Best Lodges 2019

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www.francovivarelli.com

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Travelling is a door through which one leaves reality to penetrate into

“

an unexplored reality, which seems like a dream Guy De Maupassant

H2O BESTLODGES

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4 New Zealand

10 Denmark Fishing Lodge

16 Deep Creek Lodge

22 Indian Ocean FlyCastaway

34 Kola Peninsula, Chavanga River

66 The Bahamas

72 Slovenia Hotel Zlata Ribica

78 Cuba Avalon Outdoor

90 Costa Rica Tarponville Lodge

96 Trentino Sarca River Valley

102 Maldives Albatros top boat

108 Golden Dorado River Cruiser

28 Ireland Black Bay Lodge

40 Una Patagon1a

BESTLODGES h2omagazine.net bestlodges.net

84 Kamchatka Icha River

This is a short list of fly-fishing destinations recommended by the editorial staff of H2O magazine. They are some of the most famous fly-fishing destinations that we have personally experienced and tested, therefore we can confidently recommend that the lodges and locations are managed by reliable and competent professionals.

You can directly contract the lodge owners, fishing guides and reception staff without intermediaries. We are always willing and happy to give you any advice on the right equipment and best fishable periods to cast your flies.

Giorgio Cavatorti

114 Alaska Ata Lodge Alagnak River

PHOTO CREDITS:

Alessandro Seletti, Matt Harris, Mark Lance, Chris Reygaert and Val Atkinson

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New Zealand www.gin-clear.com

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hen I went back to New Zealand my first impression of the fishing scene was that it hadn’t changed much, apart from better logistics. They’ve probably realized that fly-fishing tourism brings in the money. In fact, everything is well organized from this point of view.

It’s easy to find professional guides and convenient accommodations.

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You can get a fishing license which is valid for the entire New Zealand online. All you have to do is protect and release the fish and respect the other tourists who travel around the world to catch some trout. We went fishing with our friend, Nick Reygaert and his brother Chris, owners of the Gin Clear media based in Te Anau, on the South Island. These guys are

famous film makers in New Zealand and round the world. You’ve probably seen their films on DVD or on the Web. They also organize of the Rise film festival, an itinerant world event which is well known in Europe.

We spent a couple of unforgettable weeks there thanks to Nick and his family, the delicious cakes prepared by his father as well as his mother’s cooking, in addition to Nick’s vast experience as a fishing guide. In this area there is also Lake Te Anau, which is the biggest on the South Island and the second in New Zealand, after Lake Taupo on the North Island. Te Anau is situated on the edge of the Fiordland National Park, the gateway to a wildness area which is famous for fishing as well as bird watching.

It also offers trekking opportunities through breath-taking natural surroundings. The

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H2O BESTLODGES

town has more than 30 helicopters, many of which are designated for tourism. It must be said that it’s hard to land a fish over 3 kg without the right guides. Furthermore, it’s important to use the right means of transport. You can get around quickly by helicopter, but jet boats are efficient too. These let you travel at high speeds even over just a few centimetres of water.

Travelling two hours outside of town you’ll find around 20 rivers that vary from small creeks to big rivers. You’ll find some very impressive trout, but you’ll have to work hard to get them to attack your fly. These fish are as suspicious as they are beautiful.

Therefore, the important thing is to start off with the right attitude, knowing that anything you get is a prize, so that your holiday will be rewarding, and you will enjoy some good fishing.

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Best lodges EST.

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2018

New Zealand

South Island

• Fish species: Brown and rainbow trout • Seasonality: November to April • Temperatures: 10°C to 28°C • Number of guests per week: about 4 • Arrival airport: Queenstown

• Transfer: included, about 2-hour drive • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: max 2 hours from the lodge you have about 20 fantastic rivers • Recommended equipment: 9ft #6-line floating line • Three best flies: Dry cicada, Black woolly bugger, Pheasant tail nymph • Do not forget: sunscreen, Buff and a good pair of sunglasses: you have to see the fish before casting the fly • Other: the best for trout fishing. They will be hard days, so we suggest a day off

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H2O BESTLODGES

Denmark FiSHiNG LODGE SEA TROUT FiSHiNG

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www.denmarkfishinglodge.com

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H2O BESTLODGES

S

ea trout fishing is the main reason why anglers from all across Europe return to Fyn every year. We have thousands of anglers coming back to enjoy our coastal fishing. The island is a unique and fantastic place. You will fish in a variety of natural locations along the coast, over reefs and from sandy beaches. This is not a “20-fish-a-day” destination, therefore if you are looking for that, this destination is not for you. But, if you are looking for a fantastic fishing trip and the satisfaction of catching fish with “value added”, then you must try this experience.

Sea trout are very strong and are known for jumping spectacularly once hooked.

They vary in size, with many fish averaging 35-55 cm, but it’s possible to catch 60-80cm fish which would be the trout of a lifetime, especially if you consider having caught it directly in the sea.

In the region of Fyn, you can find the oldest fishing lodge in Denmark. Since 2013, this a unique place, has offered holidays totally dedicated to the sea trout angler. Denmark Fishing & Outdoor Lodge is located in the south-western part of the island, one of the most beautiful parts of the region with some of the best sea trout spots in Denmark. The place takes the name of “Helnaes” and is a minor island connected to the main island of Fyn by a beautiful isthmus. Helnaes is known as one of the most enchanting places in Fyn.

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We have a “private� trail from the lodge directly to the sea, so you can start fishing after a short walk. You also have plenty of fishing spots not more than 20 minutes away by car. Fyn is a magical place for sea trout fishing and you can easily travel to the opposite side of the region in less

than one hour and get back in the evening in time for a delicious dinner and some fish talk with other anglers.

Even if they are highly specialized in coastal sea trout fishing, during

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Denmark

Helnaes

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2018

• Fish species: sea trout (coastal fishing), pike (lakes) • Seasonality: mainly spring and autumn • Temperatures: in spring and autumn 5°C to 25°C • Number of guests per week: max 16/18 • Arrival airport: 1.30 hours from Billund airport and 2.30 hours from Copenhagen airport • Transfer: best to rent a car • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: from 200 m • Recommended equipment: 9ft rods #6 to #8 line for sea trout fishing. #8 to #10 line for pike fishing • Three best flies: shrimp patterns, gammarus patterns, baitfish patterns • Do not forget: waders, waterproof jacket, stripping basket, polarized sunglasses • Other: the landscape is very nice and the area is well appreciated by nature lovers

some periods of the year they offer the possibility to fish northern pike in private pristine lakes. Fishing in these private shallow water natural lakes is something special and the possibility to catch pike over a metre is not uncommon.

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The lodge was created firstly to meet the needs of its guests. The staff is always willing to give the best updated fishing information. They offer a wide range of services, such as a heated wading dressing room, a flytying area, a fishing library, a shop, guide services, gear rental and more.

Their guide service is certified and can assist both fly and spin anglers, both beginners and experts.

The lodge restaurant serves mainly Italian dishes and some Danish dishes as well. The lodge is also a perfect accommodation for nature

lovers and is great for just relaxing. Guests can enjoy beautiful sunsets on the seaside and long walks in the countryside. The area also offers opportunities to visit ancient castles, some Viking archaeological sites and fascinating fishing villages.

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H2O BESTLODGES

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Deep Creek Lodge

www.deepcreeklodge.com

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ritish Columbia in Canada, especially the Skeena River basin with its tributaries, has always been an ideal destination for anglers looking for big steelhead that populate the area. The number of lodges, guides, and accommodation to host anglers from all around the world is constantly increasing. Considering the vastness of the territory and the

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many streams, lakes and rivers, whenever I go there, it is like visiting a new place, even though I have often visited and fished the area many times. I am always enthusiastic about discovering new pools and at the same time I want to know more about this place and the first anglerexplorers who ventured north in search of fascinating fishing.

One of these was certainly Reverend Daniel M. Gordon, who conducted an expedition on behalf of CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) to the area north of Vancouver and was among the first to mention flyfishing on the tributaries of Skeena. His book "Mountain and Prairie: A Journey from Victoria to Winnipeg Via the Peace River Pass", written in 1880, is a description of his travels. At the end of the 19th century, J. Turner also went up the Skeena River through the Babine Lake, explored the Fraser water basin and narrated his adventures in the book "Three Years Hunting and Trapping in America and the Great North-West". It took Turner’s group of fishermen a good part of September to make their way from the Metlakatla settlement on the ocean to the Forks of Old Hazelton up the Skeena River. Turner wanted to winter at Kispiox, but the natives didn’t allow him as they feared that he was a land surveyor aiming to take possession of their land. He went back to the Forks and built a hut on the promontory delimited by the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers, which became his home until he took up his travel again the following June. In September, while he was going up the Skeena, he noticed the abundance of salmon and tried fishing themwith a spoon and with a fly, but he did not catch any. Even if he did not catch any salmon, he still described them as big trout; he was among the first to talk about steelheads. Record catches of steelhead on the Kispiox in the early 1950s, drew attention to this area, and fly anglers who lived under the 49th parallel flocked in masses to the Kispiox, Morice and Bulkley Rivers. The first steelhead

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H2O BESTLODGES

fishing techniques were mostly based on British Atlantic salmon fishing techniques brought to British Columbia by men such as General Noel Money, Roderick HaigBrown and Tommy Brayshaw.

