DATELINE: ARKANSAS and Norfork Rivers of Arkansas. Tom The shop that has focused on has compiled his notes from years spent catching these on a fly rod is Dally’s On-Site Report chasing large brown trout on these Ozark Flyfisher in Cotter, Arkansas Chasing Big Browns on the waters. His experience and respect (https://theozarkflyfisher.com). They for the region’s fishing opportunities have a number of guides available there, White and Norfork Rivers are abundantly clear, and should and they also work with independent provide useful tips for those looking to guides. I have had the opportunity to experience successful fishing on some of fish with Steve Dally, Chad Johnson, the most productive brown trout waters Alex Lafkas, and Jason Loyd out of in the United States. Dally’s, and Brock Dixon who owns bout five years ago, I started North Arkansas Troutfitters (http://www. visiting the White River and northarkansastroutfitters.com). These are Aits tributary the North Fork, or all high-quality guides and people who Norfork, in Arkansas to throw streamers have every inch of the White and the for big brown trout. I kept hearing Norfork Rivers dialed in. stories from the guys who are famous for This report focuses on throwing throwing “junk,” such as Kelly Galloup, streamers for big browns. There are Johnny McClure, Tommy Lynch, and many other options on the White and others. If they thought that this river was Norfork. There are plenty of browns Editor note: In this report, Tom McGraw worthy of their time every year, then it available throughout the year on provides a firsthand look at the White was certainly worthy of mine. dries, hoppers, and nymphs. There are also countless planted rainbows and cutthroats. Some grow pretty large. SUPPORT OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS But you could easily nymph up 50+ rainbows per day if that’s your game. And, because they are planters, they are okay for the grill! And those rainbow carcasses . . . the browns eat them like tarpon eat a snapper carcass. The White and Norfork Rivers are IN THIS ISSUE probably responsible for more 10-pound, Arkansas Book Review river-dwelling (as opposed to sea-run) A Retrospective Report GT: A Fly Fisher’s Guide brown trout than anywhere in the world. on Chasing Brown Trout to Giant Trevally These rivers, as well as most other rivers Pages 1–3 Page 6 in this part of Arkansas, are tail waters. Online Archives Sage Lodge They flow out of the enormous, deep All Subscribers Can Renowned Fly Rod Company reservoirs. They flow through bottom- Register for Access Builds a Lodge Page 2 Page 7 draw dams that assure near constant cold-water temperatures 365 days a year. FREE Fishing Trip St. Brandon’s The water from the bottom draw is also Peacock Bass and More A Bonefish, Permit, and Trevally filled with trout food of epic proportions. on the Rio Travessao Haven in the Page 4 Pages 8–9 If you happen to be there during a shad kill, well it’s even more than epic, and THE ANGLING REPORT

you should throw on something White! firehouse right in Cotter. It was very The fishing depends in large part nice, fairly priced, and certainly met all on the amount of flow from these dams. of our needs. When the dams are operating, even at On the other end of the spectrum, a moderate level, the feed is on. When about 10 miles away, is Rim Shoals. the dams are at minimum flow, the feed They have about 10 or so nice homes, is not generally on, absent some options even a couple that could be considered THE ANGLING REPORT discussed below. In some states, the bite lodges. They are located right on the GROUP PUBLISHER goes on or off depending on sun, clouds, river in what is considered the trophy John D. Lunn barometric pressure, flow, hatches, and area. They are moderately expensive but 512-470-7447 countless other factors. On the White and will satisfy just about anyone (http:// EDITOR the Norfork, I’ve learned that it’s pretty www.rimshoals.com). Seth Fields much just the flow. Rain, snow, sun, and For food, the “can’t miss” place baro be damned. is K.T.’s Smokehouse. There’s also COPY EDITOR Gary J. Hamel My visits have been in February, but Gaston’s for the fine-dining crew. We I hear that the trout fishing is extremely generally cooked our own meals. If CONTRIBUTING EDITOR reliable year-round, due to the consistent you need some meat, try Twin Lakes Jed Lyons cold water, constant hatches, and an Smokehouse & Meat Market. LAYOUT & PRODUCTION incredible hopper bite. Did I mention that the river is Ben F. Badger Jr. Most of the fishing occurs near