. The cuisine focuses on farm-to-
boarding, surfing, canopy tour, various
grayling and the indigenous marble trout,
Zancudo has everything from heavy /
table with locally grown ingredients. The
hikes and horseback riding. These activities
only found in three basins in the region.
light spin gear to fly rods. The 32 foot
lodge also offers a cool “water-to-table”
are also perfect for your non-fishing
Our outfitter is Rok Lustrik. His team
Contenders are packed full of technology
option by having the chefs prepare what
companion.
of guides are extremely professional
to assist in finding fish off shore. The
you bring back.
Contenders are powered by twin 300 HP
era. All of our clients return with rave reviews.
and we customize itineraries mostly 5. Easily Accessible from San Jose
in the northwest part of the country
Yamaha motors. You’ll be on fish in no time.
3. The Staff Members
by Charter Flight
for fishing. I loved experiencing the
Their smaller 28 foot standard boats are
As soon as you step off the boat on your
Once collecting your bags and clearing
various rivers with the glacial blue
perfect for inshore fishing. While inshore,
arrival you are treated like royalty. The staff
customs, you will take a short drive to the
Soca being my favorite. There are lots
you can catch roosters, various species
really goes the extra mile and is always one
Sansa terminal, which is located a few
of accommodation options and this is
of snapper, jack, bluefin, rainbow runner,
step ahead. For example, as you enjoy the
minutes away. The domestic flight from
a great place to take a nonfisher. The
grouper, barracuda, pompano and sierra
sunset, a frozen drink can be brought to you
San Jose to Golfito is about an hour and
mountain village of Bled is delightful,
mackerel. The Zancudo Lodge has over 70
without even asking. At times, it feels like
gives you a great view of the mountainous
as is the main city of Ljublijana. To top it
I.G.F.A. records — needless to say they have
they know what you want, before you do.
landscape. Once you land in Golfito, you
off, Slovenia is one of the best values in
are transferred through town by taxi. Then
Europe. I am heading back in July with
4. Water Sports and Eco Tours
met at the Banana Marina by a Zancudo
my son. Look for further posts from my
2. Accommodations
If you need a break from catching 300-400
employee and transferred by standard boat
upcoming trip!
At Zancudo, you really feel like you’re in
pound marlin, you can take a Hobie kayak
to the lodge.
an experienced crew.
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Game Trails
1-800-245-1950
Frontiers in the Field The biggest rainbows in South America!
Estancia Laguna Verde Santa Cruz Province Southern Argentina, Patagonia By: Hank Ingram Why are the generations old Mcleod Rainbow strain introduced to a feeder river of Lake Strobel – aka “Jurassic Lake” – in 1989 so behemoth? Pass the shrimp sauce please. Often referred to as “scuds” in the fly fishing world, fresh water shrimp are a most popular trout food sources and on many lakes and creeks will comprise up to 1/3 of a trout’s diet. Rich in caloric nutrition these tiny crustaceans account for an accelerated growth to unusually large proportions for the trout of Estancia Laguna Verde. Main lake, rivers and smaller ponds alike, the regional waters are rich with life. Anglers visiting the property will regularly meet specimens over 10 pounds with numerous fish in the mid-teens and even torpedoes in the 20+ pound class. Because of the rich nutritious diet the evolved Mcleod strain are particularly resilient, stout and acrobatic. These are important traits in this harsh barren southern Patagonia climate. However, another anomaly presents itself. Being healthy and hearty with abundant energy from minuscule scuds, the Laguna Verde rainbows then become veracious and opportunistic feeders. They aggressively punish streamers, swung nymphs and large foam terrestrial imitations. Making a day’s fishing as creative as one wishes to get. In short, the rich nutritious shrimp don’t focus the fish on one source, it amplifies their desire for diversity.
Guide Hannah Clement put Mike Fitzgerald on this monster
Iceland Fishing Now is the Time to Book! By: Ben Hoffman The key thing to understand about fishing in Iceland is that due to small lodge capacities and a very short prime time window, you must book early to avoid disappointment. With few exceptions, Iceland is sold out by late winter / spring so the time to log your request for the 2018 season is SEPTEMBER 2017!! For a listing of all of our fishing offerings and great ways to extend your trip in Iceland, please visit our dedicated Iceland website: www.frontiersiceland.com or contact Ben Hoffman, Mollie Fitzgerald or Leigh Buches.
