Fly Fishing destinations worldwide - FFTC.club Magazine issue II-2020
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. The FFTC presents 100+ pages full of information about worth-to-know fly fishing destinations around the globe. We invite you to read our digital magazine, and the best thing is that it will be totally for free for all readers. No registration or subscription is needed. Please share this magazine with your fishing buddies to get inspired for your next fly fishing trip. Always tight lines, Alexander Founder of the FlyFisher Traveller Club – worldwide
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. The FFTC presents 100+ pages full of information about worth-to-know fly fishing destinations around the globe. We invite you to read our digital magazine, and the best thing is that it will be totally for free for all readers. No registration or subscription is needed. Please share this magazine with your fishing buddies to get inspired for your next fly fishing trip. Always tight lines, Alexander
Founder of the FlyFisher Traveller Club – worldwide
- TAGS
- fly-fishing-russia
- fly-fishing-icha-river-camp
- fly-fishing-travel
- fly-fishing-estonia
- fly-fishing-destinations
- fly-fishing-rio-tomes-spain
- fly-fishing-argentina
- fly-fishing-corrientes
- fly-fishing-golden-dorado
- fly-fishing-alaska-at-a-lodge
- fly-fishing-russia-kamchatka
- fly-fishing-brazil
- fly-fishing-roosevelt-lodge
- fly-fishing-africa-namibia
- fly-fishing-chobe-river
- fly-fishing-australia
- fly-fishing-bahamas
- fly-fishing-mexico
- fly-fishing-ascension-bay
- fly-fishing-ningaloo-reef
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No. II-2020
www.fftc.club
The FlyFisher Traveller Club
Flydestinations worldwide
Fishing
FRESHWATER
Europe
Argentina
USA
Brazil
Russia
Africa
SALTWATER
Australia
Bahamas
Mexico
F F T C
FlyFisher Traveller Club
est. 2017
© ℗ FFTC.club 2020
Get inspired for your next trip!
No. II-2020
Cover photo: Golden Dorado at the Paraná River, a fishing trip with Golden Dorado River Cruiser
from Brickhouse Creatives and El Encuentro Fly Fishing, Argentina
destinations
FRESHWATER
Fl
Europe
Estonia - Estfly Guiding Service...................................6
Spain - Rio Tormes.....................................................12
Argentina
Corrientes - Golden Fly Fishing Lodge......................28
USA
Alaska - Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge................36
Brazil
Amazon Roosevelt Lodge...........................................44
Russia
Kamchatka - Icha River Camp..................................58
Africa
Namibia - Ichingo Chobe River Lodge......................66
2 contact@fftc.club
www.fftc.club
The FlyFisher Traveller Club
yFishing
destinations worldwide
editorials
Estonia - explore wild brown trout..............18
Interview - with Benjamin Beale.................48
Product review - Fly Rod 4wt....................77
destinations
Australia
SALTWATER
Ningaloo Reef...........................................................84
Bahamas
Crooked and Aklins Island......................................90
Mexico
Punta Allen Fishing Club........................................100
videothek.........107
www.fftc.club
3
The FFTC.club
Founded for the worldwide
passion to travel for fly fishing
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
FlyFisher Traveller Club
est. 2017
4 contact@fftc.club
Editor's letter
Editorial
November, 2020
We are very proud to present the second issue of our
brand-new FFTC Magazine. This digital magazine is
made for those fly fishers, who loves to explore new
destinations.
Of course this year 2020 is totally terrible because of
Corona pandemic. Travelling in general is difficult and
extremely limited in this year. Later this year it is
nearly impossible for the most of the countries
worldwide.
But you can explore new fly fishing destinations
everywhere even in your home country without
crossing the borders.
In normal years 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.
With the mission to try to keep your dreams alive.
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,
Dear Reader
Dear FFTC Member
Alexander
Publisher
FFTC.club - FlyFisher Traveller Club
powered by
andante media DIGITAL
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phone international
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email: contact@fftc.club
editor in chief & director
Alexander Dachlauer
email: alexander@fftc.club
www.fftc.club
5
EUROPE
E
Guide
stonia
Estfly Guiding Service
Fly Fishing in Estonia?
Estonia is covered with beautiful,
clean, undisturbed rivers with wild
brown trout and grayling. It takes an
hour drive from the centre of the
capital, Tallinn, to fishing waters
where you will find wild brown trout,
bear trails, and rarely see any other
fishermen.
You can find brown trout in more than
one hundred rivers and streams, and
in most of them, the trout are wild.
About Estfly
Estfly is the first and most
experienced fishing guide in Estonia.
We have served fly fishers from all
over the world since 2007. We aim to
introduce beautiful Estonian nature
and brown trout rivers to fly fishers
from abroad.
Whether you are a beginner looking to
learn the basics or a seasoned angler
in search of new secrets, our guides
will personally tailor the best fly fishing
experience Estonia has to offer.
...
6 contact@fftc.club
Our guides are expert anglers and
have extensive experience with our
brown trout rivers. We will plan the
trip, arrange the licenses needed for
the fishing tour, pick you up and take
you back to the hotel or airport, and
provide fishing gear and flies if
needed. Feel free to contact us with
your questions and inquiries. We
would be happy to share our
knowledge and experience.
We customise all our fishing trips
based on our clients’ needs. Let us
know what species you are most
interested in, what type of river you
like, if you are into quantity or trophy
hunting, if you prefer easy access or
true wilderness, and how many days
you would like to stay.
We visit the rivers almost every day
during fishing season, so you can rest
assured that our fishing spots will
offer the best experience that
Estonian trout rivers can offer during
your stay.
SEASON
Season is from Mai to September, the
warmest months are July and August. Prime
weeks in both months, and these are much
sought after.
RATES
Accommodation on request - Guiding from
EUR 200 half day - EUR 300 full day
FFTC Member Advantage
FFTC Voucher available - 25 USD
off for FFTC Members / fisherman /
booking guiding services
www.fftc.club
7
8 contact@fftc.club
E stonian
nature is very peaceful
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9
EUROPE
Guide
Forests and mires make up more than
half of the territory of Estonia. To
preserve this diverse nature, the
government created an extensive
network of protected areas,
protecting 22% of Estonia’s land.
Rare animals like bears, wolves, and
lynx inhabit our forests. Because our
trout rivers flow through the wildest
parts of Estonia, it’s very common to
spot a moose, beaver, or roe deer
while fishing. Even if you don’t see the
animal itself, you can find moose
droppings, beaver-chewed logs, and
even fresh bear trails, which are all
signs of a wild and healthy
environment.
The best time for fly fishing in Estonia is
from May until September. It’s possible
to catch brown trout during the winter
months and in the early spring, but the
weather is very unpredictable and water
levels are high, so it might not be so
enjoyable.
Summer transforms the winter wonderland
into a lush summer paradise that is
perfect for fishing.
The Rivers
Estonia is covered with beautiful,
clean, undisturbed rivers with wild
brown trout and grayling. It takes an
hour drive from the centre of the
capital, Tallinn, to fishing waters
where you will find wild brown trout,
bear trails, and rarely see any other
fishermen. You can find brown trout in
more than one hundred rivers, and in
most of them, the trout are wild. Due
that fishing in Estonia is memorable
and unique experience.
Brown trout is the main reason why fly
fishers come here. Our rivers hold wild
brown trout, which is very rare in most
European countries. Our trout is very
healthy and fat with a beautiful pattern
and colour. They are strong fighters
and selective.
10 contact@fftc.club
FFTC Member Contact
We help you to plan your trip - just contact us!
We appreciate to help you to make your
dreams come true.
Estfly
Owner / Headguide Vahur Mäe
Paasukese 11
44315 Rakvere / ESTONIA
phone: +372 5645 2789
email: vahur@estfly.com
web: www.estfly.com
EUROPE
S
pain
Rio Tormes
You will be well taken care of in old, Spanish rural houses
where you will be served classic Spanish cuisine and wine.
Spain might not be on the typical
map of the destination angler.
However, it has a long history in fly
fishing.
There are several species you can
fish for: Iberian barbel aka the
freshwater bonefish. Huge brown
trout. Spooky sea trout and Atlantic
salmon in their most southern
location. Huge pike as well as black
bass.
The Rio Tormes offers great brown
trout fishing. There is private fishing
as well as public fishing available.
The river itself looks a bit like an
English chalk stream.
Fishing can be done in reservoirs as
well as gin clear (chalk) streams for
trout, sea trout and salmon.
12 contact@fftc.club
EUROPE
14 contact@fftc.club
The beautiful
R io T ormes
and Iberian barbel in reservoirs
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15
EUROPE
SEASON
Season starts in March when the big fish
are caught. In autumn there is great
fishing again, but the fish are usually
smaller compared to spring.
RATES
Full service packages available - from approx.
EUR 2.500 /week
FFTC Member Advantage
2,5 % OFF the regular rates
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
16 contact@fftc.club
phone: +49 1778086466
email: info@pukka-destinations.com
web: www.pukka-destinations.com
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Guest editorial
by Vahur Mäe
18 contact@fftc.club
Chasing
wild brown trout in Estonia
Estonian nature is unspoiled and
diverse - deep forests, picturesque
lakes and rivers are just some of its
treasures. Estonia has an area of
45,215 km² - almost as large as
Denmark and the Netherlands, but
with a population of less than 1.4
million. This small population density
has enabled the country to preserve
the natural environment better than in
densely populated West European
areas.
