“SERVING THE ANGLER WHO TRAVELS” $5

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER THE ANGLING REPORT July 2010 Vol. 23, No. 7

n the past 25 years, I’ve been for- “new” Restigouche River Lodge that DATELINE: tunate to fish many salmon rivers is now taking paying guests. The I in Russia, Ireland and eastern lodge, which was purchased in late On-Site Report On That , some of them famous, many 2008 by a syndicate of six men from obscure. But try as I might, I’d never New Jersey, New York and New Eng- New Restigouche Lodge been able to wet a line in the land, quietly began taking guests in Restigouche. Without personal or po- 2009 and is now fully open for business. The main contact person is (Editor Note: In the rarified world of high- Harry Huff, who owns Streams of end Atlantic salmon fishing, the Resti- gouche River on the border between New Dreams Fly Shop (www.streamsof Brunswick and Quebec has been one of the dreams.com. Tel. 201-934-1138. Cell: most exclusive of fishing venues. With a few 201-788-3131). Harry, by the way, is notable exceptions, such as Red Pine Camp a larger-than-life character, a former which has recently gone private, unless you tree surgeon and absolutely fanatic were lucky enough to inherit a membership in one of the clubs that control most of the angler. Good company in a salmon river and its tributaries, or you lived long camp. enough to work your way up a long waiting For those who know the Resti- list, you fished the Restigouche by invita- gouche and its fishing establish- tion only. In a spotlight report on New ments, the “new” lodge is actually the Brunswick on pages 3 to 5 of our March issue, we reported that a new fishing camp litical connections, or very deep former Pointe du Jour Salmon Club, had opened on the river and was taking pockets, it just wasn’t possible to get which was privately held and which paying guests. Well, Managing Editor Tim on good water there when the fish were only occasionally leased its facilities Jones has now made a trek to New likely to be in. to well-connected outside individuals Brunswick to see this camp first hand and So, it’s probably not surprising and groups. try for the big salmon that enter the Restigouche early in the season. Here’s his that I jumped at the chance last The facility is not hard to reach. report.) month to make an early visit to a It’s located in the settlement of Mann’s Mountain, between the Upsalquitch and the Matapedia, two SUPPORT OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS major tributaries of the Restigouche, Dream just upstream of the town of Outdoors Matapedia, Quebec, and not far from Campbellton, New Brunswick. This is within a day’s drive of New York and . Anglers from farther afield can fly commercial. The closest air- IN THIS ISSUE port with commuter service is Presque US West Seychelles Isle, Maine, a little over three hours Great Western Fishing A New Lodge-Based away with the border crossing. US an- Opportunities: Part II Fishing Program On Tap glers should remember that a passport PAGES 3 - 5 PAGES 8 - 9 or passport card is now required for Africa Subscriber-Written Reports crossing into Canada and returning. A Big Tarpon Tale And Alaska, Uganda, Alabama. The camp consists of two log More From Sierra Leone Plus, Acklins Island, Bahamas guest houses, one with three twin-bed PAGES 6 - 7 PAGES 10 - 13 bedrooms and one with two twin-bed Uruguay And Finally... bedrooms. Both have a living room New Dorado Operator Three Subscriber-Written with fireplace. There’s also a small Emerges At La Zona Reports On Jurassic Lake log-construction guide cottage set a PAGE 8 PAGES 13 - 14 bit apart, another house on a separate THE ANGLING REPORT

property nearby and the main lodge Ledges, Poker. Most of these pools building, also log, with dining room, have several beats within them and kitchen and sitting room with fire- there are smaller pockets of holding place and large windows overlooking water between. With a full camp (10 the river. The main lodge building anglers is normal but they could ac- has a beautiful screened porch with commodate a private group of up to comfortable seating and a grand view 14), there’s plenty of water for every- THE ANGLING REPORT of the home pool. The new owners one to fish without feeling crowded. have put in new plumbing, new roofs There’s also enough water for an oc- EDITOR and new landscaping. All is perfectly casional change of scenery. Don Causey comfortable and in keeping with a Fishing here is traditionally done MANAGING EDITOR “traditional” Canadian salmon camp. with two anglers and one guide in a Tim Jones They are continuing to upgrade the long, stable, outboard-powered, entire operation with new boats and wood-and-canvas canoe. These boats ADVERTISING MANAGER new motors. It’s clear they are in this are both a visual treat and a pleasure Edi Bell-Suffoletto for the long run. They have cell to fish from. Typically, the guide will INFO. SYSTEMS MANAGER phone and WiFi service, though the anchor at the top of a run, and the an- Nicholas Titus WiFi was down during my entire glers, fishing alternately, will cover three-day visit. the water on both sides of the boat EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Breakfast is served at 8 am. The with gradually lengthening casts as Tracy Sanchez main meal of the day is taken in the far as they can fish comfortably. The afternoon, and a light dinner is served guide then drops the boat to new wa- ILLUSTRATIONS after dark when you return from fish- ter. I fished with two different guides: Gordon Allen ing. Food in the camp was very good, Gerrie, who has guided here for more with breakfasts made to order and all than 30 years; and Deering, who is The Angling Report efforts made to accommodate any spe- also the camp manager. Both were 800-272-5656 cial dietary needs. competent and personable. The other Most important to salmon anglers, guides I talked to also seemed to The Angling Report (ISSN: 1045-3539) is published the camp owns exclusive rights to know the river and how to unlock its monthly by Oxpecker Enterprises, Inc., 12182 SW about three miles of river - both banks secrets for visiting anglers. 128 Street, Miami, Fl. 33186-5230. Periodicals Post- age Paid at Miami, FL, and at additional mailing and the river bottom between. At first I generally prefer wading to fish- offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to glance, this water looks much like the ing from boats and my guides were The Angling Report, 12182 SW 128 Street, Miami Ponoi — wide, fairly featureless. It happy to accommodate with a mix of FL 33186-5230. The Angling Report is not a book- ing agent, nor is it affiliated with a booking agent, takes some time on the water to begin both. Since I was fishing alone with outfitter or guide. to “see” how the currents lay out and my guide, this was no problem. How- How can we help you? where the runs and likely holding ar- ever, due to a quirk of New Brunswick New Subscriptions: A one-year subscription costs eas are. They have a number of named law, when two anglers are assigned to $49. Add $11 per year in Canada/Mexico. $29 over- seas. Visa/MC/Amex ok. Contact us on the web pools: Englands, Scow Shed, Home, one guide, both anglers must wade or (www.anglingreport.com), by phone (305-253- 5301), by fax (305-253-5532), by e-mail (mail@ anglingreport.com), or by regular mail (The An- Honor Roll Subscribers gling Report, 12182 SW 128 Street, Miami, FL The Angling Report encourages gram on our website. Click on FREE 33186-5230). Online Extra Upgrade: One year cost $24, in addi- subscribers to file reports on great Fishing. If you have been on an in- tion to regular subscription fee. Puts one on list to places to fish and on important news teresting trip recently, send in a let- receive e-mail invitations to go fishing FREE in re- developments that help the rest of us ter-length report and see if you can turn for filing a report. Also, invitations to review (and keep) fly tackle. Unlimited access to our Trip decide where to go (or not to go!) get on our Subscriber Honor Roll. Planning Database also included. Plus, e-mail and fishing. Subscribers who file unusu- Send it via e-mail to: doncausey@ hard copies of monthly newsletters. Same contact ally important and useful reports are anglingreport. Our new Honor Roll details as above. Trip Planning Materials: Same contact details as placed on our Subscriber Honor Roll subscribers this month are John and above. By phone, fax, e-mail or regular mail. Do and are sent a complimentary An- Chrissie Jackson who sent us the re- your own searches on our web site, www.angling gling Report Honor Roll Fishing port on tarpon fishing in Sierra report.com. Click on “Trip Planning Tools.” Thou- sands of pages of subscriber reports and previously Cap. Honor Roll subscribers also get Leone that appears in this issue. You published articles. special consideration in the award- can find the complete list of Honor Subscription Questions: Same contact details as ing of FREE Trips. You can find out Roll subscribers on our web site, above. On our web site, www.anglingreport.com, click on “Subscribe.” more about our FREE Fishing Pro- www.anglingreport.com.

