Fly Fishing destinations worldwide - FFTC.club Magazine issue I-2020

No. I-2020 

www.fftc.club 

The FlyFisher Traveller Club 

Flydestinations worldwide 

Fishing 

FRESHWATER 

Europe 

Argentina 

USA 

Brazil 

Canada 

Africa 

SALTWATER 

Seychelles 

Belize 

Cuba 

F F T C 

FlyFisher Traveller Club 

est. 2017 

© ℗ FFTC.club 2020 

Get inspired for your next trip!

No. I-2020 

2 contact@fftc.club 

Cover photo: 

Alexander Dachlauer - Rainbow trout - secret lake, Central Patagonia April, 2019 

destinations 

Europe 

FRESHWATER 

Norway - NFC, The Rogstadmoen Lodge....................6 

Ireland - River Moy, Maloney´s Lodge..........................9 

Argentina 

Central Patagonia - El Encuentro Lodge...................11 

Tierra del Fuego - Estancia Maria Behety | La Villa....20 

USA 

Alaska - Alaska Rainbow Lodge.................................24 

Montana - First Cast Outfitters...................................29 

Brazil 

Ecolodge Da Barra.......................................................34 

AGUA BOA Lodge.......................................................38 

Canada 

Gaspé - Quebec, St. Jean Pavilion..............................41 

Labrador - Minipi River, The Anne Marie Lodge.........44 

Africa 

Botswana - Zambezi Queen.......................................48 

Zambia - The Royal Zambezi Lodge...........................58 


FlyFishingFishing 


destinations worldwide 

trip memories 

Seychelles - Cosmoledo atoll 

"Cosmoledo - The GT Capitol of this world" 

by Dr. Ueli Zellweger..................................65 

destinations 

SALTWATER 

Seychelles 

Alphonse and St. Francois Atoll..............................71 

Cosmoledo Atoll.......................................................76 

Belize 

Mothership - The Rising Tide...................................85 

Cuba 

North Cuba - Cayo Cruz, Cayo Santa Maria............89 

South Cuba - Cayo Largo, Isla de la Juventud, 

Jardines de la Reina 

videothek...........96 



3

The FFTC.club 

Founded for the worldwide 

passion to travel for fly fishing 

Editor's letter 

Editorial 

February, 2020 

Our passion is the same as 

yours: traveling for pure flyfishing! 

All FlyFishers have their home spots and for sure we love 

to fish and spend our fishing time there. We know every 

stone, sometimes every fish in every pool. For sure we 

are all in love with our home spots but there are so many 

other foreign and attractive spots all over the world. 

Some of them are either in the direct neighborhood not 

far away from our home or just over the next border and 

you can reach them either by driving or flying for a 

couple of hours. 

Others are overseas, in a completely different country 

with a foreign language, far away from home. The charm 

to explore new destinations or to catch a new species of 

fish is enormous for the TRAVELLING FLYFISHER. We 

spend hour by hour in internet to organize and book a 

trip. The FFTC.club helps you to get this done quickly. 

The idea of founding the FlyFisher Traveller Club was 

born in March 2017 and it's growing very, very fast in my 

head and in my heart! I decided to use different 

professional resources to realize the idea and to make 

the dream come true that the FFTC will be the biggest 

FlyFisher Club and the fastest growing FlyFisher 

Community worldwide. A well organized membership 

The FFTC Members Area will offer a direct access to a 

huge number of the most experienced FlyFisher Guides 

and all the worthwhile freshwater and saltwater 

Destinations all around the globe. There are so many 

great Destinations out there - we are hungry to explore 

them - hand in hand with a Guide who is familiar with the 

Water to make our visions of unforgettable moments 

become real! 

We are proud to present a selection of worth-to-know fly 

fishing destinations around the globe in this digital 

magazine. We hope you enjoy reading our brand new 

magazin. For more details about the FFTC.club please 

visit www.fftc.club - our BLOG or register for free to get 

unlimited access to the FFTC Members Area. 

Always tight lines, Alexander 

F F T C 


est. 2017 

We are very proud to present the first issue of our 

brand new FFTC Magazine. This digital magazine is 

made for those fly fishers, who loves to explore new 

destinations. 

You can explore new fly fishing destinations 

everywhere. 

This is the passion we love to share with you! 

We at FFTC love to travel for fly fishing. Not only to 

get an idea about foreign cultures, to meet interesting 

new people, see impressive landscapes and chase 

new fish species. 

The all-in-one experience drives us. 

With this publication we will present you some 

worth-to-know destinations around the globe in a 

traditional way - as a magazine. 

We hope you will enjoy the first issue of our 

FFTC Magazine. Our digital magazine is clickable. 

Do not hesitate to use this feature, watch embedded 

videos, and follow links to get more details about the 

particular country or destination. 

Meet you at the water. 

Always tight lines, 

Alexander 

Dear Reader 

Dear FFTC Member 

Publisher 

FFTC.club - FlyFisher Traveller Club 

powered by 

andante media DIGITAL 

ENTERTAINMENT CLG 

3 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1 

D01 KV26 Dublin / IRELAND 

Register No. 643231 

GERMANY 

andante media DIGITAL 

ENTERTAINMENT CLG 

Leopoldstrasse 2-8 

32051 Herford 

VAT ID/Umsatzsteuer ID: 

DE32291620 

phone/fax 

toll free (national DE) 

0800 - 724 3205 

FFTC.club office (south of Germany) 

phone international 

+49 (0)8151 952 871 

email: contact@fftc.club 

editor in chief & director 

Alexander Dachlauer 

email: alexander@fftc.club 



5

EUROPE 

N 

orway 

NFC - The Rogstadmoen Lodge 

Today still hundreds of guests from all 

over the world come here and hope to 

catch one of the Gaula giants. In 2017 

the biggest fish weighed over 23kg, 

and every cast can bring such a beast 

to your fly. 

Norway - Big Atlantic Salmon 

Country. 

Sooner or later every salmon angler 

comes to a state where it's more 

about quality than quantity - a big fish 

usually values more than many small 

ones. If you are after the 10kg, 15kg, 

or even 20kg+ fish, Norway is the 

place to go to. 

The Norwegian Flyfishers Club offers 

12km private water on the Gaula 

River. 

The Rogstadmoen lodge is built new 

and on the highest standard you will 

find in Norway. Single rooms with en 

suite baths are standard. There also is 

a Spa area in the lodge. 

The Gaula is a famous salmon river. 

First fished by the Brits, it offers miles 

and miles of private water. 

The Gaula is a rather fast flowing river 

which runs through unspoiled 

surroundings starting from the 

mountains near the Swedish border, 

just past the historic mining town of 

Røros, Norway, and enters the sea at 

the Trondheim Fjord. The Gaula, 

translated as the “Golden River” 

because of its ironic golden hue has 

always been one of the finest and 

most productive salmon rivers in the 

world. 

The Gaula River flows through the 

Gauldal valley in Sør-Trøndelag 

County, Norway. 

The river valley and its surrounding 

landscape are both stunning and 

varied in nature. In the upper part the 

Gaula valley is quite narrow and 

mountainous, and the water is 

shallower with big boulders both on 

the banks and in the water. In the 

lower stretches the valley is wider, 

and the big boulders are replaced by 

gravel banks. The further down the 

river you venture the more you feel like 

you are getting closer to the sea. In the 

south it starts from the lake Gulhåen at 

the Rørosvidda. On it’s 150km length, 

it is joined by a number of tributaries, 

of which the largest are the Bua (joins 

in Kotsøy) and the Sokna (joins in 

Støren village) before it runs into the 

Trondheim fjord. 

... 

SEASON 

Season is from June to August, the biggest 

fish run first. Prime weeks are weeks 25-29, 

and these are much sought after. 

RATES 

Depending on runs and service - from 

EUR 1.120 - 3.750/week 

FFTC Member Advantage 

2,5 % OFF the regular rates 



7

EUROPE 

EUROPE 

I 

reland 

River Moy - Maloney´s Lodge 

FFTC Member Contact 

We help you to plan your trip - just contact us! 

We appreciate to help you to make your 

dreams come true. 

pukka destinations 

Owner Carsten Dogs 

Nernstweg 5 

22765 Hamburg / GERMANY 

phone: +49 1778086466 

email: info@pukka-destinations.com 

web: www.pukka-destinations.com 

Ireland is a destination you can easy travel to from Europe. 

You fly into Dublin and head for the 

County Mayo. Our trips start 

in Foxford, base usually is a Bed & 

Breakfast which offers comfort as a 

lodge. 

Packages can be tailored to the needs 

of the guests - for example the stay at 

the Maloney´s Lodge. 

The River Moy has a huge run of 

Atlantic Salmon, annually 

approximately 15.000 fish run the 

river. 

The Atlantic Salmon can be caught in 

fly-only beats as well as mixed 

zones. The Moy is especially suited 

for the young salmon anglers, as the 

prices are comparatively low. ... 



9

EUROPE 

At all the lakes in the area of the 

County Mayo you will have also a 

great Brown Trout and thrilling Pike 

fishery. We recommend a combination 

of River Moy and the Lough 

Mask or Lough Corrib. 

EEFF - El Encuentro Lodge 

SEASON 

River Moy: You can catch springers from 

February onwards, and grilse from June. 

Lakes: The season starts from February and 

ends at end of October. 

RATES 

Several packages available - from 

EUR 1.190/week 




At both lakes you can catch the Forex 

trouts, which can be very huge with 

over 20 pounds. The traditional way of 

fishing at the lakes is from boat. The 

lakes are really big. 

For this reason we recommend an 

experienced Guide. 







Nernstweg 5 


phone: +49 1778086466 



ARGENTINA 

P 

atagonia 

If you have a passion for fly fishing, 

Argentina has always been on your 

list of 'must-see' destinations. 

Its unique combination of outstanding 

wild trout fishing, jaw-dropping 

scenery, and a dynamic culture is 

unmatched. But with so many 

options, where does one start in 

planning the ideal trip? 

El Encuentro Fly Fishing has been 

hosting travelers for decades, having 

spent countless hours and miles in 

search of the best fishing 

opportunities, best lodges and 

accommodations, and most 

appealing experiences for our guests. 

A Warm Welcome in the Heart 

of Central Patagonia 

El Encuentro was the first outfitter to 

provide fly fishing trips in Central 

Patagonia. For over 30 years, El 

Encuentro Lodge and the Beale family 

have been welcoming anglers from all 

over the world, most of whom return 

year after year to enjoy more 

extraordinary fishing experiences. 

Staying at El Encuentro Lodge lets 

you experience Argentine hospitality 

at its most authentic – warm, genuine 

and familial. 

The lodge has an exquisite setting 

right on the banks of the Rio 

Futaleufu. 

Hosted by the Beale family, guests of 

El Encuentro are made to feel right at 

home in the comfortable lodge. It’s an 

ideal setting for a small group of 

friends who want to enjoy the privacy 

of the small, intimate setting. With 

four rooms in the main house and two 

rooms in an adjacent cottage, El 

Encuentro can comfortably 

accommodate up to eight guests. 

WiFi is available at the lodge. 

At El Encuentro, the Beales proudly 

grow most of the organic vegetables 

in a one-acre kitchen garden and 

serve eggs from their own chickens. 

Lamb, beef and other products are all 

locally sourced from family and local 

markets. Breads are baked daily at 

the lodge. Not to be forgotten, superb 

Argentine wines are served at lunch 

and dinner, even when you have lunch 

on the riverside. ... 


11

ARGENTINA 

El Encuentro Fly Fishing has spent 

over 30 years building relationships 

with only the top fishing 

destinations in central Patagonia and 

northern Argentina. 