Estonia is known for its beautiful
Nordic nature, for its Tallinn medieval
old-town or perhaps as a country
where Skype was born. But few know
that Estonia is covered with beautiful,
clean, undisturbed rivers with wild
brown trout and grayling.
www.fftc.club
19
Guest editorial
by Vahur Mäe
It is only an hour drive from the centre
of the capital, Tallinn, to fishing waters
where you will find wild brown trout,
bear trails, and rarely see any other
fishermen. This is one of the most
unique aspects of Estonia. Wild
nature and beautiful rivers with trophy
trout are just a short drive away from
the biggest towns. You can find brown
trout in more than one hundred rivers,
and in most of them, the trout are wild.
Because trout rivers flow through the
wildest parts of the country, it’s very
common to spot a moose, beaver, or
roe deer while fishing. Even if you
don’t see the animal itself, you can
find moose droppings, beaverchewed
logs, and even fresh bear
trails, which are all signs of a wild and
healthy environment.
Estonia isn't a widely-known fly
fishing destination yet, but every
year more travelling fly fishermen
visit the country. Still, due to so many
rivers to choose from, you rarely meet
other fishermen while fishing.
Small in form, but rich
in content
We Estonians like to say that our
county may be small in form, but it is
rich in content. That means that in this
small country you can find Siberia
taiga like forests, crystal clear rivers
and streams, wide wetlands, more
than 2000 islands, our historical
folklore, best-preserved medieval city
in Northern Europe and much more.
20 contact@fftc.club
Estonia is a modern technology
oriented country, even called the
start-up nation of Europe, but as soon
as you leave Tallinn, you can find
yourself on a gravel road, between
large forests.
Estonians love their forests, bogs and
all the creatures that live there such as
lynxes, brown bears, wolves and
moose. We even like to call ourselves
a forest nation, because many
Estonians love to pick berries from our
forests, gather mushrooms, go fishing
or hunting. Collecting food from
nature might be forgotten in many
other countries in Europe, it is still in
our roots and natural for us. In that
sense, we are still very traditional, but
at the same time couldn't imagine a
life without our modern digital society.
From voting to signing documents
online, Estonia implements a hassle
free and modern approach to running
one's errands.
Estonia is the first e-government in the
world and offers e-residency to
people from all over the world. Some
of the recipients of Estonian e-
residency include Angela Merkel and
Barack Obama.
Trout rivers of Estonia
By European standards, Estonian
rivers are small to mid-size.
Although land is relatively flat, there
are beautiful, fast-running rapids that
flow through virgin coniferous forests,
which are often called an extension of
the Siberian taiga in Estonia. The fastrunning
stretches hold a good amount
of fish, but the biggest trout tend to be
in the slower and deeper stretches of
these rivers.
Therefore, typical fishing water is
slow- to medium-running chalk
stream surrounded by meadows, old
forests, and marshes.
Estonia has a suitable type of water for
every fisherman. There are spots with
easy access from a car and where you
don’t need to cover more than a few
hundred meters to have good and
productive fishing. And there are
plenty of spots for adventurous fly
fisherman where you can either hike
for hours to get to wild and untouched
rivers or you could fish upstream for
days without seeing any signs of
civilization.
What to catch?
Estonian rivers hold wild brown trout
and grayling. Estonian brown trout
is very healthy, fat and with a
beautiful pattern and colour. They
are strong fighters and selective. The
average size of a brown trout is 35-40
cm.
A good-size trout in Estonia is around
50 cm. Although catching fish in this
size is challenging, it is rather
common. A trophy-size brown trout
in Estonia is 55–65 cm. Trout that big
aren’t rare, but catching them requires
good skills, perfect timing, and luck.
Grayling is present only in a handful of
rivers, but in these, they are thriving.
Average grayling size in some rivers is
even bigger than that of an average
brown trout. They often range in size
from 35 cm to 40 cm, but 45 cm
graylings are rather common.
... 21
www.fftc.club
Guest editorial
by Vahur Mäe (photo below)
You can even find graylings up to 50
cm.
Although brown trout and grayling
offer most interest to travelling
fisherman, Estonia also has good
sea trout and salmon run. Stocks of
salmon and sea trout are getting
better every year, but it is rather hard
to plan a fishing trip for these two
species nowadays.
Just because weather is becoming
more unpredictable and salmon and
sea trout rise to the rivers when
water is high and cold, but in recent
years’ suitable conditions could arrive
as early as September or as late as in
November.
As we don’t have mountains and our
summers are rather warm, we don’t
have trout in lakes, but they hold a
good population of pike, perch and
other lake fishes.
Fishing season
The best season for fishing in Estonia
begins in May. Then the waters flow
at the normal level, nature is in bloom,
the weather is warm, and both brown
trout and grayling feed actively.
The peak time for fly fishing is the
mayfly hatch which is in June.
When the mayfly hatch is over, fish
look towards the surface till the end of
summer.
July and August are the warmest
months and offer the most stable
weather. These months are the most
convenient for fly fishers and offer
exceptional fishing. Small- to mid-size
trout are very active in the rapids and
feed on smaller mayflies that hatch all
summer long.
22 contact@fftc.club
Big fish in the deeper stretches are
always ready to bite a tasty terrestrial
fly, but their most active feeding
period starts in the late evening when
large caddis flies are hatching. Brown
trout season ends in mid-September.
Mayfly hatch - beginning of
summer and remarkable
trout fishing
Mayfly hatch is the most awaited
period for every fly angler in Estonia.
Danica hatch begins usually in early
June and lasts three weeks in different
rivers. Our Danica hatch is very dense
and most of our brown trout and
grayling eat from a surface very
actively throughout this period. It is
the best time for brown trout fishing in
Estonia, but for me it’s not so
important and special just because of
good fishing. For me it’s a symbol. It
marks the beginning of summer and
remarkable trout fishing.
Our winter and spring are long, cold
and windy. Beautiful fishing weather
arrives just before the mayfly hatch.
Also, our nature is in full bloom and
green by the beginning of this big
hatch. Estonian trout feed underwater
for most of the year and in spring you
rarely see any movement or activity on
the surface. But as soon as the first
mayflies are hatching rivers spark
alive.
My favourite fishing days are the first
days of the hatch because every trout
seems to feast on mayflies as much as
they can.
On a first day the hatch isn’t so intense
and due to that trout takes every fly
which is floating by. They chase them
several meters, sometimes hit the fly
with a huge splash or even jump out of
the water to catch one. It’s a beautiful
sight to see these fat and wild trout
feeding undisturbed on a food they
have waited for so long. On these
days, you can see beautiful fish after
every few meters and trout take
presented flies very well.
www.fftc.club
23
Guest editorial
by Vahur Mäe
24 contact@fftc.club
They haven’t seen other fishermen yet
and almost every trout takes the fly as
soon as it hits the water.
July and August – terrestrial action
Mayfly hatch is a trigger for a surface
activity and due to that fish continues
to rise even when the mayfly hatch
period is over. Trout are eager to take
mayfly patterns, because single
mayflies continue to hatch long after
the main period is over. Also, we have
a large amount of terrestrial flies which
land on water during hot summer days
and make daytime fishing very
thrilling. Mid-summer is the time of
grasshoppers, damsels and different
beetles. Although windy days don't
offer best conditions for fly fishing,
wind pushes different terrestrial flies in
the water and could offer very thrilling
fly fishing. Best spots during these
days are slow running stretches which
meander through grassy fields. Even if
you don’t see a rising fish, a good size
hopper and skating-sedge technique
will draw the attention of every fish.
Matching the caddis hatch
In a second half of the summer,
different types of sedges are hatching
and in late evening they come to a river
to lay their eggs. This is a very
interesting time in our rivers. During
the hottest days rivers seem to be
dead quiet, but when you wait till the
time when sun disappears between
the woods, the river comes to life. You
can see caddis flying around and soon
you see first strong splashes and flies
chasing fish. This is a very attractive
time for fly fishing.
That means that you cast a fly to a
water and instead of dead drift you
pull fly slowly so it leaves a V shape to
a water. When dry fishing like this,
trout wouldn’t rise carefully and slowly
like they usually do. Instead they rush
toward the fly and hit it hard. It’s a
remarkable view and very thrilling.
Often fish misses the fly, but there is
often enough hungry fish around to
catch.
This action lasts from late evening till
complete darkness. Fishing in pitchblack
conditions is an experience of its
own, although you need to know the
river very well. Using the same
technique during the night time
means that you don’t see a rise, you
just need to strike when you hear the
splash.
Where to fish in Estonia?
You can find trout rivers and streams
all over Estonia, but the best rivers are
mostly located in the middle of
Estonia, on a north coast and in south
Estonia. Rivers are rather different in
these three regions, so is the
landscape. Middle-Estonia rivers are
spring creeks with a very clear water
and most of these are chalk stream
type of waters where current is slow
and water deep. Rivers mostly flow
through meadows and wetlands and
have thriving insect life and brown
trout grows very large in these waters.
Biggest brown trout of Estonia
which weighed 6,3 kg were caught
from one of these small spring creeks.