beautiful, and full of eagles and just the town of Cotter, Arkansas. This is about every type of wildlife you would ILLUSTRATIONS Ed Anderson not the nightlife capital of the world, want, including enormous trout? The or even the early-evening capital. river is very wide and surrounded by ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER You should not plan on significant beautiful forest and hills. Even the dams Michael Floyd evening entertainment. Mountain Home, and bridges are an incredible sight. After 706-823-3739 / [email protected] Arkansas, is not far away and maybe has all of the hours I have spent on the river, one or two options, but I have not had I still cannot get over the clarity and EDITOR EMERITUS and FOUNDER the opportunity to check them out. Bring beauty of this water. There are times Don Causey your fly-tying materials and plenty of when you can watch a shadow snake out Subscription Inquiries: drinks or whatever else floats your boat. of the boulders toward your streamer. (Orders, address changes, problems) There are a number of lodging Over the last three years, we have 800-283-9471 www.theanglingreport.com options, from very cheap motels, a had very different conditions. In 2015, it Email: [email protected] few very nice lodges, and pretty much was very cold, which apparently results A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLC a division of Morris Communications Company, everything in between. I have found in significant power usage, so the dams LLC 735 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 that they are not big on commercial were pushing water and the fishing was advertising, so other than what I list here, consistent every day. In 2016, the waters Donna Kessler, President you will want to check with your guides. were all at historic flood stages, and Patty Tiberg, Vice President In the town of Cotter itself, which you would think it would be impossible Scott Ferguson, Director of Circulation is very close to where you will likely to catch a fish. The opposite was true, Donald Horton, Director of Manufacturing put in, there is the Cotter Trout Lodge, as countless large fish over 24 inches Kris Miller, Director of Production which is a healthy two-star motel, were caught, including a 36½-incher Morris Communications Company, LLC walking distance to great fishing, for caught on a streamer. We were throwing William S. Morris III, Chairman $60–$80 per night; certainly fine for the streamers at areas that are normally William S. Morris IV, President & CEO ©2017 by MCC Magazines, LLC. All rights reserved. The hard-core fisherman and -woman (http:// 10 feet above the high-water mark, Angling Report (ISSN 01045-3539) is published monthly by MCC Magazines, LLC, 735 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901. www.cottertroutlodge.com). Most of sometimes even casting into the tops Subscriptions are $49 for one year, $87 for two years. Canada and Mexico add $20 per year (U.S. funds only). Outside North the times I’ve visited I was with a group of trees and literally fishing to tops of America add $40 per year (U.S. funds only). Periodicals postage paid at Augusta, GA and additional mailing offices. of five, and we rented a remodeled swing sets in flooded local parks. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Angling Report, PO Box 433237, Palm Coast, FL 32143-9616. Contributions in the form of manuscripts or photographs will be gladly considered for publication. A self-addressed, stamped envelope of the proper size must accompany each submission. Register Online to Access Archives Please write for editorial guidelines if submitting for the first time, and enclose a SASE; this is very important. We cannot Attention all subscribers: The Angling Report’s online archives are being opened up to all guarantee against damage or loss of materials submitted, but we take great care in handling all submissions. subscribers. To access the Angling Report’s archives you need to register your subscription Address all correspondence to The Angling Report, P.O. Box account online. Go to the link on our homepage or http://www.anglingreport.com/2018/01/12/ 1207, Augusta, GA 30903-1207. For subscription inquiries or if you do not wish to have your name provided to qualified how-to-access-angling-report-archives/ and follow the simple steps to create your account and users of our mailing list, call 1-800-283-9471. The Angling Report may not be photocopied or otherwise reproduced register for our archives. without express written permission from the general manager.

