El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Caye in northern Belize is synonymous with great saltwater fishing, great food, and superb, friendly service. It is one of the most famous Caribbean fly fishing lodges and certainly the most established in Belize. The lodge has been awarded the prestigious Orvis Endorsed International Destination of the Year award twice, once in 2013 and again in 2017. (these awards are based on customer reviews!)

Add to this two for one pricing and we have the makings of something special. Join me on a hosted fly fishing adventure trip to Belize this coming October as we fish for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and more. This will be my 8th consecutive year to host trips to El Pescador.

El Pescador is one the best places in the world to achieve a saltwater Grand Slam…bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Bonefish abound in shallow flats and schools of permit cruise the deeper flats and edges. In October, resident tarpon (about 20 to 60 lbs.) are in abundance and provide lots of action. In addition, a few of the bigger migratory tarpon are usually still hanging around.

The real beauty of El Pescador fly fishing is how it offers something for all fly fishers…from novice to old salts. Each angler can choose his or her challenge level for the day. Start with the less challenging schools of bonefish then move to the elusive permit and hard charging tarpon for greater challenges.

As El Pescador fishes over 400 square miles of water, there is always new water to fish and lots of options. October is a time of active, less pressured fish which translates to more chances or “shots” for the fly angler.

As in 2019, due to the popularity of this trip I am hosting two trips instead of one in 2020. The first trip is September 30-October 5, 2020 and the second is October 5-10, 2020.

The package price includes five nights lodging and either three or four days of guiding fishing depending on which package you prefer. If you pick the five night/three day package then the extra day can be used to just relax at the lodge or enjoy one of the mainland tours or other activities (snorkeling, reef fishing, kayaking, and more). Just fly into Belize City and things are taken care of for you from there. The package price includes the short 15-minute island hopper flight to the small island village of San Pedro and then a short, boat ride to the lodge.

The cost for two anglers is only $5,075 for the five night/four day package and $4475 for the five night/three day package. This is where one angler pays for the single occupancy package and then the other angler goes FREE! Or two anglers can split this for an unbelievably low price. Discounts for true singles are also available if you want to fish and room alone. Your trip can be customized to your preference in terms of length of stay, number of days fishing, other activities, etc. For those developing their fly fishing skills we have fun casting sessions available every afternoon.  

These trips have very limited availability and are already filling.   

​Please contact me for additional information or to secure one of the remaining slots for you.


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​Forrest Wood, founder of Ranger Boats, is often credited with saying that "you are never sorry that you bought the best". I think there is a lot of wisdom in this and the same can probably be said for the destination fly fishing experience. That is why I am so selective in the places I choose to host fly fishing adventures. 

After hosting two trips to Estancia Laguna Verde (ELV) I have found that no one is ever sorry that they traveled thousands of miles to fish Jurassic Lake at least once in their fly fishing life. The place is simply incredible and has truly lived up to it's claim of "the best trophy rainbow trout fishery on the planet". 

I am not fond of superlatives and absolutes in fishing for I believe fishing is all about probabilities. Yet the fact remains that there is not a better place to go if you want to catch a trophy rainbow in the wild. Every year 20 pound rainbows are landed and released. Ten to twelve pounders are common.  

So I could not be more pleased to announce the dates for my third hosted trip to Jurassic in January of 2020. We will be based out of ELV, a lodge that always exceeds expectations in one of the most remote parts of the world.

The Fishery: Lake Strobel (a.k.a. Jurassic Lake) is a huge 25 square mile Patagonian lake in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina. It is remote, ruggedly beautiful, the Andes mountains in sight just to the west. It is clear, cold, and contains excessively abundant scud populations. The trout are without any real predators and they grow big...very big.

​Genetics are one of the reasons fish are big here. These are wild, coastal rainbows and the Strobel population exhibits both the typical rainbow form and the steelhead form.

It is often said that the trout average eight pounds here. Experience has proven this to be true.

The fishing at ELV is not just one dimensional, there is more than just Jurassic Lake. Also available is a major freestone river, several smaller lakes, and a small creek, much like a spring creek.  

