The Best Easy-Access Fly Fishing Destinations
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For the traveling angler, it has never been easier to leave for a fly fishing adventure at the drop of a hat. Technology has made booking flights, hotels, and taxis a breeze, and with expert fly fishing advice and planning from Trident, the entire booking process is virtually effortless. There are some destinations, however, that are easier to access than others; whether because of their location, the availability of flights, or abbreviated weeks offered. Below, we’ve put together this list of the top five easy-access fly fishing destinations. The next time you’re able to escape for a quick trip, simply refer to this list, click on the destination you want, and request a reservation - it’s that simple! Read on to learn about the best easy-access fly fishing destinations, what makes them unique, and how to get there.
Belize River Lodge
In continuous operation since 1960, Belize River Lodge is one of the pioneer fishing lodges in the Caribbean. This timeless mahogany lodge sits on the bank of the Belize Olde River, just outside of Belize City. Its convenient location provides immediate access to Snook and Juvenile Tarpon in the river, and a quick 3.5-mile run downstream grants access to productive Bonefish and Permit flats. The staff at Belize River Lodge are true professionals; personable, hardworking, and knowledgeable. Spending time at BRL is an opportunity to experience the rich angling history of Belize and the warmth of its people in a charming, quaint fly fishing lodge.
Belize River Lodge is exceptionally easy to reach. With flights available to Belize City (BZE) from many major US and Canadian cities, you’ll arrive in Belize before a quick, 30-minute transfer to the lodge. The lodge staff handles the airport shuttles so all you have to do is focus on the fishing. Depending on how much time you have available, you can book a stay for as little as two days of fishing. The flexibility of arrival and departure days combined with painless travel make Belize River Lodge one of the easiest year-round destinations for world-class Belize fly fishing trips.
Madison Valley Ranch
The Madison River in Southwest Montana needs little introduction. Referred to as the fifty-mile riffle, this storied watershed is home to some of the finest trout fishing in the country. This seasonal fishery has something for everyone, whether you’re targeting powerful Rainbows in early summer, casting hoppers at the banks in August, or throwing streamers for big Browns in October. Madison Valley Ranch is the quintessential Montana fly fishing lodge, awarded Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year in 2015 and 2021. After each day of fishing with your expert MVR guide, you’ll return to the well-appointed lodge for a fabulous meal and a relaxing evening under the big sky. Between the robust fishery, the seasoned guides and staff, and the delicious meals, MVR has earned the reputation of being one of the premier lodges in Montana.
Getting to Madison Valley Ranch is an easy same-day affair from most major US cities. You’ll fly into Bozeman, Montana (BZN) before a scenic 1-hour drive to the lodge. Because MVR doesn’t have set arrival and departure days, you can make it a quick weekend trip, or fish for a full week or more. If you’re itching for a quick trout fishing trip with unrivaled service and comforts, Madison Valley Ranch is truly at the epicenter of Montana trout country.
Black Canyon Anglers
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison River in Southwest Colorado is a premier destination for wilderness fly fishing. That said, it isn’t typically regarded as an 'easy-access' location–Its powerful Rainbows and wiley Brown Trout are protected by steep, 2,000’ granite walls, and no road access. Fortunately, Black Canyon Anglers has developed a world-class fly fishing program for accessing this elite Trout fishery. Their 2 and 3-day overnight floats through the Gunnison Gorge are an experience that should be on every adventurous trout angler’s bucket list. Throwing big foamy dry flies or stripping meaty sculpin patterns for plump Rainbows and Browns is the name of the game. Each day you’ll float downstream in inflatables with expert guides, camping riverside under the canyon walls and brilliant stars by night. There are few wilderness trout fishing experiences that compare to the Gunnison Gorge, and BCA makes it easily accessible.
To get to Black Canyon Anglers, fly into Montrose, Colorado (MTJ) and drive about 40 minutes to the lodge, which is located on a 100-year old working orchard. This will be your comfortable home base before and after your float trip, replete with private fishing access on the Gunnison River, comfortable guest cabins, and a spacious main lodge with billiards, WiFi, and a dining and lounge area to socialize with fellow guests. The expert staff and guides at BCA take care of every detail, from exquisite meals and comfortable accommodations on and off the water, to mule-packing in the rafts and camping equipment into the gorge. If you want a true wilderness fly fishing adventure that’s right here in the lower 48, few options compare to Black Canyon Anglers.
Swains Cay Lodge
Planning a family fly fishing trip to the Bahamas can be a formidable undertaking. Between school, sports, and other activities, finding a full week on the calendar is sometimes impossible - not to mention a day or more of travel on each end of the trip. Thankfully, Swains Cay Lodge provides an easily-accessible, family friendly lodge in the heart of the Bahamas. Located on Mangrove Cay between Andros’ middle and southern bights. The Lodge sits on a great beach flat where you can fish right at your door with expansive Bonefish flats available to the north and south of the lodge. This is the perfect destination for families with anglers of varying experience levels. Novice anglers can learn how to cast and fight Bonefish, while more experienced casters can choose to target Tarpon and Permit. After each fishing day, the beachside lodge property offers a relaxed atmosphere to dine and mingle or play beach games in the sand. If you need a few days to unplug with your family, Swains Cay makes it effortless and fun.
From many major US cities, getting to Swains Cay Lodge can be an easy single-day journey. You’ll fly to Nassau, Bahamas (NAS), before taking a short jumper flight to Mangrove Cay (MAY). You can also fly to South Andros from Ft. Lauderdale with direct charters. Special airfare offers for connections are available seasonally. Once you’ve arrived, a Swains Cay driver will transport you about 15 minutes to the lodge. Swains Cay operates on a flexible arrival and departure schedule, meaning you can fish for as many or as few days as your schedule allows - ideal for fitting around a busy calendar. Whether you’re a solo angler or traveling with a group, Swains Cay offers welcoming staff, relaxing accommodations, good food, and quick access to an outstanding fishery.
Grand Slam Lodge
Ascension Bay, Mexico is one of the most revered fly fishing destinations for Permit junkies. It's a place most dedicated saltwater anglers will visit in their lifetime, and many will return year after year. The lodges in Punta Allen put this world-class flats destination on the map years ago, and Grand Slam Lodge is perhaps the most convenient for quick trips when a weeklong stay is not possible. Situated on a large beachfront property just north of Punta Allen, GSL offers immediate access to Ascension Bay, a 1.3-million-acre protected fishery teeming with Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, and other species. Local Mexican guides are among the world’s best at sighting fish, poling, and setting you up for success. After fishing, you can arrange a professional massage to help you unwind and relax your casting muscles. Evenings at the lodge include fantastic regional meals with cold beverages, lounging poolside, or fishing from the beach.
Punta Allen, Mexico has become one of the easiest saltwater destinations to visit on a whim, thanks to abundantly available flights to Cancun (CUN), and a newly-constructed international airport in Tulum (TQO). From many major US hubs you can fly directly to Cancun or Tulum. From there, the lodge will pick you up for a 90-minute van ride, followed by a scenic water transfer directly to the lodge. Imagine leaving your home in the morning, and sipping a cold margarita on the beach by the afternoon. Grand Slam Lodge has no set arrival or departure days, so you can customize your length of stay depending on your preference and availability. Whether you’re a die-hard Permit angler or you want a variety of flats species in a mellow setting, Grand Slam Lodge is one of the most convenient options in the Ascension Bay area.
More Resources
Best Saltwater Fly Reels of 2024
Top 10 Must Have Flies For The Bahamas
The 10 Best Flies For Early Season Trout
The Best Dry Flies For Late Summer Trout
How To Choose The Right Fly Rod For Every Species
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