February 2018 -2- Volume 31, Number 2 THE ANGLING REPORT

In 2017 it was warm and the dams range. difficult. You can’t just show up and were pushing very little water and only I will say this. If you’re simply expect to have the necessary game. You for a few hours per day. While this going to Arkansas to catch a 10-pound should be able to accurately double haul resulted in fewer fish being caught than brown trout, then you need to set your 60 to 70 feet with one or two back casts. the previous two years, each of us still priorities right, and focus on enjoying This enables you to fish the bank and the had successful days. I did not go fishing the incredible full of beauty and trench all the way to the boat. Too long, at night, but I am very aware that you 20-plus-inch fish. And if you fish well or off the mark, and you’re in the trees can walk many areas of the river at and hard five days per year at the right or on a log, and the guide has to start the night in the low flows and catch some times and put in your time with the right engine and go back up while your fishing incredible fish on mouse patterns. So people for four or five years, it is very partner makes fun of you. if you’re not happy with your daytime possible to catch that fish. All in all, it’s a great time with great conditions, just cut it short and take a Gear and tips: Bring a 9-foot, people and I will definitely continue nap. Find someone who knows the river, 9-weight fly rod and a backup rod or my trips down there in the future.—Tom head out at night, and find a safe place two. I have used the same one year after McGraw to throw a mouse; you will be rewarded. year without a problem. Also, bring a DATELINE: BRAZIL Or just stay back and have a bourbon and reel with some guts. If you get a true enjoy your night. giant, you will need it. FREE Fishing Trip With respect to the brown trout Depending on flow, you could use that are being caught on the White and anything from a 250-grain sink to a This Amazon Trip Norfork, many are of the belief that they 350-grain sinking line. I have generally Was a Do-Over are probably the largest river-dwelling used the Airflo Galloup Streamer Max brown trout in the world. Just looking at Editor Note: Remember that multispecies the last three years, there were probably focused trip to the Amazon that Acute 10 brown trout in the 10-pound class, Angling provided to subscriber Steven all caught on streamers. I am also aware Pillsbury last year? Steve enjoyed the trip of a 15-pound brown trout caught on and gave it generally good marks despite a streamer not long ago by Gabe at unfavorable water levels. Conditions were Dally’s. In 2016, during the very high so bad, Acute Angling offered Steven a flows, I was fortunate enough to land a return trip. He couldn’t go, so we offered 36½-inch, brown trout with a 24-inch the trip to subscriber Bob Seddon, who girth, which the guides estimate at 27 long in the 250-grain. But in the high- loves nothing better than catching new pounds. I was fishing with Brock Dixon water or flood-stage flows, you will and unusual . Bob had this to say at the time. That could be the largest need to go deeper. People rave about the about his experience: fish of the season even on many sea-run Airflo 40+ and its ability to throw the side from flight delays rivers. long ball. I’ve also had plenty of success on American Airlines due to While 10-pound fish are the usual with Scientific Anglers’ former Coastal Amechanical problems, my trip giants, you simply cannot count on Express line, but am not familiar with went very smoothly. I was picked up at going down to the White, hooking the current equivalent. the airport in Manaus, Brazil, by Acute a 10-pounder and going home. It’s Depending on clarity, there are Angling’s representative and was driven simply not going to happen, certainly guys that throw on 12-pound maxima, to the Bristol Hotel, a modern hotel not without intense preparation and a which works fine. You will want a strong only a ten-minute ride from the airport. significant number of hours on the water. butt section and maybe taper the leader The next morning, I joined my fishing A typical day on the White throwing to throw the big streamers. A total of partners for breakfast. giant streamers would likely see 10 or 12 5- to 7-foot leader will work in most Although the lodge can follows, and four to five fish caught. conditions. accommodate eight anglers, there were When throwing large streamers, For clothing, just check your some last-minute cancelations, which you are much more likely to catch a conditions ahead of time. Last year meant that there were only three other 20-inch fish than a 16-inch fish. I had a I needed flip flops, but am usually people in my group—a couple