The Rio Barrancoso is a beautiful, ruggedly steep, free flowing river that flows undisturbed from the slopes of the Andes into Jurassic and serves as the spawning and nursery areas for the fishery. A very short river, I have stood in one place on the estancia and I could see both its source and its mouth in one panoramic view. The river has three sections, each containing two beats. Although "smaller fish" are caught in the river it still contains many of the giants, just as the lake does. The river is where the mouse videos were recorded that have become so popular.                

Small lakes called lagunas add still another dimension to this adventure. These lagunas are filled with fish and  provide a great option on windy days. The fish are still big and they still fight big. During the 2018 trip we fished the lagunas frequently as they were producing lots of fish between five and ten pounds.

Moro Creek adds the final dimension and is similar to a spring creek. The estancia fishes four beats on the creek, usually during the spring or early summer.      
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ELV offers exclusive access to much of this fishery including over 25 kilometers of Strobel Lake shoreline fished from either the main lodge or a smaller outpost lodge for one or two night stays; over 10 kilometers of the best sections of Rio Barrancoso; about 10 kilometers of Moro Creek and at least eight lagunas. To say that you will probably not see anyone else other than those staying at the lodge is an understatement.

For me, the remote and isolated character of this place is such an important part of this adventure. When I am there I am reminded of the words "excellently lonely" from John Inglis Hall's classic work, ​Fishing a Highland Stream.  

Typically, a wide variety of fishing techniques are employed here. The big lake is usually fished with dries, dry/droppers, streamers, and scuds stripped slowly just below the surface. The river is a place for dries and mouse patterns. The lagunas fish well with streamers and dry/droppers.  

The gear list is a little odd for a rainbow trout expedition. For most of the fishing you will need 8 or 9 weight rigs with leaders of 16 to 20 pound test. The greatest challenge in putting the gear together is acquiring trout flies tied with hooks that are strong enough not to straighten or break with these fish. These wild coastal rainbows are full of fight.  

In all the waters, sight fishing is very common though it does depend on conditions. All I can say is that you will never forget the sight fishing at ELV...the size, the numbers of fish, and the clarity of the water make this a different ball game.

They guides are professional, personable, experienced, knowledgeable, and English speaking. Nano is a commercial tyer, Manuel is an FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Martin and Ivan are simply a joy to fish with.

Each morning anglers pair up with their guides and drive a few minutes to the chosen water for the day. On the big lake you may fish places with well known names such as Monster Bay, Dry Fly Bay, Tasmania Bay, Sea Bay, Camelot and others. Hot lunches are prepared in convenient, lake-side shelters that maximizes fishing time and comfort.  

Both the 2017 and 2018 trips were incredible. (see photos below) It still seems odd that we stopped taking pics of smaller eight pound rainbows after only a short time.  

The Lodge: The lodge building is a restored and expanded stone ranch house that retains its classic Argentine estancia architecture and provides all the comforts of home and more. It is located on a small laguna and is only minutes away from Jurassic Lake, the river, and the other lagunas.  

Each of the angler's rooms contain two single beds and en-suite bathrooms. Single upgrades are available. The main lodge has a spacious living and dining room plus a viewing area overlooking the laguna, complete with a viewing scope for wildlife. Just outside the main lodge is a comfortable changing room for getting into and out of your waders. Windmill and fuel powered generators ensure all the energy needs are met.  

The world class cuisine is all chef prepared and consists of carefully planned, three course meals and asados. The local Argentine beef and lamb is famous for a reason. Beyond incredible desserts and outstanding Mendoza wines, personally selected by the owners, complete the dining experience. Dietary restrictions are gladly accommodated.  

The Details: Trip dates are January 2-12, 2020. Cost is $6775.

