Fly Fishing destinations worldwide - FFTC.club Magazine issue I-2021

No. I-2021 

www.fftc.club 

The FlyFisher Traveller Club 

Flydestinations worldwide 

Fishing 

FRESHWATER 

Europe 

Mongolia 

USA 

Bolivia 

Canada 

Africa 

SALTWATER 

Seychelles 

Venezuela 

F F T C 

FlyFisher Traveller Club 

est. 2017 

© ℗ FFTC.club 2020 

Get inspired for your next trip!

No. I-2021 

Cover photo: Bungalow front of the camp on the banks of the Faro river 

- a fishing trip with Faro Sportfishing, Xavier-Frank Vannier 

destinations 

FRESHWATER 

Fl 

Europe 

Germany - Alpine Angler.............................................6 

Slovenia - Krka Mayfly Lodge....................................14 

Mongolia 

Murun - The Four River Lodge..................................36 

USA 

Texas - FlyFishing Rockport......................................44 

Bolivia 

Arapaima Paradise Lodge..........................................54 

Canada 

Yukon - Dalton Trail Lodge........................................74 

Africa 

Cameroon - Faro Sportfishing & Safaris...................82 

2 contact@fftc.club


The FlyFisher Traveller Club 

yFishing 

destinations worldwide 

editorials 

Cameroon - wild(life) by night.................26 

Interview - with Wayne McGee...............60 

Brands inside - ArcticSilver....................95 

destinations 

Seychelles 

SALTWATER 

Astove..................................................................104 

Venezuela 

Los Roques.........................................................114 

videothek.........124 


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 

area brings together what must be together. 

The FFTC Members Area will offer a direct access to a 

huge number of the most experienced FlyFisher Guides 

and all the worthwhile freshwater and saltwater 

destinations all around the globe. There are so many 

great destinations out there - we are hungry to explore 

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

water to make our visions of unforgettable moments 

become real! 

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

fishing destinations around the globe in this digital 

magazine. We hope you enjoy reading our brand-new 

magazin. For more details about the FFTC.club please 

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

unlimited access to the FFTC Members Area. 

Always tight lines, Alexander 

F F T C 


est. 2017 


Editor's letter 

April, 2021 

Editorial 

We are very proud to present the third issue of our 

brand-new FFTC Magazine. This digital magazine is 

made for those fly fishers, who love to explore new 

destinations. 

Of course the years 2020 and 2021 are totally terrible 

because of Corona pandemic. We launched our 

FFTC magazine exactly during this time. But we 

decided to keep going with this project. Of course, 

travelling in general is difficult and extremely limited 

now. 

In fact it is nearly impossible for the most of the 

countries worldwide. This is not really easy for 

passioned world travellers, isn't it? 

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. 

No matter when the "new normal" allows us to travel 

again. We add new destinations to our bucket list. 

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 

ENTERTAINMENT CLG 

3 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1 

D01 KV26 Dublin / IRELAND 

Register No. 643231 

GERMANY 

andante media DIGITAL 

ENTERTAINMENT CLG 

Leopoldstrasse 2-8 

32051 Herford 

VAT ID/Umsatzsteuer ID: 

DE32291620 

phone/fax 

toll free (national DE) 

0800 - 724 3205 

FFTC.club office (south of Germany) 

phone international 

+49 (0)8151 950 1521 

email: contact@fftc.club 

editor in chief & director 

Alexander Dachlauer 

email: alexander@fftc.club 


5

EUROPE 

Guide 

ermany 

GBAVARIA - Alpine Angler 

If you have Germany on your Bucket 

list - you have to come to Bavaria! Fly 

fish the Alps ... get the best! 

Trust our years of experience. As a 

specialized fly fishing supplier in the 

Alpine region, we have the know-how! 

The Alps are a source of countless 

watersheds and among them are 

some little-known dream destinations 

where we can put you. Fly fish the 

Alps ... get the best, is therefore the 

motto of our individual Guiding 

packages, which will be customized 

according to your preferences. You 

want to catch big wild trout or 

grayling, a brook or rare marbel trout, 

pike, carp or even a taimen on fly? 

Based on your targets, you 

can choose between several waters 

and areas, not only here in Southern 

Bavaria, but also in Italy and Austria. 

We also arrange conveniently located 

accommodation corresponding to 

your demands. And about everything 

else you don't have to care about, e.g. 

which rivers to fish depending on the 

season, the weather and the 

prevailing conditions, where to get 

the fishing licenses, etc., because 

all these services are included in the 

package. 

... 


More than 20 years ALPINE ANGLER 

- we are already in our 21th fly fishing 

season! 

At the turn of the millennium, the 

company ALPINE ANGLER was born 

out of the idea to inspire even more 

people for the finest way to fish. But 

even for those who are already 

fascinated by the best sport in the 

world, we would like to offer our help. 

That is to ensure that you are able to 

enjoy your passion best in these fast 

days where free time is a real value. 

The Home Waters 

ALPINE ANGLERS guides on many of 

the waters in the south of Bavaria in 

front of the Alps, for a variety of 

species. But our home water will 

always be the ISAR River. We also fish 

a number of other waters in Bavaria. 

For Lake Trout the Lake Walchensee, 

the river Singold, Loisach and the 

famous river Weisse Traun. 

ALPINE ANGLERS can craft the 

perfect Bavarian Fly Fishing trip for 

you. 

SEASON 

Season is from Mai to November for the ISAR 

Lake Walchensee starts in March and other 

rivers in April 

RATES 

Accommodation on request - Guiding from 

EUR 500 full day for 1 Angler 

FFTC Member Advantage 

FFTC Voucher available - 25 USD 

off for FFTC Members / fisherman / 

booking guiding services 


7


B avaria 

is known for its traditional 

culture and its beauty 


9

EUROPE 

Guide 

ISAR River - A jewel runs through 

the Bavarian Alps 

The upper reaches of the Isar river are 

one of the last wild river landscapes in 

Europe. The upper river in the socalled 

"Isar angle" below Sylvenstein 

reservoir is one of the most beautiful 

flowing river sections of Bavaria with 

breathtaking scenery, wide gravel 

banks and clean water - ideal for fly 

fishing! The rainbow trout stock can 

be described as good but brown trout 

occur as well. Prime fish species 

however is the grayling, whose 

existence is gratifying constant 

thanks to year-round protection. 

Caddis, mayfly and stonefly 

imitations, terrestrials and streamers 

lead to success in the variety of 

classic riffles, runs and pools of the 

mostly natural river course. 

For guest fishermen there are 2 river 

sections available - 17 km in total 

length. 

Best time to fish is early May to mid 

July and then especially the fall from 

early September to mid-November. 

WEISSE TRAUN - River 

A Gin-clear perl in the front of the Alps. 

This river is one hour´s drive away in 

the south of my home base. If the 

water is higher on the ISAR we can 

avoid to Weisse Traun river. The water 

level there is not affected by normal 

rainfalls. This river offers its anglers a 

great spot for sight fishing for big 

Brown and Rainbow Trout. 

A delicate presentation and the right 

pattern of a dry fly let you enjoy a great 

fishing day. 

... 


LAKE - Walchensee 

The lake Walchensee gives you the 

opportunity for sight fishing for Lake 

Trout. Especially on the beginning of 

the season at early March is the 

chance to hook one of the shy Lake 

Trout really perfect. In this time 

normally they patrol the lakesides and 

later in the season they prefer the 

deep water. We will guide you for this 

special experience. 

You'd like to try for other fish 

species with a fly? 

We also offer guided fly fishing for pike 

and carp from the boat or belly boat on 

pristine Bavarian lakes. This offer is 

also interesting for the novice in fly 

fishing for pike and carp. Suiting 

equipment for these fish and special 

flies can be provided at no extra 

charge. Contact us, if you want to go 

for big fish! 

Accommodations for your stay 

Situated in close proximity to the 

towns of Bad Tölz, Wackersberg, 

Arzbach and Lenggries there is a 

variety of accommodations of all 

categories. We are happy to help you 

with the accommodation. 

Bring your partner! The magnificent 

"Isarwinkel" provides versatile leisure 

opportunities for non-fishing 

companions. 

Our partner on site - the Fellerhof in 

Lenggries 

The lovely **guest house Fellerhof in 

Lenggries is our long-term partner on 

site for guest anglers who come for fly 

fishing on the river Isar. This quietly, 

within easy reach of the village center 

situated guest house of the family 

Seibold is set to fly fishing. 


11

EUROPE 

Guide 


FFTC Member Contact 

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

We appreciate to help you to make your 

dreams come true. 

Alpine Angler eK 

Owner / Headguide 

Andreas Pfirstinger 

Seiboldweg 22 

83646 Wackersberg / GERMANY 

phone: +49 (0)8041 799 694 

email: info@alpineangler.eu 

web: www.alpineangler.eu 

13

EUROPE 

lovenia 

SKrka Mayfly Lodge 

Chalk stream Trout and Huchen fishery, ethereal landscapes 

and peacefulness 

Slovenia Mayfly Fly fishing Lodge 

sits perched on a hilltop above the 

Krka River, in the heart of the Lower 

Carniola region, south eastern 

Slovenia. 

Located at rural countryside - far from 

the bustle of urban life, and right in the 

middle of breath-taking landscapes. 

The Krka is characterized by a 

riverbed sunk into the soft limestone 

terrain of the Lower Carniola Hills. 

Waters spilling from one pool into the 

other, across tufa deposits cascades 

overgrown with green moss, which 

provide ample shelter to fish. 

River Krka is a waterway renowned 

for its chalk stream Trout and Huchen 

fishing. From our Lodge we have 

access to the most spectacular 

crystal-clear rivers in this part of the 

world: Soča, Idrijca, Kolpa, Savinja, 

Unica, Gacka. 


www.fftc.club 15

EUROPE 

THE LODGE 

Vintage 

During recent eco-renovations, the 

historic beauty of the stone house, 

founded in 1885, was preserved to 

maintain the rustic ambiance of the 

rural countryside with all the luxury of 

modern times. 

Eco 

The Eco-lodge offers a private 

getaway of rural charm for our guests 

to enjoy. You will find intact nature, 

peacefulness of rural environment, 

local food, cosy rooms and relaxing 

atmosphere - escape in ancient 

times. 

Antique 

The ground floor treats you with two 

double rooms furnished with antique 

furniture, terracotta tiled hallways and 

bathroom, while in the chalet styled 

attic two single rooms and an antique 

style open lounge area await you. 

A wild fishing 

experience 

Go Fly fishing Slovenia 

guides offer 

professionally guided fly 

fishing trips in Slovenia 

for anglers of all skill 

levels. 

Slovenia Mayfly Fly fishing Lodge - 

enjoy exclusive chalk stream haven 

for small groups of discerning 

anglers! 

Our backyard boasts some of the best 

fly fishing Europe has to offer and it's 

our guides' mission to bring you the 

best experience possible. The great 

variety of Slovenian waters includes 

chalk streams, freestone's and lakes. 

This small but beautiful country 

has hundreds of kilometers of fishable 

water, which makes Fly fishing in 

Slovenia a fly-fisherman's dream. 

Whether you are a seasoned and 

experienced angler or a first timer who 

wants to learn to fly fish, our guide 

team will match your capabilities and 

desires to the right waters. 

... 


The famous home waters of Krka Mayfly Lodge 

The SOCA River 

Fly fishing Soca river - fishing in a dream 

Soca, simply stated the "first lady" of Slovenian rivers, is one of the most iconic rivers 

in Slovenia. A crystal-clear emerald beauty, starts its journey through the breathtaking 

Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps. Its upper parts in Triglav National park, painted 

with emerald blue pools, exchanging with faster stretches, that are easily accessible 

from the road. The stunning alpine river then weaves its way through several canyons. 