Owen River Lodge These Girls Can Fish!
By: Mike Fitzgerald
It was great to be back at Owen River Lodge
fishing experience will be enhanced if you
near Murchison on the northern end of
invest in your casting prior to starting your
New Zealand’s South Island. When anglers
New Zealand fly fishing holiday!”
27 lb. Brown Trout!
think of prime fishing in New Zealand, sight casting to large browns in crystal-
It was also a delight to fish with Professional
clear waters comes to mind. This lodge
Guide, Hannah Clement, one of the best
continues to be one of our very top choices
guides I have had Down Under. We had a
in New Zealand for our clients who are trout
few days on the water with her. Hannah’s
enthusiasts.
fish spotting skills are unmatched and she expertly put me on one of the biggest brown
We were particularly pleased to meet
trout I have ever landed!
FFF Certified Casting Instructor, Kylie Sargeant. She is a delight and welcomes
Complementing the fishing are very
the opportunity to work with clients on site
comfortable facilities with world-class
to fine tune their casting. She reminds us
cuisine, a very attentive staff, hot tub,
though, “As part of planning and preparing
massage room and a complete tackle shop
for your fishing trip to New Zealand, please
with the latest Sage fly rods and Simms
don’t forget to do your casting practice!
waders in every size imaginable so it is not
Many a fly fisher knows the importance of
necessary to bring all of your gear.
practicing casting techniques, however in the busyness of planning and preparing for
It was an incredible visit with clients, friends
a trip, it is often on the bottom of the list and
and gigantic trout! We cannot wait to get
we just don’t get to it. I guarantee that your
back!
A 27 lb. brown trout caught from Lake Thingvallavatn in Iceland, just an easy flight from the US and an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. This fish is certainly above average, but they are caught every year. The average size is still an extraordinary approximately 8 lbs and there are lots of them. This is NOT hacking a long line into a windy lake, it is often intimate, short cast fishing with nymph and dry fly in very specific places with stealth required.
Game Trails
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Reports from Our Travels
A Solid Day of Fishing at H20 Bonefishing
It had been a little over a year since my
After a 20 minute run, Ish tracked down a
morning, unseasonably high tides had the
last visit to Grand Bahama Island and H2O
number of small pods of bones. I tie most
bones seeking shelter and food deep in the
Bonefishing. Joining me on this sojourn
all of my bonefish flies. The patterns that
mangroves. The tides were so high that we
was a fellow Joe, Saltwater Department
worked were Gotcha variations with rubber
went hours without seeing fish. It wasn’t
Manager, Joe Codd. Joe has traveled on
legs and spawning shrimp with barred craft
until late in the day when the tide flushed
countless destinations and there are few
fur wings, and gold crystal flash. Catching
out enough that we saw bonefish again in
venues in the saltwater world that he’s
fish on your own flies is quite rewarding
any numbers.
not fished. It’s always a treat traveling
and I’d hate to have to choose between
By: Joe Linscott
and fishing with Joe, and this trip was no
tying and fishing. We had a solid afternoon
Our last day of fishing turned out to
exception.
seeing fish on a falling tide. What proved
be an absolute blast. H2O has a 21’
to be my best bone of the trip, a fish of 3-4
Maverick flats boat they use for their
My American Airlines flight from Pittsburgh
pounds, was taken in ultra-skinny water.
“No Boundaries” program. This skiff is
to Miami was on time. Before I knew it, I was
Single bones in 4 inches of water are always
big and fast and affords access to flats
landing in Freeport before 10:30 am. Grand
tough, so hooking one is rewarding and
which seldom get any angling pressure.
Bahama Island is attractive to anglers for a
memorable.