The travel to ELV is substantial, but I have through experience worked out a great plan to enjoy a leisurely trip and arrive at the lodge rested and ready for a great fishing adventure. We fly overnight to Buenos Aires, arriving in the morning. We are then transferred to our hotel where we check into our rooms. That afternoon we take a private bus tour of Buenos Aires returning to the hotel for dinner and sleep. The tour includes the most interesting and historic parts of the city and allows time for visiting a arts district and shops. On January 3rd we fly (about 3 hrs.) to El Calafate, a charming outdoor oriented village where we will lunch and spend some time in the shops, cafes, and restaurants. After overnighting in Calafate, we will be transferred to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of fishing. Six full days of guided fishing will follow. After breakfast on January 11th, we will be transferred back to Calafate to board a plane bound for Buenos Aires and overnight there in the same hotel. The next day we will have some free time to explore Buenos Aires and then return to the airport that evening for the return flight back to the US.  

All of the transfers (included in the package) are private, English speaking, professional guides and involve modern, comfortable vans. The afternoon tour of January 2nd (also included) will visit many of the interesting and historic sites of Buenos Aires and also allow some time for strolls through the arts district with coffee and gift shops. Intersur Recoleta in Buenos Aires is an upscale hotel (also included) in a very nice part of the city within a trendy arts and restaurant district. Parque Place Hotel (also included) is the perfect place to enjoy Calafate on the shores of Argentino Lake.

​Watch this video.

Another  excellent video.

This is a customized package that you will not find elsewhere. Space is very limited.

Contact me for more information or questions.               

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El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Caye in northern Belize is synonymous with great saltwater fishing, great food, and superb, friendly service. It is one of the most famous Caribbean fly fishing lodges and certainly the most established in Belize. The lodge has been awarded the prestigious Orvis Endorsed International Destination of the Year award twice, once in 2013 and again in 2017. (these awards are based on customer reviews!)

Add to this two for one pricing and we have the makings of something special. Join me on a hosted fly fishing adventure trip to Belize this coming October as we fish for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and more. This will be my 7th consecutive year to host trips to El Pescador.

El Pescador is one the best places in the world to achieve a saltwater Grand Slam…bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Bonefish abound in shallow flats and schools of permit cruise the deeper flats and edges. In October, resident tarpon (about 20 to 60 lbs.) are in abundance and provide great action. In addition, a few of the bigger migratory tarpon are usually still hanging around.

The real beauty of El Pescador fly fishing is how it offers something for all fly fishers…from novice to old salts. Each angler can choose his or her challenge level for the day. Start with the less challenging schools of bonefish then move to the elusive permit and hard charging tarpon for greater challenges.

As El Pescador fishes over 400 square miles of water, there is always new water to fish and lots of options. October is a time of active, less pressured fish which translates to more chances or “shots” for the fly angler.

Due to the popularity of this trip I am hosting two trips instead of one in 2019. The first trip is October 15-20, 2019 and the second is October 20-25, 2019.

The package price includes five nights lodging and either three or four days of guiding fishing depending on which package you prefer. If you pick the five night/three day package then the extra day can be used to just relax at the lodge or enjoy one of the mainland tours or other activities (snorkeling, reef fishing, kayaking, and more). Just fly into Belize City and things are taken care of from there. The package price includes the short 15-minute island hopper flight to the small island village of San Pedro and then a short, boat ride to the lodge.

The cost for one or two anglers is only $4825 for the five night/four day package and $4225 for the five night/three day package. This is where one angler pays for the single occupancy package and then the other angler goes FREE! Or two anglers can split this for an unbelievably low price. Discounts for true singles are also available if you want to fish and room alone. Your trip can be customized to your preference in terms of length of stay, number of days fishing, other activities, etc. For those developing their fly fishing skills we have fun casting sessions available every afternoon.  

These trips have very limited availability as only a few slots remain. The first trip is half full and the second is full.  

​Please contact me for additional information or to secure one of the remaining slots for you.

If you have never fished out of Laura and Mike Geary’s Healing Waters Lodge in Southwestern Montana, then you should join us there in June of 2019 as we travel there to fish one of the best super hatches of the year.   
 