The region in which we work 

encompasses dozens of superb 

fisheries for both trout and golden 

dorado, with a mix of public and 

private waters. We know when each 

fishes best, which lodges and 

estancias are the right choice for you, 

and will custom plan your itinerary to 

match your priorities and 

expectations so your trip is just as 

memorable as you imagined. 

Guests are treated to a traditional 

Patagonian “asado” (barbecue) with 

the family and all the guides—a most 

memorable culinary experience! 

The Fishing 

The lodge’s location on the banks of 

the Rio Futaleufu opens that river to 

both full and half day floats including 

being able to go out late in the 

day right from the lodge to enjoy the 

evening hatch! With side channels, 

deep pools, gravel bars and hidden 

banks, the Rio Futaleufu is renowned 

for trophy sized rainbow and brown 

trout. It fishes well all season. 

There is such a variety of waters in the 

Esquel-Trevelin area, that El 

Encuentro can design fishing 

experiences to meet any angler’s 

interests. El Encuentro guides have 

access to private lakes and small 

streams and spring creeks; 

in addition, they can take anglers to 

the Rio Frey and lower Rio Corcovado 

for float fishing. El Encuentro offers a 

desirable base from which to fish in 

any season, without requiring too 

much driving (and in some cases, no 

driving at all). 

And to best accommodate those 

needs, our unique approach offers 

the option for multiple destinations as 

part of your trip. 

Whether it's staying at our own El 

Encuentro Lodge, or one of our 

network of hand-selected lodges and 

estancias in the region, we're able to 

'build' each trip based on your fishing 

preferences, time of year, budget, 

preferred non-fishing activities, and 

just about any other variable that is 

important to you. 

... 



13

ARGENTINA 

The 

Beauty 

of Patagonia 

14 contact@fftc.club www.fftc.club 15

ARGENTINA 

afari tents at theBrook Trout Base Camp 

on the banks of RioCorcovado 

17 


S 

www.fftc.club

ARGENTINA 

SEASON 

November - April 


RATES 

Weekly program (7 nights/ 6 1/2 days 

fishing): 

USD 5.950 in double base occupancy 

Single angler supplement: USD 210 

Price per week: 

single angler 

(your own room and guide): USD 7.420 


10 % OFF the regular rates 




El Encuentro Fly Fishing 

Beale Family 

Phone: 0294 154534155 

(within ARGENTINA) 


Trip report available - for FFTC 

Members only - please LOGIN 

Phone: +54-9-294-45 34 155 

(outside ARGENTINA) 

E-mail: info@elencuentroflyfishing.com 

19

ARGENTINA 

io Grande 

REstancia Maria Behety & La Villa 

The one and only - the Rio 

Grande. 

Nowhere in the world you will 

encounter such a fishery for sea-run 

browns as here. We catch big fish (over 

30 pounds) as well as a lot of fish. 

Stocks are healthy, and you can target 

these fish with a variety of techniques. 

From classic fishing in the swing to dry 

fly fishing, even nymph fishing for these 

brutes is possible. 

The Estancia Maria Behety is a traditional Estancia having access 

to every part of the Rio Grande. 

It shares it's water with the other lodges; compared to them 

though, Maria Behety has access to the lower, middle and upper 

river, which means you will always have water to fish where the fish 

are. 

The two lodges - Maria Behety Lodge 

and La Villa offer superb service and 

great guides. 

The rooms in the lodge normally are 

double occupied, and offer en suite 

baths. In the La Villa lodge every guest 

will have a single room as standard. 



21

ARGENTINA 

Estancia Maria Behety Lodge and La Villa offer superb service and great guides, as well 

as rates far lower than the other lodges. 

The rooms in the lodge normally are double occupied, and offer en suite baths. In the 

La Villa lodge every guest will have a single room as standard. 

SEASON 

Season is from December - April, prime 

fishing usually is January - March. 

RATES 

USD 6.900 (prime time EMB Lodge) or 

USD 7.900 (prime time La Villa Lodge) 









Nernstweg 5 



phone: +49 1778086466 



23

USA 

A 

laska 

Alaska Rainbow Lodge 

Alaska Fly Fishing in Bristol Bay is 

the best on the planet… 

And we know it! 

Alaska Rainbow Lodge offers Alaska 

salmon fishing for all five native 

species; King salmon, Silver salmon 

(Coho), Sockeye salmon, Chum 

salmon and Pink salmon 

(Humpback). With our vast 

knowledge and superb location, you 

will have access to almost every 

salmon fishing location in 

Southwestern Alaska. Get ready to 

live your dream of Alaska Fly Fishing! 

Experience the Finest in Alaska Fly 

Fishing 

We fish by wading, drifting, casting, or 

plugging. You can fly fish or use 

conventional gear; that’s up to you. 

There are streams that are protected 

as fly fishing only areas, and there are 

rivers that allow either fly fishing or the 

use of spinning tackle. Alaska 

Rainbow Lodge guides practice fly 

fishing only for Rainbow Trout, Arctic 

Char, & Grayling, and all are catch and 

release. 

Depending on the river, the season, 

and the weather – we fish in one of 

three ways after a short 15-25 minute 

flight in one of our 3 Beaver floatplanes. 

We hike many of the smaller streams, 

trying different runs and holes 

throughout the day. 

We will find fantastic fishing with 

short, easy walks or with longer, 

adventurous hikes for those looking 

to explore rugged Alaskan beauty. 

These are the true wilderness streams 

where it’s unusual to see another 

fisherman. We take small rafts on 

some of the mid-size rivers, which 

allows floating long sections of river. A 

scenic float trip with a pick-up 3-5 

miles downstream will allow you to 

cover lots of water while still getting 

out to wade the best spots. You will 

experience one of the best fly-fishing 

trips in Alaska. 

On 14 different rivers, we have jet 

boats stored for quick, easy access. 

Whether fishing out of the boat or 

using it for transportation from hole to 

hole before wade fishing, these rivers 

are usually good bets to find Rainbow 

Trout of unbelievable size. 

... 

Much of our Alaska salmon fishing, 

particularly the King salmon, is done 

by boat – with lures or plugs. You may 

fly fish for Kings on the Alagnak River 

where you can sight fish with a fly rod. 

All other salmon fishing – Silver, 

Chum, Pink, & Sockeye are accessed 

by a combination of aircraft, jet boat, 

and wade or bank fishing. 

As our guest you’ll have access to 

more than 30 different rivers and 

streams, enjoying some of the world’s 

best Alaska fishing for Trophy 

Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Silver 

Salmon, King Salmon, Sockeye 

Salmon, Grayling and more across 

3,000 square miles of the Iliamna- 

Katmai watershed into Bristol Bay. 

Alaska Rainbow Lodge is a riverbased 

fishing lodge PLUS we fly out 

daily with multiple aircraft. You are 

assured of finding rivers with the 

highest concentration of fish. You 

have the greatest river in Alaska as a 

back up should the weather turn bad, 

since we are located right on the bank 

of the Kvichak. There’s no such thing 

as a bad day of fly fishing at Alaska 

Rainbow Lodge. Combined with the 

experience and dedication of our 

certified fishing guides and your 

hosts, Chip and Amanda Ferguson, 

there’s no better base of operations to 

have spectacular and unforgettable 

Alaska fishing trips. 

... 



25

USA 

Alaska Rainbow Lodge is the most 

modern remotely located Alaska 

Luxury Fly Fishing Lodge. We have 

gone to great lengths to assure that 

your Alaska Fly Fishing trip is 

comfortable and enjoyable as 

possible. 

We have five double bedrooms inside 

the lodge plus six single bedrooms in 

private guest cabins. At the Alaska 

Rainbow Lodge, you will discover 

Alaska Fishing Accommodations like 

no other. Our remote location allows 

for plenty of solitude and amazing 

scenery, not to mention our trophy 

caliber fishing. 

SEASON 

June 8 until September 28 

RATES 

Loding & Guiding Rates available for: 

7 Nights Lodging, Includes Charter 

Flight from/to Anchorage 

6 Days guided Alaska Fly Fishing Trip 

for USD 9.550 


FFTC Voucher available - 100 USD 

off for FFTC Members / fisherman / 

booking lodging & guiding services 

Many lodges claim they are fly-out 

lodges. With some you’ll only fly out 

two days out of seven, or the lodge 

only has enough airplanes for half the 

guests. Other lodges in southwest 

Alaska operate on a program they call 

“Daily Fly-out Fishing.” What this 

means is that every day, ALL the 

guests pack up into an airplane and fly 

to a different destination to spend the 

day fishing. But if the weather is unflyable, 

you’re stuck without a place to 

fish. Some lodges are river-based 

lodges (no fly-out fishing). They state 

that they never have to depend on the 

weather to go fishing. They don’t 

mention that if their river is flooded, or 

the fish run has moved on, you’re out 

of luck. But there’s no need to risk 

your hard-earned vacation time. 

You’ll never have those concerns with 

Alaska Rainbow Lodge. 

We’re proud to offer an 

unsurpassed, premium Alaska 

fishing trip experience, helping 

our guests maximize their 

fishing fun and success each 

and every day! 



27

USA 

M 

Guide 

USA 

ontana 

First Cast Outfitters 





Alaska Rainbow Lodge - phone 

contacts 

toll free: 001 800 451 6198 

phone: 001 907 246 1504 

Out of season (October - May) 

phone: 001 972 544 2050 

First Cast Outfitters is located in the 

heart of the best fly fishing on the 

planet. 

Montana is considered THE mecca of 

fly fishing. With world class Montana 

fly fishing in every direction, First Cast 

Outfitters is perfectly poised to offer 

any variety of angling experiences. 

Whether stalking trophy trout or fly 

fishing for northern pike, First Cast 

Outfitters can ensure your Montana 

fly fishing experience is top notch. 

First Cast Outfitters hires only the best 

and most professional guides. Our 

guide staff all boasts many years of fly 

fishing and guiding experience and 

are able to teach anglers of any ability 

new skills. Whether it be rods and 

reels, flies, casting instruction or even 

insect education, our guides will have 

you taken care of. 

Home Waters 

First Cast Outfitters guides on many 

of the waters in Montana, for a variety 

of species. But our home water will 

always be the Missouri River. We 

call Craig, MT “Home” for most of our 

summer months. With large, technical 

trout, feeding on excellent hatches, 

there is truly no place we would rather 

be. 

While First Cast Outfitters may call the 

Missouri River home, we also fish a 

number of other waters in Montana. We 

regularly spend a considerable amount 

of time at the Land of Giants, Blackfoot 

River, and running Montana Pike trips. 

Whether you prefer to sight fish for 

technical feeding trout or work on newer 

fly fishing skills, First Cast Outfitters can 

craft the perfect Montana Fly Fishing trip 

for you. 

28 

Email: info@alaskarainbowlodge.com 


29

USA 

Guide 

The Home Waters 

Missouri River 

The Missouri is truly a remarkable fishery. Boasting the highest trout population in the 

state, over 8,000 fish per mile, and the largest average fish size, around 17″, it offers 

anglers an experience that they will not find anywhere else. Fish here grow fast and 

STRONG! It’s not uncommon to have an “average” fish send an angler deep into his 

backing. 

We have 40 miles of amazing tail water fishing at our fingertips on the Mo. This allows 

us to float multiple stretches of river and give anglers a different look at our water each 

and every day. 

Special Stay and Fish packages are offered for the Missouri. Lodging can be very hard 

to come by during the busy summer months. So plan ahead and contact us for help in 

planning your Missouri River fishing vacation. 

Dearborn River 

The Home Waters 

Originating in the Scapegoat Wilderness high in the Lewis and Clark Range of the Rocky 

Mountains, the Dearborn is a relatively unknown river when compared with nearby 

waters such as the Missouri, Blackfoot, or Yellowstone Rivers. This is arguably the most 

scenic river in Montana. And certainly one of the less crowded. 