July 2010 -2- Volume 23, Number 7 THE ANGLING REPORT

both must fish from the boat. The Bomber ready to go in the canoe in tunities around the western United States guide can’t legally let one angler wade case a fish showed any interest in a that are being actively booked by major while taking the other in the boat. surface presentation. Sadly, none did. booking agents. This month he continues along the same lines but he confines his at- Speaking of quirks of the law: In The Restigouche can be a bit de- tention to Orvis Endorsed properties and New Brunswick, anglers cannot fish ceptive. This is a powerful river and properties booked by Frontiers Travel. on their own, even in the Home Pool, the currents are often far heavier than There are, of course, many other great unless there’s a guide directly super- they initially appear. I would recom- properties that do their own booking or vising. Fortunately, if the standard mend bringing sink-tip lines or, at work with other agents. What we would like to see from subscribers is a wave of reports camp schedule fishing 9 am to 12:30 least, sinking leaders in addition to on places we have overlooked in this two- pm and again from 5 pm until dark is floating lines, especially early in the part series. To that end, we have decided to not enough for you, the guides here season. make three spots on our subscriber Honor seemed very willing to extend their Since I visited, things have appar- Roll available to the first subscribers who hours, especially if an appropriate tip ently begun to pick up. For what’s file useful and detailed reports on Western fishing opportunities that are appropriate is forthcoming. happening now, visit their blog at for Angling Report subscribers. We’re ea- I arrived in late May when the www.restigouchelodge.com/blog.php ger to hear from you! See page 2 for more first (and often largest) salmon of the At this writing, the camp still has details on our Subscriber Honor Roll.) season were just entering the river. A slots available for this season, includ- pair of 30-pounders had been taken in ing some prime time in late July. ince my June report on west- the lower river in the days before I Prime slots are priced at $4,450 per ern fishing opportunities went visited. During my visit, the water week, plus 13% tax, which is very S to press, the Western United was lower and clearer than you would States, particularly the more northern expect at that time of year. There were states, has experienced nearly non- fish entering the river each day and stop cold and rainy weather. As I we could occasionally see them on a write this in early June, flood watches lie and cast to them. I clearly saw one and warnings are posted in Colorado, fish I would estimate in the high 20- Utah, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and in pound range, several I would guess my home state of Wyoming. Take were in the low 20s and nothing heart though. All that water should smaller. The river does get a grilse translate into excellent stream flows run in late June and early July. across most of the region well into None of the fish were inclined to summer and fall. Good stream flows move to my presentations — a situa- are the most important ingredient in a tion experienced salmon anglers will good fishing season, so this may be understand. In three days of fishing, I reasonable for a river with the the right year to fish the American had one fish swirl well behind my fly Restigouche’s reputation. In August West. but it never came back to take. Harry and September, prices go down to First up this month is Three Riv- Huff, who was fishing in a separate $2,995, plus tax. My guess is that ers Ranch (www.threeriversranch boat, rose two fish, both more aggres- prime weeks will sell out quickly now .com), on the Warm River near its sive than mine, but he didn’t hook ei- that word is getting out and it may confluence with the Henry’s Fork of ther. That’s salmon fishing. soon be necessary (as is typical on the Snake, just outside Ashton, Idaho. Given that most of the fishing is other salmon rivers) to work your way Mike Fitzgerald, Jr. of Frontiers from boats here, a single-handed 8- into a prime slot through repeat vis- Travel (800-242-1950; www.frontiers weight or 9-weight rod is adequate. its. Enjoy! – Tim Jones, Managing travel.com) gives this lodge and its However, the wind was brisk while I Editor. owner, Lonnie Allen, a glowing rec- was there and the fish I saw were ommendation. Lonnie’s love of the large, so I used two-handed rods al- US WEST ranch really comes through in any most exclusively. While wading in conversation with her, I found. Three Poker, I found it necessary to cast 90 Trip-Planning File Rivers Ranch has been serving an- feet to reach the lies and then mend Great Western Fishing glers for 35 years. Lonnie’s grandpar- the line to control the swing of the fly ents homesteaded the property, and in conflicting currents. A 15-foot 10- Opportunities: Part II she has now brought her two sons weight was ideal for this. Most of the into the operation. Most of the guides time, however, a 12-foot 8-weight was (Editor Note: Last month, Honor Roll Sub- have worked with Three Rivers for de- scriber and frequent correspondent Bob Pe- easier to handle. I also had a 9-foot 8- ters filed part I of this report on unusual cades and their chef has been serving weight with a floating line and a and particularly noteworthy fishing oppor- gourmet fare for 25 years.

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This corner of Idaho provides abundant hatches. The dry-fly fishing “forgotten-corner” of Colorado. It’s wade- and float-fishing opportunities available is very technical. Wild situated on the west slope of the Front on some of the most storied trout redband rainbow trout are the pre- Range, 2½ hours from Denver Interna- streams in America, including the dominant species, with the occasional tional Airport. Henry’s Fork of the Snake and the large brown showing up. In operation since 1952, the ranch South Fork. Three Rivers offers an el- Vanessa shared a tidbit that really controls nearly 18 miles of the Big egant overnight float on the latter got my attention: There is usually a Laramie River as it flows out of Colo- stream, by the way. The tents used significant Hexagenia mayfly hatch rado and into southern Wyoming. have wood floors, and the amenities from mid-June through mid-July in This is mostly wade fishing to deep provided include cocktails and hors this area. These big bugs emerge from pools, cutbanks, riffles and bends. d’oeuvres in the evening before a late in the evening until well after The season runs from around May 1 hearty meal. Three Rivers Ranch dark. Fishing the “hex” hatch here of- through October 30, with hatches of guests can also fish a variety of ten involves casting in the dark to the blue wing olives in May progressing lesser-known waters in Idaho, Mon- sounds of feeding fish, she says. Ap- through stoneflies, drakes, and cad- tana and even Yellowstone National parently, hooking a big trout by feel dis. You could hear Pat’s excitement Park. Additionally, the ranch has pri- on a completely blind cast is a life- as he described the hopper/dropper vate access to nearly six miles of changing experience. fishing in August and September on Robinson Creek, a freestone stream As for the lodge itself, it elicits a these meadow streams. The ranch that joins Warm River right at the “Wow!” from first-time guests. Arti- property is adjacent to the 27,000- ranch. Lonnie tells me that there is san-built in the 1920s in the Grand acre Rawah Wilderness Area, and seldom a day in their season (nor- Lodge style, Clearwater Lodge is guests can ride horseback to several mally the third week of May to the mountain lakes that rarely see an- third week of October) when anglers glers. Most of the fishing is for can’t catch fish on dry flies here. Ac- browns and rainbows, although sev- tivities for non-anglers include horse- eral locations offer good-sized brook back riding, mountain-bike riding, hik- trout. There’s also a small lake acces- ing and sightseeing in Yellowstone and sible by a short hike where it’s pos- Grand Teton National parks. sible to catch native Colorado Green- The second property I looked into back cutthroat trout, plus a nearby this month – Clearwater Lodge - was stillwater fishery with grayling. These recommended to me by Tom Evenson, latter waters make it possible for an- Western Director of Orvis Endorsed glers to take a “Rawah Super Slam” - Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides a brown, brook, rainbow and cut- (www.orvis.com). Located between throat trout, plus a grayling. the volcanic peaks of Mount Shasta comfortably situated in a park-like Rawah Ranch guests can also and Mount Lassen, Evenson says setting on 43 acres. They offer fly hike, ride mountain bikes and horse- Clearwater Lodge (www.clearwater fishing schools here throughout the back in the mountains. The lodge fea- lodge.com) offers the most extensive season pitched toward everyone from tures fine ranch cooking, a recreation fly fishing program in all of northern beginners to advanced anglers. The room and even occasional square California. latter are offered what they call “Mas- dances for guests who aren’t too worn The managers of Clearwater ter Angler” classes. Non-angler activi- out to take part in them. Pat’s passion Lodge are Bill and Vanessa Downs. In ties include hiking, kayaking, hot and enthusiasm for his property are a phone follow-up, Vanessa told me springs, birding and trips to nearby infectious and I really want to visit. the area’s prime attraction is the vari- Lassen Volcanic National Park. You He can be reached at: 800-820-3152. ety of fishing it offers – everything can reach Vanessa at: 888-600-5451. E-mail: [email protected]. from fishing in rivers... to streams... to E-mail: [email protected]. Still in Colorado, Mike Fitz- spring creeks... to stillwaters. The Pit The third property in the lime- gerald, Jr. of Frontiers Travel recom- River, a tailwater freestone stream, light this month is another one we mended the very upscale 3 Forks runs through the lodge property and heard about from Evenson at Orvis. Lodge and Spa (www.threeforks offers wade fishing with high catch This one is Rawah Guest Ranch ranch.com) near Steamboat Springs, rates. Nearby Fall River (which (www.rawah.com) in northern Colo- Colorado. This is a top-shelf lodge on Vanessa tells me is the largest spring rado. Pat Timmins, who owns and op- a 200,000-acre working ranch, creek system in America) is a wide, erates the ranch along with his wife, Fitzgerald says, noting it calls itself slow-moving and crystal-clear river Melanie, tells me Rawah (pronounced “The World’s Only Five Billion Star that has good fish populations and RAY-wah) is located at 8,400 feet in a Resort.”