Laura and Mike’s lodge operation is quickly developing a very strong following because of their warm and engaging personalities, their attention to every detail, their more than beautiful lodge complex, and above all…they have the widest variety of outstanding fly fishing in all of Montana. At their disposal are several of the big fabled trout rivers of southwestern plus countless miles of private water that took many years to put together. All of these elements work together to produce one of the finest experiences you can have fly fishing. 

I have hosted three trips to HWL and have referred many others, and the feedback is always the same...outstanding in all respects.  
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The Fishing​: Although many options are available when it comes to the fishing at HWL, the timing of this trip is based on the peak of the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole. The Big Hole is over 150 miles of free flowing river set in a remote, sparsely populated valley in southwestern Montana. It is home to a viable population of fluvial Arctic Grayling, one of the very few left in the lower 48 and is a testament to the health and vitality of the river. It is also home to a legendary hatch of giant stoneflies which begins in earnest about mid-June. These adult stoneflies (Pteronarcys californica) are big, about 1 to 2 inches in length and epitomize Montana trout fishing...big flies, big rivers, and big fish. This is a well-known hatch, so we can expect to see other fly fishers, yet the Big Hole has several sections so it disperses the anglers out over large areas  And there are other waters, both public and private, that offer more solitude. This includes the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and miles of private water.

Everyone should fish the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole at least a time or two...casting big, dry, stonefly patterns to fish looking up on one of the most beautiful rivers in all of North America!  

The Beaverhead River is also prime during this time. It is loaded with big brown trout and is perfect for the streamer addict. Less than 50 miles long, the "Beav" is narrow compared to other western rivers, yet it is perfect for float trips. It has a very healthy population of browns, about 16 inches and up. Way up...well into the 20's. And of course the reason is food. The Beaverhead is a veritable bug factory...PMD's, BWO's, tricos, several caddis, and some stones. Little yellow stones and golden stones. In June the river is really alive with active trout and bugs.      

Fishing the Big Hole during the salmonfly fly hatch and then streamers for big browns on the Beaverhead...it can't get much better. Add in a little private water or smaller water and life is good. Really good!  

The guides at HWL are at the top of the guiding game...professional, fun, articulate, client-centered, and very fishy. They work as a team so they can stay current on the huge expanse of water that is available to them. They pick you up at your room and bring you back to the room for your convenience.        
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The Lodge: HWL is an Orvis Endorsed Lodge with an ultra-strong following of repeat guests due in large part to the vast amount of high quality trout water and the excellent job they do of providing the best possible total experience.

The lodge sits squarely in the heart of the Ruby Valley(Trout Central)...it is large yet conveys an intimate feeling with the landscape. And it provides all one could want for including a hot tub, laundry service, exercise room, casting pond (with trout), a well-stocked fly shop w/loaner gear, pool table, reading room, and a guest business office.

Professional chefs prepare every meal including entrees such as pork porterhouse, agrodolce style; grilled wild-caught wild salmon; chinois marinated rack of lamb; top sirloin; and roast bison tenderloin. They will graciously accommodate any dietary restriction or preference. 

The Details:​ Trip dates are June 13-18, 2019. This is a 5 night, 4 days of guided fishing package. June 13 is arrival day. June 14-17 are fishing days. June 18 is departure day. Trip can be customized for a longer period if desired. 

Logistics are easy. Simply fly into Bozeman on one of the major airlines and drive the 1.5 hours to HWL near Twin Bridges. Good roads and scenic driving all the way.

​The cost is $3700 per person based on double occupancy. 50% deposit required at time of booking with balance due at the end of the trip.

​Included: lodging, meals, guided fishing, beer & wine, loaner fly fishing gear, all terminal tackle including flies, leaders, & tippet, and lodge staff tips.

​Not included: fishing licenses, guide gratuities, private water fees, airfare, & airport shuttles.
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On the afternoon of 6/13 I will present a workshop designed to tune-up casting and slack line skills for those who are interested. Similar sessions can be held as needed throughout the trip.  

​This trip has very limited availability due to the timing of the trip. It is in the high demand season. 