We are only able to float this river during a brief run-off window, usually occurring in May 

and June. After this, the water levels are too low to navigate with a raft, leaving only 

limited wade fishing access. The most popular section of this river will take you on a 19 

mile float from the Highway 287 bridge, through a magnificent canyon, before its 

confluence with the Missouri River downstream of Craig, Montana. It is not uncommon 

to launch your raft in the morning, and not see another person until the confluence. 

Land of Giants 

Running between the Hauser Dam and Gates of the Mountains on Holter Lake, is a 

stretch of the Missouri that has earned the name, Land of Giants or L.O.G., and rightfully 

so. Plain and simple, there are big fish here. Lots of them. 

The fish in this stretch, comprised mostly of rainbows and a few browns, move into the 

lake for part of the year and then back up into the river. Because of this, they tend to 

grow a bit larger than the average fish we see below Holter Dam on the lower Missouri 

River. The average rainbow can be around 22″, with the ever elusive browns being even 

larger. 

Blackfoot River 

The Blackfoot River is, truly, classic trout water. Winding its way 146 miles, before its 

confluence with the Clark Fork River near Missoula, you will find endless deep pools, 

riffles, shelves, undercut banks and pocket water. The Blackfoot is every bit fishy as it 

is scenic. With good numbers of rainbows, browns, west slope cutthroat, brook trout 

and bull trout. 


31

USA 

Guide 

Carp on the Fly 

For those looking for a slightly different challenge while fishing the Missouri River, we 

suggest you test your skills and casting precision on our carp. 

This fish is becoming increasingly 

popular to fly anglers, as it presents 

a challenge most similar to that of 

fishing to tailing redfish or bonefish 

in the salt water. These carp can 

feed much the same way, and 

average around 10 pounds. 

Montana Pike Fishing 

Have you ever heard someone use 

the word VORACIOUS? It is a word 

usually used to describe something 

that is really hungry and ready to eat 

anything in sight. 

It’s also a pretty good way to describe the Northern Pike found in many of our Montana 

waterways. The northern pike is a fish that always seems to be in a voracious mood and 

willing to eat large flies presented to them. 

Missouri River Stay and Fish Packages 

First Cast Outfitters is proud to be able to offer all inclusive fishing packages for the Missouri 

River. We have partnered with the Missouri River Ranch, the only luxury lodging option on 

the Missouri River. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, fine dining and of course epic fishing, 

all in one place. These stay and fish packages can be customized to meet any length of stay 

desired. 

Loding & Guiding Rates available for: 

2 Nights stay / 1 Day guiding for USD 800 up to 6 Nights stay / 5 Days guiding for USD 2890 

FFTC Voucher available - 75 USD off for FFTC Members / fisherman / booking lodging services 

The Missouri River Ranch 

Relaxation, outdoor adventure, luxury accommodations, and gourmet meals are all part of 

the experience at the Missouri River Ranch, a private lodge located just south of Craig, 

Montana, on the banks of the Missouri River. 



Capt. Jeff Johnson 

PO Box 148 

Cascade, MT 59421 

Phone: 001 406-219-1232 


Email: jeff@firstcastoutfitters.com 

33

BRAZIL 

B 

razil 

Ecolodge Da Barra 

The Unique 'Ecolodge Da 

Barra' Amazon Floating Lodge 

Fishing Trip 

The ECOLODGE DA BARRA was 

founded by a group of hard-core lure 

and fly anglers who joined forces to 

provide adventure-seeking anglers 

with the best infrastructure for fishing 

in South America.Apart from being 

the only floating Lodge in Brazil, it also 

provides the most modern and up-todate 

comfortable, intelligent and 

ecologically-minded approach to 

sport fishing. 

The ECOLODGE DA BARRA is 

located where the Rio Tapajós is 

formed, at the confluence of the Rio 

Teles Pires and Juruena, presenting 

an enormous area to fish for over 20 

species of sport fish. 

This fantastic floating Hotel/Lodge 

gets our No1 thumbs up for the angler 

who wants complete comfort and 

pampering while able to catch a 

bundle of big fish in Brazil. We would 

classify this amazing floating hotel 

and fishing trip as our top five-star 

destination. 

All fishing boats are fitted with two 

fishing seats, front deck, 4 stroke 40 

HP outboards, trolling motor, all 

necessary fuel, and an assortment of 

local Brazilian flies lures should 

anglers like to use something other 

than what’s in their box! 


All guides are native to the area, fully 

trained and will do their upmost to 

make sure anglers catch as many fish 

as possible, to take some great 

memories back home. 

The Lodge 

There are 16 luxury apartments 

sleeping 24 anglers at any time. All are 

spacious, air conditioned and have a 

veranda overlooking the river and at 

2.7m above the waterline. Each ensuite 

bathroom has hot water and 

pressurized showers for that intense 

massage at the end of a hard day’s 

fishing! 

The deluxe climatised restaurant 

provides our guests with breakfast, 

lunch and dinner with traditional and 

regional menus and cuisine. 

... 

The ‘open’ bar is nearby and serves 

snacks, selected wines, spirits, hot 

and cold drinks and cocktails, all 

included. There is ample room with a 

walk-around Veranda. 

The Hotel also has Cable TV with 

more than 200 channels, Radio, 

Internet connection with WiFi 

covering the whole of the Hotel, 30 

cameras for security (filming & 

recording 24 hours), Voipe and 

Satellite Telephones. Laundry is 

made daily and sheets and 

pillowcases will also be changed 

daily. 

There is also a tackle store at the hotel 

providing hooks, rods, reels, lines and 

even fishing clothes should any 

luggage be lost by airlines etc. 

The Hotel also lends tackle to guests 

without any cost. Note that this needs 

to be ordered well beforehand. 


This is a year-round destination, 

although the very best time for fly 

fishing is from May to October when 

the water visibility makes the fishing 

with bright streamer flies and poppers 

fantastic, particularly for the peacock 

bass. 

In this particularly productive and 

varied watershed, there is a huge 

diversity of species to be caught. With 

over 150 lakes and lagoons, three 

main rivers and many other 

tributaries, this is a huge fishing area. 

Fly fishing at this destination is the 

very best that we have ever 

experienced at any lodge and anglers 

can target huge Peacock Bass, 

Payara, Arowana, Bicuda and may 

other species with amazing results in 

the lakes, river, rapids and tributaries. 


35

BRAZIL 

Special Gift - The FFTC GIFT VOUCHER for Fly Fishers 

"A small gift with a great value for every traveling Fly 

Fisher"... 

If you are searching for a really special gift for a fly 

fishing buddy or family member - here it is! 

36 

SEASON 

Year round for various species but fly fishing 

best through summer until late October 

RATES 

Weekly program (7 nights/ 6 full days 

fishing): 

USD 4.950 per angler 

• Included: Six full days of fishing; 7 nights at the 

Lodge, based on double occupancy; all meals while 

at Hotel; open bar; 

return flights MAO/Ecolodge/MAO; daily laundry; 

fishing licenses, guided fishing (2 anglers/ boat); 

overnight at Hotel in city 1st night on arrival; airport 

assistance and transfers. 

• Not Included: International and National air 

transportation to and from cities to Manaus in Brazil or 

unless specified above; 







WORLDWIDE FISHING ADVENTURES 

LIMITED 

Suite 205A 

Saffrey Squarem Bank Lane & Bay 

Street 

P.O. Box N-4244, Nassau, Bahamas 

EU & rest of the world: +351 917812328 

US and Canada toll free: 1 866 920 2814 

email: info@amazon-angler.com 

The FFTC Fly Fisher Membership Gift VOUCHER 

Today we announce the possibility to buy online a FFTC GIFT VOUCHER for 1, 3 or 5 years of FFTC 

FlyFisher Membership. The FFTC FlyFisher Membership starts at USD 59.00 and it´s a perfect gift for 

any traveling Fly Fisher in the world. The value of the present is more than the FFTC Membership fee 

you pay. As you know the FFTC Membership contains many different advantages. It starts with the free 

and unlimited access to the FFTC Members Area, which inspires every Fly Fisher for the next trip and ends 

with some attractive discounts on regular rates. 

HOW IT WORKS 

It is just as simple as it can be. Please follow the link and select the FFTC FlyFisher Membership you like 

to choose for your friend. Follow the instructions to the checkout. After you purchased the FFTC Gift 

Voucher you will get two emails. The first is the standard confirmation for your order. With the second email 

we provide you a link to a separate online form. At this webpage you enter the email address of your friend 

(the person you purchased the FFTC Gift Voucher for), and you can also leave a personal message. 

You submit this data to us - it´s done - nothing else is needed! Your friend will get an invitation email 

including your personal message and a FFTC VOUCHER CODE for the amount of the FFTC Fly Fisher 

Membership fee you have chosen, including the instructions on how to handle this online - that´s all - that 

simple! You can select as many FFTC Gift Vouchers as you like during one checkout for all your Fly Fishing 

buddies you intend to surprise on Christmas. The only thing is that you have to enter the details (email 

address and personal message) separately for every single FFTC Gift Voucher. 

The FFTC GIFT VOUCHER for FlyFisher is the perfect gift for every Fly Fisher, who loves to travel for 

Fly fishing around the globe. 

F F T C 


est. 2017 


37

BRAZIL 

B 

The Amazon, a truly unique spot 

for a fly fishing adventure - and 

adventure definitely applies to 

this trip. 

razil 

AGUA BOA Lodge 

What we enjoyed the most about this 

trip is that it was so different from all 

the other salt water or fresh water trips 

we’ve taken. 

The Agua Boa Lodge is the finest 

facility in the Peacock Bass world. 

The Peacock Bass is a terrific sport 

fish on a fly. 

It grows to large sizes (15 and 20+ 

pound fish are not uncommon) and is 

a beautiful finned creature. They are 

aggressive takers and, when the 

water levels are right, the norm is 150 

to 300 fish weeks. 

Of the many other species that 

are available, the Arowana is the most 

spectacular because you can stalk 

them near the surface and take them 

on top. 

Our destination of choice is a “fly 

fishing, catch and release only” lodge 

– the only one of its kind in 

the Amazon. It is located on a unique 

clear water river which facilitates sight 

fishing and, because its located in a 

special nature preserve, can only be 

fished by clients of this particular 

lodge located at the Agua Boa River. 


Protection For The 

Fishery 

The Agua Boa is a special Amazon 

river, running clear water most of the 

time which makes sight fishing 

possible. So many of the Amazon 

waters are “black water” and are 

hammered by gear fishermen 

chucking large plugs. There are 

government restrictions in place for 

the unique waters of the Agua Boa 

limiting it to fly fishing, catch/release, 

single hook barbless fishing only. 

The upper 7/8’s of the river are 

covered by these permits. They are in 

the process of getting these same 

restrictions placed on the lower 1/8. 

There may be limited places in the 

Amazon where more Peacock Bass of 

a few pounds over 20 are available. 

However, no where is the fishery, 

wildlife, and overall Amazon 

experience for a fly rodder as 

predictable and proven as the Agua 

Boa. 

... 

Fishing Program 

The largest of the Peacock species, 

the Temensis, is a primary target. But 

there are several other species 

including an active surface popper 

target, the abundant Butterfly 

Peacock, with the distinctive three 

markings on their side. 

Caiman, the Amazon crocodile, are a 

constant part of the scene. 

Amazon wildlife is an important part of 

the adventure and the remote area 

surrounding the Agua Boa is an 

excellent place to find it. 

The Jaguar is the primary predator; 

river otters are playful wherever they 

are found; a variety of monkey’s swing 

in the trees. Strange things that crawl 

can be colorful; unusual creatures of 

the Amazon include the Tapir. 


39

CANADA 

G 

aspé 

St Jean Pavilion 

Who is the atlantic salmon? 

40 

SEASON 

Water levels are the key to successfully 

fishing the Amazon. January, February, 

and March are generally considered the 

most dependable for stable water levels 

with the rainy season beginning in April. 