The beauty of the Soca River takes your breath away, no matter whether you are a firsttime 

or returning visitor to this sacred space. 

The fish populations are plentiful throughout the Soca. Including the native Marble 

trout and Adriatic Grayling, a sub-strain with bluish accent of fins, but also a rainbow 

trout for times when the activity is low. Also, the many smaller tributaries Lepena, 

Koritnica and Tolminka are delight for any serious fly fisherman. 

The KRKA River 

Best Fly Fishing Guide Service at Krka River, professionally guided trophy trout tours 

at Krka Valley, Slovenia. 

Located in south-eastern Slovenia, the Krka is a right tributary of the Sava River and 

is characterized by transparently green pools and numerous tufa cascades. Hence its 

second name, the Slovenian Green river. The water rich in limestone has formed 

countless brittle tufa deposits in its channel. Under cascades the pools are forming, 

providing a perfect keeping place for salmonid fish species. The Brown 

Trout and Rainbow Trout feel at home in the river’s source stretch, joined downstream 

by the Grayling and Danube salmon. 

Our fishing agency may offer you an exclusive stay at vintage Mayfly Lodge, ready to 

accommodate uncompromising fly fisherman and Huchen angler. Nearby spring 

creeks provide ample opportunities for a peaceful fly fishing. 

The fishing season is open from April to the end of October, and the only fishing 

method allowed is fly fishing. Huchen may be pursued by fly fishing or spin 

fishing. Eager to experience relaxed chalk stream fly fishing in Slovenia. 


EUROPE 

S oca 


The mystic 

R iver K rka 


19

EUROPE 

I drijca 


The IDRIJCA River 

Idrijca River is the largest Soca River tributary, still beholding solid populations of 

native marble trout and grayling. Idrijca springs in Idrijca Hils and after joining with 

Belca it becomes a fishable water. In upper parts dominated by brown and marble 

trout. This light green river pools are a fisherman’s heaven. The population of marble 

trout and hybrids below town of Idrija are dense and the fish trive on healthy insect diet. 

The Idrijca is easily accessible from the road that runs parallel to it throughout its entire 

length. Abounding with fish, the river offers enjoyable fishing throughout the fishing 

season. Don't count off enigmatic confluences Kanomlja and Cerknica, they may well 

surprise you. 

Marble trout – marmorata from Idrijca is the marble sub-type Idrijca, showing off a 

unique pigmentation pattern for this river. A reason more, for the visiting fly fisherman 

to put also Idrijca marble subspecies on your bucket-list. Besides Marble trout, Idrijca 

hides other beautiful fish as well. You can catch yourself a Brown trout, Hybrid trout 

a cross-breed of brown and marble, Rainbow trout and Grayling. 

LAKE - Stillwater Fly fishing 

Most of the fisherman who have fished or have a notion to fish Slovenia, are focused 

on breath taking gin-clear Rivers or prominent chalk-streams. Passing on the notion 

of coming to Slovenia to fish a lake, could be an opportunity wasted. The ones who 

dip into this realm and get to experience the Slovenian lake – catching up a title 

“Jurassic lake” - come back to us from the day fishing with ear to ear grins and a phone 

filled with big fish photos! We could vouch for the lake to be one of most prolific trophy 

wild trout waters in Central Europe. 

Perhaps the least boring factor is the big fish potential. Every year our clients and 

guides catch 6-8-pound trout and sometimes even larger. We have yet to meet a client 

that had a bad time watching a 2-plus foot Rainbow or Brown trout cruise the flat, 

taking the midge pupa and jump start into backing. Besides, these fish are no hatchery 

fish! They are wild trout, as a result of natural reproduction and get huge on the 

bountiful food supply that this lake produces. 

Our mission 

Your host will take care of every detail, with a solely mission to provide first 

class Slovenia fishing or outdoor adventures for smaller groups, let it be 

family and friends, creating memories to last a lifetime. 

We believe that the only way to ensure customers' safety, satisfaction and 

success is for the owners to be present and hands-on in absolutely every 

aspect of the adventure - that is our key and a promise. 


Most chased fish species 

Marble trout - a Queen of Slovenian Rivers 

Marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) native to Adriatic basin, can only be found in rivers 

flowing into Adriatics. Known for its marbled pattern - also referred to as Adriatic river 

ghost, is considered the pride and symbol of Slovenian fly fishing. Last two decades 

have seen the recovery of marmorata population, which was facing a near extinction 

due to release of Brown Trout into their habitat in 20th century resulting in 

crossbreeding. With the effort of Slovenian fishing enthusiasts, the "Marmorata" 

population has well recovered. 

Smaller Marble Trout rely on insects and are a common catch on nymph or dry fly, 

while bigger ones feed mostly on fry, small fish and make a desired trophy. The big 

ones grow to 130 cm (51 inch) and weight up to 22 kg (55 lbs). Realistically all fish over 

70 cm (26 inch) may be considered a very good catch. Its colouring and marbled 

pattern changes from river system to river system. 

Experience Huchen fishing in pristine Rivers of Slovenia 

Huchen or Danube salmon (Hucho hucho), magnificent salmonid known as the king 

of the rivers, is closely related to Mongolian Taimen. The fish of up to 90 cm (35 inch) 

are regular catch, while it is specimen over 110 cm (44 inches) attributed as the trophy. 

In former times, a Huchen hunt has been reserved as a game of nobility, but nowadays 

has become accessible also to the public. 

We pursue fly fishing for Huchen, but in adverse conditions rely on spinning too. It can 

only be found in the Danube river basin streams and the fishing is permitted in pairs 

only, with a professional to ensure a proper release, on most waters under the watchful 

eye of fishing club companion or a fishing guide. 

Go Fly Fishing Slovenia guides are well versed in Huchen predatory habits and provide 

you with special flies, but also lures imitating their prey, mostly fish, minnows, mouse. 


Slovenia 

is the home of the mystic 

Marble 

Trout 


23

EUROPE 

SEASON 

Most anglers can find excellent fly fishing 

between late March through end of October. 

RATES 

Full service packages available - from approx. 

3 Nights stay / 3 Days guiding for EUR 1.020 

SPECIAL OFFER FOR FFTC MEMBERS 




booking 





Krka Mayfly Fly Fishing Lodge 

Go Fly Fishing Slovenia 

Jama pro Dvoru 5 

8361 Dvor pri Zuzemberku 

Go Fly Fishing Slovenia 

Sasa Erlih - Owner and Head Guide 

WhatApp: +386 (0)41 360 016 

phone: +386 (0)41 360 016 

email: info@goflyfishing.si 


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Guest editorial 

by Greg Ghaui and Stuart Harley 


Cameroon 

wild(life) by night 

One pre season evening, I walked 

downstream out of our half built camp 

along the river bed. A few days back 

Stu and I had come with 9-weights to 

prospect for Tiger-fish, and had been 

pleasantly surprised as we rotated 

positions fishing our way along a fiery 

looking cut that you could only ever 

dream of holding fish, our increasingly 

sparse fly patterns attracting plenty of 

action along the way. Near the bottom 

of the run, as we debated following the 

channel where it crossed to the other 

side, we had seen a couple of rows of 

elephant tracks, and this is what has 

loosely drawn me back here. There is 

no shortage of tracks anywhere within 

the river bed arena, but there have 

been big elephant shaped gaps in 

many of the classical river vistas we 

have been in, and I keep waiting for my 

eyes to snag on a swinging trunk in the 

distance. 


27



This place just has pachyderms 

written all over it, so when the huge 

round sinkholes trailing up out of the 

water and along the beach for once 

don’t take on the form of hippo pugs, 

then it feels like we’re finally on the 

brink of completing a puzzle. 

To come here again hoping to see 

them is a long shot, more of an excuse 

to get out of camp but at least it 

provides a motive and some direction. 

Besides, if elephants don’t make an 

appearance, there is a very good 

chance something else will, and even 

better odds on it being completely 

worthwhile anyway. 

Sitting chest deep in a diminutive mid 

channel rock’s only redeeming 

feature, a small clear pool in its wake, 

I notice that I’ve cropped up on quite 

a few radars already. 

Three separate monkey species seem 

to have similar agendas to me this 

evening, and Guereza Colobus, 

Tantalus monkeys and Olive baboons 

are raising varying levels of curiosity 

and caution from the trees above, 

banks and the beach opposite me 

respectively. Between them on the 

river’s edge is a bushbuck ewe lying 

folded but with her head upright and 

alert. I’m not exactly sure why, but I 

decide then that I will only leave when 

she does, and it is immediately 

reassuring to be on her watch. 


Respite from immediate responssibility, 

heat, flies and dust allows me 

a sudden break from the present too, 

and in my mind I slow pan up and away 

from my rock pool until I can get some 

wide angle perspective on how I find 

myself in this rather fortunate position 

facing the startling Atlanticus 

Mountains near the Cameroon/ 

Nigeria border. 

We spent the whole of last week 

fishing and exploring a section of the 

Faro river and trying to get a handle on 

its vital signs, and what they could tell 

us about catching the huge Nile Perch 

here. We took an incredible amount 

on board in a very short time, mostly 

because we had to, it was all there 

happening and we just plugged 

ourselves right into the middle of it. 

Fishing the pre dawn chill and deep 

into the night, plus everything in 

between, we raced through the bases 

quickly and are strangely familiar with 

the river in no time, and all that tells us 

is just how much there is still to know. 

Ed caught a truly massive fish one 

night in ludicrous circumstances, and 

it gave us all a glimpse of what we 

came here hoping for, and what was 

really possible. Just what that fish 

stands for in the bigger picture of the 

future of this river basin is a whole 

other issue that it is becoming 

increasingly hard to ignore. For it to 

have happened at all, and to have 

been there to experience it first hand 

was one thing, but if that fish could 

represent a chance through fly fishing 

to pull back a few punches for an area 

that is on it’s knees fighting for survival 

without even knowing it, how special 

would that be? 

The bushbuck is suddenly nearly back 

at the bank thicket, and already quite 

hard to see in the fading light. The 

content cercopithecoids are also 

gravitating towards the tall timber, 

and in my minds eye I can still see the 

giant released fish paddling out of our 

torchlight and back into whatever 

world it came from. Just in these three 

events, the Faro has briefly looked me 

in the eye, acknowledged me and 

turned back to once again steadfastly 

face the oncoming era, and whatever 

it brings, with or without me. 

Since that early season evening we 

logged many more hours of intimacy 

with the Faro, and although Elephants 

did make some appearances, the 

Perch (and plenty of other fish) made 

many more memorable features. 

While going about our simple and 

single minded business of trying to 

catch fish on flies for fun we were 

completely taken in by this special 

river and valley that keeps it. The river, 

the rocks and the heat are your closest 

companions here and each deserve a 

special mention for their outstanding 

qualities in their respective fields. 


29




The Faro 

The Faro itself is a ragged, raw, clean 

gash of different shades of blue and 

green, shallow and light over the sand 

like a graze or deep and dark where it 

punctures into the gorges. The rocks 

are a range of rampant scabs and 

keloid scars of python-patterned 

Gneiss clinging to the channel. Others 

that look like the massive high water 

swell and chop has been galvanized, 

forged and left in place while the 

channel recedes. 

Sometimes it feels like they are the 

most alive and thriving entity, and that 

it’s their metabolism that makes them 

too hot to touch in the hostile high sun 

hours. 