Although the west winds weren’t favorable
number of reasons, including the ability to
for a “No Boundaries” day, the skiff easily
maximize your fishing time. Arriving before
H2O has recently added the Bones Bar to
accommodated the Joes, Greg and
noon allowed me to “hit the ground fishing”
their clubhouse. As anticipated, I found Joe
Jason for a day of mixed bag fishing. We
and get a solid half day on the water. Joe
Codd front and center at “Bones” along with
caught mutton snapper, jack crevalle and
Codd was traveling from Maine and didn’t
owners Greg Vincent and Jason Franklin.
barracuda along with numerous sharks and
have the flight fortune I experienced, so
Greg and “J” are to be commended on all
a nice tarpon late in the day.
no fishing on arrival for him. After dropping
the work they’ve done in transforming this
off my luggage and grabbing my favorite 8
former breakfast buffet eatery into what I
Special thanks to H2O Bonefishing
and 10 weights, veteran H2O Guide Ishmael
feel is the Lucaya area’s classiest taproom.
for welcoming us into their world. The
and I were headed to the Dover Sound boat “The Saltwater Joes” at Frontiers releasing a nice Bahamas tarpon
conversation was friendly, the hospitality
launch. Conditions were pretty good with a
On the second day, flats fishing proved to
gracious, the drinks refreshing and the
manageable 10-15mph wind and a mix of
be a bit frustrating for “the Joes.” We saw
fishing was pretty damn good at times.
sun and clouds.
fish early that were willing to eat, but by late
Limay River: What’s the Buzz… Mayflies? When honing our trout fishing skills in
line with a Rio InTouch Gold #6 which tossed
Idaho, my friends would cast wantonly
beautifully. Balanced with a Sage 6060 reel,
to random dimples on the water as large
I loved the rod when drifting, chucking a big
pods of trout came to the surface to feed
foam attractor and particularly when the
on the “dun” of the day. Trico’s, BWO’S,
wind finally kicked up. My style of casting is
PMD’s, Callibaetis, green and brown Drake,
conducive to the speed and flex of this rod
Sulfur’s, Mahogany’s and the list goes on
and it did the job nicely. However, because I
and on. Even as a novice angler, I found
have fished for steelhead, dorado and have
myself taking the road less traveled. I would
saltwater fished lately, I don’t need so much
often hunker down among the grass and
delicate presentation and light handed
willows along the riverside during a blanket
hook sets. I found myself breaking off the
hatch studying one single fish. Sometimes
first 3 or 4 fish that took on 5x tippet. The
it took 15 minutes, other times it took an
problem was exaggerated by the “agro”
hour. Time passed like the emerging duns
nature of Limay rainbows once hooked and
in the western breeze and in this pursuit, I
their affection for heading straight at you
experienced some of the most exhilarating
and shooting under the many overhanding
and satisfying fishing of my life.
subsurface ledges. That said after some
By: Hank Ingram
alteration of my mindset and softening of Now, jump forward to the Limay River
my heavy hand it was game on.
Lodge in mid-April. It’s a crisp cool and remarkably calm morning on the river with
Over the next hour, pods fed on the duns
longtime friends, Jorge Trucco of Patagonia
meandering down current and affixed to
Outfitters and Limay’s head guide, Pablo
the glassy surface as if glued there – it was
the cripple disappeared, the second to be
Vinaras. A blanket hatch of #16 BWO’s and
too chilly to take flight just yet. Pablo and
selected by this cautious Limay rainbow.
a mystery #14 brown dun moving like an
I walked the bank and studied the water.
armada on the glass flat river as it was still
I managed to make multiple successful
For me, the landing of a fish is somewhat
too chilly for them to take flight. It was on
presentations, and then snapped off the
anti-climactic as it is the pursuit that I enjoy
this morning at the launch, sun cresting the
aforementioned bows with my heavy
so much. This battle though was definitely
red cliffs of the Rio Negro Province, that I
handed tactics.
respectable and like so many big river
Hank Ingram with a nice bow on this incredible Argentina tailwater
fish world-wide the Limay rainbows are
enjoyed the pursuit. At that moment, Pablo stopped prepping the drift boat, stowed the
Finally as we reached the top of the pod,
extremely powerful for their size and cagey.
oars, smiled broadly and said “let’s take a
I got my nerves about me. We spotted
I was on eggshells after my previous break-
walk.” Jorge moved downstream to a deep
one particularly large head working with
offs until I did get the fish to net.
glide and began methodically dredging
persistent regularity. The trick with this
for the monster migratory browns with a
fish was that he was working up one side
This rainbow was one of over a dozen in
fly so large it resembled a small chicken.
of a back eddy then would cross current
my 2.5 days of fishing and not my biggest
Meanwhile Pablo and I tied a fresh 3x
and work back down to the starting point.