Catching brown trout from these
rivers isn’t easy. There is no current,
water is extremely clear and trout is
wary and selective.
www.fftc.club
25
Guest editorial
by Vahur Mäe
These small rivers truly test fly
fisherman skills because careful
stalking and perfect presentation is
required for success. When you
succeed, and get a bite, you will get a
fight to remember. These wild and
large fish wouldn’t give up easily.
North-Estonia rivers offer more
variety. Upper parts of these rivers
offer similar conditions as Central-
Estonia rivers, but middle and lower
stretches have beautiful and wide
rapids and rivers flow through large
coniferous forests. Besides brown
trout, these rivers also have
grayling and salmon run in autumn.
South-Estonia is our hilliest region,
and due to that most of the rivers are
fast running and rather shallow.
Several rivers of this region flow
through sandstone canyons and offer
spectacular views together with good
fishing.
Species in this region are brown trout,
grayling and chub, which is perhaps
not so highly valued target species for
fly fisherman, but it is an interesting
bycatch when fishing for trout.
Most Estonian fly fishermen like to
keep their fishing spots secret and
due to that it’s not possible to find
much information on the internet.
Reason for that is the fact that rivers
are rather small and don’t handle
crowds and Estonians like to spend
their time in nature alone rather than
meeting anyone else.
To get to the best rivers as a traveller
you need to have plenty of time for
exploring or you could hire an
experienced fly fishing guide who
knows all the secret spots.
26 contact@fftc.club
Estfly guided fishing trips
Estfly is the first and most experienced
fishing guide in Estonia. In 2007, we
sat by the fire on a bank of our
favourite trout river and decided that
we would like to share our favourite
and secret spots with other fishermen
and Estfly was born. Before that there
were very few foreigners who had
fished the Estonian trout rivers and
Estonia was unknown in the world of
fly fishing. Estonia is still off the beaten
track for travelling fly fisherman, but
the ones who have been here have
had very memorable fishing days and
some well-travelled fly fishermen have
even said that Estonia might be one of
the best spots in Europe for catching
wild trophy brown trout.
All our fishing trips, whether it is for a
day or for a week are custom made
based on our clients wishes and our
guides' field-knowledge. Our fishing
guides are expert anglers and have
extensive experience with our brown
trout rivers. We spend most of the
days at the river side, and always pick
the fishing spots which currently work
the best. For preparation of the trip we
ask about the type of water our client
likes to fish, is it easy fishing or hike to
an unmolested wilderness, quantity or
trophy hunting and based on this
knowledge we plan the trip.
Most of our clients arrive to Estonia by
plane. We meet our clients at the
airport and take them to a cosy
countryside hotel near the fishing
waters. Every fisherman will have a
nice and clean room, can have a hot
sauna after the fishing day, and enjoy
a barbecue in the backyard after a
good fishing trip.
Restaurant of this hotel is serving
traditional Estonian meals and those
meals have been very valued by our
guests. Accommodation is budgetfriendly,
situated in the peaceful
countryside, and located a maximum
of 30 minutes from our favourite
fishing spots.
If needed, we will provide necessary
fly fishing gear and suitable flies. Also,
our guided trips include all required
fishing licenses. There are three types
of fishing licenses that trout
fisherman need to know for fishing
in Estonia. First is the general
fishing license which covers most
of Estonian water bodies. It is very
cheap and it is possible to buy this
online. Current cost for a week is 3
euros. Extra license is needed for
middle-Estonia trout rivers, which
is 6 euros for a day. Last but not
least is a salmon and sea trout
rivers license, which is needed for
the rivers and stretches where
these two species are spawning.
This license is 9 euros a day.
Although it is called salmon and sea
trout license, it is also needed when
fishing for brown trout from these
rivers. Foreigners can buy these two
licenses from the post office.
Currently online booking for these two
isn’t available.
During the fishing days, our guides
take our guests to our favourite spots
and share all their knowledge from
finding the fish, how to approach the
fish, how to do a perfect presentation
and what flies to use. For novice
anglers, we are happy to give casting
lessons and give casting instructions
throughout the trip. Beautiful fish
caught by our client is always our best
reward.
Guest editorial by Vahur Mäe, ESTONIA © 2020 all photos www.estfly.com
www.fftc.club
27
ARGENTINAC orrientes
Golden Fly Fishing Lodge
A bucketlist
experience
A unique fishing trip in untamed clear
waters featuring gourmet food,
personalized service by family
owners, in a cozy and welcoming
lodge with rustic-elegant interiors.
Come face to face with the Tiger of the
River, surrounded by Golden waves
as you set the hook, a Golden Dorado
with a scowl on his face angry as hell,
will suddenly jump three feet in the air
showing his teeth before diving back
into the river, busting your reel with his
aggression.
Take the challenge. What are you
waiting for?
The Golden Fly Fishing Lodge is
located in Corrientes on the best
clear water section of the
upper Paraná River, home to
record size Golden Dorados.
28 contact@fftc.club
Colonial-Estancia style
fishing lodge
Guests are welcomed into a private
and friendly atmosphere at our
colonial-estancia style lodge that lays
on the pristine Upper Parana River,
dense with mature, regional trees.
As a true Italian-Argentinean family,
we’re devoted to good cuisine. We
offer 4-course meals featuring
international and regional specialties,
such as our famed beef and traditional
Asado (BBQ), prepared by a Personal
Chef for each group of anglers, paired
with fine Argentine wines from the
renowned Mendoza region.
The building offers 4 cozy and unique
style rooms, with private bath & airconditioner,
a salon decorated with
wood furniture and a fireplace
creating a friendly atmosphere where
fishing stories come to life. Our lodge
provides on-site Fly Shop and Flytying
table, dining room and outdoor
barbecue facing the garden where
Howler Monkeys and Tucans enjoy
eating flowers and fruits from mature
trees.
www.fftc.club
29
ARGENTINA
30 contact@fftc.club
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31
ARGENTINA
32 contact@fftc.club
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13
The
T
iger of the river
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33
ARGENTINA
The Rio Paraná
Grand Slam
Challenge the three most coveted
and voracious species of Argentina
and achieve the freshwater Grand
Slam: Golden Dorado, Pirá Pytá
and Pacú. You can also expect to
catch several other sporty species.
The Tiger of the River
Golden Dorado
This is the most exciting freshwater
species in South America. It has
Tarpon-like tendencies and is
known for its aggressive strikes,
finger-burning runs, acrobatic
fights, and overall beauty.
34 contact@fftc.club
The Elusive Species
PACÚ
This treasured species is as difficult
to find and catch as the saltwater
Permit. Found only from December
to April, it’s a highly coveted fish by
serious anglers who seek to
complete the Golden Fly Fishing
Grand Slam.
The River Salmon
PIRÁ PYTÁ
With Bonefish-like speed, this
freshwater fish is known for its lineripping
runs and fierce fighting. It is
undoubtedly one of the most
exquisite fishing experiences that
our region offers and requires the
your utmost focus and precision
casting dry flies.
Golden Fly Fishing is a family business built by two brothers born on the
banks of the High Paraná River in Argentina.
Trip extensions & Ecotours
Jurassic Lake Patagonia
Jurassic Lake & Golden Fly Fishing merged to bring to you the best combined fishing
trip in Argentina, the beauty of biggest trouts in the world with the most pristine fishing
for the beast Golden Dorado.
Iberá Natural Reserve
The planet’s greatest freshwater wetland
One of the most fascinating regions for wildlife safari enthusiasts and for lovers of
virgin nature. This wetland of more than 3 million acres comprises swamps, marshes
and lagoons holding an abundance wildlife, including caimans, capybaras, big otters,
anacondas, swamp deers, approximately 1,600 variety of plants and more tan 350
bird species.
SEASON
September to May (excl. November)
FFTC Member Contact
RATES
Paraná Grand Slam (7 nights/ 6 days
fishing):
USD 3.950 in double base occupancy
Upgrade single room 500 USD / week
Upgrade single room and boat 50%
surcharge
Half week (5 nights/ 4 days fishing):
USD 2.895 in double base occupancy
Combo: Paraná Grand Slam + full
week Jurassik Lake, Patagonia:
USD 9.720 in double base occupancy
Upgrade single room 700 USD / week
We help you to plan your trip - just contact us!
We appreciate to help you to make your
dreams come true.
Golden Fly Fishing Lodge
Botta Brothers
Phone: +54 9 (3624) 76 9014
(within ARGENTINA)
FFTC Member Advantage
10 % OFF the regular rates
Phone: +001 (702) 5 GOLDEN
(USA only)
E-mail: info@goldenflyfishing.com
35
USA
A
laska
Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge
Fly-Fishing in Alaska is more than just a sport or
passion - it’s a way of life.
36 contact@fftc.club
Once you have been bitten by the bug,
you’re “hooked”. So beware – fish the
Alagnak River at your own peril,
because once you’ve been there,
once will never be enough. This is
attested to by our many clients that
come back every year to get their “fix”!
A stay at ATA Lodge provides you with
one of the most remote and stunningly
beautiful locations on the planet to
experience the very best of what
Alaska Fly Fishing has to offer.
Whether it be the sensation of a
35+lbs King Salmon pushing a double
handed rod to its limits or seeing a 26-
inch rainbow trout rise to crush a
mouse pattern tied the previous
evening or just the feeling that no one
has ever fished these beautiful waters
before;
it has to be said that fishing on the
Alagnak River is something very
special. It brings us back to the reason
we started fishing in the first place
when we were children. For the sheer
joy of it! For the thrill of a tight line, and
the sound of a reel's drag screaming!