31



The heat too has a geological quality 

to it, like it is laid down consistently 

every day in thin sedimentary layers, 

compressing out any moisture and 

accumulating a full igneous density 

that actually hums around your ears 

and cures wrist thick Lord Derby Eland 

steaks into prime biltong (jerky) in less 

than 60 hours. 

We clocked 42 degrees Celsius in the 

shade while having lunch on the final 

day of the season, and if you consider 

your supporting casts include the 

fastest tsetse flies on the planet, an 

insatiable thirst, and the Harmattan (a 

prevailing dust cloud of varying 

intensity), you have to find something 

to cling to to remind yourself why you 

are here. Luckily, like everything else 

here attached to the river, you never 

have to look far. 

The Faro is a type specimen oasis, 

fringed with fresh foliage and deep 

shade, and sheltering a staggering sub 

surface biomass. The sparkling clear 

water lays a lot of it startlingly bare 

(wading is like herding clouds of 

baitfish that billow out with each step), 

but there is still so much mystery that it 

seems like the visibility is only a small 

concession for the fly fisher’s benefit. 

There is an unbelievable amount on 

offer to the itchy angler who is willing 

to meet it and fish it on it’s terms. This 

river has exactly what you want, and 

only it really seems to know what that 

is. All it asks is some curiosity and 

persistence, which combined with a 

bit of strategy and adaptation can 

wreak all kinds of carnage. If seeing is 

believing then ignorance is 

sometimes bliss-I wouldn’t have 

believed most of what did happen 

without having front row seats to it. 


There is a wild and loose energy that 

dares anything to go down, and fly 

fishing is the perfect catalysts it 

seems. The chronicle of Ed’s 

exploratory fish, or how we came to be 

in possession of an entire pelt of the 

best natural but illegally traded tying 

material might be the best examples 

to try to sum this up, but they would fill 

whole articles of their own. There is 

just not much that is conventional 

about any of it, too many contrasts 

that keep it from being classified. 

Wading Patagonia style free stone 

channels and sight fishing, for three 

species of Tigerfish. Bouncing 

between tippets from 5X to 80lb in a 

session. Nymphing braided runs 

lottery style for fish species never 

caught on fly before. Throwing huge 

flies for big Nile Perch, but then 

retrieving them cautiously 

and stealthily, gently trying to coax an 

eat out of something that could fit your 

head in its mouth. In the dark. With 50 

hippos letting off steam somewhere in 

front of you. 

Everything you love about fly fishing 

are the only things you will recognise 

about it here, because there is just no 

template for fishing like this. Catching 

fish this big, in water this small, at 

night, on foot, in big game country. 

With this many moving parts, the 

permutations for what is possible are 

limitless. 

Nowhere else can match this 

for sheer accessibility to Nile 

Perch on fly, and it is an 

astounding fishery without even 

considering them. 


33




Lines, flies, leaders, approaches, 

retrieves, it’s all open for experimentation, 

adaptation and invention 

with glorious rewards at stake. 

The Tigers are absolutely electric and 

borderline impossible to handle on a 

rod. The Barbs are subtle, spooky and 

abundant. The Perch are just an 

enigma. These and everything else are 

the open book of entertainment face 

you every day on the Faro. 

My early season quest for elephants, 

and the season long pursuit of Perch 

distill down the equation to its 

simplest formula. In many ways they 

are the Faro, the two mega faunas 

dominating the spheres of land and 

water that define the valley. They sit 

balancing atop the rock solid 

foundation of ecology that is needed 

to support healthy populations of 

anything this big, starting with the 

multitudes of earthworms whose 

activity and casts have bizarrely 

shaped almost every square meter of 

undisturbed terrain, performing 

services that have allowed every 

subsequent level in the ecological 

hierarchy to thrive. The equilibrium 

and level of complexity that has been 

attained here is in stark contrast to 

what is happening in Cameroon, and 

much of Africa and the developing 

world. 

Returning to the river side after 

spending a few days in Garoua buying 

camp building equipment hammered 

home how this ecosystem is by far the 

most complete, pristine and 

functional entity that we encountered 

in a place now defined by chaos, 

inefficiency and gross imbalance. 

It deserves to be protected solely as 

an example and reminder that peace 

and stability, balance and complexity 

are not foreign concepts but are in fact 

a part of the local heritage, and not a 

remote destination at the end of the 

long road we seem to be hurtling 

down. 

The elephants are hanging in by a 

thread, but at least there is a space still 

there for them, and while the Perch are 

very much present in awesome force, 

they are tied to the same precarious 

fate as they only can be. To ask either 

of them to take an interest in our 

squabble to protect or condemn them 

would be well below their standings. 

The Faro is in the elite bracket of 

wilderness that still exists as it does 

because it alway has, entirely 

removed from our influences until 

now. It is going to have to be us who 

will have to manoeuvre to decide 

which way its fortunes will fall. 

By picking up our fly rods, we are 

throwing ourselves into the fray 

together, and in doing so, buying time 

and creating awareness in the hope 

that they bring with it the lifeline 

needed to protect this amazing area. 

It seems that in uncovering the first 

truly great Perch fly fishery, we are just 

in time to try and save the last one. 

What an incredible opportunity, and 

what a journey it will be. 


35

MONGOLIA 

M ongolia 

The Four Rivers Lodge 

Record sizes Taimen - 

catch of the Lifetime 

Mongolia is three times larger 

than France and has 2.3 million 

inhabitants, 1 million of whom 

live in the capital, Ulan Bator. 

The Mongolian people are mainly 

nomads, with huge herds of 

cows, horses, sheep, yaks and 

goats, all grazing on the steppe. 

The Four Rivers Lodge is 

one of the most 

comfortable and 

welcoming place for 

fishermen in Mongolia. 

It is just a four-hour drive from the 

small town of Moron and lies at the 

junction of the most beautiful four 

rivers of the region - the Chulut, the 

Delgermoron, the Selenge and the 

Ider. 8 fishermen, 4 guides and 4 jet 

boats equipped with Mercury engines! 

Something not to be missed in 

Mongolia! 


The lodge where you will be staying is 

set in a unique location at the junction 

of four rivers: the Chulut, Delger, Ider 

and Selenge. The pools can be 

reached easily by jet boat and offer 

excellent fishing conditions. Some 

spots are even within walking 

distance from our camp for those of 

you who are early birds or who want to 

make the most of fishing at the end of 

the evening. Whatever the time of day, 

the pools always manage to surprise 

us! 

The lodge is just the right size and can 

accommodate 8 fishermen at any one 

time. Two fishermen share a boat and 

a guide and the rivers are fished in turn 

to make sure that no stretch is overfished. 

This is one of the secrets of our 

successful river management as, 

unlike its migratory cousin, the 

salmon, taimen are sedentary and 

care must be taken to avoid too heavy 

fishing. 

Thanks to our extensive system 

covering four rivers, to the mobility of 

the jet boats and to the limited number 

of fishermen allowed during the 

season, we can guarantee first-class 

fishing in an unspoiled environment. 


37

MONGOLIA 



39

MONGOLIA 



41

MONGOLIA 

Mongolia is considered today 

as the new El Dorado for 

fishermen. 

How could anyone not be enthralled 

by these vast open spaces, void of any 

civilization, and by rivers which have 

kept the magnificence of the day of 

their creation? Mongolia really can be 

the trip of a lifetime if you are willing to 

take an interest in its people and are 

ready to enter a culture so different 

from our own. 

Pools in abundance 

Our fishery covers 150 km rich in 

interesting pools. Most of the 

stretches have barely been fished 

before and your fly might very well be 

the first to be cast. 

We have already explored a number 

of locations and each week new spots 

are discovered, often with a trophy fish 

being taken on the fly. 

The Fishing Experience of a Lifetime 

Fishing for taimen is a particularly 

exciting challenge. Each cast gives 

you a chance to catch a huge 

specimen of this local member of the 

salmon family. It may even be the 

catch of a lifetime! 

Big taimen 

The Taimen - as the Huchon is called 

in Mongolia - can reach record sizes. 

The average size of 80 cm is already 

impressive so just imagine that a lot of 

fish are over 1.20 m and that the 

largest can reach 1.50m 


THE FISHERY 

A surge of adrenalin 

Taimen like big flies, preferably those with lots of glitter. You can also try imitation mice 

on the surface and we can guarantee that surge of adrenalin when the taimen explodes 

on your mouse. However, each attack does not end up with a fish on the riverbank - 

playing a taimen takes a lot of skill and know-how - and a lot of them are lost during the 

fight or simply miss the fly in their explosive attack. We think that one taimen out of four 

is actually landed. 

Don’t forget about the lenok and grayling! 

Taimen are not the only fish in Mongolia and the waters you will fish are full of lenok 

trout and grayling. The lenok measure on average between 30cm and 70 cm and the 

larger ones will take taimen flies. Most fishermen heading for Mongolia only think about 

taimen and forget all about these magnificent trout but they’re well worth your attention 

if you enjoy fishing dry flies, nymphs and streamers. Grayling are also present, moving 

in shoals in the river currents. 

SEASON 

June to end of September 


RATES 

(9 nights/ 8 nights in lodge / 7 days 

fishing): 

aprox. EUR 3.000 shared room in 

double base occupancy. Upgrade 

single room and boat on request 

Important information about transfers in 

Mongolia 

Traveling in Mongolia is a little bit 

special. It’s a vast country with more 

tracks than roads and you may have to 

make a stop in a ger on the way to your 

destination. 




p.a.c voyages & Piam 

Anne-Lore Guillemaud 

22 route de Mâcon - 01310 

POLLIAT / FRANCE 



off for FFTC Members / booking 

phone: +33 (0)4 78 33 48 70 

email: contact@pacvoyages.fr 

43

USA 

Guide 

exas 

TFly Fish Rockport 

Welcome to the Texas Coastal Bend. 


Surrounded by the crystal clear 

waters of Copano and Aransas Bays, 

and nearby San Antonio and 

Matagora Bays, Rockport, TX is our 

home and base of 

operations. Rockport fly fishing is 

some of the best on the entire Texas 

Coast. With excellent year-round 

populations of Redfish, Speckled 

Trout and Black Drum. Or occasional 

opportunities for other species such 

as Jack Crevalle and Tarpon. There 

are fish to challenge any angler. 

Rockport is centrally located along 

the Texas Coast, surrounded by the 

excellent fisheries of Port Aransas, 

Laguna Madre, and Port O’Connor. 

Nearby Corpus Christi provides easy 

airport access, as well as all the 

conveniences of a larger city. 

Rockport is a small beachfront 

community, but still offers plenty of 

amenities for our fly fishing guests. 

We look forward to showing you what 

our Rockport fly fishing trips is all 

about and look forward to your day on 

the water with us. 

Head Guide - Captain Jeff Johnson 

My love of fishing began at an early 

age. Growing up along the banks of 

the Yakima River, in Central 

Washington, it became pretty obvious 

that fishing was in my blood. In 1997, 

I moved to Bozeman, MT to attend 

college a little, and fly fish a lot. This is 

where I really began to hone my skills, 

eventually trout bumming for entire 

summers on the Missouri and other 

area rivers. After years of freshwater 

guiding and vacations to saltier 

climates, I decided to expand my 

business to the salt, and the Coastal 

Bend of Texas. 

"One of the things that 

makes Rockport, Texas 

such as premier fly fishing 

destination is that it is right 

in the heart of some of the 

best flats fishing that can 

be found in the Gulf. " 


45

USA 

Guide 

With world class fly fishing in every 

direction, Rockport, TX is poised 

perfectly to offer any variety of angling 

experiences. 

We specialize in fly fishing and light 

tackle sight fishing for trophy Redfish, 

Trout, Black Drum and other species. 