by far and definitely set the stage for my
leader tagged and 5x fluorocarbon tippet (a
After a stealthy “sneak” along the bank and
trip. The fish was bested by three browns
favorite pattern of mine) on, and a #16 CDC
an anxious twenty minutes of watching
ranging from 21 to 25 inches with the
Betis cripple that has served me well on two
the feeding pattern, I felt I was ready for
biggest fish of the trip, which came a few
Limay is many rivers in one and can offer
continents over the years. This cripple is
my presentation. I waited until he turned
moments before take out on the last day
anglers of all disciplines and desires a true
particularly visible in low light such as dawn
upstream away from me and a lull in the
on the “Reservoir Drift” on a tan articulated
adventure. Prolific hatches, ample walk and
and dusk.
breeze to waft and made my presentation
Double Bunny. That fish was one of the
wade opportunities, working a few inches
in anticipation of his turn in the eddy.
larger more torpedo shaped migratory trout
from the banks for opportunistic fish on
On a technical tackle note, I was throwing
Pablo and I were hunkering so low that
that come up from the massive reservoir,
bulky terrestrials or stalking cautious pods
the new Sage Method 9ft 5-wt loaned to
we were nearly laying on the shore when
and have put the Limay River as a champion
sipping a blanket hatch of mayflies, and 10
me on a trial basis by friend, photographer
the fish turned in the current to begin his
producing some of the biggest brown trout
beats accessed from the Limay River Lodge
and fellow Frontiers staff member, Barry
downstream buffet drift. I had placed my
in Argentine Patagonia.
deliver daily. These are a few reasons why
Beck. The rod was over-weighted by one
cast on the top of the eddy and – “slurp” –
What’s my takeaway from the trip? The
the Limay River is a must-fish destination.
10
Game Trails
1-800-245-1950
Frontiers in the Field The Seychelles, Providence Atoll True Wilderness Saltwater Flats Fishing at its Best Frontiers team member Tarquin MillingtonDrake fished Providence this past April with 18 species landed between his party of three and a first for Bumphead parrotfish, Milkfish, GT’s and many others. This was a great experience for his friend and his son who had never fished the flats before. If Seychelles has always been on your list or you want to make that dream come true, read his acclaimed, detailed blog at frontierstravel.com/ providence-blog, for all the details of the trip, the tackle and the fishing and enjoy some more great photographs and video.
Tarquin Millington-Drake with a nice bumphead parrotfish
Pesca Panama Sportsfishing
Joe Codd with a hard-hitting wahoo on light-tackle
By: Derek Hathazy
The idea of catching over 20 species of fish
beaches in hopes of roosters, we noticed
in a week, many of which are great fly rod
a flock of frigate birds on the horizon
targets, blew my mind. I was joining Mike
dropping into the water for their next meal.
Fitzgerald and Joe Codd on their hosted trip aboard Pesca Panama’s newly renovated
As we approached the commotion, we
Hannibal liveaboard for five days of fishing.
quickly figured out that a school of jack
The concept of the liveaboard is to limit the
crevalle was busting baitfish. We pulled
long runs to find fish typical of land-based
up along the beach where the action was
operations. The goal of the trip was to fish
happening, hauled a crease fly in the mix of
the mysterious Coiba Island and Hannibal
baitfish and instantly hooked a jack. Once
Bank regions, each having a fabled history
I got the fish to the boat and released it,
on par with the amount of fish species they
the action moved down the beach near the
offer to the traveling angler.
mouth of a river. As I was false casting to the boiling water of baitfish getting bombed
We met the Pesca Panama crew and their
by frigates and jack, I noticed a large object
fleet of 27’ Ocean Masters in the city of
that appeared to be a log. The log turned
David to get transferred down the Chiriqu
out to be a crocodile that joined the blitz to
River to board the Hannibal. After the
snatch whatever he could. Joe Codd and
scenic boat ride, we arrived to the floating
I watched in amazement that neither of us
lodge where we spent the week. Each of
ever thought to pull out our phones to take
the four cabins had four comfortable beds,
a picture. To see the food chain work right
air-conditioning and standard outlets.
in front of your eyes was a sight I will never
In preparation for a dinner after a day
forget.