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The fishing priority here is 16 pri- high alpine lakes surrounded by Anglers travel 2 X 1 in aluminum vate miles of the Little Snake River. 10,000-foot peaks. The season driftboats while the “gear boat” hauls In 1999, the ranch embarked on what stretches from early June through the camp staff and supplies for com- became the largest privately-funded early October. Non-angler activities fortable camps and great meals. Fish- stream restoration project in America. include tours of Bannack (the best- ing from boats is not allowed, so an- The owners installed more than 2,400 preserved ghost town in Montana), glers wade productive water. You can plunge-pool structures and the river is cycling, hiking, hot springs, horse- call Deep Canyon Outfitters at: 541- now a completely self-sustaining back riding and even golf on a Jack 323-3007. Or you can e-mail them at: natural fishery. Anglers are assigned a Nicklaus course in Butte. [email protected]. different beat each morning and after- If your tastes run to a multi-day Finally, Orvis named the classic noon, ensuring that every angler float trip on a legendary clearwater five-day float trip on the Smith River fishes “fresh” sections of the river. river through a majestic canyon, Tom outside Helena in Montana with PRO The fishing is mostly dry fly or dry- Evenson of Orvis has two sugges- Outfitters Montana (www.prooutfitters and-dropper, with mayfly, stonefly or tions. The first is Deep Canyon Out- .com) as their 2010 Expedition of the caddis hatches going throughout the fitters (www.deschutesflyfish.com) in Year. This is an outfit I’m familiar season from early June into October. central Oregon. This company offers with, as several of my friends from The ranch has many hay meadows, so up to four-night floats on the famous Jackson Hole have done the Smith the hopper fishing is prime in late Deschutes River. I talked with Matt with PRO Outfitters many times and summer. Shinderman, whose descriptions of look forward to it every year. 3 Forks Lodge and Spa is all-in- the river and the canyon are sure to I talked with Brandon Boedecker, clusive: fishing, meals, spa treat- get you excited. Matt tells me that the who owns and operates PRO Outfit- ments, food, drinks, etc. are included ters with his wife, Katie. The Smith in the package price. Right now, cer- float covers 62 river miles and runs tain packages even include free air- most years from mid-May through fare. Non-angling activities include mid-July, depending on water condi- hiking, bike or atv rides, horseback tions. The “money” hatch on the riding, spa treatments and sporting Smith is the hatch of salmonflies clays. The lodge also offers winter- around the beginning of June. These time ski concierge services to Steam- giant stones turn big, wary trout into boat Resort. Starting next winter there complete pushovers and the excite- will be snowcat skiing right on the ment is explosive. Again, though, ranch. there are plenty of other bugs that Frontiers Travel also gives a rave bring the fish up: brown and green endorsement to Big Hole Lodge volcanic geology of the Deschutes drakes, evening caddis, hoppers and (www.flyfishinglodge.com), a beauti- basin promotes relatively stable flows even cicadas. Brandon tells me the ful river-rock and lodgepole-pine of cold, clear water and prodigious Smith is an ideal stream on which to structure nestled along the Wise bug hatches. Best-known are the teach/learn flyfishing because of the River in Montana. It is surrounded by salmon flies and golden stones, which abundance of bugs and fish, and the the Beaverhead National Forest. An- typically hatch from mid-May to mid- forgiving nature of the water. glers fly into Butte and are picked up June. Like other giant stonefly Anglers fish 2 X 1 from a driftboat and driven to the lodge. hatches around the West, these bring with the guide rowing while the gear Owner Craig Fellin reeled off a up big fish. The big fish here are na- boats row downriver each day to set veritable buffet of fishing options: tive Deschutes “redside” rainbow up the next camp. My friends tell me floats on the Bitterroot and five dif- trout, famous for their strength and meals and hors d’oeuvres on this trip ferent sections of the Big Hole River, acrobatics. are amazing and the camps incredibly one of Montana’s premier blue-ribbon Stoneflies aren’t the only bug in comfortable. Much of the river runs brown and rainbow trout fisheries. town, however. There are mayfly and through a gorgeous canyon with lime- You can expect hatches of mayflies, caddis hatches through the season, stone walls as high as 1,000 feet. stoneflies, caddis and terrestrials with great dry fly fishing extending Brandon’s practice is to switch throughout the season, he says. The on into October. The Deschutes also guides/anglers from day to day so an- lodge also has fishing rights on three has a run of steelhead arriving in Au- glers learn subtle technique differ- miles of the Beaverhead River, access gust and staying through the winter. ences from each guide. Brandon and to a 20-acre lake and rights to fish on Fall anglers can hook redside rain- Katie can be reached at: 800-858- the private McCoy Spring Creek. bows and their sea-going steelhead 3497. E-mail: katie@prooutfitters They also do horseback day trips to cousins in the same run. .com. – Bob Peters.