"We are home to what is
one of the largest runs of
all five species of pacific
salmon to be found in the
same river anywhere in
the world."
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37
USA
ATA is situated on the remote banks of
Alaska’s first ever designated Wild
and Scenic River. Our location on the
Alagnak Wild River makes ATA Lodge
the perfect wilderness fishing retreat.
Boasting a world-famous run of all five
species of pacific salmon, the Alagnak
is also home to a host of resident fish
as well, such as leopard rainbow trout,
arctic char and grayling.
38 contact@fftc.club
This prestigious river is located within
the Katmai National Park, with its
headwaters in the surrounding
mountains and flowing into Bristol
Bay.
It is also famously known as “The
Branch River” for its seemingly
endless braids, where 10 miles of river
can easily contain 30 miles of fishable
waters. With such exclusive river
access you are sure not to be bothered
by any crowds.
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39
USA
For many, Alaska has always been a
dream destination, somewhere they
envision coming to only once in a
lifetime. But once you get up here and
experience all of what we have to
offer, it will be hard to stay away.
There is something about catching a
huge Alaskan rainbow trout or
salmon, surrounded by beauty
beyond compare, that I believe calls
to the deepest part in all of us.
For the indoctrinated who have never
heard of Bristol Bay, you could be
forgiven for not realizing how this
region stands head and shoulders
above the rest. Those “in the know”,
have discovered that Bristol Bay,
in Southwest Alaska is hands
down, the best fresh water
salmon and trout fishing on the
planet.
40 contact@fftc.club
The Alagnak River
This prestigious river is located within
Katmai National Park, with its
headwaters in the surrounding
mountains and draining into Bristol
Bay. It is also known as the Branch
River, for its seemingly endless
braided river channels. Wading and
fishing are made easy on the many
small natural islands and gravel bars,
which the river flow creates. The
Alagnak has world-famous runs of
all five species of Pacific salmon,
and is home to a host of resident fish,
such as leopard rainbow trout, arctic
char and grayling, lake trout and pike.
The Nonvianuk River
The Nonvianuk River runs 11-miles
from its mouth at Nonvianuk Lake to
where it meets the Kukaklek River to
form the Alagnak. The Nonvianuk river
is mostly class 2 technical water, with
many bolder gardens and shallow
sections.
The Kukaklek River
Flowing out of Kukaklek Lake the river
runs 19-miles through mostly fast
flowing technical water until it reaches
the confluence and joins with the
Nonvianuk river to form the Alagnak.
The Kukaklek is well known for its
short section of narrow, class 3 rapids
contained by steep canyon walls.
What is less known is that a section of
this rapids creates a small waterfall
with an easily accessible, natural
overlook which is perfect for viewing
feeding bears in the height of the
salmon run.
SEASON
June to September
RATES
Loding & Guiding Rates available for:
7 Nights stay / 6 days guided fishing
for USD 5.750
Camping & Guiding Rates available for:
7 Nights stay / 6 days guided fishing
for USD 3.495
Cabins:
Comfortable heated riverfront cabin
with access to toilet and hot showers
only a few steps away from your cabin
door, or en-suite toilet and hot
showers.
FFTC Member Advantage
10 % OFF the regular rates
www.fftc.club
41
USA
FFTC Member Contact
We help you to plan your trip - just contact us!
We appreciate to help you to make your
dreams come true.
42
Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge
phone contacts
Wayne McGee (McGee Family)
phone: 001 877 801 2289
phone: 001 907 519 6820
phone: 044 7775 602 424
Email: atalodge.wayne@gmail.com
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!
C A R T O O N
© 2020 FFTC.club
www.fftc.club
43
BRAZIL
B
razil
Amazon Roosevelt Lodge
A Fine Lodge On The Rio
Roosevelt
The Amazon Roosevelt Lodge is
located just upriver on the Rio
Roosevelt where it flows into the
Rio Aripuanã.
It is constructed totally from
sustainable timber and natural
resources. There are eight private
rooms that can sleep up to three
anglers.
44 contact@fftc.club
Easy to get to from the city of Manaus,
the gateway to the mighty Amazon
and its tributaries, in the State of
Amazonas, this very comfortable
lodge offers great meals, has friendly
staff and top service, and being on the
river itself, is really close to the action!
The Fishing
Fly fishing is a wonderful way to
search out many species with
amazing results. Most of the fastwater
species like Bicuda and Payara will rip
line off your reel at a blistering pace
and stripping gloves must be worn to
avoid cuts and burns. Peacock Bass
congregating around the rocky
islands and banks of the river will
attack flies with abandon.
We can also target the huge Pirarucú /
Arapaima in the lake systems on
cutbait or large lures and flies.
In the Semauma Falls an hour’s boat
ride above the lodge, the Payara
action is spectacular and these
big sabre-toothed silver missiles can
be caught on flies.
This incredibly beautiful area is
studded with boulders and rock
gardens with many braids, rapids and
falls.
Anglers can also try for some huge
Piraracú/Arapaima in one of the lakes
on flies, but these fish are shy and very
difficult to catch here.
"A great jungle adventure is awaiting
you. Spectacular catches and the
untouched jungle surrounding match
every adventurous soul."
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45
BRAZIL
46 contact@fftc.club
SEASON
June to November
FFTC Member Contact
RATES
Weekly program (7 nights in lodge,/ 1
night in hotel / 6 1/2 days fishing):
USD 3.990 per angler
• Included: Pick up and transfer to hotel
and overnight, return flights
Manaus/Apuí, car transfer to river
and boat to lodge, all food and
standard beverages while at
lodge and while fishing, daily
laundry, 6 1/2 days guided fishing
based on double occupancy.
• Not Included: International and internal
flights to and from Manaus except as
stated above, any extra hotel stays,
transfers other than stated above, visas,
meals and drinks while not at lodge, any
tips, hard liquor, wine.
FFTC Member Advantage
5 % OFF the regular rates
We help you to plan your trip - just contact us!
We appreciate to help you to make your
dreams come true.
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
47
INTERVIEW
nterview
I21 questions
to Benjamin Beale
Owner of El Encuentro Fly Fishing, Lodge
and Brook Trout Base Camp, Chubut, Argentina
1. In which country where you born and where did
you grow up?
"I was born in the small town of Esquel, Chubut, Argentina and raised
on the banks of the Rio Grande/Futaleufu, where all my family enjoyed
the outdoors and Fly fishing as the family activity."
2. When did you start fishing? (please also mention
the type of fishing you started with…)
"I started fly fishing at the age of eight and has been fishing passionately
ever since. I always watched my grandfather and father head off fishing,
and I would beg to be invited out with them!"
3. Do you remember your first catch?
"No, I don’t remember it. But I do remember when I was very young
around 8 years old, a day out on the Futaleufu river where I caught over
20 fish that day. After that day I was hooked with fly fishing for life,
obviously the next day I went out again and it wasn’t as productive.
That’s all you need, an outstanding day of fishing to fall in love with the
sport."
48 contact@fftc.club
The Beale Family - from left to right: Michael Beale (dad), Benjamin, Cecilia, Tomas,
Antonia, Nicolas and Jane (mum).
4. Who taught you how to fish?
"My grandfather, my father and I also learned a lot from anglers that
visited us from all over the worlds in the days that social media and
communications were not at the tip of your fingers as they are
today, I was very lucky to guide renowned anglers that just by
sitting on the same boat one would learn a lot!"
5. When did you start guiding?
"I started guiding at the age of 15, taking fishing longtime guests
of the Lodge that were like family and were up to fish with me. It
wasn’t until I was 18 years old when I became a certified fishing
guide."
6. Do you remember your first guiding
experience? (Where was it and who was your first
guest / from which country he/ she was?)
"Mr. and Mrs. Fout from Virginia, US were the two first guests that
were brave enough to go fishing with me. They used to come for
over three weeks of holidays staying at El Encuentro Lodge, so
they were truly like family."
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49
INTERVIEW
with Benjamin Beale
7. When did you start to manage the El Encuentro Fly
Fishing?
"I took over the reins of the family business in 2012. I remember it
was a year after the Chaiten Volcano in Chile had erupted and we
had had a couple of years were not many anglers were visiting the
area."
8. What is the philosophy of El Encuentro Fly Fishing?
"With decades hosting anglers, El Encuentro knows that a
memorable experience goes well beyond the catching of fish. It’s
the friendships that develop with you and your guide, your lodge
hosts, and our staff that stay with you long after you have returned
home. Our team understands this and works hard to nurture an
amazing experience for you, every step of the way – including the
delicious meals artfully created with fresh ingredients from our
kitchen garden, your guide sharing local history as you drive to a
new fishing spot, and that it’s ok when the fish seem to outsmart
you on every cast...
50 contact@fftc.club
...Once you choose to come with El Encuentro, we are always
proud to consider you a new friend, with an enduring friendship
that goes beyond our days together in Patagonia."
9. How do you select a new fishing guide?
"For El Encuentro the team of guides is one of our strengths and
it is very important. We understand that our guests will be spending
most of the day with our guides so at the moment of adding new
guides to the team we seek in them more than just a good
fisherman. Apart from being passionate about this sport they need
to be able to provide a fun and entertained day sharing their
knowledge about our area, culture, flora and fauna all while
catching fish.