Derek Hathazy with a fly-caught Coiba Island roosterfish!
of fishing, we were quick to shower up and change in one of the two bathrooms
I made my second cast to the blitz and
with hot water. The food on the boat was
again instantly hooked up. Catching jack on
outstanding. Each day started off with a
a fly was something I could have done all
hearty breakfast consisting of fresh fruit,
night but the sun was fading and we still had
juices, local Panamanian coffee, cereal
to make our way back to the floating lodge.
or eggs to order. After fishing, everyone grabbed a well-deserved cocktail from the
Pesca Panama is ideal for the angler that is
fully-stocked cash bar along with appetizers
looking to catch a large number of saltwater
of ceviche or sashimi prior to dinner.
species. We brought 33 species of fish to the boat. Amberjack, crevalle jack, rock
Their five Ocean Master boats were perfect
snapper, yellow snapper, mutton snapper,
for whatever style of fishing you wanted
cubera snapper, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin
34, we were just two species shy of setting
sure the clients that joined us felt the same
to do (troll, cast plugs, jig or fly), as each
tuna, roosterfish, rainbow runner, bluefin
a new high in the record book.
way (based off of the grip and grins) — as
captain and mate were comfortable doing
trevally, pompano, hound fish, blue runner,
any method. The crew truly wanted to
barracuda, grouper, mangrove snapper,
The inaugural trip with Pesca Panama was
list as well. There were many moments
please the fishermen. They consistently
mullet snapper, horse-eye jack, bobo,
a magnificent experience, with world-class
where I had to take a break from casting and
asked if we needed anything (water, snacks,
triggerfish, bonito, sierra mackerel, lane
saltwater fishing, exotic shoreline and
look around to take in all the sights. This is
cerveza, etc.). The highlight of my trip
snapper, moray eel, golden jack, cabrilla
comfortable accommodations. It was a
truly a trip for someone who has a passion
however came in the middle of the week. As
grouper, sailfish, oceanic whitetip shark,
journey that will definitely stand out from
for saltwater along with an angler that wants
we were trolling along one of the numerous
albacore and ladyfish. The current record is
others that I have taken in the past. I am
to catch a plethora of species.
many of them crossed species off of their
Game Trails
www.frontierstravel.com
11
Hosted Trips 2017 - 2018 Hosted Trips with Barry and Cathy Beck
Beautiful freestone streams in the Spanish Pyrenees
Trout Fishing, Ireland - SOLD OUT June 20 - 30, 2017 Kingfisher Lodge, Montana - SOLD OUT August 19 - September 2, 2017
Riverview Lodge & Owen River Lodge, New Zealand February 5 – 21, 2018
Salvelinus Outfitter, Spain - SOLD OUT October 13 - 21, 2017
Tecka, San Huberto & Limay River Lodge, Argentina March 1 – 29, 2018
Tres Valles, Argentina November 28 – December 9, 2017
Reel Action Alaska Lodge, Alaska August 4 - 11, 2018
Estancia de Los Rios, Chile January 11 – 21, 2018
Kingfisher Lodge, Montana August 18 - 25, 2018 & August 25 - September 1, 2018
“The Hannibal,” Pesca Panama’s floating lodge at Coiba Island
Billfish are prevelant in Costa Rica and Panama
Join Frontiers on Two Incredible Blue Water Trips Hosted by Mike Fitzgerald and Joe Codd! Pesca Panama Sportfishing
Zancudo Lodge, Costa Rica
April 7 - 14, 2018
April 14 - 19, 2018
We are returning to Panama in 2018! Our
Rarely do you find a lodge that can put you
inaugural trip in 2017 with eight anglers
into great inshore and offshore fishing,
brought 33 different species to hand
provide superior accommodations,
on fly rods, light- and medium-weight
excellent cuisine and hospitality that makes
conventional tackle. Hard-working and
you feel right at home. Zancudo Lodge is
experienced captains and mates run
“the whole enchilada.” It is also the perfect
five fully-equipped 27’ Ocean Masters.
place to take a nonfishing companion to
There’s also a 17’ panga and four kayaks
enjoy all that this magnificent country has
available. All gear is provided except for
to offer. Eco tours, wide sandy beaches,
fly outfits. Guests stay aboard the floating
incredible sunsets, and a fleet of boats
lodge “Hannibal,” which provides super
and captains that are unmatched. We’ll be
quick and convenient access to the fishing
focusing on a variety of species inshore
grounds. Newly renovated, the lodge can
and offshore, including marlin, sailfish,
accommodate up to 16 guests, though we
roosterfish, dorado and tuna. Of course,
believe 8-12 is the magic number. With four
there are a number of other species as well.
