Words by @will_rize
Photos courtesy of @yellowdogflyfishing
Editor's note: if you missed Part I of our Fly Fishing Travel Destination Essay CLICK HERE.
We mentioned in Part I of this series that the Riversmith team loves to fly fish… but we also love to travel and fish. We love every part of combining these two activities - the planning, research, preparation, the food... the sense of exploration and adventure. We also recognize that fly fishing and travel can present new and unique problems. Problems that are worth solving. We love the highs and lows that come along with trying something new out for the first time. We recognize that people can experience great angling accomplishments one day and disasters and heartbreak the next.
In this next instalment we'll share a few other fly fishing destinations to think about. As mentioned in Part I, the Riversmith Team has traveled to most of these locations... but there is one in particular that a Riversmith Ambassador has her sights on in 2024... wait for it!
Louisiana, Redfish & Black Drum
4) Dogwood Lodge
Located on the edge of the Biloxi Marsh, the Dogwood Lodge is a historic vessel originally built for the US Coast Guard as buoy tender on the upper Mississippi River. It was later purchased by a cruise company and converted into a multi-day vessel for river cruises. Staying on the vessel while being guided by some of the best guides in Louisiana will equate to a complete Louisiana low country fishing experience!
Searching for Redfish - A View From Above
You will literally be able to step right off the vessel and onto your guide’s skiff to start your day on the water! This trip is all about trading scenes of the big city for scenes of shrimp boats, alligators, and the unique landscape of the Louisiana marsh. And while stunning copper-colored redfish will be your target species, you’ll also have opportunities to catch black drum, sheepshead, jacks, alligator gar, and more.
Bahamas
Experience the World’s Bonefishing Capital
South Andros Island was the first island I fished in the Bahamas. It was also the island I returned to when I had the chance. Many people I've talked to have to things to say about South Andros: 1) there are a lot of fish 2) there are a lot of BIG bonefish.
From Yellow Dog: "The Bahamas islands comprise a 100,000 square mile archipelago that covers more than 500 miles of clear, pristine water and a gigantic network of unspoiled flats that form the country’s main angling attraction. Fish for The Big Three -- bonefish, tarpon, and permit -- along with barracuda, sharks, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, and jack crevalle. With gin-clear waters and endless flats with hard white sand bottoms, the Bahamas are among the best locations in the world for sight fishing and wade fishing.
Andros South Lodge
"Andros South Lodge is located in the remote settlement of Kemp’s Bay on the southeastern shore of South Andros Island. This area is home to an extraordinary number of tidal creeks and inland flats that provide incredible habitat for hungry bonefish of all sizes. With one of the most experienced guide staff in the area, you will fish this vast and diverse habitat in the most efficient manner possible. After each productive day on the water, guests return to the lodge for cocktail hour at the on-site “wet bar,” situated directly on the beach."
Sign me up!!
Argentina
A great winter International travel experience doesn't have to be limited to saltwater and exotic species. If you're looking to fish for monster trout in beautiful mountain settings you can go south of the equator and Argentina is a great option to explore. I checked in with Riversmith Ambassador Alyssa Adcock to learn about here travel plans in 2024 and she had exciting updates to share.
"I will be traveling to Junin de los Andes, Argentina to visit a series of lodges hosted by Flotadas Chimehuin," said Alyssa Adcock. "The entirety of my time there will be spent immersed in the local culture, scouting a variety of different rivers and lodges, observing the guide scene, and potential overnight float camping scenarios."
Alyssa plans to share a fly fishing and travel report with Riversmith customers and followers upon her return, but here is a sneak peek of her game-plan.
"Flotadas Chimehuin specializes in some of the most famous fisheries in Argentina like the Chimehuin, Alumine, Malleo, Collon Cura, Caleufu and Limay rivers, as well as being one of the few licensed guide services allowed to fish the Lanin National Park lakes (Huechulafquen, Paimun, Epulafquen, Tromen and Falkner)," she said. "I’m looking forward to targeting this world class trout fishery with a host of tactics- stalking big fish with tiny dry flies, terrestrials (hopper season baby!), and stripping streamers - with an arsenal of rods ranging from 5wt -8wt. While I am excited about the fishing, I am also looking forward to experiencing the local community, flora and fauna, and expanding my skill set to encompass international travel. Looking forward to providing the Riversmith crew with a full fishing report, gear suggestions, and the do’s and don’ts of international travel upon my return!"
Alyssa Adcock is a Riversmith Ambassador and a full time Professional Fly Fishing Guide for High Country Guide Service.
Stay tuned for more fly fishing destination travel photo essays, ideas and trip reports from Riversmith in 2024!
Leave a comment