Our guides are career professionals, dedicated to the sport,
constantly raising the bar of knowledge and technique in
Patagonia Fly Fishing. They love nothing more than to share their
skill and expertise with visiting anglers. They are all hard workers
and speak English very well."
10. How do you select a cook for your lodge kitchen?
"Pinky, EEFF Chef, loves cooking professionally, and has truly
found his passion working with El Encuentro’s big family and
getting to reconnect with our returning guests over the years. He
has been working at EEFF for six seasons now, and each one
brings new challenges and new recipes to showcase Argentine
cuisine.
At El Encuentro Flyfishing we take great pride in our culinary
program. “Farm to Table” isn’t just a trendy hashtag for us, it’s a
necessity, a way of life handed down from generation to
generation, rich in Argentine tradition. Our head chef, Pinky, and
his team craft exceptional meals featuring fresh ingredients from
our own expansive organic gardens and orchards, as well as
locally sourced organic meats from neighboring estancias. Wether
dining at our home lodge overlooking the blue green waters of the
Rio Futaleufú, or at our remote Brook Trout Base Camp on the
banks of the Rio Corcovado, you are sure to experience a true taste
of Patagonia! ...
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51
INTERVIEW
El Encuentro Lodge on Rio Futaleufu
EEFF proudly grow most of the organic vegetables in the one-acre
kitchen garden and serve eggs from their own chickens. Lamb,
beef and other products are 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. Guests are treated to a traditional
Patagonian “asado” (barbecue) with the family and all the guides
– a most memorable dining experience!"
11. Beside the beautiful country Argentina, which
other countries have you visited for fly fishing
trips?
"I have been very lucky to have fished in many other countries and
locations. That is one of the great benefits of this activity. My
brothers and I try to take a year trip all together to fish for all the
famous species that are great value for fly fishing. We try to
combine saltwater and freshwater trips and this has taken us to
different countries around the world such as: Alaska, Canada,
Mexico, diverent spots in the United States, Cuba, Brazil, Belize,
Chile, New Zealand, Great Britain among others."
12. The north of Argentina is also known for Golden
Dorados - what is your personal experience with this
great sport fish?
"The northeast of Argentina, among other provinces, offers some
of the best Dorado fly fishing experiences. Dorado fish is one of the
few at the top of my list of species to catch with a fly. I try to get up
to the northeast as often as I can as Dorados is a beautiful fish that
puts up an amazing fight and they are addictive."
52 contact@fftc.club
13. What was the most memorable moment in your
fishing career?
"As a lodge owner and a Flyfisher for me the most reward I get from
fly fishing is sharing the dinner table with guests/anglers after a
great day of stories and experiences."
14. What do you think about the „catch of the
lifetime“ - have you already done it or are you still
waiting for it?
"The more you get out there, the more chances to get a catch of
a lifetime. I don’t want to brag but I feel that I am very lucky, and
I have caught many fish of a lifetime. Nevertheless, there is always
one more cast to do with the hope to catch the big fish of the pool."
15. What country is still on your bucket list and why
you wanna go there?
"One of my favorite species to catch on a fly is the Atlantic salmon
so countries such as Iceland, Norway, Scotland are at the top of
my bucket list to go after this species. Also, coming from a part of
the world where winters are very long but with beautiful summers
and great trout fishing, for me a good family vacation is to visit
Central America and go after saltwater species such as tarpon,
permit, bonefish all combined with beautiful beaches."
16. How would you describe a memorable fishing
day?
"To me a memorable fishing day starts the evening before, the
excitement of preparing the gear and equipment already sets the
expectations for the following day. To me a great day of fishing is
having the opportunity, while enjoying with friends, to try different
techniques and chase different species throughout the day. It’s
also nice to know that the big fish could happen at any cast.
Nothing compares to beginning a day of fishing in new and
unknown waters."
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53
INTERVIEW
with Benjamin Beale
17. Do you tie flies? (what patterns you prefer / to tie /
to fish)
"Although I can tie flies and I have done it a lot in the past these days
it's hard for me to find the time and the patience to tie my own flies.
I would have to be honest and say that most of my flies I buy from
great tiers that can do a much better job than me. I don’t mind tying
the one or two patterns of which I am running short and I know that
are working. But just to fill in the gaps!"
18. What is your preferred fly fishing method?
(wading, drift boat, rafting, river or lake fishing)
"I have to say that I love them all. I like the possibility to identify what
is working well and use the right technique at the right time in the
right place. I do have a small inclination to stripping streamers to
big fish."
19. Do you find enough time to go fishing yourself?
"Yes, there is always time to get some fishing done. It’s hard to take
a whole day of fishing unless one is on vacation but slipping out to
the water regularly for one or two hours of fishing in the area we live
is very easy."
54 contact@fftc.club
20. Do you like saltwater fly fishing and if so, what is
your personal experience with this?
"Saltwater fishing is also great! I love the contrast to freshwater
fishing, and I try to go once a year at least. I love the strength and
size that fish get to in the sea and catching them on a fly is truly a
battle. If one analyzes that most saltwater fishing is also on a
beautiful setting with sandy beaches, hot weather and beautiful
sea."
21. The COVID-19 pandemic effects the world and
last but not least the travel industry. How you handle
this challenges and what actions will be taken for the
upcoming season?
"It is our focus to implement procedures that ensure the safety,
health, and well-being of both our employees and our customers.
This is a fluid situation requiring an adaptable plan, and we will be
updating these procedures as the season and situation
unfolds. Our Goals are basically to:
-Ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers
-Implement procedures that prevent and minimize the
transmission of Covid-19
-Comply with federal, state, and various government agency
mandates
We continue to wait for official communication from the
government to know when the borders will be reopened and what
the travel restrictions will be. At this point, we find it hard to think
of welcoming all our friends during November and December due
to the strict traveling measures taken in regards to COVID19. At El
Encuentro we are fine, carrying out a subsistence economy and
committed to be ready for our friends when it is safe to travel
again."
please note after the interview we get updated: the season 2020/21 is cancelled!
AD-FFTC:
..Benjamin, thank you! Take care of you and your
loved ones. I hope we will meet again in Argentina
and we will spent one more time on the water and
beside.
www.fftc.club
55
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LODGES
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We live in lodges by river banks
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RUSSIA
KIcha River Camp
amchatka
Kamchatka - the wild peninsula
of volcanoes, geysers and -
fantastic (fly) fishing!
Kamchatka is located in eastern
Russia, is slightly larger than
Germany, but has just over 300,000
inhabitants, two thirds of whom live in
the capital Petropavlovsk.
In terms of tourism, Kamchatka is
best known for its unregulated and
overwhelming nature.
Every year tourists travel to the
peninsula for the Kamchatka
volcanoes (more than 160, 29 of
which are still active) or its geysers
of the Dolina Geiserow valley.
Similar to the Kola Peninsula,
Kamchatka has only been accessible
to tourists since the Cold War. And
analogous to the Kola Peninsula in
northwestern Russia, the fish stocks
on Kamchatka were able to develop
undisturbed.
58 contact@fftc.club
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59
RUSSIA
60 contact@fftc.club
www.fftc.club
61
RUSSIA
62 contact@fftc.club
www.fftc.club 61 63
RUSSIA
More than 12000 rivers (!) meander
through the peninsula, and represent
a fishing paradise for fishermen who
are after salmonids. Rivers,
landscapes, and climate are very
similar to that of Alaska, but far fewer
guests are fishing here.
STATIONARY CAMP
The rustic and comfortable Icha River
Camp is idyllically located directly on
the Icha River, surrounded by forest. It
is far from the nearest civilization and
can accommodate up to 18 guests.
The guests sleep in wooden cabins.
The cabins have electric heaters and
some have river views.
The camp also has a heated drying
room for waders, toilets, sauna and
showers with heated water. Breakfast
and dinner are taken in a separate hut.
At lunchtime, the guides prepare
meals right on the river.
ICHA River
Guests fish exclusively on 50km
stretch of the Icha River in the
spectacular landscape of Kamchatka
(25km upstream and 25km downstream
from the camp).
The river has its source at Icha
volcano and then flows wildly and
unregulated towards the sea, has
crystal clear water and is perfect for fly
fishing. The riverbed consists
mostly of fine gravel, so the river is
easy to wade.
64 contact@fftc.club
Target Species
The target fish species are 6 Pacific salmon species (king salmon, silver salmon,
sockeye salmon, dog salmon, humpback salmon and endemic and only to be
found here on the west coast of Kamchatka: the cherry salmon), wild rainbow trout,
arctic char, Dolly Varden char and Kundjas (a species of char also endemic in
Kamchatka ).
The main target fish in July are king axis (chinook) and rainbow trout. The water level
is mostly high, two-handed rods up to class 9 and sinking lines are usually fished.
August offers the best chance for a particularly large number of fish species.
Rainbow trout, char and salmon are in the river. The water level is usually much
lower, you fish with single-handed rods of classes 8-9 with floating lines and sinking
tips.
In September it is already significantly cooler, the main target fish are now rainbow
trout, Kundjas and silver salmon (Cohos). The water level is still low, the same
device is used as in August. The forests are turning into wonderful autumn colors.