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The facilities and tarpon fishing lines from Houston to London DATELINE: AFRICA here waned during the recent war but Heathrow, then direct to Freetown, Si- News... News... News are being built back up. This was our erra Leone, without having to over- first trip there and one of the first by night. Alternatively, we could have A Big Tarpon Tale And any seasoned tarpon anglers since the flown to Brussels, then on to More From Sierra Leone war. The Bonthe Holiday Village is Freetown on Brussels Airlines, which located on the northeast inland corner is how we chose to depart because of (Editor Note: Angling Report subscriber of Sherbro Island. It is approximately a meeting we had in Europe. If one is and renowned sustainable-use conserva- tionist John J. Jackson, III, weighed in this 10 miles upriver from the pass. The willing to overnight, one can also fly month with the following report about a gi- Village is a fence-enclosed hotel to Dakar, Senegal, then on to ant tarpon his wife Chrissie just caught at made up of six immaculately clean Freetown the next day. (Delta, Royal Bonthe Holiday Village in Sierra Leone, rondavels that each have three sepa- Air Morocco, Kenya Airlines.) West Africa. That success inspired the rate quarters and baths. Those quar- Our arrival at Lungi Airport across Jacksons to lay down the framework for a voluntary sustainable use conservation pro- ters share a large, common entry the river from Freetown was at 7 p.m. gram to help conserve Silver King in that room. There is a separate dining, bar, We had the option of spending the troubled corner of Africa. We think the pro- kitchen building. It is clean, enclosed night at the Lungi Airport Hotel (an gram with its emphasis on voluntary contri- and secure. The central building had air conditioned hotel with restaurant butions by traveling anglers deserves the satellite TV, internet service and more and bar) or being transported by heli- careful attention of outfitters, agents and individual anglers the world over.) than one computer for guests to use. copter, ferry or shuttle vessels across Our cell phones worked at the camp. to Freetown. We elected to stay at the y wife, Chrissie Jackson, just There was also a large, clean swim- Lungi Hotel that first night. The next caught what should qualify morning we were escorted to a M as the IGFA Women’s World launch. From there, we motored down Record tarpon, 80-pound line class, in the coastline in a twin-outboard Sea Sierra Leone. We have already filed Pro to the Bonthe Holiday Village on the application. On the certified Serbro Island. The trip took two hours scales maintained by Bonthe Holiday and 40 minutes. We had the options Village, the tarpon weighed 110 kilos to take a bus for six hours or a heli- (242 pounds, 8 ounces). Its length copter or fixed-wing plane at much was eight feet eight inches, and it had greater cost. a girth of 46 inches. It was caught in Bonthe on Serbro Island is very the entrance hole of Sherbro Island isolated. The pass where we fished where the Sherbro and Kittman rivers greatly resembles Boca Grande, enter the Atlantic. She fought the Florida, except there are no other monstrous tarpon in the rain for ap- ming pool and outdoor bar but we did boats save for an occasional passing proximately one hour out of a 17-foot not find time to use them. dugout with local native people. It is Boston Whaler. The food was exquisite and the a beautiful, isolated paradise for the The big tarpon is Chrissie’s third bar was fully stocked. Although every adventurous. Women’s World Record class game room had a fan, it was hot. Joy The tarpon season is said to run fish, although her two earlier fish Samake, the managing owner, has from February through June, but lo- have long been displaced. She once promised to air condition the sleep- cals informed us that it effectively held the Women’s 130-pound-class ing quarters before next season. ends around May 15. Chrissie’s tar- tarpon for a 187.8-pound tarpon taken There was a manned security gate pon was the second we caught in six in Louisiana, as well as the 16-pound- at Bonthe Holiday Village, but the lo- days, and we saw only about a half line class barracuda record taken in cal people could not have been dozen more. I believe we missed the Gabon, west Africa. friendlier each time we walked in the season by several weeks. Supposedly, The Sherbro Pass of Sierra Leone surrounding town. Crime is non-exis- the waters boil with bait (menhaden is the foremost record tarpon hole in tent. In fact, the locals were protec- and mullet) during the height of the the world. More IGFA record tarpon tive of us. tarpon season in March and April and have been taken there than anywhere Chrissie and I decided to go to Si- several tarpon can sometimes be in the world, from 166 to 283 pounds. erra Leone because of the oil spill di- caught within a day. Though record entries come and fall, saster in the Gulf. We fish the mouth The fishing was slow, but Chrissie most current record-category entries of the Mississippi River for big tar- doggedly stuck with it. It was inter- are still from there. This is the first pon quite often but we could not do rupted by an occasional large jack since 1997. so this year. We flew Continental Air- crevalle or giant barracuda. June is

July 2010 -6- Volume 23, Number 7 THE ANGLING REPORT

also the beginning of the rainy season side of their dugout and bring it ductible to those reporting income in and more turbulent seas, though most aboard. They are fishing and catching the United States. of the rain in the first month is at tarpon for food when perhaps they The payment can be viewed by night and we welcomed the cloud could benefit more by supporting the angler as payment in lieu of a li- cover in the day. When we left, the catch-and-release tourist fishing of cense because Sierra Leone does not river was beginning to get dirty from the sort that has been practiced so require a fishing license. Chrissie has the rain. Before that, the river was ex- sustainably in Florida and elsewhere. begun the program with a donation of ceptionally clear for a tarpon river. Sherbro Pass is a unique tarpon hole $250 when her tarpon was taken. The June is too slow for all but die-hards for giants. It must be saved and the Village Chief, Regional Chief and and vacationers. local people must be made the benefi- owners of the Bonthe Village have all I realize most Angling Report sub- ciaries, guards and stewards of the agreed to the experimental program. scribers are fly fishermen. Indeed, the Silver King. Consequently, my con- Together, we can eliminate the sub- water was clear enough for fly fishing. servation organization called Conser- sistence killing of tarpon and greatly And we were told there is at least one vation Force has instituted a program enrich and improve the living condi- ideal fly fishing area upriver. Chrissie to conserve tarpon in partnership with tions of the local people that have the and I did not give it a try because of the local village on the Pass and the fate of the silver giants in their hands. the lateness of the season. There were Bonthe Holiday Village owners. Sierra Leone may still be the capi- just not enough fish in the river dur- Conservation Force is a non- tol of the giant tarpon. It certainly is ing our visit. Our fallback technique profit, public, US charitable founda- an isolated, unique fishing destina- was to bottom fish with mullet on 16° tion with offices in the US, Canada, tion for the more serious tarpon fish- circle hooks and 200-pound monofila- Europe and Africa. Contributions to erman. It is nice that English is so ment leader. We drifted with the cur- widely spoken and that the giants rent over holes just as in Boca Grande still exist. It will be wonderful if Con- Pass in Florida. It is a half-mile-wide servation Force’s program for the lo- pass between two sand points with cal people can help sustain and re- deep holes that one drifts over. We store the resource, as well as benefit also drift fished beyond the pass in the local stakeholders and guardians. the Atlantic in 30 to 55 feet of clear – John J. Jackson, III. water. We brought our own tackle, (Postscript: You can learn more about which I recommend at this time. Conservation Force and/or make a do- The website for the operators is nation to the fledgling Silver King www.bontheholidayvillage.com. The conservation effort in Sierra Leone by managing partner, a delightful and going to: www.conservationforce.org. trustworthy businesswoman from Conservation Force are tax-deduct- The phone number is: 504-837-1233. Freetown, is Joy Samake. Her e-mail ible. We have wildlife projects based Indeed, traveling anglers who fre- address is: [email protected]. upon communal-based natural re- quent lodges and camps such as We fished out of various boats but source management (CBNRM) across Bonthe Holiday Village need to step preferred the 17 foot Boston Whalers. the globe from Pakistan to southern up to the plate and start voluntarily Several other boats were available, in- Africa. We are members of the IUCN funding local conservation efforts. cluding two large Sea Pros and simi- and its specialist group which spe- There is no effective government bu- lar Carolina center-console skiffs. cializes in sustainable use. On an ex- reaucracy to help save fish in a coun- Some were equipped with fish-finding perimental basis, we have initiated a try such as Sierra Leone. The same is depth recorders and GPS and some program benefiting the Manai Village true in parts of Nicaragua, Brazil, were not. Next time, we may bring a located on the shores of the Sherbro Mongolia and Bolivia, just to name a portable model of each for assurance. Island Pass. few countries. All that will save fish There is an important resource Here is how it works. On a volun- there is hard cash raised and distrib- conflict here which we handled as tary basis, tourist anglers are asked to uted locally by fishing professionals tactfully as possible. The local people donate $100 US Dollars for every tar- who care about the future. Do you live at subsistence level. They eat tar- pon they catch and $250 for every agree? Disagree? Do you want to get pon. In fact, I videoed and photo- tarpon they land/kill. 100 percent of started? Weigh in by calling the graphed them butchering and divid- the proceeds received will go to the agents and outfitters who help you ing up Chrissie’s world record tarpon, Manai Village. If the donation is fish in underdeveloped parts of the perhaps the first photographs of such made through Conservation Force, world. Weigh in, too, by sending your an event. We also witnessed locals the donor will receive a written ac- thoughts to: doncausey@angling catch a giant tarpon, spear it at the knowledgment and it will be tax de- report.com.)