The Agua Boa’s season runs from 

October through mid-April. 

RATES 

5.950 USD - Januar-March - per 

person for a shared room and guide 

4.950 USD - October-Dezember - per 

person for a shared room and guide 

The rates includes the charter flights 

between Manaus and the lodge. 



Clients stay in well-furnished, air-conditioned 

bungalows. A main room with two double 

beds, a reading area, frigobar, and a large welldesigned 

bathroom. The bungalows have hot 

(by solar panels) and cold running water, 

flushing toilets, and enough space to store all 

fishermen's gear. 





Fly Fishing Adventures 

Don Muelrath 

Phone: 888-347-4896 

001-707-254-8684 (outside USA) 

Fax: 001-707-255-3812 

E-mail: flyfish@napanet.net 

The Atlantic is considered by many to 

be the ultimate freshwater gamefish, 

known for its spirited runs and size 

attained. Additionally, in the crystal 

clear rivers of Gaspe, they can be 

sight fished with floating lines. 

The Atlantic is born as a “parr” and 

stay in freshwater for their first two 

years reaching 4 to 6 inches in length. 

They go to the ocean as a smolt and 

return as a 3 yr old (sometimes 4 yr 

old) grilse of 4 to 6 pounds. Second 

year returnees are 10 – 12 pounds and 

third year (now 5 – 6 years old) are in 

16-24 pound neighborhood. 

The 30 and 40+ pound fish are 

probably fourth year returnees, 

however some believe there are no 

fourth year fish. All fish return to the 

ocean to die as 6-7 year old fish. 

The Eastern Canadian Atlantic 

Salmon sport fishery had been 

diminished over the years due to 

commercial netting of the species. 

Some years ago: 

the Canadian government took 

aggressive action to save the fishery 

by paying the commercial fisherman 

NOT TO FISH. 

Since that time, the fishery has been 

recovering successfully. While not 

back entirely to the days of old, the 

numbers of returning fish annually 

make sport fishing in many rivers once 

again productive. 

Where is 

the atlantic salmon? 

Gaspe, Quebec is a charming, 

predominantly French speaking town 

with around 16,000 citizens isolated 

on the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula. It is 

an untarnished and wholesomely 

industrious community of 16,000 

Canadians on the shore of Gaspe 

Bay. 

There are three primary rivers within 

short driving distance of Gaspe – 

Dartmouth, St Jean, and York. Each 

one of them is broken into pools – 

gathering spots where salmon stop 

while making their way upstream to 

spawn. The rivers are further broken 

into sectors/zones. Sectors can be 

either “limited” or “unlimited.” 

“Limited” sectors have a maximum of 

2, 4, 6 or 8 fishermen allowed per day. 


41

CANADA 

That smaller percentage of grilse 

gives the angler much better odds of 

getting fish of 15, 20 pounds or larger 

– simply more large fish present in 

relation to the number of grilse. Our 

outfitter has three excellent guides - all 

good at spotting fish. 

They can be as long as 10 miles (like 

sector 1 we fished on the St. Jean) or 

as short as less than a mile like sector 

2 on the Dartmouth (the “falls”). 

Depending on the time of the season, 

it’s generally accepted that the pools 

in unlimited sectors see more 

fishermen each day, although this is 

not always the case. One of the top 

guides told us he has many unlimited 

pools on the Dartmouth that he finds 

very worthwhile and are some of his 

favorite spots. Some of the sectors are 

spectacularly beautiful with canyon 

stretches, waterfalls, and crystal clear 

pools over varying rock formations 

carved out by nature throughout the 

centuries. 

The Fishery 

A good Gaspe guide will have you fish 

waters only where he has spotted fish. 


That doesn’t mean you’ll get the 

Atlantic to eat the fly, but at least, you 

know you are fishing “live” water. He’ll 

also observe the fish (New Zealand 

style) and advise you on your drift to 

get the best possible shot at 

attracting a fish. This would be 

classified as a “trophy fishery” which 

means success is not measured in 

numbers of fish, but size and the 

overall experience. Even with a good 

guide, if you average a fish a day 

released, you’re doing well. 

However, most of the fish you’re 

casting to are over 10 pounds with a 

good number of 15 and 20+ 

pounders. The first year returning 

grilse make up a smaller percentage 

of the total returning Gaspe rivers fish 

count than most of the famous 

Atlantic fisheries. 

... 

SEASON 

The season runs June 1 to the end of 

September 

RATES 

Two basic packages are available. Both 

of the Gaspe based programs include 

guided fishing on the Dartmouth, York, 

and St. Jean, lodging, and meals. The 

most popular stays are four days of 

fishing and six days of fishing. 

1. There are different lodging options in 

the town of Gaspe. Using mid-priced 

lodging, pricing would be approximately: 

Five nights with four days of fishing: 

USD 2,800 pp based on shared 

room and guide; 

USD 3,800 pp for a single. 

Seven nights with six days fishing: 

USD 4,400 pp shared; 

USD 5,600 for a single 

2. The second option is the world class 

fishing lodge, St Jean Pavilion. The 

Pavilion has over 20 miles of private 

water on the St Jean River available for 

it’s maximum of 8 to 10 anglers. 

USD 1,300 per day, single or double 

If space is available, you could do a 

combination package of three days 

fishing at one of the “in Gaspe options” 

coupled with three days at the Pavilion. 


FFTC Voucher available - 100 USD off for 

FFTC Members / fisherman / booking 






Don Muelrath 

Phone: 888-347-4896 

001-707-254-8684 (outside USA) 

Fax: 001-707-255-3812 


43

CANADA 

L 

aprador 

Minipi River - The Anne Marie Lodge 

Brook Trout Paradise - The 

Minipi River 

This is simply the best dry fly fishing 

for large brook trout in the world. It's a 

special environment which produces 

hatches that defy the imagination and 

is home to a special strain of brook 

trout. 

From the west coast of the USA, it’s 

not easily accessed. The only reason 

that warrants the travel hassles (and 

the variable weather of Labrador) is 

the opportunity to take large, native, 

brook trout of over five pounds on a 

dry fly. 

Some of us are old enough to 

remember the old outdoor adventure 

TV series, The American Sportsman. 

Probably the most famous of their TV 

shows was the one in which Lee Wulff 

flew Curt Gowdy into an isolated river 

system in Labrador. They would take 

video of Lee and Curt catching these 

big, beautiful brookies on dry flies. 

Several times during the series, they 

featured this river system and it’s 

tremendous brookies. What made 

this particular series so fascinating 

was Curt Gowdy and the entire show 

staff were sworn to secrecy and not 

allowed to divulge the location of this 

river. Lee Wulff had vowed not to let 

the location be known until the 

Canadian government had set up a 

method of protecting the uniqueness 

of these fish and their habitat. 


Today, this is one of those special 

places that fishes "the way it used to" 

because of the protections that have 

been established and enforced by 

Lorraine and Jack Cooper, who 

operate three lodges on the system. 

Where is 

the atlantic salmon? 

Gaspe, Quebec is a charming, 

predominantly French speaking town 

with around 16,000 citizens isolated 

on the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula. It is 

an untarnished and wholesomely 

industrious community of 16,000 

Canadians on the shore of Gaspe 

Bay. 

There are three primary rivers within 

short driving distance of Gaspe – 

Dartmouth, St Jean, and York. Each 

one of them is broken into pools – 

gathering spots where salmon stop 

while making their way upstream to 

spawn. The rivers are further broken 

into sectors/zones. Sectors can be 

either “limited” or “unlimited.” 

“Limited” sectors have a maximum of 

2, 4, 6 or 8 fishermen allowed per day. 

... 

Hatches you have never seen 

before 

We have experienced drake hatches 

that were so intense that they covered 

the water as far as we could see. At 

times, it has been an incredible 

experience! 

During one particular hatch, I tried to 

count the number of drakes sitting on 

my fly line and got to 27 before losing 

track of where I was! In addition to the 

drakes, there is a large variety of other 

mayflies and caddis. Timing is the key 

issue if you are going to hit the 

hatches right. 

The wilds of Labrador, northeast 

Canada... ...the Minipi River 

watershed. 

One of those rare places on earth 

where things still are as they were 

hundreds, maybe thousands, of years 

ago. The large mayflies and caddis 

still hatch in overwhelming numbers 

and the giant brook trout still come to 

the surface to feast on them. 

The toothy pike still chase all the 

moving creatures, including the 

brookies, leaving their teeth marks as 

their calling card. 

It can be a beautiful environment 

although at times harsh, especially 

brutal during their winters. This is a 

long trek from the west coast and 

what draws us back every other year 

is the chance to stalk and cast dry flies 

to sighted trout of 5 to 8 pounds in a 

wilderness that “is the way it was.” 

Where to go? 

Over the last 15 years, we have made 

eight trips to this remote area by 

ourself. It seems as if every trip 

encountered some different 

conditions and circumstances, each 

with its own challenges. One of the 

attractions of revisiting a destination 

you’ve enjoyed many times in the past 

is that you begin to develop a sense for 

the fishery and its challenges. 

... 


45

CANADA 

The Lodge 

You can evaluate situations and 

conditions and just maybe draw some 

meaningful conclusions (of course, 

guessing as to why fish respond in the 

way they do is just speculation, but 

with many years to draw from, at least 

the speculations are more 

considered). 

Unusual conditions for our last trip 

were caused by record hot 

temperatures through mid June (this 

to contrast our trip two years before 

when they had the wettest June in 

history and waters everywhere were 

the highest ever). 

The result of those higher than normal 

June temps was twofold: 

The toothy pike still chase all the 

moving creatures, including the 

brookies, leaving their teeth marks as 

their calling card. 

It can be a beautiful environment 

although at times harsh, especially 

brutal during their winters. This is a 

long trek from the west coast and 

what draws us back every other year 

is the chance to stalk and cast dry flies 

to sighted trout of 5 to 8 pounds in a 

wilderness that “is the way it was.” 

The Minipi River 

If you could pinpoint the center of the 

Minipi Watershed, it would have to be 

Anne Marie. The headwaters flow 

together into compact, smaller 

bodies of water, and on a jutting 

peninsula that gives the most 

breathtaking view, we have built the 

Anne Marie Lodge. Some 6,000 sq. 

feet of modern day amenities, this 

lodge is the perfect jumping off point 

for anglers wanting to cast their line on 

any corner of the Minipi Watershed. 

The lodge itself was designed so that 

all bedrooms have large windows and 

an unobstructed view of Anne Marie 

Lake. 

The eastern wing has 5 double 

occupancy bedrooms, all with ensuite 

bath. Sitting in the common room 

with a cup of coffee under one of Derek 

deYoungs stunning fish art paintings, 

one can watch a glorious sunrise, and 

watch that same sun set on the 

dimpling rises of feeding brookies 

during the evening meal. 

• The brook trout is a cold water 

oriented species and prefers 

temps in the mid 50’s. It was 

high 60’s and even 70 degrees 

in many of our favorite sections. 

The warm water in many of our 

preferred spots appeared to 

have the brookies somewhere 

else pursuing cooler 

temperatures. 

• Hatches came off earlier than 

traditional times. We benefited 

from this in the later part of our 

week as the massive green 

drakes, which don’t normally 

hatch until late July or early 

August, were in full bloom. 


The Minipi watershed is a series of 

shallow lakes and large ponds with 

sections of river connecting them. 

There are massive weed beds which 

are alive with bug life which provide 

the prolific hatches that are as much 

an attraction as the giant brookies. 

The lakes have a current moving 

through them – not traditional lakes. 

The larger fish, for the most part, are 

found in the slow moving “lakes” 

where they can feast on the life cycle 

of the drakes, caddis, and other 

mayflies (over 25 species of mayflies 

have been verified here). The smaller 

brookies find refuge in the riffles 

where they can avoid the pike and the 

jaws of the adult brookies. 