Fly Fish Rockport can ensure your 

Texas angling experience is top 

notch. 

46 contact@fftc.club 

The waters along the coastal bend are 

known for a variety of species. With 

plentiful redfish, speckled trout and 

other area species, on numerous 

expanses of flats, there is truly no 

place we would rather be. 

With Fly Fish Rockport you also fish a 

number of other waters along the 

Coastal Bend. We regularly spend a 

considerable amount of time roaming 

the flats near Aransas Pass, Port 

O’Connor and the Upper Laguna 

Madre.


47

USA 

Guide 

Whether you prefer to sight fish for 

technical tailing redfish or work on 

newer fly fishing skills, Fly Fish 

Rockport can craft the perfect trip 

location for you. 

In the event that your fishing trip 

requires more than one boat to 

service your angling group, Fly Fish 

Rockport hires only the best and most 

professional Captains/Guides. 

Our guide staff all boasts many years 

of fly fishing and guiding experience 

and are able to teach anglers of any 

ability new skills. 

Whether it be selecting the right rods 

and reels, flies or even casting 

instruction, our guides will have you 

taken care of. 


Weather by Season in Rockport 

Spring 

Spring weather typically begins in 

mid February. The winds are more 

commonly from the southeast, 

bringing with them warmer air. 

Daytime highs return to the mid 70s, 

with warmer overnights as well. We 

do tend to see a few rain showers 

beginning in mid March and early 

April. But these are typically warm 

weather patterns and very brief. 

Summer 

Our summer weather has typically set 

in by late May. Long days with plenty 

of sun are the norm here. Our 

prevailing winds are from the 

southeast and also bring warm air 

with them. Overnight temps are 

typically in the 70s, with highs during 

the days reaching the 90 degree 

range commonly. Being this close to 

the water, the humidity isn’t too bad 

and we usually have a light breeze to 

keep it comfortable. 

SEASON 

February to December 

RATES 

Guiding Rates available for: 

half day guided fishing 

for USD 450 

full day guided fishing 

for USD 650 

Stay & Fish Package starts from: 

1 night hotel room / 1 day guided fishing 

for USD 700 




booking guiding services 

Fall 

Our fall season begins towards the 

end of September. The hotter days 

and nights of summer start subsiding 

and cooler evening temperatures 

make it very comfortable. Overnights 

remain in the 60-70 degree range, 

with daytime highs typically in the 80s, 

but with much less humidity then the 

dog days of summer. 

Winter 

Winters begin around the end of 

December. By this time, the days are 

shorter and the overnight temperatures 

can dip into the upper 40s fairly 

consistently. Winds from the north 

become a little more common, but 

usually don’t blow too hard. Our 

typical daytime highs are right around 

70 degrees. 


49

USA 

Guide 

THE FISHERY 

Rockport offers some of the best saltwater fly fishing on the entire Texas Coast. The 

city is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Copano Bay, Redfish Bay, Aransas 

Bay and nearby San Antonio and Matagorda Bays. There are excellent year-round 

populations of Redfish, Speckled Trout and Black Drum, and occasional 

opportunities for other species such as Jack Crevalle and Tarpon. There are fish to 

challenge every angler. 

In and around Rockport, fly fishing typically consists of sight fishing shallow water 

areas, or flats. These range from sand flats to mud flats, grass flats or flats composed 

of crushed oyster shells. Most of our sight fishing will be done in less than two feet of 

crystal clear water, making the fish very visible to the trained eye. 

We often fish around grass banks. Our redfish and trout love to ambush their prey, and 

shallow grassy banks are the perfect place to do it. 

In this scenario, we will sight fish that are cruising these grassy banks, typically in very 

shallow water. They will often times swim deep into the grass in order to chase after 

baitfish. 

Another popular location to sight fish, while fly fishing in Rockport, is along oyster 

beds. Baitfish love to congregate on very shallow oyster shell reefs. Typically, the 

redfish or trout will not be too far behind them. In this scenario, we commonly search 

along the edges of these oyster beds for fish awaiting the opportunity to ambush 

baitfish. 


LODGIN 

Fly Fish Rockport is proud to work with the following lodging providers. Guests fly 

fishing Rockport are sure to fine comfortable accommodations to meet your specific 

needs. All of our guests are offered preferred rates at any of our lodging partners. Let 

them know you are fly fishing Rockport with us. Or, let us know and we would be happy 

to help arrange the lodging for you. 

Restaurants 

Coastal charm, with exceptional cuisine from all over the globe. Rockport boasts the 

finest cuisine on the entire Texas Coast, hands down. Here are a few of our favorite 

places for food and drink after we fly fish Rockport. 

Best food in town! Very quaint spot, with exceptional food and drink. They also have 

our favorite happy hour. We recommend the Pedro to drink. 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 

Birding 

Over 75 different bird species can be spotted in the marshes and along the sandy 

beaches throughout the year. The whooping crane is an endangered species and the 

nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is their winter home. 

Rockport Beach 

Visit Texas’ first mile-long Blue Wave Beach with picnic cabanas, walking trail, 

restroom facilities, wildlife sanctuary, boat ramps, fitness trails, fishing piers, sand 

volleyball court, and a fantastic playground for children. 

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge 

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a 114,657 acre protected area situated on the 

southwest side of San Antonio Bay along the Gulf Coast. The rugged landscape is host 

or home to many amazing wildlife species, including whooping cranes, Kemp’s Ridley 

sea turtles, reddish egrets, alligators and coyotes. 

Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trails 

The Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail was the very first Texas paddling trail and is 

actually a series of four loops ranging in length from 1.25 miles to 6.8 miles. Paddlers 

can glide through mangroves and seagrass flats that provide outstanding bird 

watching and fishing for red drum, spotted seatrout and flounder in the maze of tidal 

channels and flats. 


51

USA 

Guide 


Capt. Jeff Johnson – Outfitter / Head Guide 

• U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain 

• IGFA Certified Captain 

• Licensed and Insured TDWB Guide 

Please feel free to contact me at any time, by phone 

or email. Please note that I am on the water most 

every day, and I will not be immediately available. 

But I will do the best I can to return all messages the 

same evening as they are received. 

Fly Fish Rockport 

Captain Jeff Johnson 

PO Box 315 

Rockport, TX 78381 

Phone 001 361.420.3262 

Email: jeff@flyfishrockport.com 

52

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 


53

BOLIVIA 

B 

olivia 

Arapaima Paradise Lodge 

Arapaima Gigas - The Holy Grail 

of all Amazon fish on fly 

Our exciting and brand-new Bolivian 

Adventure Fishing Trip offers solo 

anglers, couples, fishing partners and 

families (with kids of 12yrs and above) 

the once-in-a-lifetime chance to 

catch real wild Giant Amazon River 

Monsters that have never been 

hooked before. 

Following up on rumours of giant fish 

deep in the jungle, a couple of recce 

trips earlier in 2017 led us to over 50 

untouched lakes, filled to the brim 

with massive Arapaima Gigas. 


These shallows lakes are hidden in a 

private Fazenda inside an Indian 

reservation covering thousands of 

hectares in Bolivia’s Amazon 

rainforest. 

There are so many of them that it’s fair 

to say that we believe this destination 

offers the best untouched arapaima 

fishing left in South America or indeed 

the world. 

This is the only place that we have 

heard of where you will, if you wish to, 

catch a wild arapaima on the fly, 

something very few anglers have 

achieved. 

"And it could easily be a fish 

of 250lb or more." 


55

BOLIVIA 

Not only did we find huge Arapaima in 

great numbers, but we also delved 

deep into the river system and located 

many large holes that hold the largest 

Jau Cats we have ever seen, Surubim 

Catfish, including the stunning Paleta 

or Firewood Surubim, Dorada Cats, 

Red Tail Catfish and much more. 

The Lodge 

The Arapaima Paradise Lodge is now 

complete at the privately-owned 

Fazenda to accommodate 

a maximum of eight anglers, and we 

are taking bookings for the first time, 

with the key season being midsummer 

to November. Four twin 

rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a 

dining room, fully stocked kitchen and 

bar and a large lounge area will find 

our anglers in complete comfort 

during their stay. 

Cold beers and soft drinks/water etc. 

are all included in the package, along 

with daily laundry, all meals, transfers, 

flights from Manaus, Brazil through 

Porto Velho into Guyamarin in Bolivia 

and onto the Fazenda. 

We have a large comfortable boat 

with a 140hp engine for transfers to 

the ponds along the river each 

morning and anglers will fish from 

skiffs made especially for Arapaima 

fishing that will be in the lakes waiting 

and ready with your guides. 


Arapaima Gigas 

This mighty leviathan is the one fish 

that every angler wants to catch. It 

lurks in the many shallows ponds, 

lagoons and lakes here in on this 

Bolivian reservation. This beautiful 

fish is prehistoric in every sense. It’s 

an air breather, but it’s an incredibly 

delicate fish for its size at the same 

time. 

We have found many lake systems to 

fish for these huge Giants of the 

Amazon. 

Arapaimas ‘roll’ on the surface to gulp 

air and they easily give their presence 

away. With our strict catch and 

release policy, ALL Arapaima are 

returned unharmed. They are revived 

carefully and released quickly to fight 

another day. 

These incredible river monsters grow 

in excess of 4.5m and reach over 

500lb! 


57

BOLIVIA 

The areas where we fish hold many Arapaima, more than we have seen 

anywhere else, and we target them using big lures and flies, lures or 

with live, cut or whole dead baits. 

To catch an Arapaima on a fly must be up there with the ultimate fishing 

experience to be had by any angler in the world! Heavy 10-12wt. outfits 

and big flies are a must here. 

We also fish ‘lighter’ outfits with medium-sized lures to trigger amazingly 

strong and aggressive strikes from big Arapaima. A heavy or mediumheavy 

set-up with 65lbs braid provides some of the best sport fishing for 

these leviathans. 

It’s breath-taking fishing that is simply unforgettable, as the skiffs drift 

silently through the shallow waters or hold up on poles waiting for one of 

these giants to show themselves within casting range. The rest is up to 

you, and the takes… well they are like no other on the planet. 

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 sabre-toothed silver missiles can be 

caught on flies. 


SEASON 

Mid June to November 


RATES 

Weekly program (8 nights in lodge,/ 1 

night in hotel / 6 days fishing): 

USD 4.500 per angler 

• Included: 9 nights, with one night at hotel on 1st 

day of arrival in Manaus, Brazil, return flights 

Manaus/Porto Velho/Guyamarin/Fazenda, 

seven nights at lodge with six full days 

guided Arapaima and Cat fishing, daily 

laundry, local transfers, all meals, water, soft 

drinks and beer. 

• Not Included: International airfares, tipping 

(suggested USD $250 per person to be divided 

between guides and lodge staff), meals and drinks 

other than in lodge or when fishing, liquor or other 

drinks other than above, costs associated with 

medical advice and medications for your trip, lures, 

fishing tackle etc. 


5 % OFF the regular rates 




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 

59

INTERVIEW 

nterview 

I23 questions 

to Wayne McGee 

Owner of ATA Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge 

USA, Alaska 

1. In which country where you born and where did 

you grow up? 

"I was born in the United States and grew up in a southern suburb of 

Chicago." 

2. When did you start fishing? 

"I started fishing at a young age when we would visit my 

grandmothers home in the countryside. My father would take my 

brother and I fishing at a local reservoir that was used for the trains 

that would stop in town. We were mostly fishing for panfish (bluegill 

and sunfish), largemouth bass as well as catfish using bait (worms) 

and an old Zebco rod and reel with a hook and bobber." 