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Briefly Noted Things To Do... Places To Go... New Developments Remember La Zona, that incred- from the Uruguayan side of the river, ible. If you go to La Zona with ible hothouse fishery for golden and we are now taking reservations Brown, or with Marcelo Perez, do file dorado at a place called Salto Grande for trips beginning mid-September a report. We are eager to hear how on the Uruguay River, which marks through April 2011 - all prime dates competent and knowledgeable the the boundary between Argentina and to take big fish (ten to 50 pounds) Luis Brown guides are. Perhaps more Uruguay? This fishery was jointly de- and good numbers of them. We are important we want an on-site report veloped and popularized by an limited by the regulations to two that describes how the two operators Argentinean named Marcelo Perez of fishing boats (four to six anglers coordinate their activities below the Untamed Angling (www.untamed total) per week, fishing Monday dam. There are said to be some hard angling.com) and Mark Cowan of through Thursday. feelings between the two companies. Pescador Solitario (www.remotefly “There is tremendous interest in The first angler to La Zona who files a fishing.com). Those two have gone this program and the small group size detailed report on this situation is separate ways, but La Zona has stayed will limit available dates. If you guaranteed a place on our Subscriber in the limelight of international fish- would like to experience this unique Honor Roll. See page 2 for details on ing, producing unreasonable numbers fishing opportunity, we ask that you our Honor Roll. of outsize fish. contact our office very soon, as the The huge popularity of this fish- calendar is already filling up. David Speaking of Untamed Angling ing combined with the limited access Gregory, of our staff, has just returned (www.untamedangling.com), that allowed (only four days of fishing per from fishing off-season in cold, rainy, company continues to build on its week by two boats based on the success at La Zona. We’ve already Argentinean side of the river) has told you about the company’s new pushed the price of a day of fishing dorado operation in Bolivia (see sub- here up to the $1,000 mark. The shoe scriber reports No. 4080 and 4081), waiting to drop on this situation has and its sea run brown trout operation been the possible allotment of an- in Tierra del Fuego (see Article Nos. other two fishing slots on the Uru- 2301 and 2108). Well, Untamed An- guayan side of the river. And that is gling has now branched out to what has finally happened. Luis Seychelles where it has teamed up Brown, a successful outfitter of pea- with Desroches Island Resort cock bass fishing trips to the Amazon, (www.desroches-island.com) to offer has won approval to begin offering flats, reef and offshore fishing for dorado trips at Salto Grande. bonefish, Indo-Pacific permit, various It is not clear at this point what windy weather. He still averaged 12 species of trevally, milkfish, trigger- Brown’s overall marketing strategy fish landed each day (with some lost), fish and a host of others species. will be, but he has certainly named J. the largest weighing 38 pounds. The Desroches is in a safe area, 143 miles W. Smith of Rod and Gun Resources boats we have lined up are perfect for southwest of Mahe. It is accessed by a in San Antonio, Texas, as an agent. the location, as are the very knowl- 40-minute flight twice weekly that You can reach J.W. at 800-211-4753. edgeable guides. Accommodations flies directly to the island’s airstrip. Web: www.rodgunresources.com. are modern and very close to the boat Bob Artzberger at Frontier’s Here is how Smith described the new launch. We have a dedicated website Travel (800-245-1950; www.frontiers Luis Brown trips to La Zona: featuring this trip at: www.lazona travel.com) tells us his firm sent a “La Zona is perhaps the most doradofishing.com....” handful of clients to Desroches last exciting destination in the history of Smith gives the cost of this trip as year, and the reports from those cli- sport fishing, as it affords sight- $4,250 for five nights, four fishing ents provided “...rave reviews of the casting to bright-gold fish that strike days, single occupancy. The wait- fishing and the luxury accommoda- viciously, leap acrobatically, tear off and-see question is whether that price tions on the island.” The flats fishing line and leave your legs and arms can be maintained in the face of what from Desroches Island Resort centers shaken and wobbly. We have at long amounts to a doubling of the number on two atolls, he says, Poivre and St. last received the very highly coveted of openings. It well might be main- Joseph. Clients typically spend three permit to access this amazing fishery tained, as this fishery is truly incred- days fishing each. Both are some dis-

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tance from the main island and are ac- needed immediate care. test results, suggested he be evaluated cessed by boat daily, with anglers re- If you’ve fished the Kamchatka for congestive heart failure after re- turning each night to the resort. An Peninsula, you have some idea what viewing his medical history, and rec- option to overnight on the boat was it costs members of a group to book a ommended a medical evacuation from offered this past season but Frontiers helicopter in that part of the world. the camp. Global Rescue immediately has dropped that option. According Well, imagine what it would cost you launched a medically equipped air- to Artzberger, there’s talk of building as an individual to arrange for a heli- craft to evacuate the member, who more flexibility into the program, al- copter. And consider what it would be was transported from a remote land- lowing anglers to choose the days like to enter a hospital in that part of ing strip to Johannesburg, the loca- they want to fish rather than locking the world, on your own, for some kind tion of the best cardiology unit on the them into a full six-day fishing pro- of emergency care. continent. There, he was diagnosed gram. Only six anglers at a time can The Global Rescue member in with congestive heart failure, and the be accommodated. question was picked up in camp at no local surgeons and Global Rescue The real draw at Desroches may cost and flown to a hospital in physicians agreed he would require turn out to be the resort’s luxurious Petropavlosk, where his care was care- immediate bypass surgery. Global accommodations, endless beaches, fully monitored by critical care para- Rescue deployed a medical team to loads of recreational activities and medics in the Boston headquarters of his bedside to oversee and coordinate full spa options, along with its fish- Global Rescue and by specialists at his treatment. After a lengthy and ing. Desroches is sure to be viewed by Johns Hopkins Medicine. As soon as complicated procedure and post-op- some anglers as a near-perfect spot to the hunter was stabilized and ap- erative rehabilitation that saved his bring a non-fishing spouse. Impor- proved for travel, he was flown home. life, the man and his wife were trans- tantly, there are a couple of small Along the way, he was joined by a ported home to Texas.” flats right on Desroches, Artzberger You can find out more about Glo- says, and some nearby reefs that can bal Rescue on the Angling Report be explored on your own by kayak. web site at: http://www.globalrescue The price for the 2011 season, .com/AnglingReport/. Or you can which launches in October, is $7,600 probably ask your booking agent or for anglers; $3,900 for a non-fishing outfitter about Global Rescue, since spouse. The package is all inclusive most of the important players are now and includes accommodations, fish- Global Rescue Affinity Partners. The ing, meals, roundtrip charter flight companies offering Global Rescue from Mahe and all house beverages, include: Acute Angling, Adventure alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Travel Alliance, Amazon Fishing Ad- (Postscript: If you book this trip, ventures Turismo, Angling Destina- please file a report. A useful one will critical care paramedic, who accompa- tions, B & B Worldwide Fishing Ad- earn you a spot on our Subscriber nied him to his home hospital of ventures, Cabelas, Castafly Travel, Honor Roll. See page 2 for more in- choice. He is recovering nicely. Emerald Water Anglers, Fishabout, formation on our Honor Roll.) A leg injury not scary enough to Fish Quest, Fish With Me, Fishin’ Ex- stampede you toward the conclusion peditions, Fishing With Larry, The Are you still among the travelers that it is dangerous and foolish to Fly Shop, FlyCastaway, Frontiers, Fly who go fishing away from home travel without medical evacuation Water Travel, Hanover Fly Fishers, without a medical evacuation coverage? Well, note the other evacu- Hydrus Expeditions, International membership? Well, here is a story ation Global Rescue performed for a Angling, Life of the Fly Outfitters, that will help drive home how sportsman recently. It involved a Nervous Waters, Salt Patrol Co., Slip- reckless your behavior is. Seems the member and his wife who were on sa- stream Angling, Sportfishing World- medical evacuation company we fari in Botswana. Mid-safari, the wide, Sweetwater Travel, The Trout support, Global Rescue, has just hunter developed a severe cough. Shop, Wild On The Fly and Yellow- evacuated a sportsman from the Here is how the Mission Summary de- dog Fly Fishing. Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia. No, scribes what happened next: “He vis- In addition to the above agents, the member was not fishing in that ited a local clinic where he was diag- Wollaston Lake Lodge in northern wilderness; he was hunting. But that’s nosed with bronchitis, his coughing Saskatchewan strongly recommends a distinction without a difference. worsened and he became short of that all clients purchase a Global Res- The sportsman in question severely breath. His safari guide called Global cue membership before travel. Even injured his leg many miles from any Rescue for help. Global Rescue’s more significant, two major angling kind of medical help. He urgently medical staff obtained the member’s companies, Deneki Outdoors, (which