Below are a few photos from our 2018 trip.

​​Email or Call Steve Hollensed for booking or more information.  ​

Golden Dorado River Cruiser 
​It is with great excitement that I announce a new hosted trip to northern Argentina to fish for Golden Dorado. This trip is safe, easy, and adventurous, yet without a few of the usual complexities of some Golden Dorado fishing. This operation is based on the mother ship concept; the mother ship tows modern fishing skiffs to the best fishing while maintaining all the comforts of home for the angler.
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The Golden Dorado River Cruiser moves up and down the Parana River system following the migrations of the Golden Dorado. The Parana system is composed of deltas, marshes, wetlands, and some forested marshlands. It is huge, running some 1600 miles through Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. It is second in size only to the Amazon.

This seemingly endless river system is extremely rich in bird life and is one of the most beautiful places you could every imagine.

​Of significant importance to the fly fisher is the fact that this river is just loaded with Golden Dorado! But because of it's size, huge baitfish migrations, and fluctuating water levels it can be challenging. The best solution to this challenge is the mother ship concept, as mobility is the key factor for success. If you are mobile, the challenge is easily met.

​Golden Dorado on the Fly 
​These fish are really something. Aggressive, voracious strikers. Pugnacious and powerful fighters. Acrobatic for sure. Often occur in schools. Beautiful for both eye and camera. And they live in freshwater, making their pursuit really pretty simple.

​Presentation is not all that critical when fishing for Golden Dorado. Just get the fly in the vicinity, make it look alive, and something exciting will happen. So in general, this fishing is more "forgiving" than most saltwater fishing, yet still...very, very rewarding!

​During this trip, topwater action will be a big part of the fishing pattern. Big streamers will complete the arsenal. Both are exciting when Dorado is the target.   

The Cruiser​      
The people​ who own and operate the Dorado River Cruiser are the same great people who own and operate Estancia Laguna Verde on Jurassic Lake, famous for great fishing and great experiences.

​And following in the same tradition, the cruiser provides a very unique and high quality Golden Dorado experience...moving to find the best fishing does not mean you have to comprise the quality of the total experience.  

​The Cruiser has four bedrooms for eight guests based on double occupancy. Each room has A/C and en-suite bathrooms and showers with hot water. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed. The upper level contains a sitting room and a dining area with a panoramic view of Parana ecosystem. All meals are prepared by a professional chef and the cruiser is operated by a professional captain who just happens to be an avid fly fisher.

​Captain Dario worked as a guide at Estancia Laguna Verde early in his career but his first love is fly fishing for Dorado. You will be impressed with his Dorado flies!

​Another unique aspect of this operation is just how completely you are immersed into the surrounding environment...you are living in a pristine wetland ecosystem that is becoming increasingly rare in modern times. This wilderness setting provides the sights and sounds of a truly natural system that both relaxes and inspires.

​A general fishing day usually involves a morning and an afternoon session, with lunch and a nap in between.

​Trip Details    
​In terms of logistics, this is a very easy trip to Argentina. Simply fly into Buenos Aires, arriving early in the morning. We will be transferred by ground transportation to a marina located about three hours northwest of Buenos Aires. From there we will be transferred in a modern, spacious boat to the Cruiser. You will be at the Cruiser in time to unpack, get settled in, have lunch, and still get in an afternoon of fishing. After breakfast of the last day you will be transferred back to the international airport for the evening flight back.

​The dates for this trip are January 4-11, 2019. The cost is $4500. This includes 7 nights of lodging on the Cruiser and 6.5 days of guided fishing. Includes all meals, beverages, licenses, and domestic transfers to and from Buenos Aires.  

​The Cruiser offers excellent accommodations, superb dining, and consistent, "lots-of-action", Golden Dorado fishing that is safe and easy. This is a great "stand-alone" trip, or if you desire an additional week of fishing in Argentina, this is the perfect trip to start your Argentine fly fishing adventure.  

​Watch this short video.
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​Contact me for more information or to secure your place on this trip. Very limited availability.                    