3. Do you remember your first catch? 

"While I do not remember my first catch, I do remember bringing a 

basket full of the fish we caught back to the house for my 

grandmother to cook up so the whole family could eat them for 

dinner. These are some of the fondest memories of my childhood. 

I believe that this is where my love for fishing wasn’t instilled. 

..." 


The young McGee Family - from left to right: Wayne McGee, son Jacob, son Tayler 

and Sue McGee. 

One fishing experience I remember as a young lad was while visiting 

family friends in Virginia. We went fishing off the pier in the ocean 

and we’re catching a lot of fish called Croakers. They were called 

that because they would make croaking noises when out of the 

water. 

While we were there a school of bluefish started chasing bait fish 

back-and-forth under the pier. It was very exciting for me because 

these fish were aggressive and strong and had sharp teeth. They 

often cut through the line we were using because we didn’t have the 

right equipment. The fishing was manic and there was only one net 

attached to a long rope, that had to be lowered from the pier down 

into the water to try and net the fish. This was all very memorable to 

me and a lot of fun. 

Later in high school we began to fish for steelhead coming out of 

Lake Michigan into the small streams of northern Indiana. My most 

memorable fish was 20 pounds and gave me the fight of my life 

jumping like crazy and taking long runs while using light spinning 

tackle on a “noodle rod”. 

4. Who taught you how to fish? 

" It was my father, as I mentioned, what is the first person to teach me 

how to fish. 

..." 


61

INTERVIEW 

with Wayne McGee 

"Many years later when I was in my early 30s I taught myself to fly 

fish when planning my first trip to Alaska with my father. Alaska was 

a destination that my father and I had always talked about doing a 

father-son trip to one day. We never managed to do it until I was 

about 35 years old, when we planned a trip to the famous Kenectok 

River in northern Bristol Bay, southwest Alaska. 

Unfortunately we were never able to do that float trip because of 

bad weather and had to change plans and floated down the Togiak 

river instead. We caught three species of Pacific salmon and a lot of 

wild rainbow trout, arctic char and Grayling. Sleeping in tents on 

gravel bars and fishing with the Bears was one of the biggest 

highlights of my fishing career up to that time." 

5. I know that you left USA heading to Africa in the age 

of 19. What was the reason for this? 

"I went to Africa for the first time after my sophomore year at college. 

It was a type of volunteer work, to help the poor. That theme has been 

a lifelong sense of direction for me." 

...to the “Heart of Africa - the Congo“. I guess 

this was a really big adventure for a young guy at 

this age, wasn’t it? 


After a year and a half in the Congo I returned to the United States 

after having eloped with my college sweetheart in Kenya. After 

finishing my studies at university, with my young family we returned 

to Africa to what was then the country of Zaire. We lived in a small 

village in a mud hut with no running water or electricity for many 

years until we had to leave because of the Civil War. 

We consider this time the “wonder years”, because despite the 

hardship and difficulty, we loved the people there and felt a part of 

the community that we were serving. It certainly was a big 

adventure. 

While there I was able to fish in the rivers of the jungle for things like 

goliath tiger fish, “nika” which is a type of electric catfish, and large 

“Kalimba” catfish, as well as many other unique and tropical species 

only found in the Congo river basin. 

We were using techniques that the local fishermen used. 

Sometimes a chunk of meat was attached to large hook and tied to 

a tree branch overhanging the river with a rope. After leaving it 

overnight we would return in a dugout canoe to see if anything had 

been caught. You had to be very careful because sometimes there 

might be a Nile crocodile that had eaten the bait. 

Another method was to use balsa wood to create independent 

flotation devices to which a piece of string about 2 feet long was 

tied in the center. Cut bait would be put on the small hooks. There 

would be about 50 to 100 of these balsa wood independent floats 

that would be put in the river while paddling across it in the dugout 

canoe. When you saw one of the floats bouncing up and down you 

knew a fish had been hooked and you would paddle over and pull it 

into the dugout and put another piece of bait on the hook and drop 

it back in the river. The primary fish we were catching was called 

“penda kuala”, which in Swahili means love to eat because they 

were so delicious. 

There were also a rapids in the river near the village where large 

baskets, that look like large horns of plenty, were attached to poles 

that had been lodged in the rocks of the rapids using jungle vines. 

As fish would be swept through channels in the rapids where these 

baskets were suspended, they would be trapped in these baskets. 

Another interesting method of catching fish was to take the bark of a 

certain tree and pound it so that the sap would ooze out. This 

concoction was toxic and would paralyze any fish that breathed it 

through their gills. 


63

INTERVIEW 


That compound would be put in the river at the top of the rapids, 

and then the villagers would scramble around and collect the 

paralyzed fish as they floated to the surface in strainers. Fish that 

were not captured would eventually recover and the toxic substance 

did not affect the flesh of the fish for human consumption. 

Obviously these techniques were not types of sportfishing but rather to 

provide food for the village. 

While vacationing on the Kenya coast I was able to realize a lifelong 

dream of doing some deep-sea fishing for tuna, sailfish, wahoo, dorado 

(mahi mahi), and marlin. 

6. What was the next step stone in your life - you 

went back to Africa, right? 

"After we left Zaire, because of the Civil War, we went to the 

country of Mali in the Sahara desert of French speaking West Africa, 

to oversee a project there as I spoke French. So we went from the 

tropical rain forest on the Congo river basin to the deserts of the 

Sahara. I was able to fish there for Nile perch in the Niger River." 

7. How did it come that you searched for a fishing 

lodge in Alaska - why Alaska? 

"As I have mentioned earlier my “trip of a lifetime“ fishing trip to Alaska 

opened my eyes to what fishing there was like. “Once in a lifetime” 

quickly became “once will never be enough”. And I begin to plan my 

next trip with my son Jacob who had just finished secondary school, 

back to Bristol Bay, Alaska. Bristol Bay is home to the largest migrations 

of wild salmon left anywhere on the planet as well as a huge population 

of resident fish like rainbow trout arctic Grayling and char. 


"We fished on the NakNek river and visited the world famous Brooks 

Falls, where bears catch salmon jumping over the waterfall. I was 

hooked on Alaska. My son got a job working at that lodge and went 

back every year to work for them as a fishing guide. I began to take 

annual trips to visit him and to fish in the region. It was during this 

period that we decided we would like to find our own place to run 

our own fishing lodge in this amazing part of the world. 

Finally after many years, we found an opportunity at ATA Lodge on 

the wild and scenic Alagnak River. Now my son Jacob and I are the 

co-owners of ATA Lodge on this pristine and prolific salmon and 

trout river in Bristol Bay!" 

8. So, now you operate this lodge for many years 

with your family - especially your wife, your daughter 

Megan, and your second son Jacob, the co-owner 

of your business, right? What makes the difference 

of a family business in your opinion? 

"We are about to start our sixth season as the owners of ATA 

Lodge. From the beginning we have run it as a family business and 

I’ve had the privilege of working with most of my family, including 

my youngest son Cameron who you did not mention in your 

question about by name. 

I believe that a family run business provides a much more personal, 

congenial and family style environment that enhances the 

experience of our guests because of the personal care that we 

provide to each and everyone of them. We pride ourselves on 

making them feel like part of the family while they are there with us." 

9. Do you remember your first guest(s)? 

"Our very first guests came from the lower 48 of the United States 

and were a pair of brothers named Dan and Mike. One of them lived 

in California and the other in Colorado. Dan also brought his son 

Bradley who had just graduated from high school. They remain 

good friends to this day. In fact many of our guests from that first 

year return every year now and feel like an extended part of our 

family." 


65

INTERVIEW 


10. What is the philosophy of ATA Lodge? 

"Our philosophy at ATA Lodge is that our Guests are our main 

priority and we try to ensure the highest quality of experience 

possible while they are there with us. It’s our desire to help them 

create memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives with 

the loved ones that accompany them. I believe this is why we have 

become the number one rated lodge in the region according to 

TripAdvisor." 

11. How do you select a new fishing guide? 

"All of our fishing guides are US Coast Guard captains and we have 

gone through a screening process to make sure that they are a good 

fit to our business, our philosophy and are competent both at boat 

handling safety as well as helping our guests catch as many fish as 

possible." 

12. How do you select a cook for your lodge 

kitchen? 

"When considering a chef we also take great care when considering 

the resumes and references and work experience of those that apply 

for the job before we hire them." 


13. Besides USA, which other countries have you 

visited for fly fishing trips? 

"As I have mentioned I have fished in both central, east and west 

Africa. In fact I failed to mention that I had a charter boat, deep-sea 

fishing business based in Dakar, Senegal where we targeted Sailfish, 

Tuna as well as White and Blue Marlin for a number of years. I have 

also finished in Norway, Ireland, Scotland, and England for sea trout, 

brown trout, and Atlantic salmon. This has mostly been in rivers as 

well as some of the famous chalk streams of southern England." 

14. Outside the fishing season in Alaska I know 

you live in Europe. In London. Do you also travel 

for fishing in Europe - if so, what’s your favorite 

spot? 

"That’s correct. I do always enjoy any time I spend on a Scottish 

river, and I have had many memorable days, mostly in the 

Highlands." 

15. What was the most memorable moment in 

your fishing career? 

"My most memorable moment was fighting a 600 pound blue Marlin 

off the coast of Senegal with only a belt but no harness or fighting 

chair. It took me an hour and 45 minutes to bring the beast to the 

boat. I also remember fondly a day spent out about 30 miles off the 

coast of Dakar, where we were surrounded by a super pod of 1000’s 

of dolphin that were feeding on schools of bait fish, as were the tuna 

that we were catching. 

But I think the one moment I remember most is the first time I 

stopped into a tributary of the Togiak river on my first fishing trip to 

Alaska. There was a driving rain, and a mother bear and two cubs 

was looking at me across the river, while I was catching one large 

wild rainbow trout after another. That’s the moment I realized that 

once would never be enough. 

..." 


67

INTERVIEW 


"Another memorable day in Alaska was when I caught six king 

salmon over 20 pounds each along with lots of other smaller kings in 

one day, all on a black and blue intruder pattern." 

16. What do you think about the “catch of the 

lifetime“ - have you already done it or are you still 

waiting for it? 

"As I’ve said, I’ve had very many “catch of a lifetime“ types of fishing 

experiences. But one thing I’m hoping to do is to fish for sea trout 

in Patagonia, as well as target roaster fish in the Baja." 

17. What country is still on your bucket list and 

why you wanna go there? 

"I have not been anywhere in South America or the Caribbean. 

There are many places on that continent I would like to fish including 

Argentina, Chile, and Brazil as well as Bolivia for jungle river Golden 

Dorado. I would like to target bone fish and permit, as well as 

Tarpon on the fly in the Caribbean. I have fished for Tarpon in the 

Florida Keys as well as bonefish in Hawaii. And I wouldn’t mind 

trying to fish in Panama and Costa Rica as well." 

18. How would you describe a memorable fishing 

day? 

"For me a memorable day fishing is about the whole experience not 

just the fish that were hooked and lost or caught. Of course it’s 

always great to catch a lot of fish. But what I like about a ATA 

Lodge is that you have the whole package. There is the pristine and 

remote nature of where we are located surrounded by millions of 

acres of roadless wilderness. The only way to get to us is to fly into 

our airstrip on the property. The scenery is beautiful with the 

Aleutian range visible on the horizon upstream. The perfect blend of 

rustic yet comfortable lodging and great meals together with the 

fantastic camaraderie at the lodge makes a great fishing trip into a 

memory that will be cherished forever. It’s the kind of place that 

makes grown man cry when it’s time to leave. Many people 

appreciate that there is no competition on the river for fishing spots 

and you can spend all day without seeing another fisherman." 