The flow of Americans to the Skeena area in the 1950s and 1960s deeply influenced flyfishing techniques. Fishing was dominated by short rods and flies of American origin.

Members of Vancouver’s Totem Flyfishers and Victoria’s Haig-Brown Flyfishers reintroduced double-handed rods and spey casting. Today it is the easier Skagit rods and lines as well as intruder and lech flies that bring in the big steelhead. Catches have increased greatly compared to 15 years ago, thanks to no-kill policies and new fishing techniques. However, it’s easy to think back to a time when you went into the water with a greenheart 18-ft rod and a silk line, when boots were made of oilcloth and flies had gut eyes and expert fishing guides did not exist.

Deep Creek Lodge is located in Terrace (BC) in an extremely convenient area for fishing the surrounding rivers, from the river Kalum, which runs about fifty meters from the lodge to the Skeena and other tributaries. The guides, who use fast boats or rafts to go down the nearby Kitimat River, are the best that the area can offer, both for large Steelhead in spring and autumn and for salmon of all species in the summer months. The lodge can host up to a dozen guests and is also the ideal place for a family vacation. The hospitality of the Guerriero family and, in particular, its cuisine makes Deep Creek Lodge a point of reference in the Terrace area.

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Best lodges EST.

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2018

Canada

Terrace BC

• Fish species: steelhead and all pacific salmon species • Seasonality: April to October • Temperatures: 5°C to 25°C • Number of guests per week: about 12 • Arrival airport: Terrace BC

• Transfer: airport is about 25 minutes from lodge • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: from 50 meters for Kalum River to 1 hour by car or boat • Recommended equipment: 9ft #8, 12.5ft skagit #9, #10 and a 14ft #10 for the Skeena River. Floating and sinking tips • Best flies: black leech, egg, polar bear, intruder • Do not forget: a wool cap and gloves for mornings • Other: take some time to see Hazelton native Village and the town of Prince Rupert

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Indian Ocean FlyCastaway

mediofly@gmail.com

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H2O BESTLODGES

FLYCASTAWAY FlyCastaway is a unique fly-fishing travel adventure concept. We chose the most exciting fish species in Southern Africa and Indian Ocean islands to fly-fish. Then we selected the best destination where these fish can be found. Next, we identified the best weeks of the season. Each species shows up during a different time of the year. Once we identified all the species, venues and dates, we set up locations for the different venues.

These locations can be in the form of a luxurious lodge, a motorized yacht or camping with a tent. The type of location however is never the

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deciding factor; each location is unique just like every species we fish is unique. Each location is planned around the particular species and the season. We want to do everything in our power to maximize our client’s chances of success, that is the best venue with the best guides during the best time of the year. If you visit a FlyCastaway destination, rest assured that you are there during the best time of the year, at the best venue for the particular species, under the watchful eye of a team of world class fly-fishing guides.

FlyCastaway explored the remote atolls of the Indian Ocean in the early 2000s and started operating on the remote outer islands of the Seychelles in 2003.

FlyCastaway is the only company that has the experience or knowledge of operating in these remote areas. Their guide team is made up of seasoned veterans, not only for fishing the Indian Ocean but for just about any other fishing ground you can think of and they are generally regarded as the finest fly-fishing guides on the planet.

FlyCastaway’s Indian Ocean Destinations are: FARQUHAR ATOLL (SEYCHELLES) Farquhar provides terrific diversity for both wading the flats or offshore for species such as GT’s, Bonefish, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Milkfish, Sailfish, Tuna, Barracuda and more. It is the ideal destination for guests who want to be land based yet experience the diversity of the Seychelles.

Generally regarded as the most beautiful island in the Seychelles, Farquhar Atoll is a flat angler’s dream. FlyCastaway has a 10-bedded guesthouse on Farquhar where anglers can experience one of the most remote atolls on the planet from the comfort of a land-based operation.

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PROVIDENCE ATOLL (SEYCHELLES) Providence is the flagship destination. It is the least explored atoll in the Seychelles and arguably the best GT fishery on the planet. Huge shoals of Bumphead Parrotfish, various Grouper species, Milkfish, Triggerfish, Bonefish and big Barracuda are also found on the flats. Offshore, anglers can target Billfish, Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna, Wahoo and GTs. Providence is the biggest fishable atoll in the Seychelles and there are areas that we still haven’t been to. We do a maximum of 12 expeditions to Providence per year in an attempt to minimize the fishing pressure (no more than 6 trips per season). The atoll is accessed from the comfort the MY Dugong, a 140ft expedition vessel.

ST BRANDON’S ATOLL (MAURITIUS) St Brandon's offers the finest flats fishing for Bonefish and Indo Pacific Permit on the planet. Anglers consistently target high numbers of tailing bonefish averaging 6-8lbs. Double-digit fish are landed on an almost weekly basis. The biggest landed fish were over 14lbs and close to 3,5ft. St Brandon’s also provides exceptional fishing for Indo Pacific Permit as well as some truly large Giant and Bluefin Trevally. 95% of the GTs measure over 40in. This fishery caters to novice and highly experienced anglers alike. Novices can target the large numbers of fairly naive Bonefish whilst the more experienced rods can dare to hunt single trophy tailing Bonefish, Permit and or monster GTs. The atoll is situated 270 nautical miles north east of Mauritius and accessed by 24-hour boat ride. Once on the atoll, guests stay in the comfort of a small guesthouse on the northern end of the atoll.

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Best lodges EST.

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2018

Indian Ocean

Providence - Farquhar - St. Brandon • Location: Providence: 400 nautical miles south of Mahé Farquhar: 450 nautical miles south of Mahé St. Brandon: 268 nautical miles northeast of Mauritius main island • Fish species: Providence & Farquhar: Giant Trevally, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Milkfish, Bonefish, Barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse, Bluefin Trevally, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo etc.

St. Brandon: Double digit Bonefish, Indo-Pacific Permit, Gian Trevally, BluefinTrevally, Golden Trevally, Greenspot Trevally • Seasonality: Providence: October/November and March/April Farquhar: October / mid December and Late February / May St. Brandon: April / June and September / December • Capacity: Providence: 12 anglers Farquhar: 10 anglers St. Brandon: 8 anglers • Temperatures: Providence & Farquhar: 30° - 35°C with high humidity St. Brandon: 25° - 30°C.

• Arrival airport: Providence & Farquhar: Mahé, Seychelles St. Brandon: Mauritius • Transfer: Providence: Mahé – Farquhar Atoll: 1:45 minute flight Farquhar Atoll Providence Atoll: 4-8 hour navigation Farquhar: Mahé – Farquhar Atoll: 1:45 minute flight St. Brandon: Boat Transfer from Mauritius to St. Brandon: 26 hours • Accommodation: Providence: Maya’s Dugong, a 150 feet expedition vessel Farquhar: New independent double room St. Brandon: Double Room • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: From 5 minutes to 1 hour • Recommended equipment: Rods: 9ft #10 and 9ft #12 with floating line for fishing on the flat. 8ft 6in #14 or #15 with sinking line for Bluewater fishing in Providence and Farquhar Reels: very good quality saltwater, reels, big enough to hold minimum 200 meters of good quality backing • Three best flies: Providence and Farquhar: Gt Brushfly, Big Clouser, Flexocrab St. Brandon: Gt Semperfly, Sand Prawn, Flexocrab • Do not forget: Sunscreen 50+, Polarized sunglasses, flatboots, UPF protection clothing • Other: Mandatory emergency medical evacuation policy

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Ireland

Black Bay Lodge

www.blackbaylodge.com

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T

he Lough Derg is the second largest lake in Ireland, with an area of 118 km2. Its waters are part of the “River Shannon System,� the most important river system on the island.

Just outside the town of Scarriff in the county of Clare, the Black Bay lodge is located just above the water of the majestic Derg. The perfect

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geographical location of the lodge guarantees quick access to the fishing spots, thus reducing the travel time to a minimum, so you can spend more time fishing and relaxing rather than travelling.

The county of Clare is a big district with rivers and lakes of various sizes,

which makes it a true paradise for anglers.

Breath-taking landscapes such as the Cliffs of Moher, the national park of Burren and the white Atlantic beaches are only a few of the tourist attractions of this wonderful region.

After several years of fishing in Ireland, we have selected this area because it is particularly suitable for fly-fishing: high quality angling guaranteed by the diversity and abundance of the water types in immediate proximity of the lodge Guests stay in a typical Irish house with rooms overlooking the lake and will relax in the large and comfortable living room heated by a big fireplace. An area where you can construct flies and spend pleasant moments in good company after an intense day of fishing is at your disposal.