FFTC Member Contact
SEASON
Season is from 15th of July to 15th of
October - prime time is July-September
RATES
9 nights / 6,5 days fishing - special
promotion rate EUR 3.190
FFTC Member Advantage
2,5 % OFF the regular rates
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
65
AFRICA
N
amibia
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
EXPERIENCE FISHING, GAME
VIEWING, BIRDING AND MORE
ON THE BANKS OF THE CHOBE
RIVER AT ICHINGO CHOBE RIVER
LODGE
The scenic Chobe River region is
world-renowned as one of Africa’s
best fly-fishing destinations. And a
stay on one of the three Chobe
Princesses or at Ichingo Chobe
River Lodge is the best way to
experience it. Catch everything
from African pike, tilapia, catfish
and yellowfish to the legendary
Tigerfish on your unforgettable
river safari.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers
the ideal location to experience all
that the Chobe has to offer with the
added benefit of being on the
Namibian side of the river. Quieter,
more secluded and personalised
the lodge is ideal for families,
couples or groups.
Our eight large air-conditioned
Meru safari tents give you all the
excitement of a safari adventure in
Africa each with an en-suite
bathroom and private balcony.
There is also one family tent
available which is a main tent with a
connecting smaller children’s tent
to offer parents peace of mind.
The lounge, bar and open air-dining
room set above the flowing waters
of the Chobe River provide the
ultimate in comfort allowing you to
completely unwind and enjoy the
sights and sounds of a true African
river safari experience.
Nestled on Impalila Island in
Namibia, Ichingo Chobe River
Lodge is a tented lodge surrounded
by breathtaking scenery, abundant
wildlife, birdlife and ideal fishing
conditions.
66 contact@fftc.club
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
features eight large air-conditioned
Meru safari tents set on a secluded
island beneath a riverine canopy on
the banks of the Chobe River. Step
out on to your own private balcony
to listen to the rapids, relax on your
sumptuous bed and then head to
the dining room or bar for
something delicious to eat or drink.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is also
perfect for families and welcomes
children of all ages.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers a
2 or 3 night itinerary which includes
a variety of activities for you to
experience during your stay. These
include game viewing by boat along
the banks of the Chobe National
Park, an excursion through the
beautiful Kasai Channel to see the
mighty Zambezi River and a guided
walk on Impalila Island to visit our
famous ancient Baobab tree.
Fishing for the legendary Tigerfish
is also a great activity option.
Because of its unique geographic
location, the game viewing and
birdwatching in and around Ichingo
Chobe River Lodge is second to
none. Plus, you can get up close
and personal with the wildlife as
you glide towards them silently on
the tender boats.
www.fftc.club
67
AFRICA
The lodge’s location is particularly
well known for its high quality
fishing in over 100kms of the Chobe
and Zambezi Rivers, where you can
hook a tiger fish, bream and several
other fresh water species.
At the same time, because you’re in
a tent you won’t lose that feeling of
being in the thick of the African
bush, as you listen to the sounds of
the Chobe River flowing past you
and the call of fish eagles in the
distance.
Our safari tents are all airconditioned,
so you get welcome
respite from the African heat which
means you can truly relax and
unwind. Our bathrooms have all
been renovated with new floors,
vanities, shower heads and taps so
you don’t have to miss out on
modern luxuries while you’re on
safari.
Experience all the
chobe has to offer
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers a
variety of activities for you to
experience during your stay which
guests can select upon check-in. A
vehicle based game drive in the
Chobe National Park on the day of
departure is also included in the
itinerary.
Activities On Offer
Elephant Bay Guided Game
Viewing is an evening tender boat
activity into the Chobe National
Park and Caprivi Wetland areas, to
the aptly named Elephant Bay. This
natural harbour is away from the
very busy river sections and allows
you to enjoy the magnificent Chobe
Sunset with the possibility of
watching elephants playing and
swimming in the Chobe River.
68 contact@fftc.club
Zambezi River Excursion is an
absolute must. The Kasai Channel
is a small, beautiful waterway that is
filled with a huge variety of birds, the
occasional hippo and wonderful
views of the Caprivi floodplains. It
meanders from the Chobe River,
ending at the majestic Zambezi
River which is an iconic African
river.
Guided Fishing (catch and release
basis) in over 100kms of the Chobe
and Zambezi Rivers for tiger fish,
bream and several other fresh
water species. The tiger fish is
Africas great river sport fish and
provides thrilling fun for those
looking for an adrenaline surge. It is
also a great excuse to spend a few
hours peacefully on the waterways
watching the birds, hippos and
crocs at play. All fishing equipment
(conventional and fly), bait and
fishing licences are supplied.
Guided Walks on Impalila
Island give you an insight into the
life of local inhabitants, introduce
you to the stark beauty of the area
and amaze you with the enormity of
the Baobab trees. The end point of
the walk is to an ancient (over 2000
years old) Baobab tree which the
more energetic can climb to see
where Namibia, Zambia, Botswana
and Zimbabwe meet, and the great
Chobe and Zambezi Rivers
converge. You will then be driven by
vehicle back to the lodge.
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69
AFRICA
The Fishing
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.
70 contact@fftc.club
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.
...
www.fftc.club
71
AFRICA
Combination Options
Zambezi Queen or Chobe Princess
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.
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.
72 contact@fftc.club
SEASON
LOW SEASON: December - Februar
HIGH SEASON: March - November
FFTC Member Contact
RATES
Rates are per person sharing. Departs for 2
nights or a 3 night stay.
LOW SEASON: December to Februar
aprox. USD 324 per person per night (sharing)
HIGH SEASON: March to November
aprox. USD 350 per person per night (sharing)
FFTC Member Advantage
5 % OFF the regular rates
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 73
MEMBERSHIP FOR FLYFISHERS
It is really easy to become a member in our club.
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!
What we are not!
F F T C
FlyFisher Traveller Club
• We are not a travel agency for a FlyFisher
• We are not a poor directory page with tons of links
• We are not a local Club
• We are not a snobbish Club
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• We are not a new competitor to any local FlyFisher Club, established tackle
shop or specialized travel agency for FlyFishers
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What benefits can you expect?
est. 2017
• Unlimited and free access to the FFTC Members Area
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regular rates
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74 contact@fftc.club
F F T C
FlyFisher Traveller Club
est. 2017
Your Membership contains:
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save all advantages
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75
Advertisement
Our boxes over the years have not only become
collectors items they have become synonymous
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P
roduct
by
review
Alexander Dachlauer
There is a wide range of
products from different
brands for every single
gear
Some products and brands are wellknown
others are not. You can get the
best idea about the (new) product not
only from personal experience but
also from a detailed product review.
You can find such reviews in editorial
sections of fly fishing magazines or on
YouTube. Most of them are published
shortly after the launch of a new
product, in the very beginning of the
active promotion period. “Long-term”
reviews are seldom and if you find
them, then they will only cover one
year of product use. Of course “longterm”
reviews are often more helpful,
especially in regards to durability of
the product.
First hands-on reviews are often
driven by brand’s marketing using
their own product descriptions that
deliver a limited first impression.
Talking about fly rods, you will
definitely find reviews for well-known
brands and their top, mid-price and
beginner rods. But you can rarely
come across reviews for “exotic” or
“specific” rod series, as well as for rod
series from less known brands.
This editorial section
provides you real long-term
product review (at least two
seasons and more). Of
course only for products still
available to buy.
So, what do I use or how I will name it:
my personal long-time experience in
praxis with…
www.fftc.club
77
product review
by Alexander Dachlauer
Douglas Outdoors -
Upstream Lightweight 8.8“
4wt - 4 pieces Fly Rod.
Some seasons ago. I participated in a
local dealer fly fishing event in 2017.
This was the first time I got my hands
on this interesting and at that time new
rod series from Douglas Outdoors,
Inc.. This young industry brand was
founded in 2014 and became wellknown
for a wider audience in 2016
thanks to its highly recognized
Douglas Sky rod series. The Douglas
Sky won the legendary 6wt shootout
from Yellowstone Anglers, published
online in 2016. By the way I guess this
is the one and only fly rod and fly reel
test address with nearly scientific
measurements to all criteria.
George Anderson, his son and
rotating staff from Yellowstone
Anglers are always doing an amazing
job during these helpful shootouts.
Everything is done highly professional
with attention to any detail.
But let’s get back to the Douglas
Upstream and the fly fishing event I
visited. Of course I paid attention to
these rods weeks before in a window
display because of the eye-catching
tiny slim and in case of the 6 piece rods
very short rod tubes. But on the day of
the event I took one of these models -
the 4wt, 4 pieces 8.8“ - to the casting
green for the first time.
There wasn’t a fitting reel and line
available so I went to my car and put
my own reel on (Orvis CFO II spooled with a Rio
Gold 4wt line I normally fished on my SAGE SLT, 8.0/4wt).
78
I cast all day long with this rod and
then handed it over to other visitors
always keeping an eye on it because
of my own line & reel. The rod always
found its way back to me and I cast it
actively and well concentrated with a
lot of small talk in between just for fun.
At the end of the show, at the time
when I rigged the rod down I
immediately understood that I
wouldn’t give it away anymore.
This is when I bought my first Douglas
Outdoors Upstream fly rod. And I do
not regret this spontaneous decision
due to the rod’s features.
"I was so impressed from the
first cast on. I really feel the
difference to all other modern
graphite fly rods."