RATES 

The world class fishing lodge Anne Marie 

Lodge offers a direct access to the Minipi 

watershed. 

The basic packages are 7 nigths and six 

days of fishing. The rate includes the 

charter flight form Goose Bay to the 

lodge 

Seven nights with six days fishing: 

USD 6,595 pp shared room and guide 





Don Muelrath 

Phone: 888-347-4896 

001-707-254-8684 (outside USA) 

Fax: 001-707-255-3812 


47

AFRICA 

B 

otswana 

Zambezi Queen 

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF 

AFRICA ON BOARD OF OUR 

LUXURY FLOATING HOTEL, 

ZAMBEZI QUEEN 

Moving along the banks of the great 

Chobe River, Zambezi Queen is a 5- 

star, 42-metre long luxury houseboat 

offering unparalleled sophistication in 

one of the most remote locations on 

the planet. Best of all, as a guest on 

the vessel, you can enjoy a truly 

unique and adventurous river safari 

holiday while still being surrounded 

by complete comfort and elegance. 

Each of the 14 suites on Zambezi 

Queen features air-conditioning and 

your own private balcony, where you 

can enjoy unobstructed views of the 

Chobe River and African landscape 

beyond. Wake up to the sight of an 

elephant drinking from the river, or 

watch a fish eagle take flight – all from 

the comfort of your own luxurious 

bed. 

Unlike a land-based lodge, Zambezi 

Queen navigates roughly 25km of the 

Chobe River, allowing you to explore 

different vantage points and enjoy 

unparalleled game viewing. In fact, the 

banks of the Chobe National Park 

boast one of the densest populations 

of elephant on the African continent – 

estimated at approximately 120 000. 


The Park is also home to a large 

number of buffalo, leopard and lion, 

along with a variety of antelope and 

abundant birdlife. 

Celebrated South African fashion 

designer Jenni Button created the 

luxury houseboat’s classic yet 

contemporary interior, using 

understated tones that make the 

wildlife on the banks of the river the 

star of the show. And, just like at any 

contemporary hotel, you can expect 

first class service at every turn. 

Whether you’re enjoying a gin and 

tonic on the upper deck at dusk or 

attempting to land your very first tiger 

fish, our highly experienced team will 

be on hand to meet your every need. 

Uniquely Africa. Unmistakably 

Elegant. Extraordinarily. 

Comfortable. 

From the moment you step on-board 

the Zambezi Queen, it becomes 

apparent that no expense was spared 

in creating one of the world’s most 

unique river safari experiences. 

Zambezi Queen offers luxury 

houseboat accommodation in the 

form of 14 tasteful and luxurious 

suites – ten standard suites and four 

master suites, all with outer decks so 

you can soak up the revitalising 

Chobe River breeze and appreciate 

uninterrupted views of the unique 

African landscape beyond. While 

both types of suites let you relax in a 

luxurious setting, our master suites 

are slightly bigger, and have larger 

balconies that house two deckchairs 

and a table. Our master suites also 

feature both side and front sliding 

doors for a truly panoramic view of 

your surroundings. 

With stylish interiors created by 

celebrated South African designer 

Jenni Button, each suite was 

designed with the warm climate in 

mind: clever use of shutters, airconditioning 

and a fan ensure you 

keep cool, even during times of the 

year when temperatures soar. 

All suites come with en-suite 

bathrooms (shower only) and full 

length sliding shutters for both 

privacy and protection from the sun. 

Hairdryers, toiletries, gowns and 

slippers are provided for your 

comfort, while electronic safes in 

each room are ideal for storing your 

valuables. All suites accommodate 

two adults, and two of the larger 

standard suites can take a maximum 

of three adults. Suites can be 

configured with either one double or 

two single beds. 

... 


49

AFRICA 

A Culinary Experience in its 

own right 

From a creamy bowl of warming 

porridge in the morning to a helping of 

decadent white chocolate parfait at 

night, dining on Zambezi Queen is an 

indulgent treat, all on its own. Using 

seasonal ingredients sourced from 

local markets, meals on board our 

luxury houseboat consist of a full 

English breakfast, a buffet lunch and a 

choice of two plated menu options for 

dinner. Every mouthwatering dish is 

prepared by our locally trained 

Namibian kitchen staff, who combine 

authentic local flavours with their 

passion for creating sophisticated 

meals suited to discerning palates. 


Take a seat at your own private table 

and enjoy panoramic views of the 

wildlife during breakfast and lunch. 

Come evening time, settle in and 

enjoy an African themed dinner on one 

night of your stay, trying out traditional 

local food such as moroho and pap. 

Special dietary requirements can be 

catered for, but we ask that you specify 

this when you book – our remote 

location means that we need a bit of 

time to source ingredients that may be 

out of the ordinary. Unfortunately this 

also means that we’re not able to cater 

for Halaal and Kosher guests. 

THE BAR 

The bar on the upper deck is open 

until 10pm and stocks a selection of 

local and imported spirits, wine and 

beers. Included in your 

accommodation rates are all locally 

sourced wines, beers, soft drinks and 

water, while spirits, sparkling wine 

and dessert wine are for your own 

account. 

THE LOUNGE 

On the upper deck of Zambezi Queen 

you’ll find our dining room, bar and a 

comfortable lounge with unobstructed 

views of the unique African landscape 

that surrounds you. Beat the heat on 

the forward deck with a dip in the 

plunge pool, and then relax on inviting 

sun loungers while you dry off, or kick 

back on the sumptuous couches. 

Amid the muted African colour tones, 

you can’t help but relax as you gaze 

upon elephants, antelope and other 

wild animals strolling along the banks 

of the Chobe. 

LUXURIOUS RELAXATION JUST 

THE WAY YOU WANT IT 

A stay on-board Zambezi Queen is a 

different kind of safari. It’s the kind 

where you get to decide if you want to 

be up with the birds, or prefer to laze 

all morning watching game from the 

comfort of your bed. 

Our itinerary is flexible so while we 

have a range of activities on offer, you 

can choose just how much you want 

to pack into your holiday or how 

relaxed you want to be. 

Don’t think of your time on Zambezi 

Queen as a river cruise. Instead, think 

of it as a floating boutique hotel that 

departs and returns to the same point, 

navigating roughly 25km of the Chobe 

River weather permitting. You’ll first 

arrive at the Zambezi Queen via a 

short tender boat ride from the 

Kasane Immigration Office. We offer 

staggered transfer times on the hour 

between 13:00 and 16:00, so you can 

arrive at your own pace and don’t 

have to worry about missing the boat. 

... 


51

AFRICA 


The legendary Tigerfish is well known 

for being one of the most thrilling 

challenges for any fly fisher. 

Renowned for their speed and 

strength, these ferocious predators 

never fail to put up a spectacular fight. 

But what exactly does it take to catch 

these powerful prey? We spoke to 

Jonathan Boulton from Mavungana 

Flyfishing, who shared some of the 

expert insights he’s learned over 25 

years of fishing the waters of the great 

Chobe River region. 

When is the best season for a 

Tigerfishing safari? 

While it’s true that Tigerfish can be 

caught throughout the year, I’ve 

found that late May through 

September have the best conditions. 

The water is clear and starts to warm 

up just after winter. 

As water recedes back off the 

floodplains it causes baitfish to be 

drawn back into the main channel, 

providing the perfect hunting ground 

for Tigerfish. 

Is there a preferred time of day to go 

Tigerfishing? 

Absolutely. We call it the Golden Hour, 

just before and after sunset and 

sunrise. Tigerfish are opportunists 

and hunt using the element of surprise 

in low light. Tigerfish can hunt their 

prey far more effectively in the low 

light. 

What else do you take into 

consideration before planning a trip? 

At Mavungana Flyfishing, we only 

book trips during a new moon. 

Tigerfish struggle to hunt in complete 

darkness, so when there’s no light 

from the moon they’re less likely to 

catch any prey. In the morning when 

the sun starts to rise, they’re ravenous 

and readily attack anything that looks 

like prey. ... 

Where are some of the best places to 

go Tigerfishing in the Chobe River 

region? 

It depends on the season, but there 

are a few hot spots I’ve discovered 

over the years. In May and June, when 

the water levels are high, the main 

Zambezi is a very active area for 

Tigerfish. I often head upstream for 

Golden Pond and Jojo’s Village. 

Alternatively, in August, the water 

levels in the Kasai Channel get very 

low, and the mini Barbel run begins. 

Barbel hunt in packs and prey on 

baitfish hiding beneath the papyrus 

reeds. The Tigerfish take the 

opportunity to follow the run and feast 

on all the leftovers in the Barbels’ 

wake. 

At the same time, water levels just 

south of Impalila Island can be very 

low, and Tigerfish can concentrate 

around rapids south of Ichingo Chobe 

River Lodge where the Kasai and 

Chobe Rivers meet. 

What kind of boats do you use? 

You want a lot of deck space to move 

around freely when you hook the 

Tigerfish. Ichingo Chobe River 

Lodge‘s boats have space for two 

anglers on each boat, and plenty of 

storage room to keep your gear and 

other belongings out of the way. 

Lastly, what’s one of the most 

amazing things you’ve seen on 

your Tigerfishing expeditions? 

What always impresses me is just how 

savage these fish are. I once landed a 

Tigerfish that was cut clean in half by 

one of its own kind driven into a 

feeding frenzy. They’re not known as 

the most voracious freshwater fish for 

nothing. 

... 



53

AFRICA 

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is located on secluded Impalila Island, making it the perfect 

base to launch your unforgettable Tigerfishing adventure. All rods, flies, lures, lines, 

leaders, reels and other fishing equipment are included with every fishing safari package. 

Stay in one of eight air-conditioned Meru safari tents, dine on world-class African-inspired 

cuisine, and spot a myriad wildlife and birds on the river banks from your private deck. 

Combination Options 

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge 

Staying with the Zambezi Queen Collection will be the highlight of your trip to 

Africa, whether you stay on one of our four houseboats or at our tented Ichingo Chobe 

River Lodge. 

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge 

Our suggested combination package includes a stay at the award-winning Victoria Falls 

Safari Lodge which offers guests an unforgettable experience. 

SEASON 

LOW SEASON: Januar - Februar 

HIGH SEASON: March - December 

RATES 

Rates are per person sharing. Departs for 2 

nights on Monday & Wednesday. Departs for a 

3 night stay only on Friday. 


Experience the Big 5 

A stay at Hwange Bush Camp ties in perfectly with a stay on board one of the Chobe 

Princess houseboats or Ichingo Chobe River Lodge within the Zambezi Queen 

Collection. 

Special rates on request - it depends on your individual travel plans. We will help you to 

organize your stay to explore the beautiful African destinations you wish. 

As a guest on the Zambezi Queen, you’ll enjoy a truly unique and luxurious river safari 

holiday in complete comfort and elegance. We offer two-night and three-night itineraries 

that depart every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 


LOW SEASON: Januar and Februar 

aprox. USD 575 in Standard Suite or aprox. USD 

680 for Master Suite per person per night 

(sharing) 

HIGH SEASON: March to December 

aprox. USD 640 in Standard Suite or aprox. 

USD 755 for Master Suite per person per night 



The Mantis Collection. 

Zambezi Queen Collection. 

1st Floor Westlake Lifestyle centre 

Westlake, Cape Town 

Kirsty Coetzee -Sales Managerkirsty@zqcollection.com 

Phone: +27 21 715 2412 

51 55

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There is no entry regulations or any committee you have to pass and 

every active FFTC Member enjoys the same privileges. 

We invite every FlyFisher in the world to be a part of the fastest 

growing FlyFisher Community worldwide. 

You love to travel for flyfishing - perfect - we do too! 