The friendly atmosphere and excellent mainly Italian food will make your holiday at the Black Bay lodge special and unforgettable.

The Irish waters host a high number of large pike. The perfect weather conditions, plentiful quantity of forage fish, vastness of the area and low fishing pressure create a very favourable environment.

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The Black Bay guides have been working in this setting for several years and have collected an important wealth of experience and vast knowledge about the territory and its waters. Over the years, they have aimed at locating large pike, developing fishing techniques, strategies and equipment, so as to guarantee very high quality fishing.

The neighbouring system of waters is very articulated and anglers can choose from several fishing spots. The Lough Derg and River Shannon are the two most important environments and they are surrounded by a series of lesser-known waters which create diverse fishing situations.

Fishing is almost exclusively from the boats: spacious aluminium vessels with powerful outboard engines equipped with electronic state-of-the-art instrumentation, which guarantee quick transfers to and from various spots and allow for great comfort as well as extremely efficient fishing.

Anglers who want to fish pike in these waters will be accompanied and helped by guides so as to get the best results.

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2018

Ireland

Lough Derg & River Shannon

• Fish species: pike • Seasonality: April to October • Temperatures: 5°C to 30°C • Number of guests per week: 8 • Airport of arrival: Dublin • Transfer: the airport is about 2 hours with a small van (transfer

included in the package) • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: Lodge is 50 meters from Lough Derg, the main fishing spot. Shannon river is around 45 minutes by car • Recommended equipment: 9ft #10 – 9ft #9 with different sinking tip fly lines (intermediate, sink 3, and sink 5) • Three best flies: Bauer tube fly with black Flashabou, Articulated fly with wiggle-tail, Flashabou baitfish • Do not forget: rain jacket and waterproof pants, 30lb knottable wire leader • Other: take a night out to enjoy a nice pint of Guinness in typical Irish pub

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KolA peninsulA

Chavanga River

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www.chavanga.com

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H2O BESTLODGES

W

hen you arrive at the village of Chavanga, you really get that impression of being at the end of the world. Indeed, we probably already got that feeling 3-4 hours before reaching this desolate Russian territory. However, the journey is worth describing, as this destination is very interesting, and we certainly plan to go back again.

THE JOURNEY At the airport of Murmansk, Vasil and his sons were waiting for us. Immediately after we introduced ourselves, the hardest part of the journey began, as we had to reach the village of Umba and then continue on in a four-wheel vehicle through sandy terrain as far as the estuary of the Varzuga River.

This is where it all ends, or better, the road that had already ended some kilometres before. After we unloaded our luggage, we crossed the river on a boat and, on the other side, a 6-wheel-drive military truck with an iron cargo bed and a few chairs welded to the bottom awaited us. On the whole, it was pretty comfortable, as the scent of adventure lessened the threshold of pain. There is no road: you drive on the shoreline when the sea allows it, on lichen and moss carpets of the tundra, which is a rather slippery and giant rocks where the vehicle limps along in first gear. After a few hours of this you reach the banks of the Chavanga river.

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THE FISHING The rivers in the Kola peninsula usually have a June-July spring run and then another one in the autumn. The Osenka, the biggest fish, run there.

The shape of this rivers is perfect for fly-fishing, with very small falls and remarkable flats; there are about 18 kilometres of Cavanga river available for 4-5 anglers wishing to explore it with the help of a tracked vehicle. The autumn colours of birch trees and the flora on the banks make you feel like you’re inside a painting. For one week, I almost always fished with a one-handed dry fly rod, using big deer bombers or sunrise shadow flies

with riffle hitch on the surface. Seeing a 90 cm salmon break the surface to take your floating fly would be well worth even a longer journey. What struck me most were the so-called “resident” fish, that is salmon which had been in the river for a couple of months and had taken on a brown and reddish colour making them look like big trout. These fish, which hardly bite a fly in other countries like Scotland, are very aggressive here and are among the first ones to come to the surface to feed, which is really incredible.

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Russia

Kola peninsula

Best lodges EST.

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• Location: Kola peninsula, about 4-hour drive from the village of Umba • Fish species: Atlantic salmon, brown trout, sea trout, grayling • Seasonality: mid-May to mid-October • Temperatures: 8°C to 20°C • Number of guests per week: 7 • Arrival airport: Murmansk • Transfer: by van and truck, helicopter transfers are available • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: 5 minutes, the lodge is on the bank of the river • Recommended equipment: 12 ft Scandi rod to 15 ft double handed, single handed for dry flies • Three best flies: Cascade, Ally’s shrimp, Sunrise shadow • Do not forget: a wool cap, it is sometimes cold in the morning • Other: Strelna River is only 50 km from Chavanga River, it is possible to organise two rivers trip in one week

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2018

THE LODGE The little house we stayed at is comfortable for 6 or 7 people with a wellequipped kitchen and a place where you can put your mounted rods and waders to dry out. Vasil and his sons are excellent guides and good cooks, from breakfast to lunch on the river as well as dinner. They are great organizers too. In front of the little house is a spacious sauna which supplies hot water at any time and is a panacea on rainy days. The advantage of this location is that there is no regular transfer by helicopter from Murmansk, which makes it much less accessible.

Thus, there is not as much fishing pressure as in other areas like the Kola River near Murmansk. Here even the fish, which are less disturbed, are more interesting. Moreover, the lack of regular transport lines means that Vasil practically has the exclusivity on this river and prices are very low.

In other more famous locations we would have surely spent more than twice as much and considering the 70 salmon the five of us caught in one week’s fishing, it was really worth it.

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Una Patagon1a is an innovative initiative within the fly-fishing industry, aimed at using collective power in order to generate a complementary circle.

At present, Una Patagon1a has brought together 14 of the finest fly-fishing lodges in the Patagonian region to create a Super Angling Destination. We want to reposition and protect the region through the collaboration, sharing of experiences and promotion of destinations and drawing from the vast knowledge of local experts. We aim to enhance this area by creating itineraries of different lodges and fish species and provide these to Fly Shops & Outfitters offering Patagonia as an angler destination.

In addition, we have developed a model to support non-profit organizations around the world by dedicating 5% any revenues generated from these trips.

We hope this collaboration will enable people to work together to achieve a specific and common business objective which is to make Patagonia a super top destination angling region again.

Fish the region with us.

www.fishsimply.com

Francisco Mariani Founder #fishtheregion

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One of Patagonia’s newest entries into the Destination Angling world is the Eagle Valley Lodge, an amazing rainbow fishery located in a beautiful valley protected by a large cliffside. The water system consists of two lakes connected by two streams hosting lots of fish. Anglers can expect to land 20 or more fish per day while staying at the lodge.

big fans of Patagonian culture, good food and wines, there is an Asado (barbecue) area located just outside the lodge to grill up your delicious food delights.

Accommodations Anglers will stay at brand new Eagle Valley Lodge overlooking the system of lakes and rivers. The lodge is strategically located near a large cliff that protects it from the wind and harsh weather.

Fishing Eagle Valley is part of a private Estancia where we have exclusive rights for the entire fishing area. This includes two lakes connected by a 2-km stream.

The upper lake is deeper with crystal clear water while the lower lake is shallower with cloudy water. Fish can be found in the lakes and throughout the river, so anglers can try different techniques.

It can accommodate up to 8 anglers. There are 4 double-bedded rooms, en suite bathrooms with showers and all the comforts. In the centre of the lodge, a fireplace creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. As we are

Location Santa Cruz province, Patagonia.

Closest Airport: El Calafate

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H2O BESTLODGES

Located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia and 10 minutes from Coyhaique, Cinco Rios Lodge opens its doors to invite you to an enjoyable, unforgettable holiday. Their unique location on the banks of the Simpson River and spectacular view of the majestic Patagonian Andes enchants visitors with wonderful panoramas.

Accompanied by the hospitality of its owners, comfortable rooms, exquisite cuisine, outstanding wines and professionalism of the staff who can offer various activities, Cinco Rios Lodge is the perfect place to spend your next vacation and enjoy the best fly-fishing in Coyhaique and Chilean Patagonia. The season runs from November to April.

Built with the finest wood from local forests, the lodge has the perfect design to provide guests with the maximum comfort. Its location on the banks of

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the Simpson River allows for a unique view of the valley and towering snowcapped mountains of the Andes of Chilean Patagonia.

Cinco Rios Lodge can accommodate up to 12 guests. Each room has two king-size beds, a sitting area with comfortable chairs, a private bathroom, and a beautiful balcony overlooking the Simpson Valley. A large fireplace in the main living room which is fully furnished with comfortable armchairs and sofas creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

Cinco Rios has the facilities, equipment, and professional guides to meet the all the needs of fly-anglers. The atmosphere, greatly appreciated after a day of fishing, is indescribable; sharing experiences, anecdotes, techniques, or showing amazing photographs can only add to the love and passion for this vigorous sport and, of course, the thrill of living each day and, even better, the next day in the Chilean Patagonia.