I will of course explain to you, what the
major difference is.
First of all the rod has an incredibly
light weight (1.72 oz / 49 gram) and
the blank gives you such a straight
feedback of every single movement.
"No matter if you accelerate or
slow down your cast. No
matter if you are a beginner or
an expert."
It is a full flex rod with a kind of a
feeling of a traditional bamboo. Or
is it more of the feeling of an old
fiberglass from the 1970th?
This is difficult to answer.
"I guess you will find the soul of
both technologies in this fly rod."
But it is made of the most up-todate
material - graphite.
What makes this rod
so special?
My opinion is that this rod combines
the best of all three worlds of
materials. The full flex of a split-cane
rod. The elastic power and durability
of an old fiberglass rod and finally the
recovering speed and light weight of a
modern graphite fly rod. Simply the
best of all technologies in one single
fly rod model. Normally when it comes
to testing a fly rod everything is about
performance and of course this is an
important criterion. But there is one
often forgotten and simply underrated
criterion - the fun-to-fish factor.
The Douglas Outdoors Upstream
series is not a casting machine for
long distances over 70 feet like other
rods and you won’t cast this rod into
the backing line. Certainly not. This is
not what this rod is made for. We
won’t compare this rod with top
models like the G-Loomis NRX, or a
Scot Radian, a Hardy Zephrus, Orvis
Helios or any other top-notch rods
from other brands. And not even with
the Sky from Douglas itself, which is
also a high-end top rod. No, of course
we won’t compare the Upstream with
this kind of rods and also their price
ranges. All of them are modern fast
action rods. The Upstream rod
slows you down and it is presenting
the fly very, very delicate not only in
closer ranges. More than other midaction
rod series will do. Up to 30 feet
you won’t find any other rod doing
this range so easily perfect. You
cast without any effort with an always
helpful, sensitive feedback from the
blank in the most important trout
distance up to 45 feet.
www.fftc.club
79
product review
by Alexander Dachlauer
This action is made for extra long
leaders and fine tippets. Everything
is possible because of its sensitivity
and flexibility. You won’t even loose a
fish by broken tippets. If you now think
this rod is only made for small streams
to cast only dry flies or light nymphs on
short distances, you will be surprised.
This is definitely not the case.
You can cast nearly everything with
this rod up to slightly bigger and
heavy trout streamers. Open the
loop and you can cast everything
effortless usual for trout fishing with
much fun. Please remember that I’m
talking about the 4wt 8.8 feet rod
model.
The series contains 8 models starting
from 2wt up to 4 wt., 2 piece rods up
to 6 pieces (!!) models made for
travelers, backpackers or urban fly
fishers using public traffic to reach the
down-town fishing spot in the
evening. The rods have an incredibly
light weight starting from 1.13 oz up to
1.72 oz and the pricing is affordable.
For more details please check the
Douglas Outdoors website.
Let’s talk about the swing weight,
which is also an important point about
the feeling. Yes, any fast action or stiff
rod offers a different feeling but if you
imagine that this rod feels like a
fiberglass and you get the full-flex
features of a bamboo rod you will be
surprised that the swing-weight of the
Upstream is totally different to these
old materials.
The swing-weight seems to be
covered by the counter-weight of the
reel, and completely eliminated by the
graphite composite, which provides
the high recovery speed and the
overall light weight of the rod. This is
what makes this fly rod series so
unique and so special.
For the perfect balance I personally
choose a Sage 4230 fly reel. By the
way a great looking, large arbor and a
very good sealed trout reel with a high
durability. I’m a friend of in-weight
lines. That means I prefer to use a 4wt
line on a 4wt rod. After a long search in
the mass of fly lines I always end up
using the Rio Gold for trout settings,
which is to be honest a little bit
overweighted from the AFTMA. But I
think that besides SA MPX the Rio
Gold (not the intouch with lower
stretch - the traditional one) is one of
the best all-round fly lines for trout
fishing in the market. We are not
talking about any special use fly lines.
Anyway this SAGE reel balanced my
rod perfectly. The platinum model
also perfectly fits the color of the
traditional down locking reel seat. The
former reel I used, the Orvis CFO, was
also doing this very well but I prefer the
large arbor on fast waters if I use the
rod as my every day rod. In
combination with the right fly line it
is an effortless casting dream.
No matter if you do air or water casts
or mendings. The rod has unexpected
lifting power and you can also reach
impressive distances with roll-casts.
Simply fun to fish.
You enjoy fishing by slowing down
and get the typical direct feeling of
casting a split-cane rod. Every
mending is very easy as it can be like
any other casting action with the rod.
No matter if you hook a small or bigger
fish. You get the feedback directly and
even a 2inch trout is feeling fighting on
this sensitive stick. Pure fun for
casting und catching most any sizes of
fish.
With the Douglas Upstream you get
all these great features combined
in one single modern fly rod series.
80 contact@fftc.club
I fished this rod for 4 seasons
now and I have to tell you that
this is the my favorite trout
rod in case of fun-to-fish fact
I ever had cast in my life.
I guess there is no other rod in
the market which combines all
these great features of the three
different worlds of rod materials
in one single rod.
The combination of these
features creates an
unbeatable fun-to-fish rod
series for trouts.
Every single fly fisher, whom I
handed this rod over for some
casts or fishing, was surprised
about this rod feeling and totally
agreed with me that this is the
rod for fun-to-fish.
Everything in regular troutdistances
goes very easy,
delicate and accurate. Starting
from tiny, tiny dry flies up to
heavy trout streamers. The
casting makes always fun.
The durability, flexibility and the
recovery speed of the blank is
unmatched. Please feel free to
get your hands on it and maybe
you will also get afire with this
rod series like I did.
In the same year I bought a
second Douglas Outdoors
Upstream Lightweight.
A 8.0 feet 2wt rod for smaller
spring creeks in the alps.
At the end of the last season
I caught a 22 inch hard fighting
Rainbow trout with my 4wt
Upstream fly rod. There was no
problem to handle this proper
fish in the middle of a fast
current in my home river ISAR in
the front of the Bavarian Alps.
www.fftc.club
81
product review
by Alexander Dachlauer
At the end I want you to know that I do not get paid for this article. Douglas
Outdoors has no advertisements in this magazine. This is my own opinion and
experience with this fantastic little fly rod. By the way one more subjective opinion.
I love the traditional design of the rod and downlocking reel seat made completely of cork
and the very outstanding color of the blank. It’s something I will call light olive. Matched
great with the sage and yellow color of the Rio Gold. So, your eyes won’t get nervous.
Anyway looks great.
All craftsmanship including the transparent wraps around the rings are done very
accurately. The rod comes with a pretty cool and remarkable tiny diameter aluminium rod
tube and a branded rod sock in green with separate spaces for each rod section. In 4
seasons I never had to reset rod sections. Everything sits perfect after a long day
of casting and catching fish. A great package with a lifetime warranty for original
owners for an affordable price for an outstanding rod series. And please don’t forget:
Fun-to-fish is unpayable.
Product review written by Alexander Dachlauer, Lake Starnberg, DE © 2017-2020 all photos of this product
review done by Alexander Dachlauer on normal fishing siutations. No extra photo-shooting.
82 contact@fftc.club
JUNGLE BLUES BOOK
The Best Fly Fishing
Book in Years
Advertisement
Is called “Jungle Blues” and
it’s written by Stu Tripney,
I’ve read the book, and I
think it’s some of the most
compelling “adventure
angling” writing out there—
and that’s been my bailiwick
for years.
Angling trade magazine -
May19/2019
KIRK DEETER- EDITOR
“I tried to ask the shopkeeper what the fish was called and he
tore the corner off a cardboard box and wrote in English, ‘Pla
Chado’ – the giant snake-headed fish.”
From his rural home in the South Island of New Zealand, selfprofessed
fly-fishing geek Stu Tripney designs flies and runs the
New Zealand Fly Fishing School. But every now and then, a fish
swims into his dreams …
Jungle Blues is Stu’s first
travel memoir, recounting his
strange adventures while
living in the jungles of
Malaysia. A story about the
environment, human nature
and strange friends, this
hilarious tale will appeal to
anyone who loves the thrill of
travel and adventure.
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AUSTRALIA
A
ustralia
Ningaloo Reef
The Ningaloo Reef - Sight Fishing
at it´s Best
The map of Australia shows a
peninsula extending northward from
its northwest corner.
This approximately 75 mile long
peninsula is known as the North West
Cape and is home to the town of
Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef.
The spectacularly clear waters of the
Indian Ocean lap upon the shoreline
of this isolated and remote outback
desert coastline.
The rich marine life here has recently
made this area a popular tourism
destination. Indeed, the marine life of
the Ningaloo Reef is becoming world
famous and, in our experience, is only
rivaled by the Seychelles pristine
atolls of Alphonse and St. Francois.
Coincidently, an equally outstanding
shallow water fishery has been
discovered headlined by Indo-Pacific
Permit, Bonefish, Giant Trevally, and
Golden Trevally.
84 contact@fftc.club
www.fftc.club 71 85
AUSTRALIA
86 contact@fftc.club
www.fftc.club
87
AUSTRALIA
This fishery has two distinctly
different aspects.