from day during the low flows of 2017 where wearing my cold-weather gear and Texas and a single angler from New I was able to land 13 brown trout, only heavily insulated muck boots. Waders Zealand. All of them were conventional- two of which were under 20 inches. The are obviously fine, but not always warm gear anglers who had been on previous brown trout here are much fatter than enough. trips with Acute Angling and spoke any place that I have seen. A 23-inch In closing, if you think that casting highly of the company. brown trout on the White or Norfork in the salt is difficult, you may just find After breakfast, we departed for the is likely to be in the five- to six-pound throwing streamers on the White more airport for the one-hour floatplane flight

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to the Rio Travessao and the lodge, an ideal level for fishing. It was a dark in our group caught a variety of fish and where we would spend the next seven tannin-stained color, but with good some very big ones. While the other days. When we landed on the river we visibility from around four to five feet. anglers used conventional gear with were greeted by the lodge manager, There are plenty of good fish-holding lures or bait, to truly assess the fly- Wellington, and the guides, who helped structures along the banks, consisting of fishing potential of the river, I chose to us unload and pack our luggage into the the usual downed trees. The river bottom use a fly rod and flies most of the time. boats for the twenty-minute ride to the is sandy with a lot of rocks, including As expected, my partner out-fished me, lodge. big boulders sticking out of the water in but I still caught enough fish to keep me The lodge is located on a small many spots. happy. I simply could not cast with a fly island and consists of several native- Acute Angling has an agreement rod as far as he could using conventional style wooden cabins that are built with the local Indian tribe, which gives gear. He also could cover a lot more on stilts to protect from high water. them exclusive rights to about 90 miles water more quickly, and he used noisy The rooms are connected by elevated of the river. Much of it is unexplored rattle lures and jigs that attract more fish walkways, and have nice views of the because they only fish about a 30-mile than my flies and poppers seemed to. river. The rooms are quite nice for such stretch. There is an outcamp about a I used a 9-weight rod with a remote location, and each contained 6-hour boat ride upstream, but we did a combination of either a tropical two twin beds. There were separate not go that far, and there is also the floating line for poppers or intermediate rooms for a bathroom with a flush Indian village about a 30-minute ride and fast sinking lines for streamers, toilet and shower. Electricity and air- downstream. All our fishing was done depending on water conditions. I conditioning are provided thanks to a 10 minutes to two hours upstream from caught quite a few peacock bass on a remote generator. the lodge. yellow and red popper. For streamers After lunch in the outdoor palapa- I used a variety of deceiver patterns style dining area, we headed out for in red/yellow, red/white, and olive/ afternoon fishing. We fished two anglers white color combinations. My most to a boat, plus a guide. The lodge uses effective streamers turned out to be 18-foot aluminum boats with a narrow the Sidewinders Peacock Rattlers that beam of four feet; usually fitted with a I bought on Acute Angling’s tackle 15-horsepower motor. They have a small website. fishing deck on the front and cushioned This is not necessarily a high- plastic chairs mounted on the forward numbers fishery, at least for our group. and middle crossbenches. The boats I was paired with the conventional- We estimated catching about 150 fish proved to be stable casting platforms gear angler from for all between the four of us over six and a and worked well getting through rapids the six and a half days of fishing. Our half days. On the other trips offered by and numerous shallow channels. I was guide, like all the guides, was a native Acute Angling that are mainly peacock also impressed with the safety features, Indian from the local village. He could bass oriented, some anglers catch many as each boat was equipped with life only speak a few words of English more. What is different about the Rio jackets, extra propellers, and a GPS- but understood more than he spoke. Travessao is the variety and the overall based satellite-connected device to This made communication somewhat size of these fish. communicate by text with the lodge difficult, but we were able to get around We caught 13 different species on in case of emergency. There is also