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• We are not a poor directory page with tons of links 

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shop or specialized travel agency for FlyFishers 

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est. 2017 

• Unlimited and free access to the FFTC Members Area 

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F F T C 


est. 2017 

Your Membership contains: 

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(valid date on your FFTC Member Card) 

• NO subscription with automatical extension of the Membership 

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57

AFRICA 

Z 

ambia 

The Royal Zambezi Lodge 

High class at the jungle! You 

are looking for a luxury Africa 

Fly Fishing adventure? 

The Lower Zambezi offers one of the 

finest fresh water angling experiences 

in the world. Although it is a yearround 

activity, the best time to catch 

tiger fish is between September and 

March. 

Expert resident guides lead fishing 

excursions on new, fully-fitted 

aluminium boats. For guests who are 

new to fishing or fly-fishing, our 

guides provide expert instruction and 

assistance. All fishing is on a catch 

and release basis. 

The Lodge 

Royal Zambezi Lodge, an intimate 

family-owned property, is situated on 

the banks of the mighty Zambezi River 

on the edge of the unique Lower 

Zambezi National Park, directly 

opposite Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. 

The design of Royal Zambezi Lodge 

allows nature and the environment to 

play a leading role in ensuring 

the relaxed place and magical 

experience enjoyed by guests. 

Royal Zambezi Lodge is an ideal place 

to stay when combining a visit to 

Victoria Falls. It works perfectly for a 

family safari holiday or fishing trip, yet 

also as the romantic setting for 

honeymoon couples. The lodge offers 

the ultimate in comfort & luxury, with 

unrivaled game viewing 

accompanied by professional 

guides, a luxury spa and world-class 

lure and fly fishing. 

With a classic design of thatched roofs 

and an open plan reception, dining 

and lounge area, the Royal Zambezi 

also offers a relaxing environment for 

anglers with a touch of luxury. The 

open veranda gives shade from the 

midday sun and the hardwood deck 

terrace extends over the shallow 

banks of the Lower Zambezi River. In 

the evenings, guests can gather at the 

Sausage Tree Bar for drinks before 

dinner is served, bragging and storytelling 

about the day's activities or 

simply relaxing and taking in the 

sounds of being in the middle of the 

National Park. The Zambian lions can 

often be heard calling the 

Zimbabwean lions across the river! 

The Bush Spa 

The Royal Zambezi Bush Spa has 

been inspired by the natural beauty 

surrounding the lodge and 

is Zambia's first and only bush spa. Its 

minimalist design exudes an air of 

complete balance, peace and 

tranquillity offering you the ultimate 

refuge to restore the mind, body and 

spirit. 

We pride ourselves on the 

attentive team of qualified 

therapists who are on hand to provide 

you with a wide variety of massages, 

facials and a host of other therapeutic 

and beauty skin care treatments. 

Many of these use local indigenous 

ingredients from the African bush 

further emphasising its beauty and 

enchantment. 

The spa is positioned around the 

central courtyard where the inviting 

aroma of burning scented candles fill 

the air from the two treatment rooms. 

You are also invited to use the cooling 

plunge pool and outdoor Jacuzzi with 

its breathtaking vista across the river 

- the perfect way to while away those 

lazy afternoons. 

There is also the beautifully appointed 

lounge area where you can sip fresh 

juices accompanied by the 

remarkable sights and sounds of the 

resident flora and fauna. ... 



59

AFRICA 


Africa’s No1 freshwater game fish has 

to be the tiger fish. These native 

African fish are found in many rivers 

and lakes over the continent. 

The tiger has an elongated silver/gold 

body with stripes running horizontally 

along its flanks. In clear water, it has 

red/orange tail and fins. BUT, the 

most striking part of a tiger fish is its 

jaws. With 10 upper and 8 lower 

interlocking, razor-sharp dagger-like 

teeth on an outwards-hinged mouth, 

it is truly a sight to behold. 

The hard-fighting species we fish for is 

Hydrocynus vittatus and is commonly 

found in the Okavango Delta, the 

Zambezi River and its tributaries, in 

some rivers in Tanzania, in the two 

biggest lakes along the Zambezi 

(Lake Kariba in Zambia/Zimbabwe 

and Lake Cabora Bassa in 

Mozambique) and also in the Jozini 

dam in South Africa. 

Tiger fish are incredibly fast-striking 

and hard-fighting. They can be caught 

on streamer flies - fun is guaranteed. 

Fishing with lures, bait and flies is the 

norm here but guests can also catch 

tigers fish and other species with 

cutbait. Small fish called 'Chessa' or 

'Bulldogs' are found in abundance on 

the banks of the river and will be 

prepared for use on board. Sharptooth 

Barbel and Vundu Catfish are caught 

with heavier tackle, cutbait and also 

using a local soap called Chik as a 

bait. Rods, tackle and flies are 

provided although enthusiasts may 

bring their own gear. 

The Wildlife 

Royal Zambezi Lodge is situated only 

five minutes drive away from the 

Lower Zambezi National Park, and in 

a Game Management Area (GMA) 

which is home to huge herds of 

elephant and buffalo, and offers 

frequent and reliable lion and leopard 

sightings. 

Our qualified and enthusiastic guides 

have over 50 years of experience 

guiding in the Lower Zambezi Valley. 

The river is an ideal place to view both 

wildlife and birdlife - the riverine 

ecosystem hosts spectacular birdlife. 

Clients can opt for open vehicle drives, 

night drives, walking safaris or boat 

trips for game-viewing or photographic 

safaris. 

The Lower Zambezi National Park 

covers an area of 4092 square km. 

Most of the game however is 

concentrated along the valley floor 

due to the escarpment along the 

northern end acting as a physical 

barrier to most of the park’s animal 

species. The park is home to large 

herds of elephant and healthy 

populations of lion, leopard, sidestriped 

jackal, hyena, hippo, buffalo, 

zebra, waterbuck, and many other 

antelope. Less common but a very 

special treat are the African wild dog 

and aardvark. 

The Lower Zambezi National Park is 

an IBA (Important Bird Area) and 

therefore of global conservation 

significance. Over 300 species of 

birds can be found here. The African 

fish eagle, Zambia's national bird, is 

commonly seen and heard. 

... 



61

AFRICA 

One of the most memorable sights to 

be seen in the Lower Zambezi valley is 

that of elephants swimming across 

the enormous Zambezi River. This, 

along with buffalo and waterbuck 

"island hopping", can all be viewed 

from the comfort of the lodge. As the 

lodge is unfenced it is not uncommon 

for game to wander through, in 

particular elephants are often found 

meandering their way down to the 

water, halting occasionally to help 

themselves to the leaves on the 

sausage trees. 

Hippos are everywhere in these 

waters, along with resident 

crocodiles. Hippos and Antelope are 

often seen from the deck of your 

accommodation and lions are never 

far away. This part of the National 

Park is a hot spot for the elusive 

leopard. Bird life on the river is 

spectacular and best seen on the 

early morning excursions. 


Other Activities 

One of the best ways to experience the 

true beauty of the river and get up 

close to animals on the river banks is 

by canoe. These trips are arranged 

with professional guides who have a 

vast knowledge of the wildlife and 

birdlife of the area. 

There are few things more relaxing 

than drifting gently down the river in a 

canoe. Whether exploring the 

hyacinth studded channels, getting up 

close to elephant, buffalo and hippo or 

bird watching, this is the best way for 

guests to experience the Zambezi. 

There is the option of morning, 

evening or full day excursions. 

SEASON 

Year round for various species but fly fishing 

best through summer until late October 

RATES 

Weekly program (7 nights/ 6 full days 

fishing): 

USD 4.950 per angler 

• Included: Six full days of fishing; 7 nights at the 

Lodge, based on double occupancy; all meals while 

at Hotel; open bar; 

return flights MAO/Ecolodge/MAO; daily laundry; 

fishing licenses, guided fishing (2 anglers/ boat); 

overnight at Hotel in city 1st night on arrival; airport 

assistance and transfers. 

• Not Included: International and National air 

transportation to and from cities to Manaus in Brazil or 

unless specified above; 







WORLDWIDE FISHING ADVENTURES 

LIMITED 

Suite 205A 

Saffrey Squarem Bank Lane & Bay 

Street 

P.O. Box N-4244, Nassau, Bahamas 

EU & rest of the world: +351 917812328 

US and Canada toll free: 1 866 920 2814 

email: info@amazon-angler.com 

63

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phone: +33 (0)4 50 09 01 92 

Cosmoledo – The GT 

Capital of this World 

Way out in the Indian Ocean roughly 

1000km to the Southwest of the main 

Seychelles Islands and some 500km 

up from Madagascar there is the 

Aldabra Coral Island group. 

Magnificent Aldabra itself is a World 

Heritage Site; next door is Cosmoledo 

with Astove and Assumption 

completing this group. Apart of a 

smallish newly built fly fishing lodge 

operated by Alphonse Fishing Co. all 

islands are uninhabited and display a 

fantastic scenery, gin clear waters, 

wildlife as good as it gets and some of 

the very best flyfishing on this planet. 

Cosmoledo itself is of volcanic origin; 

its slightly rectangular shape has a 10 

– 14 km wide lagoon which is fringed 

by 10 or 12 bigger coral islands and 

some weird looking coral heads in 

between. 

It is in absolute pristine condition and 

mainly filled and drained by one 

massive channel. 

The tides can vary from o.2 to 2.4m 

hence huge water volumes can be 

flowing in and out twice every day. 

There are endless flats of white sand 

interspersed with turtlegrass patches 

and easy wadable coral grounds. The 

variety of fish species is extraordinary 

and Cosmoledo is well known for big 

surprises.. 


65

Trip memories 


I feel extremely privileged to have 

fished in this paradise 3 times by now; 

first time was in 2003. Soon 

afterwards all these outer atolls of the 

Seychelles were closed due to the 

Somali pirates but reopening took 

place in 2014 as there have been no 

piracy issues for over 7 years with the 

area well patrolled by radar. 

While most flyfishermen are visiting 

Cosmoledo to catch a bounty of GTs 

it is the entity of unique scenery, 

remoteness, spectacular birdlife, 

huge numbers of wild turtles and of 

course first class flyfishing which 

makes every trip another special 

experience giving me enormous 

pleasure and long lasting memories. 

All trips out there are run on a weekly 

basis and Cosmoledo nowadays is 

served by a wonderful 85 feet 

Catamaran called Lone Star. Totally 

refitted in 2015 it offers comfortable 

room for 8 anglers in 3 double and 2 

single cabins. 

There are 4 guides, the skipper and a 

crew of 3 on board as well. A big 

advantage is that the Lone Star can 

enter the lagoon to be positioned in 

the lee of a nearby island in sheltered 

waters. 4 brand new skiffs are ankered 

a few hundred yards out. 

The approach happens with a dual 

prop engine 12 seater from Mahé - the 

main island in a 3 hours flight with a 

quick touch down for refueling on 

Alphonse. 

School of feeding Milkfish 

Cosmoledo is certainly not 

overfished. 

There is no commercial fishing 

for hundreds of miles 

...and flyfishing happens only for 4 or 

5 weeks in late autumn and 9 or 10 

weeks in early spring – each week 

limited to 8 rods. 

After landing on the grassstrip of 

Astove our group was swiftly moved 

across the island to embark Lone Star. 

A smooth 3 hours sailing over to 

Cosmoledo was used by the 

headguide and the skipper to brief us 

what we would do and what we 

should not do. As soon as we had 

anchored within the lagoon all tackle 

was set up and for there was daylight 

enough left some ventured out for a 

recce which was very nice but 

amazingly unproductive. 