19. Do you tie flies? (what patterns you prefer / to 

tie / to fish) 

"I don’t tie my own flies personally as I don’t have that particular 

type of bent. But I particularly love skating mice pattern for a hungry 

trout in June before the salmon arrive. I also love dry fly fishing with 

a caddis pattern for one Grayling after another on a lightweight three 

or four weight rod. 

When it comes to salmon, I certainly enjoy swinging a double 

handed spey rod with a intruder pattern on a sink tip for large king 

salmon that can get up to 40+ pounds on our river. There’s a little 

greater thrill than to hook one of these big chinook salmon and feel 

their immense power. Who doesn’t like catching a big fish!" 

20. What is your preferred fiy fishing method? 

"I must say that I much prefer fly fishing while wading in the river. 

Wading in the river allows you to feel the most in contact with both 

the river and the fish." 

21. Do you find enough time to go fishing 

yourself? 

"I am lucky enough to find the occasional moment to go fishing on 

our river during the course of the season; but I enjoy just as much, 

seeing a guest that I’m guiding having the time of his life catching 

more fish than he/she ever thought possible!" 

22. Do you like saltwater fly fishing and if so, what 

is your personal experience with this? 

"Most of my experience in saltwater fishing has been deep-sea 

fishing, but I hope to be able to I have the opportunity in the future 

to do some flyfishing for saltwater species." 


69

INTERVIEW 


23. The COVID-19 pandemic effects the world 

and last but not least the travel industry. For 

example the FFTC has cancelled its already 

planed Hosted Trip in 2020. This was a really sad 

decision. How do you handle these challenges 

and what action will be taken for the upcoming 

season? 

"COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our business with bookings 

due to cancellations and travel challenges were down by 80% last 

season. Fortunately we have rescheduled most of those 

cancellations for the upcoming season and hope to welcome them 

to the lodge this year. We follow the mandates dictated by both 

local and federal government, and we have a COVID plan in place, 

as we did last year, to ensure the safety of our guests while staying 

with us. For those who did manage to come to us last year, they had 

an incredible experience; and thankfully we had no incidence of 

Covid during the entire season." 

AD-FFTC: ..Wayne, thank you! This is an impressive Bio. Take 

care of you and your family. I hope we will meet again 

in Alaska at ATA lodge and we will spent time on the 

water and beside. All the best for the upcomming 

seasons. 



71

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SPINNING RODS 

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We live in lodges by river banks 

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Yukon - Dalton Trail Lodge 

The Yukon territory is 

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you can catch 12 different 

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This territory is located in the northwest 

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mountainous forest-clad region 

which is bordered by the Beaufort Sea 

to the north, by Alaska to the west, by 

the Northwest Territories to the east, 

and by British Columbia to the south. 

The Yukon is divided in two by the 

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Mount Logan (5959m) in St Elias near 

the border with Alaska is the secondhighest 

peak in North America. 

500.000 km2 of unspoiled nature with 

only 30.000 inhabitants. 

Hardy and Trix’s - your hosts - 

hospitality will be combined with 

great fishing in crystal-clear waters. 

The Yukon territory will give you an 

unforgettable fishing experience in 

this quiet and fascinating Canadian 

province. 

Hardy and his wife Trix set up Dalton 

Trail Lodge in Dezadeash in 1987. 

With its location in the North American 

wilderness, surrounded by an 

astounding panorama, it’s heaven on 

earth for anglers, whether they fly-fish 

or spin. At the foot of the lodge you 

can have a go at a variety of species 

such as salmon, lake trout, arctic 

grayling, pike, rainbow trout, dolly 

varden and whitefish during the 

season for each. 



75

CANADA 

It may be in the middle of the wilderness 

but the Dalton Trail Lodge still 

manages to have all the comfort you 

could dream of in such a setting. 

Each room has a private bathroom 

with shower or bath. The fine cuisine 

is renowned far beyond the territory’s 

boundary and the bar is the perfect 

place to tell your breathtaking stories 

about the salmon you just caught! 

Fishing is not the only activity on offer. 

The lodge has a tennis court, a pool 

table and table soccer. If you want to 

relax, you can try the cosy fire in the 

living-room or enjoy a book from the 

library. The lodge is made of cedar 

and the wood adds to the warmth of 

the atmosphere. 

Thank to their rich experience, both 

on the river bank and in the lodge, Trix 

and Hardy are real specialists of 

fishing in the Great North. They know 

where, when and how and their 

hospitality will make your stay a 

memorable one. 

The day begins with a large breakfast : 

home-made bread, fresh fruits, 

cereals, cold meats, cheese and eggs 

and bacon. Lunch is not usually eaten 

at the lodge as you can enjoy your 

delicious packed lunch by the river. If 

you want to eat your fish, the lodge will 

provide you with the utensils you 

need. Dinner (several courses) is topnotch 

cuisine. 


Steak, lamb and fish are just a few of 

the chef’s specialties and they are 

served with a large choice of fresh 

salads at the buffet. The lodge’s cellar 

has some of the finest wines from 

California, Australia and Chili. You can 

also eat your day’s catch in the 

evening. Just ask the chef. 

The Fishing 

The Sixmile River, which flows out of 

the lake, has pike and whitefish; 

Kathleen River (about 15 mins away) 

has top-class fishing not far from the 

Lodge. 

In summer, a guide will take you to the 

fishing spots by jet-boat. 

In autumn, the best spots on the River 

Namaycush for rainbow, whitefish 

and big grayling are within walking 

distance. 

During your stay a motor-boat is 

available for your use on the 16km 

long lake which belongs to the lodge. 

As soon as you get there, try a few 

casts during your first outing at dawn. 

The Dezadeash Lake has excellent 

possibilities for lake fish, pike and 

grayling – and that’s just outside your 

door! 

We can also organise a 3-day 

wilderness tour – with all the comfort 

you need, a grilled steak on a wood 

fire, and all the fishing you could 

dream of, without the stress of daily 

life. The lodge has several log cabins 

on the most beautiful lakes in the 

region, miles away from civilization. 

All you need to do at the end of a 

fruitful day’s fishing is bask in your 

success around a camp-fire with a 

juicy steak and a glass of wine for 

company. 


77

CANADA 


www.fftc.club 61 79

CANADA 

The Seasons 

From mid-May to mid-June: Great lake fishing for lake trout and pike. Fishing is also very 

good on the Kathleen River for rainbow and on the Sixmile for grayling and pike. Good 

grayling fishing around Kathleen , Dezadeash and Frederick lakes. Long outings (you can 

fish until after midnight), and temperatures from 10° to 20°. Kokanee, on lake Kathleen 

is a magic spot at this time of the year. Excellent sockeye fishing on the East Alsek River 

(by plane) 

From mid-June to the beginning of July: Generally as above. Melting snow can affect 

fishing (on Louise and Frederick lakes) but only at some specific locations and not on 

Kathleen or Sixmile. Sockeye fishing is excellent on East Alsek and Akwe rivers (3-day 

tours by plane, booking necessary). This is the time of the year for lake fishing. The 

weather is usually hot with temperatures sometimes over 30°C. Fishing at Kokannee on 

Lake Kathleen is still good. 

From the beginning of July to 24th July: Lots of King salmon in Tatshenshini and Takanne 

Rivers. The Akwe and East Alsek rivers are great for Kind and sockeye. It’s also a good 

time to fly-fish for big grayling in Lake Dezadeash. The snow has gone and the weather 

is usually good with temperatures up to and over 30°C. 


From 24 July to 15 August: Lots of rivers with excellent fishing around the Lodge. It’s the 

perfect season for big lake trout on the fly. The weather is usually good. Good Chum 

fishing in the Italio River. 

From 15th August to 15th September: Indian summer with temperatures around 20°C. 

The weather is usually pleasant and stable but there may be some wind. Good fly-fishing 

in the rivers and pike fishing in the lakes. Trout fishing in the lake becomes more difficult 

(except on Lake Mush, Kathleen and Louise). As if to make up for it, this is the moment 

when the River Kathleen has lake trout. Good runs of Sockeye on the Tatshenshini. The 

1st September is the start of the hunting season. Excellent silver salmon fishing in the East 

Alsek River(by plane) 

From 15th September to the beginning of October: The Kathleen RIver is outstanding for 

big grayling, rainbow trout and whitefish. Good fly-fishing for pike. Lake trout fishing is 

more difficult. Sockeye fishing on the Tatshenshini is still good. Fishing for silver on East 

Alsek (by plane) is extraordinary. Autumn temperatures range from 0°to 12°C. Weather 

is unstable and there can be strong winds. 

This is the perfect stay for nature-lovers who want to enjoy all the comforts that civilization 

brings. Perfect service, a wide range of fishing possibilities and in an amazing setting - 

what more could you wish for? 

SEASON 


June to end of September 

RATES 

(7 nights in lodge / 6 days fishing): 

Stay in shared room in double base 

occupancy. 

Rates and upgrade single room and on 

request - depends on the season. 

Note: 50% discount for children under 16 

on lodge rates (not including transfers) 




p.a.c voyages & Piam 

Anne-Lore Guillemaud 

22 route de Mâcon - 01310 

POLLIAT / FRANCE 



off for FFTC Members / booking 

phone: +33 (0)4 78 33 48 70 

email: contact@pacvoyages.fr 

81

AFRICA 

C 

ameroon 

Faro Sportfishing & Faro Safaris 

The Faro River is a true 

multi-species destination, 

with anglers rigging 5wt, 

9wt and 12wt gear each 

day to cover all the species 

and situations on offer. 

82 contact@fftc.club 

Fishing for Nile perch, on foot, in big 

game territory, is as wild an 

experience as you are likely to 

encounter with a fly rod in hand. 

Added to this, the prime Nile perch 

fishing times are sunset until 21h30 

when the sounds of the African night 

are amplified by the darkness, which 

means most anglers will be 

experiencing a fly fishing trip like none 

they have encountered before. 

Fishing is with single handed, 12wt 9ft 

rods.

FARO SAFARIS 

Since 1971, four generations have 

succeeded each other with the 

ambition to make FARO SAFARIS a 

leader in the West African Safari 

industry. 

Thanks to our comprehensive 

knowledge, extensive field experience, 

rigorous anti-poaching 

efforts, cutting edge game 

management and our boundless 

passion, we are the keepers of a great 

diversity of wildlife and pristine 

habitat. In Cameroon, our longtermmonitored 

sanctuaries are the last 

refuges of a world of shrinking wildlife 

heritage. 

Partnered with AFRICAN WATERS 

(former known as TOURETTE FISHING) 

African Waters is a dedicated team of 

African fishing-travel experts and 

professional guides. We specialise in 

developing and managing unique 

fisheries in Africa’s most pristine 

wilderness areas. Based on sound 

fishery management protocols, 

community benefaction projects, and 

stringent conservation practices, all 

guests can be assured their visit is 

contributing to the longterm protection 

of these wild places, and benefaction 

to the rural communities with whom 

we work. 

“ Our unfailing ambition is to 

contribute to the longterm 

conservation of the habitat, fauna 

and flora in the Faro 

Valley through sustainable 

tourism in the form of fly fishing, 

fair-chase hunting and ecotourism. 

“ 

Xavier VANNIER 


83

AFRICA 

The Faro River Basin and 

the Faro Conservation 

Association (AFC) 

The Faro Fly Fishing product is now 

adding incredible value to the area by 

helping to ensure sustainable and well 

managed fly fishing is able to 

contribute significant funds towards 

conservation and anti-poaching 

strategies in the area and build 

towards the longterm goal to facilitate 

and coordinate a unified and allencompassing 

Faro River Basin 

conservation plan. 