On the western coast of the cape, are
the crystal clear, tourquiose waters of
the Indian Ocean and the Ningaloo
Reef. On the eastern side, is the
Exmouth Gulf, a totally different
marine environment. The waters on
both sides of the cape provide an
outstanding number of shallow water,
sight casting opportunities. It's
always a good idea to split the days
fishing equally between both sides of
the cape.
How to get there?
Overall, itinerary planning for
Australia is a personalized process
because of the options, budgetary
considerations, and different
approaches.
It depends where you coming from. If
you come from Europe or USA or from
Australia itself, and if you like to make
a trip combination of a couple holiday
with a stop over at the Fiji Islands or
fishing only.
A trip to Australia Ningaloo Reef is
also a great combo tie-in with NZ.
Both in same part of the world so you
maximize your travel time
and budget.
If you have the time, you can combine
the world class trophy trout stalking in
NZ crystalline streams and rivers with
some of the best saltwater fishing on
the planet. It's a good idea to spend
time in NZ in combination on your
personal trip.
A couple’s itinerary is for the Ningaloo
Reef also attractive because of the
maritime non-fishing activities.
Accommodations range varies. For
example the Exmouth Beach Resort.
The Ningaloo Reef offers a worldclass
saltwater fishery and is every
trip worth!
88 contact@fftc.club
The
E
xmouth
Beach Resort
FFTC Member Contact
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
FFTC Member Advantage
2,5 % OFF the regular rates
89
BAHAMAS
B
ahamas
Crooked Island and Acklins
With nearly 50000 acres of flats, the islands of the Bahamas have the
largest bonefishing area in the world.
These great fish, often sizeable, thrive on the nutrients produced by one of the richest
environments of our planet, the flats and mangrove areas are irrigated on a daily basis
by the rich waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, flowing along and between the
700 islands and 2500 cays.
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The Target Species
BONEFISH
It’s our bread- and butter fish, found
on almost every flat in the area and
fished for from a boat or simply
wading the hard-bottomed flats and
lagoons. The average size will be in
the 3- to 4-pound range, yet bigger
specimen of 5- to 7- lbs are caught
regularly. Double-digit fish are a
possibility, the island record being a
17,6 lbs whopper!!
Fly fishing opportunities are endless.
Besides busy New Providence and its
capital Nassau and Grand Bahama
Island, the Out Islands as they are also
called, are only sparsely populated.
You will discover two islands that are
probably among the most pristine and
least known, Crooked Island and Acklins.
These two islands form a vast atoll with a
circumference of just over 140 miles.
Located in the southeastern portion of
the Bahamas, the “Bight of Acklins” and
its huge lagoon are encompassed by
Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay,
totaling some 108 square miles! The
islands are located less than 60 miles
from the Haitian and Cuban coastlines,
respectively… Crooked Island with its
280 inhabitants is quite, “out of the way”
and tranquil place.
TARPON
While the Bahmas are not a tarpon
destination per se, we do have a
population of resident fish, in baby
sizes of 10 to 30 lbs, all year long,
while some areas will have migratory
fish in larger sizes from 40 to 100
pounds, notably in the turtle sound
lagoon from may to october.
Nature is particularly pristine and
beautiful. On many occasions will you be
able to spot pink flamingos on the flats.
Landing at Crooked Island is a superb
and impressive experience, as the water
depth of the huge lagoon does not
exceed 10 feet so the vistas are truly
breathtaking.
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TRIGGERFISH
Sometimes called the “poor man’s permit”, they remain a very interesting species to
fish for with fly tackle: the triggerfish are wary yet will readily eat a bonefish shrimp or
a small crab fly while tailing on the flats. They are a great catch and definitely great
practice for permit fishing!
BARRACUDA
Barracuda are numerous on the flats and often big. We advise our customers to always
keep a 10-weight rod rigged up and ready in the boat. ‘cudas can also be caught with
spin gear on stick baits or poppers.
JACKS
We have several interesting, hard-fighting jack subspecies at hand to keep fly and spin
anglers happy; horse eye jacks, yellow jacks, bar jacks as well as pompano will keep
light tackle anglers amused.
SHARKS
Sharks might not be on everyone’s list yet they are superb fighters on fly and spin
tackle. You will find a very health shark population, ranging from smaller species (20
lbs) to huge monsters (several hundred pounds) in and around the lagoon and we will
organize specialized shark-fishing trips upon request. Tigers, lemons, silkies,
hammerheads, gray reef sharks… everything is possible!
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BAHAMAS
The Lodge
Located right on a white sandy beach, the
Crooked Island and Acklins Trophy
Lodge is very nice and comfortable. Run
by a very friendly couple, the lodge has 5
large air-conditioned double rooms with
bathroom and bath tub, sitting area,
refrigerator, Wifi, dresser, chest, etc…
Meals will be taken at the bar/restaurant
where cold beers will welcome thirsty
anglers, returning from the flats. Food is
varied with local specialties like a very
tasty conch salad. It is a small, quiet and
private lodge, away from large scale
tourism. No crowds will be encountered
at this superb atoll!
Once you leave Nassau, you will soon be
landing at our vast atoll which is over 140
miles in diameter. You may not realize it,
but you have just discovered a very
remote location that is largely isolated,
time-forgotten and magnificent.
Just to give you an idea about its size:
you could fit the better part of all of
Cuba’s shallow-water fishing areas
into the lagoon. All this but without the
same amount of fishing pressure!
Miles after square mile of pristine
sand or coral flats, surrounded by
crystal clear waters which are some of
the clearest in world.
The 280 inhabitants of Crooked Island
live in only two or three tranquil and
peaceful villages, typical for the area.
Three consecutive cars following
each other on the road are considered
a traffic jam here!
The lodge gives access to a large part
of the vast lagoon where colonies of
pink flamingos are breeding in
season.
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RATES
One week shared skiff, guide and
room: USD 3,490
Single angler per boat: USD 1,500
supplement
SEASON
This saltwater destination can be visited all year
round; High season is from November to August.
FFTC Member Advantage
2,5 % OFF the regular rates
FFTC Member Contact
The lodge gives access to a large part of
the vast lagoon where colonies of pink
flamingos are breeding in season. Many
areas are a snorkeler’s heaven; beachgoers
will fall in love with the fine sand and
many a coral cave is waiting to be
discovered in the hills. There are quite a
few blue holes in the lagoon, some of
which are connected to the open ocean,
miles away!
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
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MEXICO
exico
Punta Allen Fishing Club
MFly Fishing in the world-famous Ascension Bay
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Punta Allen Fishing Club is located about 50m from the beach.
"Mi casa es tu casa" is lived here par excellence and leads to a cozy atmosphere with a high
feel-good factor. It has 5 rooms for guests and a large lounge where there is a bar and
where guests have their meals.
The managers themselves are avid saltwater fly fishermen, the lodge serves
multicultural cuisine (including Mexican specialties).
From November to March the lodge can accommodate 8 guests (3 double and 2
single), from April to July for 10 guests (3DZ, 2EZ and a suite with space for 2 fishermen
or one family).
Two anglers share a guide and a boat (panga); The Pangas are about 6m long, but
despite their size they are very well suited for fly fishing from the boat. In front there is
a big casting platform for the angler. All boats have reliable engines, coolers, rod
holders, etc. on board. The first flats are accessible about 10 minutes from the lodge.
Naturally, wading opportunities also exist.
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The Pangas are about 6m long
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SEASON
The season is year-round (except August-
October). Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon as
well as Snook, Jacks, Barracudas, Ladyfish
and Snapper are catching throughout the
season.
RATES
4 nights / 3 days fishing - shared guide
and room: USD 1.980
7 nights / 6 days fishing - shared guide
and room: USD 3.480
FFTC Member Advantage
2,5 % OFF the regular rates
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
VIDEOTHEK
selected & written by Alexander Dachlauer
F
The healing power of Fly Fishing
ly fishing life
"Common Lines" - a short film from Jonathan Conti & Chad Case
There is no doubt about it. Fly fishing is more than a sport. This short film
shows us a great example of the healing power of fly fishing. Fly fishing connects
people in a unique way. My guide Julian from my trip to Patagonia in 2019 said
a remarkable thing to me: Fly Fishing makes friends! And of course this is
absolutely true!
Please take your time to watch this great short movie about different aspects of
fly fishing in the beautiful scenery of USA, Montana. By the way, Jon (one of
the film makers) told me in July 2020 that he met Jake (the marine from the film)
only one week ago in Boise, Idaho - he is still fishing and stays well. These are
the good stories of life.
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stonia
EEstfly Guiding Service
pain
SRio Tormes
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VIDEOTHEK
C orrientes
Golden Fly Fishing Lodge
laska
AAlaska Trophy Adventures Lodge
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VIDEOTHEK
B
razil
Amazon Roosevelt Lodge
KIcha River Camp
amchatka
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amibia
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
A
ustralia
Ningaloo Reef
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VIDEOTHEK
B
ahamas
Crooked Island and Acklins
M
exico
Punta Allen Fishing Club
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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 organize your travel to the destination
you chose.
We offer a great full service solution that allows you to
book domestic or international flights including additional
hotels before and after your fishing holidays - rental cars and
latest we added a booking engine for FERRIES as well. All
important travel options in one place. No need to leave the
FFTC members area.
smart applications for
direct booking
FLIGHTS | HOTELS | RENTAL CARS | FERRIES
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!
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© photograph AD - Patagonia, Argentina - 2019!
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