The next morning the daily routine set 

in with full breakfast at 7am outside on 

the afterdeck and taking off for fishing 

at 8am with 2 anglers per guide in his 

skiff. Before motoring away we would 

get a perfect plan explained how the 

day would be run. With the prevailing 

tides and wind directions proper 

planning out there is absolutely crucial 

to get it all right and make the very best 

of when approaching which flat or 

area to hit it hopefully right and enjoy 

some good sport for the different 

species like GTs, Bonefish, Milkfish, 

Triggers and Permits. GTs for sure 

rule the day because there is an 

abundance either sitting on the rays 

which are gliding over the flats, 

patrolling the beaches most of times 

in smaller groups or then feeding in 

the roaring surf out near the reef. Day 

one started right with a big bang for 

me. Our guide for the day took us 

ashore next door where we patrolled 

along the beautiful sandy beach for a 

good mile in fantastic conditions; 

under blue sky the air was clear and 

we had unhindered view out to a 

medium surf. We could not see any 

fish but at one point my partner started 

to cast out blind with his 12# and 

bushy fly. He soon was into a bigger 

fish but sadly lost it after some 15 

seconds because his line got 

somehow tangled. Well I thought I 

better start fishing too; I headed 

another few hundred yards close to a 

weird looking coral head where I had 

noticed a slight cross current. Second 

cast I was in a fish with no clue 

whatsoever what it was. Dave the 

guide came over, felicitated and 

released the GT 5 minutes later. Three 

or four casts later I had a better fish 

and at about 9’30 we wandered back 

to the tender me having caught 3 

GT’s and a real trophy Bluefin 

Trevally - all 4 fish hooked or casted 

for from the very same 20 yards of 

beach. Another most memorable 

moment I had on day four. The 

youngish Seychellois Alex was my 

guide. The previous day he had got it 

slightly wrong tidewise, that means 

his skiff was sitting high and dry on a 

sandy flat when he returned from the 

surf with his 2 guests. Hence they had 

to sit it out and we had to postpone 

dinner. Of course he was teased a lot 

about this mishap and punished with 

some extra drinks kindly offered by the 

guests and fellow guides. 

66 


67

Trip memories 


On my very day he took most apt 

revenge on his fellow guides in his 

own style by making me catching a 

Grand Slam on the flats. The next day 

he returned 2 lucky guests with a 

double slam with Milkfish. On my day 

the 6lbs bonefish was not all too 

difficult. The 1 st GT was sitting on a ray 

and I managed to hook and safely land 

it with my #8 Sage on a bonefish-fly. 

Alex just shook his head and muttered 

that he had never seen a GT landed on 

#8 before. After another GT on my #11 

Hardy Proaxis we headed out for a 

Trigger. It took us a long while to find 

one and when I saw this fish I thought 

it is “mission impossible” for it was 

intensively tailing in a huge patch of 

deep and dense turtle grass. The 1 st 

cast was about 1m off due to the light 

breeze but the second cast 20 yards 

out was spot on. The fish noticed my 

fly on my second twitch, followed over 

½ yard and when I felt him slightly I set 

the hook. 3 minutes later I was over 

the moon with my 1 st Grand Slam 

ever. My partner for the day who 

witnessed it all from close by 

commented wryly: “ when all the stars 

are lining up it all looks so damn easy”. 

Another most memorable experience 

I enjoyed with hooking and landing a 

nice GT which was sitting on the back 

of a lemon shark. After wading another 

huge flat we were on our way back to 

the skiff because the tide was 

pushing. Almost there we noticed a 

2m shark swimming at leisure in knee 

deep water but out of reach. My guide 

said let us wait and see what he does 

and sure enough he turned and came 

close enough. 


On my second strip I hooked this 25 

lbs GT and started to play it. A very 

short while into this my guide 

suddenly got nervous and told me to 

crank down my reel. Turning my head 

to ask why I noticed a bigger shark not 

far off but this one was very obviously 

swimming far more agitated. Hence I 

used highest strain ( GT RIO line and 

120 lbs leader ) on the fish and we 

managed to release it safely because 

it luckily was hooked in the scissors 

only. 

The tally for the week and all 8 rods 

was a respectable 98 GTs, 2 

Milkfish, about 10 Triggers, 

numerous Bonefish, a large dog 

tooth Tuna, uncounted Bluefins 

and a whole number of different 

species like Jobfish, Groupers and 

Snappers. The biggest GT was 

caught off shore and measured 

124cm! 5 rods have been wrecked 

and numerous flylines did not make it 

back to the boat. The weather did not 

play ball all the time; in the afternoon 

we sometimes had high clouds or 

then the occasional heavy tropical 

down pour. In better weather 

conditions I am convinced we could 

have easily landed 12o GTs which still 

would not have raised too many 

eyebrows. Cosmoledo in a good week 

repeatedly delivers 200 or more GTs. 

Amazingly the fishing for bones was 

rather slow this time with good sizes 

though ( up to 8 or even 9 pound fish ) 

whereas I counted at least 500 

milkfish on the flats alone. 

Mind all this happens in untouched 

nature. It is quite common that there 

are up to 20 turtles ( Green and 

Hawksbills) feeding next to you and on 

some of the islands ... 

there are huge bird colonies – 3 different species of boobies mainly - roosting or 

breeding. They are not shy at all. Sometimes Greater Fregates are chasing a booby until 

it regurgitates his fish whereupon the Fregate picks it up midair. I also saw a pair of the 

very rare red tailed tropic bird. 

Cosmoledo is managed by Alphonse Fishing Company which also provides superb 

fishing on Astove, Alphonse Island, the fantastic atoll St Francois nearby and on Poivre 

which is world famous for Permit. I fished Poivre years ago and remember to have 

overlooked a huge flat in watermirror conditions. There were at least 40 good sized permit 

tailing – not youngsters in one or two schoals but very nice fish in singles or doubles. There 

is also superb Bluewaterfishing on offer, mainly for sailfish, wahoo, dorado and tuna. And 

there are plans for more live aboard adventures on islands nearby. 

The whole enterprise is extremely well managed. There is a fine crew of some 50 people 

with age average about 35 years working very hard and fully inspired all along one single 

motto 

“do your very best that your guest is having the trip of his life …. 

and if he does not smile in the evening try harder”. 

I recommend this trip at best; do it if you can, you will not regret. 

Trip memories written by Dr. Ueli Zellweger, Somerset UK © all photos of this report by Dr. Ueli Zellweger 

FFTC. club FlyFisher Member since June 2018 


69

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SEYCHELLES 

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eychelles 

Alphonse and St. Francois Atoll 

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*USING CODE FFTC2020FOCENGRAVE Expiry 31/3 2021 

In the Indian Ocean, off the east coast 

of Africa, lie a collection of 115 islands 

and atolls, over half uninhabited, 

known as the Seychelles. The 

spectacular Seychelles’ sister atolls 

of Alphonse and St. Francois could be 

your home for a week of quality salt 

water flats fishing. 

Using a very comfortable five star 

tropical resort as your home, this rich 

and protected marine environment 

provided outstanding opportunities 

for bonefish, giant trevally, trigger 

fish, milkfish (a 20 to 40 pound fly rod 

trophy fish which belies it’s somewhat 

tame name) and a host of colorful 

coral reef fish. 

The Atolls 

The two sister atolls of Alphonse and 

St. Francois are separated by a deep 

channel less than a mile wide. The 

unique currents and structure of these 

two atolls with the channel between 

them helps create this ultra-rich 

marine ecosystem. The small island of 

Alphonse has been home for several 

years to the five-star Alphonse Island 

Resort. Currently, the resort is not 

operating except to cater to and 

service fly fishers and spouses – 

maximum of 12 per week. This is a salt 

water environment which pulsates 

with life providing sustenance for sea 

turtles and masses of crustaceans, 

reef and coral fish and, of course, a 

great number of sport fish. 

In the photo, the expansive flats of St. 

Francois atoll are in the foreground – 

barely visible on the left above St. 

Francois is the Alphonse Atoll with the 

narrow and deep channel separating 

them. 

Protection for the Fishery 

Before the government recognized 

how unique these atolls were and put 

protection in place, they were subject 

to the usual array of human abuse that 

can diminish special natural 

paradises such as this. At one time, 

plug fishermen were filling freezers 

and natives were netting the flats. 

About fifteen years ago, restrictions 

were put in place and since then, only 

“catch and release” fly fishing is 

allowed inside the lagoon systems 

and only the guests staying at 

Alphonse have access. 

... 


71

SEYCHELLES 


73

SEYCHELLES 

Since then, the fishing has improved 

dramatically every year and continues 

to develop as the most reliable and 

consistent of all the Seycheles 

destinations. While fishing the flats, 

there are days you’ll see 40 to 50 or 

more sea turtles, large sharks, 

massive rays, and hundreds of 

bonefish – all signs of a vibrant marine 

ecosystem. 

The deep water, just outside the reef 

system, was home to a small pod of 

Humpback Whales. As a salt water 

environment, this is an amazingly rich 

aqua-paradise – truly one of the few 

places we would label among “the 

fishiest places in the world.” 

Fishing Program 

Most of the bonefishing is done while 

wading on hard bottomed, grassfree, 

sand flats. The larger species 

(GT’s and milkfish) can be stalked on 

foot near dropoffs, but are most often 

pursued from a flats skiff that allows 

for covering more and deeper water, 

with better vision than wading – also, 

the skiff is handy for pursuit when a GT 

or milkfish is hooked. 

You are transported between the two 

atolls on a comfortable catamaran 

(below center) – a 30 minute run. The 

catamaran anchors for the day in the 

lagoon at St. Francois, serving as your 

base. You have the option of returning 

to the cat for lunch or eating on your 

skiff. The Dolphin flats skiffs are kept 

in the St. Francois lagoon where you 

anchor. 

RATES 

9.560 USD per person for a shared 

room and guide. 

The basic packages are 7 nights and six 

days of fishing. The rate includes the 

charter flight between Mahe and 

Alphonse. 


CONSERVATION LEVY: 


There will be this additional fee which can be 

paid at the island in cash. It will be either 

USD 25 or USD 35 a day per person. 




Don Muelrath 

Phone: 888-347-4896 

001-707-254-8684 (outside USA) 

Fax: 001-707-255-3812 


75

SEYCHELLES 

S 

eychelles 

Cosmoledo Atoll 

" 

Enjoy one of the best saltwater Fly fishing 

destination in the world - a remote atoll 

called Cosmoledo" 

" 

Cosmoledo enjoys the reputation of being an 

explosive saltwater flats fishing experience. It’s 

here you’ll find enormous white sand flats, lagoon 

edges and channels, all ruled by the incomparable 

giant trevally. This GT capital of the world also 

boasts impressive numbers of other fish, including 

big bonefish, bluefin trevally, bohar snapper, 

barracuda, milkfish, the finicky indo-pacific permit 

and a host of triggerfish species. 

" 

Cosmoledo is just a stone’s throw away from the World Heritage Site of Aldabra, often 

described as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. The atoll’s pristine and untouched 

ecosystem boasts vast, wadeable sand flats, beautiful islands of different shapes and 

sizes as well as a wonderful lagoon. With humans having placed very little pressure on 

its environment over the years the encounters you’ll experience are proof of how remote 

and preserved this magnificent atoll is. 


" 

The sheer numbers and variety of fish species has amazed 

the fly fishing world, with anglers from across the globe 

sampling the ultimate fishing playground. The hard white 

sand, turtle grass or coral flats of Cosmoledo make for easy 

wading, thus separating it from other destinations in the world. 

" 77

C 

osmoledo holds the seychelles' 

largest colonies of all three species 

of booby seabirds. 

78 

79

Dining 

and 

cool hangout tent. 

80 

81

SEYCHELLES 

The Accomodations 

With its commitment to the conservation 

and preservation and protection of the 

natural resources, this is where nature 

meets creative hospitality and 

understated luxury. The distinctive eco 

camp has a sense of serenity and 

adventure from its surroundings, whiles 

conveying a unity with its location. 