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With 40 kilometres of private waters on the incomparable Rio Gallegos, fishing for big sea trout at Las Buitreras stands out as one of the best and most exciting fly fisheries on the planet. The Rio Gallegos is a fairly shallow river where fishing with floating and intermediate lines often result in spectacular surface strikes from aggressive trout. With a maximum of 12 guests per week, we can offer anglers sessions in unspoiled and low fishing pressure waters. Average size of landed sea trout is approximately 9 lbs with the record held at a 33-pound silver fish. The ratio is one guide per 2 anglers and guests are taken to each pool by car.

Accommodations The estancia itself offers all the comforts an angler could ever look for.

Its design is a perfect blend of luxury and rustic atmosphere. The very comfortable estancia is located 300 meters from the river, protected from often windy-plagued open plains of Patagonia.

Fishing Season 1st of January to last week of April.

Location Estancia Las Buitreras is located approximately 40 km from the town of Rio Gallegos in Santa Cruz province in Southern Patagonia. Guests fly into Rio Gallegos airport and will be picked up by car or bus. Transport from Rio Gallegos airport to the estancia takes approximately 45 minutes.

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H2O BESTLODGES

This unique King Salmon fishery is located right in the heart of beautiful Los Glaciares National Park in an area called Austral Andes and is surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges and glaciers. Here you can fish King Salmon. The size of these fish is extraordinary and their strength and stamina are unmatched by most any other fresh water species. 15-20 kilogram fish are the normal size but bigger 25-30 kilogram fish can be hooked at any moment, so be prepared.

The record for the biggest King Salmon caught is 41 kg (90 lbs) and several fish in the 32-kilogram range have also been landed.

Fishing Season - mid -January to mid-March A normal fishing day begins at 8.30 am after a big breakfast at the lodge.

After a 20-minute drive, you arrive at the midsection of the river where the fishing day begins. You normally fish until around 1 pm, then you return

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to the lodge for lunch and siesta. At 4 pm you go back to the river for the afternoon/evening session that lasts until about 8 pm when you go back to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodations Anglers can stay in one of Patagonia’s most historical and beautiful lodges, Estancia Cristina. With an interesting history that dates back to the early 1900s. The estancia still continues its rich tradition of its glorious past.

The estancia has been dedicated exclusively to adventure tourism and offers their guests a number of activities such as excursions on 4Ă—4 vehicles, hiking trails, horseback riding and more.

Location Glacier King and Estancia Cristina are a three-hour boat ride from the beautiful town of El Calafate.

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H2O BESTLODGES

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Estancia Arroyo Verde is a family owned and managed fly-fishing lodge on the world-renowned Traful River. It was one of the first private estancias to open its doors to anglers from around the world.

riding, hiking excursions and bird watching. The Andean Condor is one of the most treasured among all the birds of the estancia.

It is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Northern Patagonia and nestled in the Traful valley. Estancia Arroyo Verde has hosted demanding anglers of all ages and abilities and travellers seeking adventure in comfort for more than 25 years.

Main ranch: the main house has a sun-lounge, bar, living-room and diningroom with fireplaces to create a cosy and relaxed atmosphere for guests.

Each of the four individually decorated twin/double bedrooms has en suite facilities. In an adjacent quest house with a separate entrance and private porch, there are another two bedrooms with en suite bathroom.

The amazing Traful River which flows for ten miles through the unspoilt beauty of Arroyo Verde is home to land-locked salmon, brown and rainbow trout. The surrounding Andes Mountains make for breath-taking horseback

Location From Buenos Aires Airport a 2-hour flight to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport.

Then 80 km north to Traful River (1.30-hour drive).

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Estancia Maria Behety fishing lodges are the best and finest fishing lodges of the Rio Grande and one of the best worldwide. The two lodges can host a combined maximum of 18 anglers and alternate daily use of more than 35 miles of river (102 pools).

Only guests at Maria Behety can enjoy access to all the great pools of Rio Grande. Most fly-anglers rate the trophy sea-run brown trout on this river the ultimate fishing experience. The average brown trout on Rio Grande is often considered the catch of a lifetime.

and normally anglers do not repeat any rivers stretches during their stay.

Anglers return to the lodge to enjoy a mid-day meal and have the chance to relax for a few hours. The lodge is only a short distance from the river, less than half an hour from the most distant section on this huge ranch.

Fishing Week: Saturdays are arrival and departure day. The fishing days run from Sunday to Friday. Each day consists of two 4-hour sessions. One in the morning and another towards evening. Fishing sections are rotated

Location Tierra del Fuego Province, 15 km from the city of Rio Grande, 220 km from Ushuaia, the capital city of the province.

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Fishing season At Rio Grande, season runs from November to mid-April. High season starts the first week of January last until the end of March.

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The new Carrileufu River Lodge, in the heart of the Carrileufu River Valley, was built with passion and enthusiasm. The staff have been working together for many years and everybody, from guides to chefs has had the chance to contribute their ideas and suggestions about the design and functionality of the lodge and the results could not be better.

The Lodge design and structure is typical of Patagonia architecture: the high ceilings, use of local wood and stone and great attention to detail make it very cosy and comfortable.

The lodge includes 6 bedrooms, each with a spectacular view of the Carrileufu Valley and the majestic Andes and is ideally located within a few minutes’ drive from many of the various rivers and other fishing opportunities.

Fishing Season In Argentine Patagonia, the fishing season officially opens on November 1st and ends on April 30th.

Fishing Spring is a special time to visit Patagonia as the Andes Mountains still hold a good amount of snow and valleys are covered with spring flowers.

Precipitation decreases throughout the spring and average temperatures rise along with the length of day until the summer solstice on December 21st. Water in the area fisheries are at their highest levels, but almost every stream is fishable after December 1st due to the vast river-lake systems.

Location Cholila, Chubut.

Distance from nearest airport: Esquel Airport is 59.8 km / 37.2 miles.

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From late February till May chrome bright steelhead enter this river from the ocean in huge numbers. Operations are based at Los Plateados lodge, located next to the most productive stretch of this river. Steelhead fishing in Santa Cruz River is a fantastic experience, where anglers can admire the greatness and openness of the big skies and massive plains of southern Patagonia. The challenge of chasing these wild anadromous fish is beyond fishing itself. The Santa Cruz valley has a peculiar microclimate with mild weather even in early winter with little wind and temperatures that easily reach 72°F at noontime. Fishing is with waders since steelhead migrate along the banks and shallow runs. It is truly a close up-front experience since some of the strongest and biggest fish of Patagonia swim upstream every year to spawn. Los Plateados offers four different stretches and over 30 specifically named pools. Guests rotate in order to fish the most productive pools and runs.

Accommodations Los Plateados River Cabin is located 50 miles upstream from the river estuary.

The lodge can accommodate 4 anglers in double rooms. Simple but comfortable, the cabin has everything you need. Strategically situated right on the bank, overlooking some of the best steelhead pools of the river, the cabin offers all the comforts that one could imagine after a day of fishing.

Fishing Season Mid-March till mid-May Location Los Plateados is located 50 miles upstream from Comandante Luis Piedra Buena city. The nearest airport is in the city of Rio Gallegos, 180 miles from the lodge.

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Located about 50 miles south of the city of Esquel, this vast working sheep ranch encompasses 435,000 acres in beautiful Patagonia. From freestone rivers to spring creeks, the ranch offers over 96 miles of private waters set at the base of the Andes Mountains. From its inception in 1910, when the British imported Merino wool sheep from Australia, this Estancia continues to produce not only the finest wool but some of the best trout fishing in the world.

Estancia Tecka is home to two lodges situated in different areas of the ranch. The main lodge is the original house dating back to the 1920s and has four large bedrooms, granite bathrooms and a traditional estancia style. Caridad, the second lodge on the ranch, sits on the banks of the Corcovado River with the snow-capped Andes Mountains as a backdrop.

Caridad has six bedrooms, spacious bathrooms and offers beautiful views of the surrounding river and countryside.

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Fishing Estancia Tecka provides what no other ranch in Argentina can - 96 miles of private trout waters. The Corcovado winds through the property on its way to the Pacific Ocean and is home to rainbow, brown and brook Trout.

The larger river is fished mainly from drift boats while some wading is done in freestone flats and from the banks. The smaller spring creek, Rio Tecka, is fished from the banks with various dry fly patterns and can produce some exciting strikes and catches of large fish.

Fishing Season November – April Location Estancia Tecka is located about 50 miles south of the city of Esquel.

Distance to lodge from Esquel Airport is 2 hours.