The revitalization of the 

Cameroonian-registered NGO, the 

Faro Conservation Association (AFC), 

starting in 2019 is one of the first steps 

to achieving this goal. 

All fly fishing guests to the area can be 

assured that they are contributing 

valuable resources to allow us and our 

partners to protect one of the last 

remaining West African Savannah 

habitats and the fauna & flora it is 

home to. 

Funds from fly fishing tourists are 

dedicated to the private conservation 

efforts such as the Faro Conservation 

Association and private antipoaching 

teams employed 

throughout the year, as well as various 

government departments responsible 

for the longterm protection 

of this area. 


The Lodge 

This area offers adventurous fly 

fishermen a unique glimpse into an 

almost untouched West African 

savannah environment. Signature 

game such as Lord Derby eland, north 

western buffalo, western roan, 

Kordofan giraffe, western hartebeest, 

red river hog, elephant, western kob, 

red flanked duiker, colobus monkey, 

western lion and leopard, hippos and 

crocodiles, amongst others, are 

found in our operational areas. 

Although not a game viewing 

destination, many of these animals 

and their signs are seen on a daily 

basis when driving between camp 

and the fishing beats. 

ACCOMODATION 

The permanent camp, run in 

conjunction with long established 

conservation and hunting operator, 

Faro Safaris, is situated in the deep 

shade of mature riverine forest. The 

camp is inspired by local architecture 

and the rooms are large, open 

rondavels, tastefully decorated with 

local fabrics and soft furnishings. 

Bathrooms are en suite. This haven 

under the trees is complimented by a 

beautiful dining area, lounge, deck 

and fire pit overlooking the Faro River. 

Meals are prepared by the talented 

camp chef in a simple camp kitchen. 

Continental breakfast, eggs and tea/ 

coffee are taken before heading out 

from camp each day. Lunches are 

generally picnic style on the river 

banks between fishing sessions. 


85

AFRICA 

The Fishing 

ALL FISHING IS DONE ON FOOT 

– STRICTLY CATCH & RELEASE 

– FLY FISHING ONLY – SINGLE 

DE-BARBED HOOKS ONLY 

The fishery is divided into set beats. 

These are rotated and managed to 

ensure sustainable and consistent 

fishing results. 

Please respect these rules, they are in 

place to ensure you experience the 

best trip possible. 

Nile Perch 

Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) are 

arguably one of Africa’s greatest fly 

fishing targets. Habitat destruction 

and all forms of over-fishing has 

severely impacted the distribution 

and density of Nile perch populations 

today. 

One of the largest fresh water fish on 

Earth, it reaches sizes of up to 2m, 

weighing up to 200kg’s. 

We consider trophy fish as fish over 

100cm TL, with fish up to 162cm 

being taken on fly thus far. 

Tigerfish 

Guests target tigerfish in the daytime 

morning & afternoon fishing sessions, 

leading away from, and up to the prime 

Nile perch fishing sessions. Fishing 

floating lines and surface flies, as well 

as sink tip lines and tigerfish baitfish 

patterns is standard practice. 


Average Fishing Day 

The average fishing day starts with 

breakfast in camp at 07h30. 

Yellowfish 

The periods of highest sun, at the end 

of the morning sessions, and start of 

afternoon session, are used to sightfish 

to yellowfish in rocky runs, deep 

gorges and fast riffle water. Fishing is 

technical and all sight-fishing. 5wt 

Rods, floating lines and a selection of 

dry flies and nymphs are the typical 

tackle. 

Niger barb up to 9 kg’s have been 

sighted, with the biggest one landed 

to date on flying weighing just over 3,5 

kg’s. Labeo species up to 3,5 kg’s, 

and African large-scale tetra up to 1 

kg, make up the rest of the usual 

sight-fishing targets. 

At around 9h00 the group and their 

guides, accompanied by armed game 

scouts head out in a 4×4 vehicle to the 

allocated fishing area for the day. A 

simple base is set up in a shaded spot 

on the river bank. 

The mid-morning session is generally 

spent targeting tigerfish and 

yellowfish, with a little time dedicated 

to nile perch fishing if the conditions 

and water dictate. 

The group returns to the riverside 

base at around 14h00 for a late lunch 

and a siesta, where anglers are 

encouraged to rest, rehydrate, and 

swim in order to be revived and fresh 

for the afternoon session. 


87

AFRICA 


The group will generally head out 

again at around 16h00. The first part 

of the afternoon session will be spent 

hunting tigerfish in the deeper water 

you’ll be fishing the same evening and 

allows for the angler to familiarise 

themselves with the lay of the land of 

the river section they will be fishing 

into the night. 

Once the sun gets low to the horizon, 

and in preparation for the start of the 

Nile perch bite, anglers will switch 

from the 9wt tigerfish outfits to heavier 

12wt outfits and much bigger, waterpushing 

flies. Fishing for Nile perch 

continues into the darkness. Your 

guide will generally call lines up at 

around 21h00 each evening, 

whereafter you will return to camp for 

a late dinner and some drinks before 

heading to bed. 


89

AFRICA 

Trip Itinerary 

SUNDAY: Arrive in Douala, connect to Garoua. Depart Douala around 16h00, arrive 

Garoua around 18h15 (internal flights covered in tour costs) where you will be met 

by transfer driver and Tourette Fishing representative and driven to a local hotel. 

Overnight in Garoua, single rooms (overnight accommodation is covered in tour 

costs). All meals are at your own expense. 

MONDAY: Breakfast (own expense), followed by 4-5 hour drive to camp. Settle in 

and then meet in the mess area for a late lunch and full tour briefing by your guides. 

Tackle set up after lunch. Evening fishing session time allowing. 

TUESDAY to SUNDAY: 6 fishing days 

MONDAY: Breakfast, followed by 4-5 hour transfer back to Garoua. Regional flight 

from Garoua to Douala (covered in tour costs). Depart Garoua @ 18h15. Arrive 

Douala @ 20h50. Connect to international flight home, or overnight in Douala for 

connection on Tuesday. Tour Ends. 



SEASON 

January - April 

RATES 

Rates are per person sharing. Departs for 7 

nights stay and 6 fishing days. 

USD 9750 per person per night (sharing) 

For further details please check the FFTC 

profile to see what is included, and what is 

not included. 

FARO SAFARIS 

Xavier-Frank Vannier 

Manager 

Phone: +33 6 32 40 24 32 

email: farosportfishing@gmail.com 


10 % OFF the regular rates 

AFRICAN WATERS 

Phone: +27 33 342 2793 

email: info@africanwaters.net 

51 91

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 


• 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 

• We are not a new tackle shop or outfitter 

• We are not a new competitor to any local FlyFisher Club, established tackle 

shop or specialized travel agency for FlyFishers 

• We are not a portal website with blinking advertising banners 

What benefits can you expect? 

est. 2017 

• Unlimited and free access to the FFTC Members Area 

• Membership available for 1, 3 or 5 years 

• Your personalized Member Card 

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Members from Guides & Destinations all over the world 

• Special offers exclusively for FFTC Members up to 15% OFF of the 

regular rates 

• The FFTC Newsletter 

• Exclusive access 'members only' section at FFTC Members Area 


F F T C 


est. 2017 

Your Membership contains: 

• 1 Year Membership (12 month) 

• Unlimited access to the FFTC.club Members Area 

• All privileges of FFTC.club Membership 

• Membership ends automatically after the chosen period 

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• NO subscription with automatical extension of the Membership 

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93

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rands inside 

Inside ArcticSilver 

by Dr. Katharina Fugger, CEO ArcticSilver, Norway 

Surrounded by the small Salmon 

River Vigda, a few kilometers from the 

next village, lies an idyllic Norwegian 

farm. It gives the impression that the 

clock is still ticking slower than 

anywhere else. You can almost see 

the main door opening and an old farm 

maid coming out with a milk can in her 

hand... BUT inside the white and the 

red tree house a busy, international 

company has established itself. We 

are talking about the Scandinavian fly 

fishing brand ArcticSilver Innovation 

AS. 

In 2014 ArcticSilver hit the 

Scandinavian fly fishing marked with a 

small selection of fly fishing products 

but has grown to be a well-known 

brand in the international 

fly fishing market in the last 3 years, 

with a broad product portfolio, 

operating in 12 countries, a solid 

dealer’s network, 6 agents and 48 

ambassadors worldwide. 

Gone are the days where ArcticSilver 

was driven from the attic of that idyllic 

farm; but now the business occupies 

several stories of the mansion, the old 

red farmhouse was rebuilt as a test 

laboratory and guest house for 

ArcticSilver partners. 

An EU warehouse was established 

and in the USA the distributor 

ArcticSilver USA holds its own 

storage of ArcticSilver products for 

the US-market. 


95

ands inside 

by Dr. Katharina Fugger 

So, what happened the last 3 years? 

When CEO Katharina Fugger entered 

the company in 2019 she had a clear 

goal: to build a solid, professional and 

international business. With her 

judicial and economical background, 

many years of experience from 

working with small and medium sized 

companies and her passion for fly 

fishing, ArcticSilver was the perfect 

company for that! 

Structure, professionalism, service 

and high-quality products had to 

become a number one priority. Key 

partners and resources had to be in 

place with clear values, communicated 

and followed. 

So let us dive into an everyday day 

at the headquarters of ArcticSilver 

Innovation AS: 

Katharina just got off the phone with 

ArcticSilvers new product 

development manager 

“Mathias Lilleheim”. Mathias has been 

an icon in the fly fishing business for 

decades and started in ArcticSilver in 

the summer of 2020. 

Mathias told Katharina, that he just 

had an idea on how to make rod 

development and prototyping much 

easier and more sufficient in the 

future. 

96

Mathias Lilleheim is one of the most experienced product 

developers in the European fly-fishing industry and has for the past 

15 years been product developer for three well-established 

European fly-fishing brands. 

He already discussed this new 

approach with their fly rod factory, and 

they agreed to the approach. For the 

prototypes he just ordered for new 

premium rod series of ArcticSilver that 

is planned for spring 2022 the factory 

agreed to go ahead with this method 

so they will receive the prototypes for 

this series already next month! 

Katharina confirms and tells Mathias 

that those prototypes are being 

measured for the right classification 

and desired action curve by Sven 

Fugger in the new testing facilities 

next door, as they speak. In addition, 

these revised prototypes have to be 

tested by Mathias and they have to be 

distributed to some chosen ProStaff 

members with high expertise in 

“predator” fly fishing to test them in 

real conditions! 

Just a few minutes later, Sven enters 

the main building again – the 

measurements for the new prototypes 

show, that they are just spot on!!! Of 

course, he has also test-casted them 

on the large field on the opposite side 

of the farm, already! 

Sven Fugger has been chasing silver all 

his life. Has become an indispensable 

asset for ArcticSilver for product testing, 

quality control, repair and assembly. 

Which brings Mathias to his next 

question: how about the prototypes 

for the new predator fly rod series that 

is planned for release in autumn 

2021? Mathias heard from the factory, 

that the revised prototypes arrived at 

the ArcticSilver headquarters today! 


97

ands inside 


The smile on his face speaks 

volumes – this new predator fly rod 

series just shoots big flies out 

there with almost no effort AND 

beautiful presentation! 

Whooohoooo! 

This is Katharina’s keyword to get in 

touch with the 3 chosen ProStaff 

members, who shall give those 

predator fly rods a rough real 

conditions check! 