The 8 recrafted air-conditioned Eco Pods 

blend in the natural wilderness. Equipped 

with modern amenities, the eco pods are 

decorated in soft neutral colors. 

You’ll love the dining: a fantastic mixture 

of Creole and international food, featuring 

fresh fish at any time. 

THE SEASON 

The season at Cosmoledo are split with a 

break over the festive season. The first 

part of the season traditionally runs from 

early November until late December and 

the second part of the runs from late 

February to late April. 


83

RATES 

One week (7 nights / 6 days fishing) 

shared guide and room: USD 14,950 

Included 

• 7 Night package with all meals included 

in shared accommodation 

• Scheduled return charter flight 

• Six days fully guided fishing with 2 anglers 

to 1 guide 

• Tender boat and fuel 

• Fishing License and Landing Fees 

• Water, soft drinks, coffee and tea 

• Wine with dinner 

• Fly fishing rod and reel rental 

Excluded 

• Single supplement of USD 3.150 

• International Flights 

• Ground transfers on Mahé 

• Conservation Donation of USD 175 

• All alcoholic beverages 

• Laundry, items of a personal nature, telephone 

and email charges 

• Travel and medical insurance 

• Tackle and flies 

• Gratuities 

BELIZE 

B 

It’s the water – and in Belize, it’s 

definitely the water and the 

world’s second largest barrier 

reef that makes this destination 

special. 

Lots of options here – it does depend 

on what sort of experience you’re 

looking for and the make up of your 

group or family. 

To begin, there is what many believe 

to be the top saltwater adventure 

anywhere – the Belize Mothership 

Trip. 

elize 

Mothership - The Rising Tide 









Nernstweg 5 


phone: +49 1778086466 



Staffed by Captain Dean Myers and 

his able crew, you and your group of 2, 

3, 4, or 6 live on the shallow waters 

inside the reef on your own personal 

floating lodge – i.e., a comfortable, 

air conditioned, live-aboard yacht. 

Behind the mothership your flats 

skiffs are towed, from which you will 

pursue tarpon, bonefish, snook, barr 

acuda, and can access the world’s 

finest permit flats. 

There are a variety of coastal options 

in Belize. 

For a top-of-the-line couple’s island 

get-away, there is Cayo Espanto. 

Ambergris Caye, as well as some of 

the other cayes, offer different forms 

of island family getaways. 

The eastern edge of the Turneffe 

Islands is one of the most beautiful 

spots in the world. Both Turneffe 

Island Lodge and Turneffe Flats 

Lodge provide slightly different 

experiences. 

... 

84 www.fftc.club 85

BELIZE 

Features of "Rising Tide" 

• Will sleep 2 to 6 guests in three staterooms. 

• 3 bathrooms, each with hot and cold water shower 

(tub in Master stateroom). 

• Master stateroom has queen bed (below left). 

• Upgraded air conditioning throughout the spacious living (below, rightmiddle) 

and dining areas. 

• Quality furniture and fixtures 

• built-in entertainment center with a color TV, VCR, stereo system, 

cassette deck and CD Changer. 

• Horizon VHF and GPS unit. 

• Engines are twin Detroit Diesel 8V92TI - 650 Horsepower each. 

• Kohler 20 Kw generator with sound shield for quiet operation, 

The "Rising Tide" - Mothership 

Your mothership, the Rising Tide, comes with an experienced captain (who doubles 

as the head guide) and the steward/cook who basically spends the day doing the 

housekeeping and preparing meals to meet the fishing schedule. 

Since there is no one else on board but the people you bring with you (and the crew), 

the nature of this trip is such that it is a great experience for small groups of friends and 

family that enjoy spending time together. 

Your mothership, the Rising Tide, comes with an experienced captain (who doubles 

as the head guide) and the steward/cook who basically spends the day doing the 

housekeeping and preparing meals to meet the fishing schedule. 

Since there is no one else on board but 

the people you bring with you (and the 

crew), the nature of this trip is such that 

it is a great experience for small groups 

of friends and family that enjoy spending 

time together. 

... 



87

BELIZE 

CUBA 

C 

uba 

Fly Fishing around the Island 

88 

RATES 

Party of two: with 1 skiff and guide – 

USD 5,645 each per person 

Party of three: with 2 skiffs and guides 

– USD 4,795 each per person 

Party of four: with 2 skiffs and guides 

– USD 4,195 each per person 

Party of five or six: with 3 skiffs and 

guides – USD 3,895 each per person 

Extra skiff and guide – USD 1,700 





Don Muelrath 

Phone: 888-347-4896 

001-707-254-8684 (outside USA) 

Fax: 001-707-255-3812 



89

CUBA 

Cayo Cruz 

Cuba. Famous for cigars, rum, 

mojito, ...? Not only this, but also 

for it's saltwater fly fishing! 

The island in the Caribbean is not 

subject to strong fishing pressure due 

to the economic situation and this 

makes Cuba to one of the top 

destinations for fly fishing for 

Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and other 

fish such as Barracuda, Snapper, 

Jacks, Snook, and much more. 

The packages we can offer take our 

guests to the south and north of the 

island. There you will fish in an 

exclusive, limited access Marine 

Park. 

We can offer you the destinations with 

different types of accommodation. If 

you travel with your partner or family, 

we recommend you the lodge-type 

hotels, which you will find in the 

destinations Cayo Cruz and Cayo 

Santa Maria in the north of Cuba, and 

Cayo Largo and the Isla de la 

Juventud in the south of the island. In 

the destinations of Jardines de la 

Reina and Isla de la Juventud in the 

south of Cuba, you have also the 

option of so-called live aboards. You 

stay here on comfortable mother 

ships directly in the fishing areas. You 

have the choice of following areas: 

... 


CUBA 

Cayo Largo 

Cayo Largo offers guests fantastic fly fishing on flats that can be combined with family 

vacations. The fishing is mainly for Baby Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish. Cayo Largo is 

one of the destinations with great chances for a Grand Slam. Prime time is February 

to June. Guests are either accommodated in a resort, which makes Cayo Largo ideal 

for a combination of a family trip and a fishing trip. The other option is a liveaboard on 

a yacht. 

Isla de la Juventud 

The Isla de la Juventud is one of the top tarpon destinations in Cuba. You fish in deeper 

channels and flats as well as mangroves for fish up to 100 pounds. There are also flats 

for bonefishing and permit. The accommodation of the guests is offshore on two 

mother ships. 

Jardines de la Reina 

The Jardines de la Reina are a classic of fishing in Cuba. Fly fishing for all types of fish 

can be found here, and here too the Grand Slam is always possible. Accommodation 

in the “ Gardens of the Queen” takes place on floating lodges or mother ships. There 

are options for larger groups (up to 14 people), and more exclusive for smaller groups 

(4-8 people). 

Cayo Cruz 

Cayo Cruz (Cayo Coco) is also a relatively new destination in Cuba. Commercial fishing 

is prohibited here, the fly fisherman has 366 square kilometers of exclusively fishable 

area. Many of the flats can be fished for big bonefish and permit wading (similar to Los 

Roques). The bones weigh over 10 pounds, the permit over 30 pounds. The fishermen 

can count on daily shots on permit. 

Cayo Santa Maria 

Cayo Santa Maria is like Cayo Cruz in the north of Cuba. Santa Maria is best known 

for its tarpon fishing, both on flats and in channels. Large bonefish await the guest. 

Zapata Peninsula 

The Zapata Peninsula in Cuba has been a biosphere reserve since 2000. In addition, 

the 1,670 square kilometer area has been a World Heritage Site since 2003. 

Accordingly, this part of Cuba is natural, and fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon 

is world class. 


CUBA 

HOTELS - from here you can start the morning on the flats, and in no other destination 

do you fish more than here (literally from morning to evening). Imagine sleeping close 

to a mangrove forest and being awakened by tropical birds ... Common to all are 

endless flats and seasoned guides. 

Yacht Lodging 

SEASON 

Prime time in Cuba is from April-June due to 

the Giant Tarpon Migration. But also the 

shoulder seasons offer great fishing for bones, 

Pemrit etc. 



RATES 

Depends on season and destinations 

- from approx. USD 3,299 


FFTC Voucher available - 

100 USD off for FFTC 

Members / fisherman / 

booking 






Nernstweg 5 


phone: +49 1778086466 



95

VIDEOTHEK 

selected & written by Alexander Dachlauer 

F 

"Are 

ly fishing life 

you taking fly fishing too seriously?" 

... Maybe some of us would say: "Yes, sometimes!". But it´s really no surprise 

that we take certain important aspects of our lives a little too seriously. 

So, what can happen? In some cases we take a great deal of time in 

organizing a trip to a dream destination and while we´re investing all this time our 

expectations build and grow in the same way. 

Then the day of the departure arrives. We prepare to leave home and head out 

for our next fly fishing adventure. We´ve checked and re-checked all our luggage 

- is anthing missing? Do I have a full selection of lines with me, because last time 

I didn´t. We start to consider the species we will target and the methods we will 

use. 

If our travel runs smoothly without any unexpected blips we check in at 

our accommodation on time. Then comes the first opportunity to check out the 

water(s) we intend to be fishing over the following days, and what we experience 

is breathtaking. We inhale deeply and say to ourselves: YES! 

We rig our rod for the first time at this new destination.. we put the line trough the 

rings with nervous fingers.. we select the fly.. and then we focus on our first cast. 

And we cast, and we cast and we cast. We change the fly - the pool - the stretch. 

And we do this again, and again, and again. But what happens if we don´t 

connect with the fish we were determined to catch? What happens if we fail in 

our expectations? Fortunately, there is always one solution - and this film shows 

you two of them. 

VIDEOTHEK 

orway 

NNFC - The Rogstadmoen Lodge 

reland 

IRiver Moy - Maloney´s Lodge 



97

VIDEOTHEK 

VIDEOTHEK 

P atagonia 

EEFF - El Encuentro Lodge 

laska 

AAlaska Rainbow Lodge 

io Grande 

REstancia Maria Behety & La Villa 

M 

ontana 




99

VIDEOTHEK 

VIDEOTHEK 

B 

razil 

Ecolodge Da Barra 

G 

aspé 

St Jean Pavilion 

B 

razil 

AGUA BOA Lodge 

L 

aprador 

Minipi River - The Anne Marie Lodge 



101

VIDEOTHEK 

VIDEOTHEK 

B 

otswana 

Zambezi Queen 

S 

eychelles 

Alphonse and St. Francois Atoll 

Z 

ambia 

The Royal Zambezi Lodge 

S 

eychelles 

Cosmoledo Atoll 



103

VIDEOTHEK 

B 

elize 

Mothership - The Rising Tide 

Members only - service 

We keep working on the content of our FFTC members 

area and additional service portfolio. Our goal is to get 

you inspired for your next fly fishing trip. But after you 

made your choice you need to book your flights to the 

destination you chose. We offer a great full service 

solution that allows our FFTC Members to book 

domestic or international flights including additional 

hotels before and after your fishing holidays - rental 

cars as well - without the need to leave the FFTC 

members area. 

C 

uba 

Fly Fishing across the Island 

smart applications for 

direct booking 

FLIGHTS | HOTELS | RENTAL CARS 

104 contact@fftc.club

F F T C . c l u b 

e s t . 2 0 1 7 

T h e F l y F i s h e r T r a v e l l e r C l u b - w o r l d w i d e 

Get inspired for your next trip! 

DISCOVER INTERACTIVE 

℗© all rights reserved by FFTC.club - copyright 2020! 

© photograph AD - Patagonia, Argentina - Rio Corcovado 2019! 

p o w e r e d 

a n d a n t e m e d i a D I G I T A L E N T E R T A I N M E N T C L G 

b y

Fly Fishing destinations worldwide - FFTC.club Magazine issue I-2020

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