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Our fishing lodge boasts brown, rainbow and brook trout in the river and lake waters. Surrounded by forested national park land and the Andes Mountains, the Rio Manso abounds in fish in the 2 to 4-pound range and there is a reasonable chance you can catch a 5 to 10-pound trout. You can enjoy international style meals enhanced with local dishes and superb Argentina wines. Relax around the massive stone fireplace after a full day’s fishing or enjoy a massage or sauna. Non-anglers have a wide variety of guided activities to choose from including hiking, horseback riding, rafting and bird watching.

Accommodations Rebuilt in 2004 and uniquely designed, all 9 guest rooms at Rio Manso Lodge face northwest with spectacular views of Lago Hess and the Andes

Mountains. Located just 15 miles from the Chilean border, you can see the majestic Tronador Mount.

Fishing Imagine casting to big, healthy trout in crystal clear water without seeing another person the whole day. There are miles of still and moving waters throughout Nahuel Huapi National Park with very low fishing pressure. One of the jewels at Rio Manso Lodge is Lago Fonck. This four-mile long lake offers big rainbow, brown and brook trout. Depending on the season, you can fish with streamers and/or dry flies.

Location Located 1 hour from Bariloche Airport, in Nahual Huapi National Park.

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This boutique-style fly fishing program takes anglers on a truly authentic journey, combining the best brook and brown trout fishing in southern Patagonia with stays at three traditional family-run Argentine estancias that date back to the late 1800s.

Limited to only two rods per week this intimate program gives anglers the opportunity to fish four completely private and low fishing pressure spring creeks which hold super-sized brook trout in the 4 to 6 pound class. This small farmhouse style venue is a treasure within the vast open Patagonian landscape. The Spring Creeks itinerary offers rewarding local cultural experiences coupled with some of the finest spring creek fishing south of the equator.

Accommodations The estancias along this itinerary are differ from up-market and luxurious

lodges in northern Patagonia. These are authentic and small rustic farmhouse style venues where guests are received as members of the family and experience local customs and traditional Argentine ways of life.

Meals at the estancias are thoughtfully prepared using traditional Argentinean recipes and showcase local produce and farm-raised lamb and beef complimented by selected wines.

Fishing Season December – February Location All three estancias are located in southern Argentina along Route 40 between the towns of El Calafate to Rio Gallegos. Distance from Calafate Airport is 157 km – distance from Rio Gallegos airport is 165 km.

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Estancia Laguna Verde is unmistakeably the ultimate fly-fishing experience in remote southern Argentina Patagonia. This is why a growing crowd of anglers return year after year to this amazing fishery – considered by many experts as “the best wild rainbow trout trophy fishery on the entire globe”.

Estancia Laguna Verde opened as a lodge in December 2008. This lodge can host from 10 to 12 anglers per week, with 7 double-bedded rooms with en suite bathrooms. The lodge offers one guide for every two anglers per week, which is the correct ratio of guide/anglers that, given the limited numbers of anglers, allows guests plenty of water to fish every day. A

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competent chef and hostess deliver great meals. A team of 6 professional guides are assigned to the 12 anglers per week. With first-class lodging and the best and most varied fishing programs of all the Strobel Lake plateau, this is the obvious choice for serious anglers looking for the fishing trip of a lifetime. Enjoy exclusive access to miles and miles of the famous Strobel Lake and the amazing Barrancoso River, the incredible Moro creek and over 12 smaller lakes and lagoons.

Season starts in November and lasts up to mid-April.

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The Bahamas

bahamas.com

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love fishing with guides because you can learn a lot of things in a day spent with a good guide, things which are much more important than just catching a lot of fish or taking some photos of your catches. Many of my favourite guides live and work in The Bahamas. You will certainly have a lot fun on the flats in there with these guys who are experts in organizing

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your days out on the flats, even when casting and fishing conditions are really difficult or when last minute problems come up. They are always ready with the right suggestion at the right moment. Personally, I am fond of bonefish fishing. These fish are always a little bit nervous due to the intense predatory pressure and that is why they are always on the move.

Since they are fished in shallow flats, you don’t cast till you spot one. An angler has only a few seconds and one good cast to get one. Only neurosurgery or day-trading could be more demanding.

In one of my recent trips to The Bahamas Islands, I was impressed by both the quality of the fishing and the luxurious accommodations. I also had the opportunity to fish one of those famous schools with more than 200 feeding fish ready to take the fly. Even if movement in the water usually scare these intelligent creatures off, surprisingly every one of us caught several fish before the school scattered. Nothing can be taken for granted in this type of fishing, which rewards you with unforgettable moments that will be forever impressed in your mind.

The line was completely stretched out on the water. I was looking at the fly and it was a Crazy Charlie. There was a sharp jerk and my mind sped up. A bonefish was on the fly... I’ve got one... I’ve hooked it! Three kilos of muscle sailed cross the flat, the water rippled…in the end I knelt down, and I set it free. The experience of catching a bonefish is overwhelming, you realize how simple their life is, there are no tricks, it’s straight

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out survival in the harsh environment. This is what pushes you to be out there in the water with them.

My favourite guide in The Bahamas is Ebbie. He has been working these flats for 30 years, and if he likes you, he will sing for you while he is driving his boat. Ebbie spots fish that most people cannot see, and he really knows what to do to catch them in any moment of the day and under any weather condition. I asked him once what his secret was. What he answered could be summarized in three points: > You must be patient and believe that you’re a good enough angler to catch bonefish. In other words, leave the problems behind and just remember the good things. > Don’t let the fish make you out to be a fool. Be clever. > You must keep moving the fly once it’s on the water and continue to move it when it’s on the bottom of the flat. This is all that matters.

Take Ebbie’s recommendations with you when you’re on the flats.

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Best lodges EST.

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2018

The Bahamas

all the islands

• Fish species: bonefish, tarpon, permits, all trevally species and others • Seasonality: all year round • Temperatures: 20°C to 30°C • Arrival airport: Nassau to the islands or directly to some islands

without connections from Nassau • Transfer: usually by car • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: few minutes • Recommended equipment: 9 ft #7 to #12 line • Best flies: Crazy Charlie, Lefty’s Deceiver • Do not forget: sun lotion, sunglasses • Accomodations: plenty of choices, from typical Bahamas houses to high standard hotels

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Slovenia HOTEL ZLATA RiBiCA

www.ribica.si

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S

lovenia has always been recognized as one of the best destinations in the world for fishing grayling and big marble trout. Excellent management of the waters has made these areas very attractive for fly-anglers from all over the world, who come to the banks of the Idrija, Soca, Sava and Unec Rivers every year. The countless tributaries of these rivers are of rare beauty and offer excellent quality water, where you can fish good-sized grayling and other big fish in a unique environment. Over the years, the extraordinary pebbly bottom of these rivers and the typical colour of these waters have inspired many artists to express their emotions through their works.

The Hotel Zlata Ribica is located in this setting, just a few steps from the Most na SoÄ?i Lake, in the small village of Idrija Pri Baci. The owner, Matei, who runs the hotel together with his wife, is the nephew of the famous guide, Franco Gorjan, a legendary figure for fly-fishing in this region and inventor of some of the most famous artificial flies for fishing these waters. Matei and his son Vitan are passionate fly-anglers and very good guides, so they can give you accurate advice on the conditions of the rivers and fishing permits as well.

The Hotel Zlata Ribica is also situated on the banks of the Idrjia River and with its excellent restaurant and very hospitable family management can offer a complete

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range of services comparable to the best fishing lodges. The advantage of this hotel lies in its position too: in about 20 minutes you can reach the upper part of the Idrija River and its famous trophy reserve, or you could just go cross the courtyard if you want to fish the lower part of the

river. The many tributaries are worth mentioned too: The TrebuĹĄica, which flows very close to the hotel and the Baca, which can be reached on foot. You can also travel by train (the station is situated 1km from the Hotel), where cars are loaded directly onto the trains and in less than

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Slovenia

Most na Soci

Best lodges EST.

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2018

• Fish species: marble and rainbow trout, grayling, Hucho • Seasonality: April to October for trout and grayling, November to February for Hucho salmon • Temperatures: 5°C to 30°C, cold in winter • Number of guests per week: about 26 • Arrival airport: 2-hour drive from Venice airport or about 1,5 hours from Ljubljana airport • Transfer: better to rent a car • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: Idrija river is 20 meters from hotel, max 1-hour drive for the others • Recommended equipment: 9, 10 ft for #3 to #6 line. For Hucho salmon 9ft #9 line • Best flies: any type of nymph for grayling and dry flies for evening surface feeding • Do not forget: waders and polarized sunglasses, water is very clear • Other: nice area for tourism and food lovers

an hour you can get to the valley of the Sava River, another destination which certainly needs no presentation. The reserve for fly-anglers is among the longest ones in Europe. Moreover the Bled and Bohinj Lakes (half an hour from one another by car) formed by the Sava River are

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the ecological basin that supplies the fish species and contribute to the constant flow of clear water in the river. Not too far away from the Zlata Ribica is also the majestic Soca River, which is famous for the biggest marble trout in Europe.