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operates in Chile, The Bahamas, tarpon and reds in Florida. In my Derek Botchford and Mike VanWormer, Alaska and British Columbia) and mind, this is truly the only standup owner/operators of Frontier Farwest Amazon Agency Corporation (which kayak out there. You actually walk Lodge on the Bulkley River in Brit- runs Agua Boa Amazon Lodge) pur- onto it, sit down and paddle away. I ish Columbia have acquired and re- chase Global Rescue memberships for was standing and jumping, trying to opened Rio Palena Lodge in region all of their clients. Global Rescue is simulate one of the videos; no other 10 of Patagonia Chile. Rio Palena getting inquiries from other fishing kayak has this kind of stability. It’s a Lodge has been closed for the past 10 lodges around the world about this fly fisherman’s dream, period....” years. You can contact them at 877- kind of blanket coverage for all cli- Also, since our report appeared 846-9153. The lodge’s web address ents. Short-term memberships cost as last month, still another “stand-up” is: www.riopalena.com. little as $119 a week. fishing kayak (actually a large, appar- Together, Botchford and VanWor- If your agent or lodge is not men- ently stable, paddle-board with a mer have an extensive resume in the tioned here and/or he or she does not raised seat/casting platform) has come fishing business, having operated or make a point of offering you medical to our attention. It’s the Flatstalker managed Alaska Rainbow Lodge for evacuation protection before you 11 years, and The Fly Shop/Wild travel, you may want to ask why, as Salmon Rivers programs in Kamchatka medical evacuation is emerging as for eight years. Both have guided ex- one of those imperatives that all smart tensively in Alaska, Kamchatka, travelers sign up for. Even the US Chile, Argentina, the Pacific North- State Department now recommends west and British Columbia. American that all travelers arm themselves with Guide Matt Nagler, who is a resident medical evacuation protection. of the Chilean town of Coyhique, will ramrod this program for them. Last month’s front-page report on In addition to lodge-based fishing the growing interest in kayak fishing on the Palena, they’ll offer day floats inspired subscriber Robert Smaldone and wading trips to the Futaleafu, to drop us this note: “Just read your Yelcho, El Tigre and El Molito, plus report on kayaks and thought you (512-217-0438; www.flatstalker.com/ overnight float trips on the Palena. may want to check out Wavewalk home), which the designers call a Our only report on this lodge (see Re- Kayaks (781-806-5261; www.wave “Micro flats skiff.” Company head- port No. 2532) is from 2000. It’s out- walk.com), which is based in Sharon, quarters are in Corpus Christi, Texas. dated and, frankly, less-than-enthusi- Massachusetts just outside Boston. The Flatstalker will accommodate an astic about the fishing. It contrasts The design of their kayaks is unique. electric trolling motor. sharply with what VanWormer tells us They have a patented ‘W’ hull, much If anyone has actually tried these, about the fishing in the area. Does the like a catamaran, and their web site is or any of the other fishing kayaks on report in our files contain old news? entertaining, especially all the videos. the market, send us a report of what Is it just plain unfair? If you fish at “After researching and trying out it’s like to fish from them. If we get this re-opened lodge this coming sea- both the Freedomhawk and the Native enough response we’ll create a spe- son, please file a report. An Honor Watercraft ‘Ultimate 12’ fishing kay- cial forum on our website. Roll cap awaits the subscriber who aks, I purchased a Wavewalk for fish- gives us the real, detailed “skinny” ing stripers and blues in Maine and Down in Chile, we have news that on this destination.

OUTFITTER CRITIQUES The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (This section of The Angling Report is based entirely on subscriber-written Fishing Trip Report Forms. Our policy on these forms is we publish excerpts in the newsletter of Angler Network Forms as received and exert no censorship. Agents, guides, lodge operators and/or outfitters who disagree with anything said about them in this section are free to submit a rebuttal. As a subscriber, you can help extend the reach of this program by filing a Fishing Trip Report Form yourself. You should have found one inside this issue of your newsletter. Alternately, you can file a report online by going to our website, www.anglingreport.com. Click on File A Report. For details on how to order printouts of Angler Network Reports, see page 2 of this issue.)

Steelhead fans, take note. Sub- that offers 14 miles of fishable water and Juneau – is the Situk River. Gore scriber Bud Gore has filed a must-read near the town of Yakutat. The river – says he has fished the river four times report on a river in southeast Alaska roughly midway between Anchorage now because it consistently produces

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incredible numbers of large, wild Gore writes, can range from brutal capital city. The next morning we de- steelhead. His catches there include a (sleet and rain) to bright sunshine and parted early for Murchison Falls with 44-inch, 27-pound fish that he landed 50 degrees. He says the boats all have a stop along the way at the Ziwa in 2009. a propane heater, and you may need Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola Gore tells us his most recent trip to use it. “Bright sunshine is the where we walked with an armed guide to the Situk was this past May. He worst for fishing,” Gore writes, noting through the bush to see the rhinos. fished with Aaron Shook (907-784- that Shook is “willing to hit the water From there, we went on to Paraa Safari 3153; www.hobofishing.com), who before the sun does if necessary.” Lodge overlooking the Nile River. garners excellent ratings across the Gore says he’s headed back to We fished three days there and caught board. Gore describes Shook as “...the Yakutat in September, taking his a number of Nile Perch, including best guide I’ve had in over 18 years daughter for the silvers, which report- three over 100 pounds. The largest of fishing in Alaska. He trains the edly run from 12 to 22 pounds. He weighed 145 pounds. It took 22 min- other guides who come to fish the gives the cost of his most recent trip utes to land that largest fish. It was Situk from the Portland area.” In the as $2,600 for seven nights lodging one of the largest fish landed that winter, Shook fishes steelhead in the and five days of guided fishing. He year. I have fished a lot of places and Pacific Northwest. tells us that he flew from San Fran- caught a lot of fish, but this fish was Gore says he stays at a place cisco on Alaska Airlines (www.alaska the hardest one of all to land. called Yakutat Lodge (www.yakutat air.com), which offers the best flights “We fished with large baitfish on lodge.com), which he describes as ad- and service. “I made it to Yakutat via the bottom next to snags and fallen equate but not luxurious. “It’s in town, Seattle and Anchorage in one day of trees, using heavy tackle and line. adjacent to the airport,” he writes. “The travel,” he writes. “But I had to over- You had to wait a while after the fish food is reasonable with many choices. took the bait to set the hook or you Breakfast is at 6, and that allows you would lose it. At first, it was hard to to get on the river by 7:15, with take- just sit there while the line was out between 5 and 6 pm.” streaming out. It was an overall great Gore says the fishing here is a experience, catching big fish and combination of floating and wading watching hippos, crocodiles, el- gravel bars. Alternately, there is a ephants and other animals roaming streamside trail here that you can use the bank. to wade and fish seven miles of the “We then went on to Kibale Forest river. He says the steelhead fishing on National Park and stayed at a place the Situk is usually prime from April called Primate Lodge. The next day 1 through May 21. we tracked and found chimpanzees in Gore says Alaska Fish and Game the rain forest. We were told this for- maintains a counting weir on the night in Seattle on the way home.” est has the highest number of pri- Situk, and last year it counted 12,500 (Postscript: As this is written, a new mates in Africa. Our next stop was steelhead returning to the . Dur- lodging option is emerging in this Semliki Valley, which is called the ing the prime time for steelhead, there area, Gore tells us. It’s a new, eight- “Garden of Eden.” Here, we stayed at are no other fish in the river, though a bedroom lodge right on the Situk place called Simliki Safari Lodge. run of sockeyes begins after the steel- River. A converted private home, it’s There were a lot of animals around. head depart, and silvers enter the river slated to be called “Fanning’s On The To get there, you had to take a gravel later in season. Bay,” and it will be booked through road that winds into the mountains Using 7-weight rods and floating Yakutat Lodge. If you stay here, or and features a number of 5,000-foot lines to fish Aeropuffs, yarn balls and fish the river from another location, drop-offs. It was hair-raising. jig flies fished below an indicator, do file a report.) “From there, we went to Queen Gore reports he hooked approxi- Elizabeth National Park and stayed at mately six to 10 fish per day in his Subscriber John Euard checked in Mweya Lodge. Here, we were lucky to five days of fishing, all of them “great last month with a report on a fishing/ see the rare lions that live in trees and fish.” He says he landed at least 50 general tourism trip to a country that only come down at night to feed. We percent of the fish he hooked. “New is completely new to us – namely, then went on to Bwindi Impenetrable fish enter the river on each incoming Uganda. He spent 18 days there last National Park and stayed at Gorilla tide,” he writes. “Plus you have ‘win- July and has this to say about the ex- Forest Camp. Our first trek in search ter’ fish which come down into the perience: of gorillas saw us climbing 3,000 feet river from Situk Lake.” “The first night of our trip we up a rainforest mountain with no suc- The weather in April and May, stayed in a hotel in Kampala, the cess. The second day, we climbed in