For the fourth consecutive year, I am producing and hosting another fly fishing adventure to southeastern British Columbia. The Elk River, and picturesque ski village of Fernie, provide the perfect venue for the fly angler who appreciates wild, native fish in a wild, pristine river...and loves to fish the dry fly!

​This area is home to perhaps some of the finest dry fly fishing in all of North America. With strong, dependable hatches and an extremely healthy population of West Slope Cutthroats, the Elk is a fly fishers dream. It flows freely for about 110 miles before entering into the Kootenay River, flowing through one of the prettiest valleys you can imagine. The Elk has a number of sections that are perfect for day long floats, each containing textbook trout habitat. Add in the St. Mary, Old Man, Crow's Nest, Waterton, Bull, and Wigwam Rivers and the possibilities are endless. 
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Wading Michel Creek is another great option. A tributary of the Elk, it is a wonderfully scenic and productive cutty stream, with some big ones that will absolutely surprise you.  

​This trip is timed to coincide with two of the best hatches on the Elk...the Golden Stonefly and Green Drake hatches. Flies are big and buggy for the most part. 6's and 8's for the Golden Stones and 10's and 12's for the Green Drakes.

​This fishery has perhaps the highest probability of excellent dry fly fishing that I have ever seen. And when the fish are not looking up, they are still hungry and aggressive; switching to subsurface presentations makes the action almost continuous.

​This is a wonderful place and time to catch a big bull trout as well! Truly an indicator species that requires clean, flowing water, bull trout are aggressive strikers and exceptional fighters.  Real beauties, these char fit into this river and landscape so well.  

​This is not the typical destination trip in that we are not traveling to a lodge...there is not really a lodge in the area. We stay at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Fernie and we travel to various restaurants after our day of fishing, enjoying the great dining available. Our guides pick us up at the motel and return us to our motel. After a rest and shower, we take the van to the restaurant of our choosing, only blocks away.

​Fernie provides a unique blend of civilization and nature. Modern motels, diverse restaurants, main street stores, and fly shops all add to the experience and are just minutes away from mountains and the river...the Elk runs right through town.

​No doubt about it, whether it is its natural beauty, the history and architecture of main street, or just the casual outdoor lifestyle found there, Fernie has a charm all its own.

​Our outfitter will be Dave Brown Outfitters who is based in Fernie. Dave has been outfitting and guiding in the Fernie area for many years and has always exceeded our expectations.
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​The dates are July 8-14, 2018. We will fly into Kalispell, Montana and stage there on July 8. The next day (7/9) a van will transfer the group to Fernie. Fishing days will be July 10-13. July 14 will be departure day and we will transfer back to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell. Of the four fishing days, it is planned to fish three on the Elk and the fourth day on one of the other outstanding rivers in the area.

​Cost is $2600 per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy rates available. Price includes five nights lodging, four days of guided fishing, shuttle service to and from Fernie on appointed days, and breakfast and lunch on fishing days. Does not include evening dining, guide gratuities, licenses, and lodging and meals on staging day.

​Watch this video from 2016!                               

El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Caye in northern Belize is synonymous with great saltwater fishing, great food, and superb, friendly service. It is one of the most famous Caribbean fly fishing lodges and certainly the most established in Belize. The lodge has been awarded the prestigious Orvis Endorsed International Destination of the Year award twice, once in 2013 and now recently in 2017. (these awards are based on customer reviews!)

Add to this two for one pricing and we have the makings of something special. Join me on a hosted fly fishing adventure trip to Belize this coming October as we fish for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and more. This will be my sixth consecutive year to host trips to El Pescador.

El Pescador is one the best places in the world to target all the Grand Slam species…bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Bonefish abound in shallow flats and schools of permit cruise the deeper flats and edges. In October, resident tarpon (about 20 to 60 lbs.) are in abundance and provide great action. In addition, a few of the bigger migratory tarpon are usually still hanging around.

The real beauty of El Pescador fly fishing is how it offers something for all fly fishers…from novice to old salts. Each angler can choose his or her challenge level for the day. Start with the less challenging schools of mudding bonefish then move to the elusive permit and hard charging tarpon for greater challenges.

