Lee’s Ferry, Arizona – 2012 Dates TBD

When-2012 Dates TBD 

Where-We stay at Cliff Dweller’s Lodge, www.leesferry.com, which is located 15 minutes from the boat launch at Lee’s Ferry.  Lee’s Ferry is located on the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell.  This tailwater fishery offers some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere, with 1,500ft red sandstone cliffs towering above the water.  The water is crystal clear making the experience of just being on the water something everyone has to experience. 

The Fish-Rainbow Trout are the primary quarry at The Ferry.  There is a huge population of fish in the 12-15″ range with opportunities to catch fish in the 16-20″ range.  There are also a few Brown Trout still residing in the cold Colorado river water.  Our late February trip is timed for great midge hatches as well as the spawn which is typically just ending.  Nymphing with midges, eggs and worms is the most effective way to fish this time of year although there are some dry fly opportunities in the afternoons.  Our July trip is focused on the Cicada hatch.  Throwing big, bushy dry flies to the shoreline and witnessing fish come from the deep for the big meal is a sight to behold and offers the most exciting fishing of the year.

Equipment and Gear-4 to 6 weight rods are what most anglers bring.  A 4 weight is fun for the Cicada and dry dropper fishing, a 5 weight for your nymphing applications and a 6 weight with a 200gr sink tip line for throwing streamers.  February can be very cold in the canyon and summertime brings highs in the 100s, so appropriate clothing is a must.

Cost-$550 per person.  This includes 2 nights of lodging and 2 days of guided fishing as well as lunch on the river Saturday and Sunday.  Lodging is for Friday night and Saturday night sleeping 2 per room.  Accommodations can be made for a single room and Sunday night lodging if desired for an extra cost.  Breakfast and dinner are not included.

 

Turneffe Island Resort, Belize- 2012 Dates TBD

 

When-2012 Dates TBD

Where-Turneffe Island Resort, http://www.turnefferesort.com/, is located 35 miles off the coast of Belize on the Southern tip of the Turneffe Atoll.  This private island caters to Fly Fisherman as well as divers.  The Turneffe Atoll is the second largest barier reef system in the world and offers an incredible array of marine life.  The Lodge and surrounding buildings were updated in 2001, they feature air conditioning, indoor and outdoor enclosed showers, refridgerator with mini bar and are lined with beautiful hardwood. 

The Fish-Anglers visiting Turneffe Island Resort have a shot at the elusive Saltwater Grand Slam of Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon.  Bonefish are plentiful in the 2-5lbs range in the many flats near the Lodge.  Permit are also availble on the flats as well as in the deep water around “The Elbow” which is located just minutes from the Lodge.  Tarpon are located in the mangrove lined rivers and streams that cut through much of the Atoll. 

Fishing Program-The fishing day starts after breakfast every day between 8 and 8:30 AM.  Anglers can either have a lunch brought on the boat or can also return to the lodge for lunch.  The fishing day ends at 5:00 PM giving guests a chance to shower before dinner.  Accomadations can also be made early morning and night fishing for an additional charge.  If conditions allow we also will have a day trip to Lighthouse Reef for some of the most incredible bonefishing found anywhere.

Equipment and Gear-A 7 or 8 weight rod for bonefish, a 10 weight for Baby Tarpon and a 12 weight for Tarpon and Permit.  Wind is typically present so we recommend fast action rods to generate more line speed.  A good reel with ample backing and an advanced drag system are also needed.  Flies, leader and tippet are not included, but we have all the necessary gear in the shop to take care of your needs before you head down.  Lightweight pants, long sleeved sun shirts and Buffs help keep you cooler in the hot and humid weather.  Insect Repellent is also a good idea for spending time around the mangroves.

Cost-$2600 per person-This price includes all of your meals, guided fishing from 8:30-5:00 for 6 days and your lodging for 7 nights.  Gratuties and Beverages are NOT INCLUDED in this price.

 

 

 

Nicholas Dean Lodge, BC – 2012 Dates TBD

When-2012 Dates TBD

Where-The Nicholas Dean Lodge www.nicholasdean.com is nestled in the majestic coastal mountains near Terrace, British Columbia, Canada.  The mighty Skeena River and its tributaries form the major arteries that fork through strands of old growth forests and steep valley walls.  Nicholas Dean Lodge has access to over 50 of the best rivers in the lower Skeena System.  Their highly qualified guides know the Skeena, Kalum, Copper, Kitimat, Bell-Irving, Lower Skeena tributaries and Nass River tributaries intimately, ensuring you the best chance at catching one of the many wild trophy fish that migrate up this system every year.  There are also options to do Helicopter fly outs to remote coastal rivers with no roads or development, just gin clear water and large, wild steelhead.

The Fish-Fall in the Skeena Region offers some of the best opportunities in the world for Steelhead and Trophy Coho Salmon.  The Summer Steelhead have entered their over-wintering holding streams and the fall runs of fresh chrome fish are in full force.  In addition, Coho Salmon have been entering the system since early September, with the biggest Coho arriving in late September and early October.  The Skeena system fall Steelhead and Coho are wild, large fish.  The Steelhead average 8 to 15lbs, with fish in the 20 to 30lbs range not being uncommon.  The Coho average 8 to 20lbs with some fish pushing 30lbs.

Equipment and Gear-The typical rods used for this trip are Spey Rods, Switch Rods or Single Handed Rods in the 7-9wt range.  Spey and Switch rods will give the angler a greater range and more line control on the bigger waters in the region.  Single handed rods are a good choice for the smaller tributaries in the area.  It is fall in British Columbia and the weather can be often cold and rainy.  Boot foot insulated waders, warm underlayering and a heavy duty Simms Gore-Tex wading jacket will help make you comfortable in the worst conditions.  

Cost-The cost for this trip is $3600.  It includes 6 nights lodging as well as breakfast, lunch on the river and dinner.  Transportation to and from the airport is also included.  The food is outstanding and the beautiful modern lodge is nestled in the pines of British Columbia.  Transportation to Terrace, licenses, liquor and gratuties are not included.

Adventure Travel Testimonials

Adventure Travel Testimonials from Wollaston Lake, July 2008

“Beyond belief – we have fly fished all over the world and Wollaston provides some of the best fishing I have ever seen.  Catching monster pike all day is amazing. The shore lunches are amazing.”
- David Dewar, Paradise Valley, AZ

“Undoubtedly the best week of fishing in my life – words don’t describe the size and action of the monster pike.  Nothing else could compare to this. The lodge and the staff are superb.”
- David Larcher, Paradise Valley, AZ

“Wollaston proved up to its reputation as a world class fishery.  We spent full days catching trophy pike and walleye all on fly.  The hunt, the take, the run, and the fight are unpredictable and addictive.  It does not get any better, anywhere, anyplace, period.”
- George Diamantis, Atlanta, GA

“The flyout fishing is quite an experience within the trip of a lifetime.  Wollaston has got to hold the largest pike on the planet!”
- Michael DeMaria, Scottsdale, AZ

“I have been very fortunate to fly fish in some of the most remote locations in the world including Venezuela, Belize, Costa Rica, the South Pacific, Alaska, & British Columbia, and I would say that my most recent trip to Wollaston Lake in Saskatchewan was the trip of a lifetime!  Kudos to the the staff of Desert Sportsman for coordinating the perfect fly fishing expedition!  My 24-pound “monster” pike (44.5″ by 18.5″) is still giving me nightmares.”
- Dale Hightower, Cypress, CA