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another place and found the gorillas. I from 14- to 21-foot bass boats pow- based his trip this past February at have had many enjoyable experiences ered by electric motors. Adams says Chester’s Highway Inn Bonefish in my life but this topped them all. his guide, Doug Oliver, was excellent. Lodge (www.chestershighwayinn. We watched the gorillas for a half The primary target is largemouth com). He writes: hour (all the time allowed) and were bass, but he says there are also abun- “My friend Frank and I really en- amazed by their human-like actions. dant bream and Amur carp in the joyed finding and catching bonefish It was hard to leave them. We were lakes. Adams says he fished exclu- on our own. We have used guides on very tired afterward, but the locals sively with 6- and 7-weight fly rods, other trips and we enjoy that as well, put on a dance and my wife danced using everything from weedless but it is not quite the same as doing it with them. topwater flies (Sneaky Pete’s and yourself. “We then went to Lake Mburo Na- frogs) to subsurface water dogs and “We fished hard in a number of tional Park and stayed at Mihingo gulley worms. Despite a cold front different locations on a variety of Lodge. This lodge is built on high which made the days too bright and flats, in varying weather and light rocks and each room is like a tree cool for the fastest action on bass, conditions - all self-guided wade fish- house. You can watch animals from Adams says he landed about 10 bass ing utilizing notated maps provided your room. The last two days we each day. The bream and carp stayed by Tobia. The maps were very helpful stayed in Entebbe at the Windsor active, too, despite the cold front. to us in determining where to focus Lake Victoria Hotel. We fished both The highlight of the trip, he says, was our efforts each day. Even with the days on Lake Victoria and caught catching 30-pound Amurs on No. 12 maps, however, I should warn fellow small Nile perch that weighed around cut back Muddler Minnows. subscribers that this experience is not 10 pounds. The lake is like an ocean Overall, Adams recommends the for everyone. If you aren’t an inde- and borders five countries. pendent type, can’t read the water to “We booked our trip through find and spot fish on your own, or Jon’s Dive and Travel Services (Tel. aren’t in shape for lots of wading, this 413-525-6660. Web: www.jonsdive is not the trip for you. Guides are travel.com). The cost was $9,443.50 available for an extra charge of $400 per person. All of the lodges we vis- per day. If I go again (and I would ited were first class in every way. The like to), I may want to hire a guide for service provided was great. Our Ugan- a day or two to spend time on new dan guide, Ronnie, was the best of all. water. He made sure everything went “One of our problems was smoothly. We have been to Africa weather. We had strong east winds a three times and Uganda is the best for few days and then strong west winds. variety and beauty. – John Euard, We also had partly to mostly cloudy [email protected]. experience, calling Dream Lake an skies for several days, which made it (Postscript: If you go to Uganda, be “extremely productive, superbly man- tough to spot fish. The weather was sure and file a report. We are particu- aged bass lake where the goal is to chilly, too, and the water on some larly interested in hearing from sub- catch eight-pound-plus bass daily.” flats felt cool. scribers who try other methods of tak- As for the lodging and staff, he “On average, my friend and I each ing Nile perch in this country. Are rates those as excellent. caught two or three bonefish a day. they fly fishable in Uganda? Or do He cautions fellow subscribers Interestingly, we spoke with some these fish tend to stay in water that’s that the fishing is probably better guided anglers whose success rate too deep for the long rod? ) here in May and June than it was dur- pretty much mirrored our own. In ing his mid-April visit. He gives the some locations, we found large Subscriber Dan Adams is pleased all-in cost, including tips, as $850 for schools of small fish and were able to with a bass-fishing trip he made this two days. catch several. On other days, we past April to Dream Lake Lodge (205- caught larger fish that were either 652-4545; www.dreamlakelodge.com) Another subscriber has weighed in singles or in small groups. The big- in Alabama. He says the fishing there with a positive report on the self-out- gest bonefish we caught were about is strictly catch-and-release on two fitted fishing arranged on Acklins Is- 25 inches long. man-made lakes stocked with Florida- land, Bahamas, by Vince Tobia of “We also saw some large barracuda strain largemouths. He says the two Cattaraugus Creek Outfitters (716- which we targeted with a “Kudalicious” lakes are 77 acres and 50 acres in 479-2327; www.cattarauguscreek fly on a 10-weight. Whenever we got size. Both have bottom aerators to outfitters.com). The latest report is this fly in front of a barracuda, he maintain water quality. The fishing is from subscriber Glen Colton who went after it. I managed to hook one

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very large ‘cuda that proceeded to terns and pink puffs. I don’t think the report we’ve received on self-outfit- break off when my line got wrapped exact pattern mattered as much as the ted trips to this destination arranged around my rod butt. We also saw sev- weight of the fly. by Vince Tobia. See Article No. 2285 eral rather large permit in a couple of “All considered this was a great and Report Nos. 4017 and 3632 in locations, but didn’t get good shots at trip. It was fun to explore a secluded our database. As regards Chester’s them. island with few residents and few Highway Inn, by the way, Colton tells “Our go-to bonefish fly was a other anglers. We were able to get us he thoroughly enjoyed staying ‘Squimp’ pattern that we had previ- away from the cold and snow of Colo- there. “The owners, Arnette and Julius ously used in the Yucatan. A lot of rado, catch a few large bonefish, and Chisholm, were wonderful hosts, and our fishing was in skinny water, so we the price ($1,500 for room, food, the lodging, food, and hospitality needed a light fly that hit the water truck and bike rental) was very rea- were outstanding. It was fun to eat softly. We also utilized Clousers in sonable.” breakfast overlooking the flat in front deeper water, some small crab pat- (Postscript: This is the third positive of the lodge.”)