The pursuit of salmon fishing in the Danube is something more recent. Several local guides have suggested fishing excursions in the winter devoted to Hucho salmon, a sought-after prey that can reach considerable sizes. The cold icy mornings can be rewarded by trophies

which often weigh over 10 kg. This region is therefore an ideal destination for both fishing enthusiasts who want to spend all day on the river and families aiming at spending a holiday in this wonderful country, where there are lots of outdoor activities.

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Cuba

www.avalonoutdoor.com

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A

valon started its unique adventure in 1992, appointed by the Cuban government to develop a new business model based on sustainability.

Gardens of the Queen was the first place where Avalon started to operate vessels for fly-fishing vacations and in 1996 the first sustainable law for marine parks and protected areas defined the boundaries and the new rules, imposing limitations on tourism and vessels that are allowed to operate inside Nature Protected Areas.

Over the years, Avalon has been able to combine several kinds of

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specialized tourism from fly-fishing to scuba diving to adventure trips, operating all year with low visitor numbers. This model of tourism has been extended to develop other marine parks. The results and quality of the environment have made it easy for visitors to fall in love with this Cuba and consider it one of their favourite destinations.

Avalon offers 9 different accommodations at 4 exclusive marine parks featuring various proposals with different price ranges. Each destination can host groups and provide full-board services of 6 days of all-inclusive fishing for 7 nights of accommodation. Below is a brief summary of our fishing destinations.

> Jardines de La Reina is located south of the Camaguey Province and 60 miles off the southern coast. This vast marine park is ideal for the fly-anglers who wishes to experience fishing from dawn till dusk.

Here they offer more fishing hours than any other destination in the world. It is an ideal location for beginners but also for hardcore anglers. Being a little farther away from the main island, accommodations are aboard boats. Programs run from Saturday to Saturday. Accommodations vary from a super high-end luxury vessels to smaller and more limited yachts. Groups or individuals are welcome. To reach Jardines de la Reina, anglers can fly to Camaguey, Cayo Coco or Santa Clara international airports and do a 2-hour transfer to Jucaro port, where they will board their mother boats for a 3-hour navigation to Jardines de la Reina. > Isla de la Juventud is a marine park located at approximately the same longitude as Havana. This is the destination for the angler with an obsession to hook a monster Tarpon. Between March and June, we have caught and released Tarpon of around 100 pounds. Here we offer an aboard holiday program (AVALON FLEET I) which is perfect for groups between 6 and 14 anglers. you can reach this destination with a 35-minute flight from Havana to the airport of Nueva Gerona at Isla de la Juventud. Program run from Saturday to Saturday.

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> Cayo Largo is one of the top three fishing destinations in the world for the highly sought-after Grand Slam. Cayo Largo is located on the main island of Cuba and only a 45-minute flight from Havana. Anglers can wade barefoot for bonefish while their families relax on sandy white beaches enjoying all the facilities that an all-inclusive resort has to offer. Cayo Largo boasts a plentiful amount of Permit, large Bonefish and other species such as Tarpon, Snooks, Jacks and Barracudas. You can reach this destination with a 45-minute flight from Havana to the airport of Cayo Largo. We accommodate guests at HOTEL SOL MELIA CAYO LARGO (all-inclusive), the program is from Saturday to Saturday. Also at VILLA MARINERA, the program from is Saturday to Saturday. > Cayo Cruz is located on the northern side of the main island and is only a 45-minute transfer from the Cayo Coco airport. If guests choose to arrive at Camaguey or Santa Clara, we can drive them to these locations in about 2 hours.

There is an enormous system of flats, lagoons and pristine estuaries. This fishing area is virtually untouched and is one of the most pristine and biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. It has been recently opened and has hosted anglers for only six seasons. Here, permit are abundant and not easily spooked. Guests are accommodated in a 5-star brand new resort. The program runs from Saturday to Saturday.

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Best lodges EST.

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2018

Cuba

• Fish species: bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, barracuda, jack crevalle, snapper, shark • Seasonality: from November to August • Temperatures: from 20°C to 35°C • Number of guests per week: from 6 to 14, depending on the destination • Arrival airport: Havana, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Camaguey • Transfer: car, boat or plane, depending on the destination • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: from 0 to15 minutes

• Recommended equipment: > Rods: 9ft #7 or 9ft #8 for bonefish; 9ft #9 or 9ft #10 for permit, snook and baby tarpon; 9ft #12 for tarpon > Reels: good quality saltwater reels with at least 150/200 meters of 50lb good quality backing > Flyline: specific tropical floating flyline for bonefish and permit; tropical floating/intermediate for tarpon and a tropical sinking line just in case • Three best flies: Avalon fly, Cuban shrimp fly, Tarpon bunny • Do not forget: sunglasses, Buff, UPF protection clothing, sunscreen • Other: Cuban Visa and medical insurance are mandatory

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Kamchatka

Icha River

www.chavanga.com

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I

think that all fly-anglers dream of fishing in rivers where nobody has ever cast a fly before. Some sections of the Icha River in Kamchatka perfectly suit that dream.

The journey from Europe is extremely long, tiring and lasts about 2 full days, with endless hours of flying, staying at airports, and transfers on military and offroad vehicles, before you can see this wonderful river. Then you are told that the lodge is about 20 km downstream via rubber boat. In the end you have reached the Icha River in the north-western part of the Kamchatka peninsula.

The miracle is when you put on your waders and make the first cast, you immediately forget all efforts it took to enter another world. For a week you live in a wonderful forest, live unrepeatable experiences, strengthen friendships, get to know characters with incredible stories and every time you cast a fly onto the water, you never know what will rise up and take it. This is Kamchatka’s true beauty. These are the things that make you selective in the choice of trips, that push you to undertake incredible transfers from one river to the other, just because you heard that some hours away another angler caught a different type of fish, a bit bigger or a bit more suspicious. I think it is this “longing for something new” that

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repeatably pushes us to look for places that are less known and less easy to reach.

Well, the Icha River offers all this in just 50 km. You must bring a 13-foot

skagit rod, because there are a lot of salmon of different species from the Pacific Ocean, as well as a 9-foot rod with #5 line for trout and #7 to fish the surface with gurglers for the big white-spotted char (kundka), that not only have a strange behaviour, but feed on the surface.

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Russia

Icha River

Best lodges EST.

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2018

• Location: 3-hour drive from the town of Milkovo • Fish species: rainbow, char, coho, kundzha, chum, sockeye • Seasonality: from July to the end of September • Temperatures: 10°C in the morning to 20°C • Number of guests per week: 15 • Arrival airport: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky • Transfer: 4 hours to the village of Milkovo (overnight stopover), next morning 3-hour drive to the river • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: 10 m to 20 km • Recommended equipment: 9 ft #6-7 line for trout and char, 9ft #8 for salmon, maybe 12ft #8 skagit • Three best flies: Pink lech, Green woolly bugger, Egg pattern for salmon • Do not forget: photo camera and a little bell for the bag. There are bears but usually you do not see them • Other: there are a few mosquitoes, bring the net anyway but you probably won’t use it. Consider further time for connections in Moscow; Russian airports are slow

The guides are young men who basically work for the money and have a hard time understanding why some people would travel halfway around the world just to catch a fish and then throw it back into the river, but they are always helpful and reliable. They do their job with great professionalism and try to establish a

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good relationship with you from the beginning. They immediately tell you what the safety rules are as soon as you get there, considering that the most probable casualty is during a one-day trip on an off-road vehicle.

I think some areas in Russia are the last frontiers for fly-fishing and, in this regard, Kamchatka with its still-to-be-discovered rivers certainly represents this last unspoiled paradise.

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CostA ricA

Tarponville 90

Lodge

www.tarponville.com

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H2O BESTLODGES

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F

or years, anglers have heard rumours of large tarpon in great numbers on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, near the border with Panama. Well, the "mother lode" has been found. After numerous trips, sport-fishing specialists have now developed a fishing centre in this previously unknown sport-fishing area. Tarpon averaging 90-120 pounds are consistently being caught on both lure and fly. Tarponville Lodge offers the best chance at catching some of the most powerful Tarpon you will ever encounter. The excitement of these fish will leave you breathless.

Located in the south-eastern part of Costa Rica in the Gandoca Manzanillo National Park just a few metres from a beach that still retains all its natural features, the Lodge offers guests many fishing opportunities.

The mixed management of Costa Rican, European and US staff gives everyone the chance to feel at ease and the extreme kindness is the key that makes any holiday at the Lodge enjoyable and pleasant.

The guides who will take care of customers are all local and know the

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Costa Rica

Best lodges EST.

Tarponville Lodge .

2018

• Location: inside the Refugio National Mixto de Vida Silvestre (Gandoca-Manzanillo) • Fish species: tarpon of all sizes, yellow tail jack, permit, bonefish, trigger, snook, baby tarpon and other • Seasonality: there is no migration for tarpon in Manzanillo. The fish is there all year round. March, April and May for the spring season and September, October for the fall season • Number of guests per week: up to 12 guests can be accommodated at a time • Arrival airport: San Jose di Costa Rica for International flights and Puerto Limon Airport for domestic flights • Transfer: by plane (Sansa Flight) from San Jose Airport to Puerto Limon Airport.