beds each, the four air-conditioned cabins
Our 5-night/4-day stay will have us fishing
share two clean bathrooms with hot-water
two days on their 32’ Contenders and
showers and plenty of fresh water. We’ll see
two days on their custom built 28’ center
a great variety of species and it should be
consoles – all with first class gear. Rates are
“Tuna Time!” Rates are $4,795 per person
$4,950 per person based on two guests per
based on two per room and two fishers
room and two fishers sharing a boat.
sharing a boat.
Mike Fitzgerald ready for a cerveza after an amberjack battle!
Luxury accommodations at Zancudo!
10 Reasons Why . . .
Make new friends with a Frontiers hosted trip!
“Without Frontiers, You’re On Your Own” 1. Best value. Since 1969, we have helped
we can prepare you for any trip because
avid travelers discover the finest light-
we’ve been there, we continue to go there,
tackle fishing, quality bird shooting, wildlife
and we want to send you there.
photographic safaris, and Elegant Journeys throughout the world with value in mind . . .
6. Personalized service. Our friendly and
saving them time and money. In most cases,
professional staff of over 57 in the U.S. and
we work strictly on a commission basis —
five in London will see to your every travel
there are no hidden charges. Plus, we have
need. In addition to our popular sporting
negotiated special rates with preferred
travel and Elegant Journeys, we have
air carriers so we can extend significant
planned special weddings, anniversaries,
savings to you.
family reunions, birthdays, museum events and business meetings around the world.
2. Choice. We represent the premier destinations and offer plenty of options. We
7. Time. We have all the options and
are adding new lodge partners regularly.
information at our fingertips, a big
Visit our website for an updated list.
advantage for today’s time-strapped consumers. Don’t spend your valuable time
3. Convenient one-stop shopping. We can
contacting individual airlines and lodges or
handle every aspect of your trip from start
wading through the Internet; let us give you
to finish and provide equipment advice,
immediate travel options based on firsthand
airline ticketing, and fascinating extensions
experience.
to your chosen trip. 8. Trust. You can have complete 4. Customer advocate. In the event that
confidence that we will make the right
you have a problem with any part of your
recommendations for your travel
travel experience, we can act on your behalf
requirements based on unparalleled
to see that the issue is resolved. No one will
destination knowledge, firsthand credibility,
work harder for you than Frontiers to find a
and unmatched comparative perspective —
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something the Internet and the majority of our competitors cannot provide.
5. Expert guidance. Our staff understands the intricacies of international travel. From
9. Unbiased information. We work for you,
recommending knowledgeable driver-
so we want you to have the best experience
guides in St. Petersburg to suggesting dry
possible. Our clients receive the most up-
fly patterns for fishing taimen in Mongolia,
to-date, honest details available.
Consider Frontiers’ Handpicked Selection of Boutique and Luxury Canal Barges
10. Emergency Assistance. You will never
We know that if you are happy with
get an answering machine at Frontiers at
Frontiers, you’ll be sure to contact us the
any time of day or night.
next time around and maybe even tell your friends about us.
For 34 years, Frontiers has represented and recommended the canal barges in Europe that we believe offer the finest overall experiences — each with their own brand of hospitality and cachet. We are proud to be considered a respected broker of the barges by our peers and barge owners alike, and have been included on Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s listing of Top Travel Specialists for European Canal Barge Cruises 2003-2016. Our portfolio of recommended barge options in Europe reveals a superb cross section of routes, levels of luxury, and budgets. We have no ownership of or fee-based bias toward any barge; some brokers do, and urge guests to book only “their” barges. Frontiers’ recommendations are 100% objective and based solely on our guests’ interests, preferences and availability. Contact Jill Jergel or Bethany Hunkele today to check availability for your personal cruise through the countryside of Europe.
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www.frontierstravel.com | 1-800-245-1950 | info@frontierstravel.com Photo Credits: Barry & Cathy Beck, Tosh Brown, Spencer Hayes, Brian Grossenbacher, Frontiers Staff