And Finally.... Three Subscriber Reports On Jurassic Lake

(Editor Note: Some destinations burst onto by an employee of Estancia Laguna The entrance foyer serves as a drying the world angling scene like fireworks – and Verde), Strobel is a 5½-hour drive room for waders and boots. There are fade out just as quickly. Lago Strobel (Ju- north. The last two hours is a 10-kilo- separate quarters for three guides and rassic Lake) in Argentina appeared to be that kind of fishery when it exploded onto meter crawl over a boulder-strewn trail. the kitchen and maintenance staff. I the scene in 2008. The place just seemed to The lodge sits on the shoreline of was impressed by the quality, sophis- be too good to be true. Then subsequent a small lake with a half-dozen more tication and variety of the meals pro- stories rolled in about how hard it was to lakes (or lagunas) between the lodge duced by the kitchen staff and the se- reach the lake and maintain accommoda- and Lago Strobel. Because of the cir- lection of fine Argentine wines at this tions there. The place certainly seemed to be headed toward the dustbin of angling cular shape of these lagoons (all of very remote lodge. history. But hold on! In recent weeks, we which hold trout, I was told) and the The southern shore of Lago have received three fresh reports on Juras- severe, vertical rock walls that sur- Strobel and the mouth of its tributary, sic Lake, all of them describing experiences the Rio Barrancoso, are only five ki- in the 2010 season. The first is from Honor lometers from the lodge but the trip Roll subscriber Bill Taylor who fished there with Erik Argotti at Estancia Laguna Verde there takes upwards of an hour due to (E-mail: [email protected]. Web: www. the severity of the rocky, treeless ter- estancialagunaverde.com). The other two are rain. You first drive to the rim of the from subscribers Gar Jeffers and Med Peck encircling rock wall 100 feet or more who stayed at the Loop Adventures (www. above the lake. Then you hike down a loopadventures.com) safari-style tent camp on the shore of Lago Strobel near the steep, switch-back trail. There, you mouth of the Rio Barrancoso. They booked transfer to a Honda 650 Quad ATV for their trips through Fly Water Travel (541- the remaining 10-minute ride to the 488-7160; www.flyWatertravel.com). Maybe lake’s shoreline. Although I’m an old this area is here to stay after all?) guy, I’m reasonably fit and didn’t have any problems getting to and Honor Roll Subscriber Bill Taylor round them, I theorized that they from the fishing (going back up the writes: I fished Lago Strobel this past must have been formed by the impact trail was the worst part), but those February with Erik Argotti at Estancia of meteors or asteroids (back in the with physical limitations or respira- Laguna Verde and came away with an Jurassic Age?). tory problems should be forewarned understanding why this lake is nick- The lodge is owned by five Ar- that it can be challenging. named “Jurassic Lake”. This place is, gentine businessmen. Renovated and Lago Strobel is huge (11,000 quite simply, as remote and wild as it expanded in 2009 to comfortably ac- acres), sky-blue, crystal-clear and gets, and the rainbow trout here are commodate four to six rods, it has very cold. This is not a spot for wet huge. As other subscribers have three double bedrooms with modern wading. Even in summer, when it is pointed out, no one just happens by ensuite baths, a kitchen and a large mostly sunny, passing clouds bring Jurassic Lake – you work to get there. living/dining area with a well- sleet and snow showers. You will Starting from the nearest commercial stocked open bar, a small fly shop, need fleece and gloves here. airport in El Calafate (where I was met WiFi and a flat-screen satellite TV. The potential fishing area is vast,

July 2010 -13- Volume 23, Number 7 THE ANGLING REPORT

but because of the heavy winds off exploration and wider fishing op- pounds. I took my fish on 7- and 8- the high mesa to the west and south, tions, this place is clearly rainbow weight rods. Any fly will do, it seems. most of my fishing was limited to a trout nirvana. I want to go back on I used nothing but a large bead- wind-protected bay where the lodge one of those special days! headed prince nymph. It was lethal in has constructed a simple shelter that Four nights accommodations at both the lake and the river. Our group serves as a lunch and rest spot. On Estancia Laguna Verde, (including used many flies, however, and they calm days, sight fishing should be transportation to and from El Calafate all worked. possible, but all of my fishing in- and three days guided fishing, was My trip cost about $4,500 includ- volved wading knee deep along the $2,400. I made my lodge reservation ing tips, and I definitely recommend sandy shoreline and blind casting through Brian Hodges of This Is Fly it. This was a great and unique experi- over grass beds and drop-offs. magazine and Double Haul Travel ence: no competition, lots of big rain- In three days of fishing, I aver- (866-899-7008; www.doublehaultravel bows that fight like hell and a great aged about 12 fish per day, with sev- .com). - Bill Taylor. staff. I have fished all over the world eral weighing more than 10 pounds. and this is the best fly fishing for These were strong, fat, deep-bodied Gar Jeffers writes: The drive in and rainbows that one could possibly rainbow trout with chrome-like col- out of the Loop Adventures camp on imagine. - Gar Jeffers. oration similar to the steelhead of the Jurassic Lake is widely known as the Pacific Northwest. I brought my nine- “drive to hell,” but I found it toler- Med Peck writes: The fishing was foot 7-weight single-hand rod but was able and actually easier than I ex- slow my first two days at Jurassic never tempted to use it. Instead, I pected. We had terrific guides and Lake, probably due to there being no used a 13-foot three-inch 7/8-weight staff in camp, very nice men, and they wind. It was also quite warm. Fortu- two-handed rod with a floating Scan- nately, the wind increased and the dinavian shooting head. This was not fishing improved the last three days. I too much rod for the fish and was caught five or six fish of 30 inches or very effective in the wind. better and lots and lots under the 30- I fished with lead guide Brian inch mark. The highlight of the trip Cavaleri, who also guides at Alagnak for me was taking 30-inch rainbows Lodge in Alaska. Brian knows his on No. 10 and No. 12 dry flies. The stuff and is fun to be with. My first pattern didn’t seem to matter. day, he and I rode the ATV over to I used 8-weight rods with both Rio Barrancoso, where I fished sev- full floating and intermediate lines. eral pools and caught a nice rainbow. Rio’s Versitip lines worked great. I’m told this small stream can be ex- Bring a stripping basket if you are tremely productive, especially during going to use full sink or intermediate the spring spawning run. Loop’s camp did a fantastic job. The food was great lines. is located at the mouth of the stream. considering where we were and the The camp and the guides were I believe I was the only fisherman logistics of getting there. Of course, both excellent, and I recommend the within 100 miles on this particular the Argentine wine was excellent. experience. Rainbows of 30 inches or day. I wanted to return to the stream The weather was cool and windy better are almost guaranteed. The total the next day, but overnight it rained/ while I was there. Sometimes there cost of my trip was $4,880. - Med Peck. snowed on the mesa and thereafter the were waves two to three feet high in (Postscript: Peck’s comment about Barrancoso was an un-fishable, the lake. They did not hinder fishing warm weather and slow fishing muddy, raging torrent. at all. The Rio Barrancoso had little piqued our curiosity about ideal tim- The environment around Lago or no wind, so the fishing there for ing at Jurassic. Brian Gies at Fly Wa- Strobel is harsh and desolate, but very big rainbows was easy. We ter Travel told us at press time that he wildlife is abundant. I saw red fox, fished primarily by wading in the generally tries to steer clients toward rhea, chinchilla, guanaco, jackrabbit, lake, however, though we also did earlier and later in the season – that flamingo and abundant other bird some bank fishing. is, before Christmas or in late March life. I recommend Lago Strobel to Jurassic Lake offers unbelievable and April. “The weather is likely to hardy and adventurous anglers with fishing. It is all that it is advertised to be colder then,” says Gies “The fish- enough casting skill to handle brisk, be and then some. I caught numerous ing indeed seems to get hotter as the incessant wind. This is a fascinating, rainbows, including 70 to 80 fish temperatures fall. When one of our unique environment. For those lucky over 10 pounds. My largest weighed groups was there, the diesel fuel in enough to be there on those special about 19 pounds. A member of our the trucks actually froze, and they days when diminished winds permit group caught one that weighed 22 had incredible fishing.”)

July 2010 -14- Volume 23, Number 7 THE ANGLING REPORT

Back of the Book (All items in this section are paid advertisements. They are published as a reader service. For more details on our ad rates and policies, contact: Edi Bell, The Angling Report, 12182 SW 128 Street, Miami, FL 33186-5230. Tel. 305-253-5301. Fax 305-253-5532.)

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July 2010 -15- Volume 23, Number 7 THE ANGLING REPORT

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July 2010 -16- Volume 23, Number 7