25 minutes per flight. Staff will pick you up at Puerto Limona Airport with a shuttle bus for the Lodge. It is a 40-minute drive • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: From 15 to 20 minutes by boat (Panga) for tarpon and jack. About 20 minutes by car plus 10 minutes by boat for permit and bones. Perhaps less than a minute on foot for trigger fish • Recommended equipment: 8ft-12ft rods and sealed drag reels armed with floating lines #8-#9 for permit and bonefish, gel spoon backing, you’ll need a lot of backing, #12 floating,intermediate and fast sinking line for tarpon • Do not forget: camera, hat, sun proof gloves and stripping fingers, polarized sunglasses • Other: you’ll be all set to begin the adventure

waters like their pockets.

Big Tarpon fishing is obviously king; in about twenty minutes by boat you can explore several perfect spots to capture these wonderful fighters. Tarpon of all sizes are caught daily and, given the very low fishing pressure, these react very well to any kind of bait, whether it be by fly rod or by spinning.

The average size is around 40/60 pounds, but much bigger specimens have been caught with surprising regularity. Together with the Tarpon, you can also fish Yellow Tail Jack that share the same habitat with Silver Arrows.

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Until recently fishing was more or less limited to these two species but now, thanks to the revelations of some guides, you can also try wonderful Permit and Bonefish that will give you the chance to achieve the Costa Rica Grand Slam.

Fishing for these two species takes place in a nearby flat that has a very low fishing pressure. In this flat you can only fish two at a time with a guide.

Another species you can fish right in front of the Lodge is the Trigger Fish, which can also be caught in another small flat along the spots where the Tarpon are located, so it’s better to have an #8 line on the boat

because you never know. The Gandoca Lagoon, which lends its name to the National Park where the Lodge is located, is another opportunity offered by Tarponville. Baby Tarpon and Snook of considerable size and other minor species live and thrive there. This varied offer of fishing opportunities means that this is a destination to be recommended not only to experienced fishermen but also to those who want to try fishing these species for the first time. The beauty of the landscape also offers endless opportunities for general tourism and makes Tarponville Lodge a perfect strategic accommodation for visiting this fascinating country with your family.

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Trentino

SArcA river VAlley

www.altosarca.it

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W

hat angler wouldn’t like to have a river like the Sarca in their territory?

The locals more commonly call it "la Sarca", that is a feminine name, as if it were a beautiful woman.

The Sarca River offers thousands of wonders, even if people do their best to make its life rather difficult. The Sarca is situated in one of the most beautiful alpine sites in Italy, in Trentino. Its source is in the Rendena Valley, rising from the mountain chain of Brenta Dolomites and Adamello. It is made up of small tributaries of pure mountain water which unite to form a single river. Its water flows through ecosystems which differ from each other despite their proximity, as each has its own climate and biodiverse flora and fauna.

There are many animal species: bear, deer, mountain goat. One can also see the fantastic golden eagle soaring along the mountain ridges. The river flows in a

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typically alpine manner and at a certain point wedges itself between the rocky walls of the mountain, where, thousands of years ago, the slow-flowing water created the Limaro gorge. This is a wonderful canyon, a true paradise for anyone who wants to spend a day in a primordial

and wild environment. As soon as the river reaches the town of Arco, the climate changes from alpine to typically Mediterranean. Here you can feel the influence of the Garda Lake and begin to see olive trees.

The river flows through vineyards and apple fields on its way to Torbole,

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Italia

Best lodges

Sarca River Valley

EST.

.

2018

• Location: one hour from Trento and half an hour from Garda Lake • Fish species: brown, rainbow and marble trout. Char and grayling • Seasonality: March to October, sometimes snow-melt water in July and August creates high levels and cloudy waters but there are several tributaries and lakes as alternatives • Temperatures: 10°C to 25°C. • Number of guests per week: lot of waters and different levels of accommodations.

Reserved stretches of river and fishing guides are available • Arrival airport: Verona (1 hour), Milan (2 hours), Bologna (2 hours) • Transfer: best to rent a car and drive to fishing areas • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: some lodges are located on the banks of the river • Recommended equipment: usually 9 ft #5 or #6 • Three best flies: Peacock nymph, Brown march and Black woolly bugger • Do not forget: to buy some good wine • Other: the area is very nice, good rivers are about 3 hours from Venice and 1 hour from Verona

where it enters the wonderful Garda Lake.

I have described the path of the Sarca, my paradise river that I will always defend given my passion for fly-fishing and the waters that have

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accompanied me most of my life. I learned to fish on this river, to refine my technique, both with dry and wet flies, it is the perfect training ground for demanding fly-anglers. There are plenty of fish in the river, but the practice of catch and release and the absolute respect for nature are

in any case always recommended. There are brown trout, the wonderful marble trout and of course the rainbow trout. If you’re lucky, you can come across some lake trout swimming up from Garda Lake. There are also char, rainbow trout, graylings and, of course, nice and cunning

chub, whereas dipper and kingfisher will keep you in good company.

I wish you all a “Happy River” experience!

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Maldives

Albatros top boat www.albatrostopboat.com

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J

ust the fact of leaving a dark winter sky behind, falling asleep on a comfortable Emirates flight and waking up in the early morning with the sun and sea breeze is already a good way to start a journey.

Furthermore, if less than one hour later you find yourself heading for the southern Maldivian atolls onboard a wonderful 34-meter yacht, it is then you realize that an unforgettable holiday is about to start. And so, it was like that.

We dedicated as little time as possible to arranging our things in the cabins, since we really could not stay below deck as we left Malè behind

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us. We sat at the prow, sipping a brimming cup of American coffee and took our the first photos, enchanted by the colours of a sea which seemed unreal. In the late afternoon after navigating for a few hours, the Captain of the "Duke of York" turned off the engines. The boat still glided for another hundred meters lapping over small waves, before the crew anchored just in front of a strip of sand left exposed by the low tide. The rods were already ready, as we had mounted them and adjusted the drag of the sturdy reels even before we unpacked our stuff in the cabin.

The clothing we stuffed into our luggege consisted of bare minimum, so the 20 kg allowed on intercontinental flights was basically given over to

our equipment and endless boxes of flies, lines, reels, nine-foot #10 and #12 rods as well as solid tippets. Ben, our expert guide, gave us the last necessary suggestions before going ashore. For some of us it was the first experience at sea, which immediately turned out to be anything but easy. You had to cast far and strip very rapidly with both hands while recovering the line in a basket, then start all over again. All this was just a prelude, however, since the real fishing would start the day after and continue on the following days.

Let’s say that the first approach on the sea was the training ground for the challenges that awaited us.

While the sun was setting, we went on board again, had dinner and fell asleep, tired but happy. It was soon daylight and we had breakfast at 6.30 and were ready at 7.00. A guide’s help was essential in knowing the tides and moon phases that influence fishing. We walked slowly in a semicircle on a strip of golden sand as a dark shadow fluttered slowly at 20 meters.

One of us quickly pulled out his lines and cast perfectly just behind it. After only a second, we heard a scream of joy and saw the line stretch tight and cut the water: behind a ray there is always a GT. The fight lasted about ten minutes. The strength of this fish was incredible: it was so wild that it alternated trying to escape with abrupt change direction, risking to break the leader. We looked at the scene and waited to take some photos that would become the irrefutable proof that the first angler to catch a fish would offer a round of drinks to the whole company.

Every day was the same, but incredibly different: the shape of flats, micro-islets of sand appearing and disappearing with

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the tides, the barrier reef on the horizon towards which we slowly walked with our eyes peeled for anything, waiting to glimpse a jerk, a shadow, a fin. There was one, about 20 meters on the right. You froze then and there, and the sea, wind, and your heart also froze. In that moment there was no time to think and you just had one chance, so you took the gamble with one cast: it’d better be good or you would have blown you chance. In the evening on board the Conte Max, it was party time again.

After a swim, some jokes, aperitifs and a plentiful and refined dinner, we prepared for the next day, checked the time of the tides and organized our equipment. Our pleasant travel companions, who were early-risers like us, also went snorkelling and for walks on a desert island. They also lived some unforgettable moments on a sunny day which was apparently like any other. Although we continuously walked and fished for hours, we never felt tired, in spite of the sun and heat, which we tried to cope with by diving now and then into the water up to our hats to cool off. I cast with confidence and after a while a terrible strike bent my rod, while meters of line flew out of my hands. After five, perhaps seven or eight second but not more, I thought I had hooked a motorboat. It was so fast, and then came an abrupt jerk and a dull pop. The line was dangling loosely, I let my rod fall into the water and screamed in anger or probably in awe of that gorgeous king of this enchanting habitat, who was braver, quicker and stronger than me.