As El Pescador fishes over 400 square miles of water, there is always new water to fish and lots of options. October is a time of active, less pressured fish which translates to more chances or “shots” for the fly angler.

My next trip to El Pescador is October 20-25, 2018. The package price includes five nights lodging and either three or four days of guiding fishing depending on which package you prefer. If you pick the five night/three day package then the extra day can be used to just relax at the lodge or enjoy one of the mainland tours or other activities (snorkeling, reef fishing, kayaking, and more). Just fly into Belize City and things are taken care of from there. The package price includes the short 15-minute island hopper flight to the small island village of San Pedro and then a short, boat ride to the lodge.

The cost for one or two anglers is only $4735 for the five night/four day package and $4135 for the five night/three day package. This is where one angler pays for the single occupancy package and then the other angler goes FREE! Or two anglers can split this for an unbelievably low price. Discounts for true singles are also available if you want to fish and room alone. Your trip can be customized to your preference in terms of length of stay, number of days fishing, other activities, etc.

This trip has very limited availability and only a few slots remain.

​Please contact me for additional information or to secure one of the remaining slots for you.

 Join me in June 2018 on a trip to Montana that I know will be remembered for all the right reasons. This will be a safe and easy trip to Healing Waters Lodge during one of the best known and consistent super hatches in North America...the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole River.

The Fishing​: Although many options are available when it comes to the fishing at HWL, the timing of this trip is based on the peak period of the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole. The Big Hole is over 150 miles of free flowing river set in a remote, sparsely populated valley in southwestern Montana. It is home to a viable population of fluvial Arctic Grayling, one of the very few left in the lower 48 and is a testament to the health and vitality of the river. It is also home to this legendary hatch of giant stoneflies which begins in earnest about mid June. The adult stoneflies (Pteronarcys californica) are big, about 1 to 2 inches in length and epitomize Montana trout fishing...big flies, big rivers, and big fish. This is a well known hatch, so we can expect to see other fly fishers. However other waters, both public and private, can offer more solitude if needed. This includes the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and miles of private water.

Everyone should fish the salmonfly hatch on the Bighole at least a time or two...casting big, dry, stonefly patterns to fish looking up on one of the most beautiful rivers of all!  

​The Lodge: HWL is an Orvis Endorsed Lodge with an ultra-strong following of repeat guests...due in large part to the vast amount of high quality trout water and the excellent job they do of providing the best possible total experience. The lodge sits squarely in the heart of the Ruby Valley...it is large yet conveys an intimate feeling with the landscape. And it provides all one could want for including a hot tub, laundry service, exercise room, casting pond (with trout), a well-stocked fly shop w/loaner gear, pool table, reading room, and a guest business office. They will accommodate any dietary restriction or preference.

The Details:​ Trip dates are June 12-17, 2018. This is a 5 night, 4 days of guided fishing package. June 12 is arrival day. June 13-16 are fishing days. June 17 is departure day. Trip can be customized for a longer period if desired. 

Logistics are easy. Simply fly into Bozeman on one of the major airlines and drive the 1.5 hours to HWL near Twin Bridges. Good roads and scenic driving all the way.

​The cost is $3675 per person based on double occupancy. This is good until December 31, 2017. Prices increase in 2018. 50% deposit required at time of booking with balance due at the end of the trip.

​Included: lodging, meals, guided fishing, beer & wine, loaner fly fishing gear, all terminal tackle including flies, leaders, & tippet, and lodge staff tips.

​Not included: fishing licenses, guide gratuities, private water fees, airfare, & airport shuttles.
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On the afternoon of 6/12 I will present a short workshop designed to tune-up casting and slack line skills for those who are interested. Similar sessions can be held as needed through the trip.  

​This trip has very limited availability due to the timing of the trip. It is in the high demand season. Book now and reserve your slot with 2017 pricing.

​​Email or Call Steve Hollensed for booking or more information.