The Pro Staff members and ambassadors of ArcticSilver are the actual heart of 

ArcticSilver and they call themselves the ArcticSilver family. The ArcticSilver family 

includes 48 highly skilled fly fishers with different fly fishing backgrounds from different 

countries. They do not only test new products they are also involved in many other 

topics regarding the future development of ArcticSilver! In a private online forum all 

members of the ArcticSilver family can ask questions, propose ideas and take part in 

discussions on fly fishing, marketing, branding, future values and many other topics that 

are of importance to develop ArcticSilver further! This group is priceless for ArcticSilver 

to make the right strategic decisions. 48 passionate fly fishers that live and breathe fly 

fishing! 


But back to the everyday 

business day! 

Sven is already on his way to his 

car. He is heading for the Fjord 

only five minutes’ drive from the 

ArcticSilver headquarters. In 

addition to the new predator fly 

rod prototypes, he wants to 

give the new Compact 2.0 and 

GreenVelvet fly lines a last 

quality check. 

Several thousand of these fly 

lines arrived at the headquarter 

a few days ago! Fly lines 

approved for production will 

always undergo a final check 

inside the laboratory and under 

real fly fishing conditions when 

mass production arrives! 


99

ands inside 


Not only in Norway, but they are sent to at least one ArcticSilver Ambassadors in each 

country ArcticSilver operates in. As fly lines behave differently in different countries due 

to the waters salt content, current stream and temperature even the final product has to 

be tested once more before the final release. These factors can affect the sinking speed, 

softness or stretching ability of a fly line. 

As Sven heads off to the Fjord, 5 minutes down the road, to doublecheck if the fly lines 

behave as planned in the very cold and salty water of the Norwegian fjords; 

Katharina has time to check in with ArcticSilvers 1% for the planet projects! 

Katharina signed ArticSilver up for this membership as soon as she entered the company! 

Through this network ArcticSilver returns 1% of its sales to local projects that work with 

river preservation! 

Not 1% of the annual result, but of all turnover. So even if ArcticSilver is going with 

negative results a year, 1% of the turnover will still go to the 3 local preservation projects 

in Norway, Denmark and Germany which ArcticSilver has chosen. To join the 1% for the 

planet network was a real matter of heart for Katharina – “it is a lot of fun to build a 

company, it is a lot of fun to work with my hobby – but it is even more fun to 

make an impact on something so important as our beautiful nature!” And the 

whole ArcticSilver family stands 100% for this decision – as many of them are also 

personally involved in preservation projects! 

ArcticSilver has dedicated all their tapered leaders to their 

1% for the planet projects. You will find their story on the 

back of each packaging! 

100 

contact@fftc.club

The 1% for the planet projects are just 

doing great and Katharina has her 

next meeting scheduled already – a 

videocall with some Team members 

to discuss the communication of 

ArcticSilvers values throughout the 

whole organization and out to the 

marked. 

Quality, honesty, respect, and a very 

deep care for mother nature are sure 

values that ArcticSilver stands for. But 

there is one more major value 

ArcticSilver stands for, which is often 

misunderstood: 

ArcticSilver fly rods look different than 

any other fly rod; modern, futuristic, 

industrial. While some fly fishers think 

of this as “exciting” and like progress 

and innovation others see this as 

“disturbing” and are not comfortable 

to break with “tradition”. 

Out there in nature with your fly 

rod. Your complete focus is on 

the moment: the cast, the landing 

of the fly, the take and the fight – 

true magic! 

AND ArcticSilver likes to ask: “how 

can we make these magic moments 

by the water even more enjoyable? 

How can we make fly fishing and fly 

casting easier and more effective? 

Can we make that moment of fighting 

the fish even more intense?” 

ArcticSilver likes to challenge 

boundaries and break them for the 

better. They love progress and are 

driven by innovation. 

But ArcticSilver stands very 

much for fly fishing tradition, too: 

this feeling that lets you forget 

everything else. 

To create something, that truly assists 

fly fishers in their endless hours of fly 

fishing. Help them improve their fly 

casting technique, let them feel a 

success in their fly casting they have 

never experienced before! 


101

ands inside 


And the Free-Flex system does exactly that. It helps you “time” your fly casts 

much better and “timing” is what fly casting is all about! And well that feeling when 

you got “fish on” and you can feel its fight directly in your palm – Whoohoo! 

Rounding up the videocall with the team members they all agree. 

technologies often look different and the ArcticSilver family is proud of their futuristic 

and modern design, as it is driven by technology! 

So ArcticSilvers new slogan just has to be: “Tradition powered by technology”! 

102 


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. 

Shop NOW 

10% discount 

with #jungleblues code.

SEYCHELLES 

S 

eychelles 

Astove Atoll 

104 

Astove is breathtakingly 

beautiful. 

It is a world filled with colour, where 

the daily dramas of a pristine 

ecosystem play out in front of your 

very eyes. 

Astove offers a rare privilege 

opportunity to gaze into a world which 

has changed very little in the years 

that have passed. The Astove Wall is 

described as gazing down into the 

Grand Canyon. 

contact@fftc.club 

It consists of the large flats and reef 

dropping a vertical 90 degrees, from 

ankle deep water to water over a 

kilometre deep. This unique feature 

makes it a perfect dive site. 

The atoll also has a rich and desolate 

history and is the cause of countless 

shipwrecks dating back to 1500 AD. It 

is also famous for the acclaimed 

underwater documentary “The Silent 

World”, filmed by Jacques Cousteau.


SEYCHELLES 

106 



SEYCHELLES 

Astove Atoll is the place for catching 

the largest flats-caught Giant 

Trevallies in the Indian Ocean as well 

as many other species. 

Its shallow lagoon, surrounded by 

sheer drop-offs, makes the 

experience unique. 

This lagoon is a sanctuary for both 

juvenile and trophy size fish that feed 

on the shallow white sand flats. Aside 

from big GT’s, Astove offers 

innumerable opportunities for 

bonefish, permit, bluefin trevally, 

triggerfish, barracuda and milkfish. 

The offshore fishing starts metres 

from the edge of the flat where anglers 

can test their skills against yellowfin 

tuna, dogtooth tuna, wahoo and 

sailfish. 

The Lodge 

Uninhabited since 1969, Astove 

makes for a wild experience. To 

ensure that the atoll stays pristine, 

Astove Island Lodge only caters to 6 

guests per week. 

The newly renovated lodge is very 

comfortable, accommodating its 

guests in single air-conditioned and 

en-suite rooms that surround the 

central courtyard. 

The lodge has a comfortable lounge 

as well as an indoor and outdoor 

dining area for guests’ relaxation in the 

evenings. 

You’ll enjoy attentive service as well 

as exquisite dining. 

The menu usually comprises of an 

English breakfast in the morning, a 

packed lunch choice to take to the flats 

and a Creole buffet dinner served 

either on the beach or in the outside 

dining area. 

The Astove Island Lodge staff 

includes an Alphonse Fishing 

Company manageress and local IDC 

staff, and is operated in such a way as 

to maximize fishing time. 

108 



110

S 

imply 

a paradise 

111

112

RATES 

One week (7 nights / 6 days fishing) 

shared guide and room: USD 10,555 

for neap tide - USD 13,950 spring tide 

Included 

• 7 Night package with all meals included 

in shared accommodation 

• Scheduled return charter flight 

• Six days fully guided fishing with 2 anglers 

to 1 guide 

• Tender boat and fuel 

• Fishing License and Landing Fees 

• Water, soft drinks, coffee and tea 

• A glass of house wine with dinner 

• Laundry 

• Fly fishing rod and reel rental 

• Complimentary Wi-Fi in the lounge 

Excluded 

• Single supplement of USD 700 

• International Flights 

• Ground transfers on Mahé 

• Conservation Donation of USD 175 

• All other alcoholic beverages 

• items of a personal nature, telephone 

and email charges 

• Travel and medical insurance 

• Tackle and flies 

• Gratuities 


2,5 % OFF the regular rates 





pukka destinations 

Owner Carsten Dogs 

Nernstweg 5 

22765 Hamburg / GERMANY 

phone: +49 1778086466 

email: info@pukka-destinations.com 

web: www.pukka-destinations.com 

84 113

VENEZUELA 

V 

enezuela 

Acuarela - Los Roques 

For the saltwater fly fisherman Los Roques offers a 

lot of variety. 

Main fish is the bonefish in sizes of 3-5 pounds on average and good chances to fish 

over 10 pounds, depending on the season and tides are added to fish species such 

as Tarpon and (huge) Permit. 

By-catches are Jacks, Barracudas, Snapper, Snook, Bonitos etc. The flats fishing on 

Los Roques takes place mainly wading. 

Bonefish, and this is one of the factors that makes Los Roques so special, can be 

caught in a variety of ways. On the one hand, there are the so-called pancake flats - 

small flats made of turtlegrass, where you often fish for tailed fish. Not always easy, but 

exciting. Then there are larger sand flats over which you can walk hundreds of meters. 

114 



VENEZUELA 

116 


VENEZUELA 

118 



VENEZUELA 

Last but not least there is beach fishing 

for cruising bones hunting for small fishes 

(Minnows). These are sometimes even 

with floating Minnowimitationen to catch 

- so to speak dry fly fishing on Bonefish in 

tropical salt water! 

Depending on the season and tides 

you will encounter these different 

types of fishing. Talk to us about these 

differences, through our own travels 

we know the peculiarities very well. 

For all types of fishing you fish with a 

guide. There are no skiffs, but socalled 

Pangas, with which one 

reaches very well all beaches and 

Flats. 

Each panga also has a boatman who 

picks up guide and fisherman at the 

end of the flat (so you do not have to 

run back). 

120 


The Lodge 

The lodge is amongst the finest accomodations on the island. The chef offers the finest 

cuisine and makes sure you are treated well before / after the fishing. 


121

VENEZUELA 

122 


RATES 

One week shared panga, guide and 

room: USD 4,250 

Single angler per boat: on request 

SEASON 

Los Roques is a saltwater destination that can be 

visited all year round; High season is from January to 

May. Due to its location close to the equator you do 

not need to be scary about hurricanes, which is 

another advantage. 


2,5 % OFF the regular rates 


Please note: due to the political situation 

in Venezuela there is little pressure on the 

archipelago, which leads to possible 

discounts for guests coming. Los Roques 

still is the paradise it has always been, 

there is nothing felt from the political crisis 

on the mainland. Our partners operate as 

reliable and perfect as always. Los 

Roques is a beautiful fishing destination 

and offers salt water flats fly fishing at its 

best. No doubt about it! But we want you 

watching the international news before 

you do any booking. 




pukka destinations 

Owner Carsten Dogs 

Nernstweg 5 

22765 Hamburg / GERMANY 

phone: +49 1778086466 

email: info@pukka-destinations.com 

web: www.pukka-destinations.com 

123

VIDEOTHEK 

G 

ermany 

lovenia 

SKrka Mayfly Lodge 


VIDEOTHEK 

M ongolia 

exas 

TFly Fish Rockport 


125

VIDEOTHEK 

B 

olivia 

Arapaima Paradise Lodge 

C 

anada 

Yukon - Dalton Trail Lodge 


VIDEOTHEK 

C 

ameroon 

Faro Sportfishing & Faro Safaris 

S 

eychelles 

Astove Atoll 


127

VIDEOTHEK 

V 

enezuela 

Los Roques 


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! 

DISCOVER INTERACTIVE 

℗© all rights reserved by FFTC.club - copyright 2021! 

© photograph AD - Patagonia, Argentina - 2019! 

p o w e r e d 

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

b y

Fly Fishing destinations worldwide - FFTC.club Magazine issue I-2021

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