The Giant Trevally is called the "come back" fish, as catching it gives you such strong emotions that you must come back to fish it again. Or maybe, as in this case, losing it makes you so upset that you can’t wait to try again.

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Best lodges EST.

.

2018

Maldives

• Fish species: GT, bluefin, trigger fish • Seasonality: all year round • Temperatures: 28°C to 30°C • Number of guests per week: DUKE of YORK 10 cabins (total 20 max in double accommodations), CONTE MAX 8 cabins (total 18 max in double accommodations)

• Arrival airport: Malè • Transfer: from airport to the boat by private boat (Dhoni) • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: 10 minutes • Recommended equipment: rods: 9 ft #9 line and 9 ft #12 line.

Usually floating line and intermediate line with strong core. Lots of good quality backing • Three best flies: Bleeding black 6/0, Baitfish tan 6/0, Crab 2/0 • Do not forget: a good stripping basket, sun protection and polarized sunglasses • Other: this is a perfect destination for a family trip

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108

GOLDEN DORADO

River Cruiser www.goldendoradocruiser.com

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G

ood dorado fishing on the ParanĂĄ and Uruguay river systems depends on many factors and among the most important are water levels, migrations of bait fish, rain and fishing pressure. Why not have a mothership that could be a comfortable “floating lodgeâ€?mothership, able to provide anglers with first class lodging and services, while providing the opportunity of moving to different waters according to fishing conditions, bait fish migration, and at the same time reach very remote areas with no anglers around?

The mothership is a very comfortable catamaran that is 22 meters long, 8 meters wide, with 3 decks. On the first or lower level there are 4 very comfortable twin-bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and heating, 24hr electricity and TV. The second level has a spacious living room and dining room as well as a kitchen galley, outside there is a deck to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the river. To reach the mothership, anglers usually arrive at Buenos Aires where a representative of the Golden Dorado River Cruiser pick them up either at international or local airports or at a hotel in Buenos Aires. From there, a 2.5-hour drive will bring them to a private Marina where the trip starts. Upon arrival, guests are welcome by staff and shown to their rooms, after that they will be served drinks and appetizers.

The captain gives an introductory talk describing fishing conditions, areas that guests will fish. Then there is a general presentation of several details regarding tackle, flies, etc. The floating lodge has a vast array of tackle available to guests as well as a small fly shop supplied with most

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things anglers would need, plus personally-tied dorado flies.

On the first day, it is possible for anglers to get in a good half-day of fishing, which is a good warm-up session after maybe a long trip. The daily schedule is usually breakfast at 8 am with a good selection of coffee, tea, yoghurt, milk, cereal, toast, fresh fruit and juice, as well as eggs cooked in whatever way guests like. After breakfast, guests

leave in pairs with their guides for the morning fishing session. Guests of Golden Dorado River Cruiser Program fish in the huge Paranรก river delta, also known as the Upper Delta. This enormous area is the second biggest delta in south America after the Amazon. This unique river system has a very large and complex system of marshlands, lagoons, tributaries, creeks, islands, etc. which acts as big filter making its waters much clearer than those of the main Paranรก and Uruguay rivers. This

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Argentina

Best lodges

Delta Paranà

EST.

.

2018

• Fish species: Dorado • Seasonality: October to March • Temperatures: 15°C to 30°C • Number of guests per week: 8 • Arrival airport: Buenos Aires • Transfer: 2 hours from the airport to mothership • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: 5 minutes • Recommended equipment: rod 9 ft #7,8, floating line but bring sinking tip lines • Three best flies: black popper, Andino Deceiver, Black Woolly bugger • Do not forget: sunscreen, sunglasses • Other: probably the best collection of good wine. A super organization for an easy and trouble-free trip

ecosystem enjoys probably the largest migrations of bait fish, tarpon and sardines, which are the main food source of golden dorado, as well as of other predatory fish like the Chafalote (in the Paraná river, Payara fish), Palometa, Surubi (big catfish), PiraPitá, Wolf Fish, Pacú and other excellent game fish that make fishing very varied and entertaining.

The best fishing period is usually from September to May, although

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the Golden Dorado River Cruiser Program runs all the year round and it is common to have a good fishing even during the winter months.

During these months, anglers usually fish with floating lines and dry flies, poppers and mouse patterns for very aggressive surface strikes. Dorado are extremely aggressive hunters. If you put in a good cast close to spots such as runs and riffle waters or in inlets and outlets of creeks and lagoon blowouts, chances are your fly will be wildly attack by Dorado.

When looking for big fish, it is common to fish deeper waters, sometimes with sinking tips and black streamers aimed at attracting bigger fish.

The most common flies are a variety of deceivers with dumbbell eyes of different weights. A classic dorado fly is the “Andino Deceiver�, created by the famous Argentinian fly-tyer and designer Carlos Ingrassia, who created this pattern in the 80s and which continuing to influence dorado fishing in Argentina even today. It is also important to have a good

selection of poppers, titanic flies, mouse patterns and pole dancers if you want to do some of the best freshwater fishing found anywhere. I feel that this program, combining some of the best dorado fishing and other fantastic game fish, while enjoying the unique setting of a mothership lodging surrounded by nature at its best, makes for a very special trip for any kind of guest: both for hardcore experienced anglers and newcomers to the sport, as well as all family members.

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114

AlAskA

Ata Lodge

Alagnak River

www.atalodge.com

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I

f fly-fishing were considered a religion, then Alaska would be its holy sanctuary. Fly-Fishing in Alaska is more than just a sport or passion, it’s a way of life. Once you have been bitten by the bug, you’re “hooked”.

A trip to Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge provides you with some of the most remote and stunningly beautiful locations on the planet. My father

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always told me, it’s about being outdoors and on the river. Catching a fish is just a bonus. Well in Alaska, I have to constantly remind myself to stop and appreciate the scenery because the fishing is so great. When discussing fishing, you may have heard the saying “it’s called fishing not catching”. But at ATA Lodge it can often seem like catching. For

many, Alaska has always been a dream destination, somewhere they envision going to only once in a lifetime. But once you get up here and experience what it has to offer, it will be hard to stay away. There is something about catching a huge Alaskan rainbow trout or salmon, surrounded by beauty beyond compare, that strikes something deep in all of us.

South-western Alaska is the sanctuary of fly-fishing. Whether it be the sensation of a 35+lbs King Salmon pushing a doublehanded rod to its limits, or seeing a 26-inch rainbow trout rise to crush a mouse pattern tied the previous evening, or just the feeling that no one has ever fished these beautiful waters before. It has to be said that fishing in Alaska is something very special. It brings us back to the reason why we started fishing in the first place. For the fun of it, for the thrill of a tight line and the sound of a reel drag screaming. It's for the laughter when your friend losing the fish of a lifetime, because in the heat of the moment he forgot to let go off the reel as "the-one-thatgot-away� took off downstream. Situated on the remote banks of the wild and scenic Alagnak River, Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge is the perfect wilderness fishing retreat. Our lodge consists of 160 acres of prime river frontage, located in the most iconic section of the Alagnak known as the Upper Braids. It is accessible only via bush plane, landing on a private airstrip on the property. You will spend an unforgettable

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time surrounded by wild, untouched nature, while enjoying all the comforts the lodge has to offer. All the guest cabins, including main lodge, have spectacular views of the Alagnak River. The dining lodge with lounge sofas, a fireplace and a stunning view of the river and mountains is the centre piece of the camp. It's where we have our meals, share stories and socialize after a day on the river. This building is the town hall of our little village. Wooden walkways connect all our private guest cabins (8) to each other and lead down to our naturally sheltered dock where a fleet of jet boats are ready to access all the best fishing spots within minutes from the lodge. The Swiss Chalet on the hill, is perfect for larger parties accommodating up to 8 guests comfortably and in style, not to mention the “Million Dollar View”, where you can overlook the rest of the property, river and mountains. The Alagnak River flows through a wild land of captivating landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage. Meandering down the braided river, you may discover a bald eagle perched atop a spruce tree, gaze at a moose browsing along the river bank in the wet sedge tundra, or encounter a brown bear feasting upon spawning salmon. For centuries people have lived along the Alagnak and have depended on the rich natural resources for survival. The Alagnak River’s wildlife and the abundant fish make the river the most sought-after destination for sport fishing in southwest Alaska.

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Best lodges EST.

.

2018

Alaska

Alagnak River

• Fish species: all the Pacific salmon species, grayling, char, raimbow trout, pike, namaycush • Seasonality: June to September • Temperatures: 5°C to 25°C • Number of guests per week: 24 guests

• Arrival airport: King Salmon • Transfer: by private airplane • Distance between lodge and fishing areas: 1 minute • Recommended equipment: 9ft #8 line, 11/13ft skagit, 9ft #6 for trout • Best flies: Black leech, Flask, Polar shrimp, Pink leech, Elk hare caddis • Do not forget: camera • Other: if you like nature it is a special place

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