a most shortcomings with hand signals. this trip, including piraiba catfish up to regular satellite phone in the lodge. The guides are expert boatmen 200 pounds, redtail catfish to 80 pounds, The Rio Travessao is in the and seem to know every obstacle in the surubim catfish to 15 pounds, wolffish to northeast part of Brazil and is a tributary river. They certainly know the location 20 pounds, payara (vampire fish) to 15 of the Rio Negro system that eventually of the fish and pointed out the best pounds, peacock bass to 10 pounds, and merges in Manaus to help form the spots time and time again. Despite the piranha to eight pounds. Amazon River. It is a beautiful pristine language difficulty, they were friendly, All of the catfish were caught in river about 100 to 200 yards wide, with attentive, and very safety conscious. We deep holes using bait. I could not figure jungle-lined banks and no signs of did most of our fishing from boats, and out how to catch them on flies, so I human habitation except for the lodge. two anglers were able to cast at the same used my 14-weight fly rod with a Tibor Despite its size, it is a shallow river; time without tangling up. I am sure two Pacific Reel, fast sink line, wire leader, three to six feet deep for the most part, fly anglers could cast together with some and 14/0 hook to lob the bait into the with periodic shallow rapids. However, coordination as well. We also did a bit holes. Unfortunately, I never caught a big it does also contain some very deep of wading from the sandbars and rock piraiba catfish this way, but that just gives (30-feet-plus) holes. outcroppings. me more incentive to go back and try During our trip, the river was at The fishing was excellent. Everyone again. The peacock bass were probably

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the most commonly caught fish, but they Brazilian flair. like the challenge of catching a variety don’t run as big here because they are a Wellington heads up a first-class of fish. I would definitely recommend it smaller species than the temensis peacock operation. We experienced none of the to experienced fly fishers who don’t need found in other rivers. boat problems that can occur with other a lot of hand holding from the guides. We saw lots of wildlife on the river, operators. Although most of the staff, If you want excellent cat fishing, be including caiman, capybaras, otters, and except Wellington, speak little English, prepared to use bait or a good catfish fly, anaconda snakes. Plus, there was a wide they all were very friendly, hardworking, and if you know of a good fly please let variety of birds. Birdwatchers, be sure to and attentive to any requests. The rooms me know so I can use it when I go back. bring a bird book. were cleaned and linens changed daily. —Bob Seddon Our daily schedule began at 6 AM Your personal laundry was also washed Postscript: Our thanks go out to with breakfast that included cooked daily, which was a big plus, given the Acute Angling for taking part in our to order. For lunch, we normally made 33-pound weight restriction on the FREE Fishing Program twice. See our own sandwiches from assorted cold floatplane. Another nice touch was the the box elsewhere in this issue for cuts to be eaten on the river. We were on fireworks display they set up on the river more information on our FREE Fishing the river by 7 AM, and fished until about on New Year’s Eve. Program. Acute Angling is a US-based 6 PM, when we returned to the lodge to Upon our return to Manaus, we were company that has been operating in Brazil shower and get ready for happy hour and provided with day rooms at the Bristol for over 20 years and presently has three dinner at 7 PM. Dinners were always Hotel to relax prior to our evening flights operations in the Amazon: a mothership, delicious and quite remarkable given the home. We had all become good friends floating bungalows, and the Rio Travessao remoteness of the lodge. Dinners started and agreed that we had a successful Lodge. This trip was advertised as their with homemade soup and included at trip and enjoyable time together. We multispecies variety trip, and as you can least a couple of entrees such as chicken, celebrated by having dinner at Bùfalo, an see, it certainly lived up to its billing. beef, fish, pork, and pasta along with a excellent restaurant in downtown Manaus, They provide all conventional fishing variety of vegetables and scrumptious which serves some of the best beef I have gear except terminal tackle. Fly anglers desserts. Luis, our chef, and Jeanette, ever had. must bring their own equipment. A very his able assistant, made sure we were As you can tell, I really enjoyed this detailed pre-trip information packet is well fed. Luis is originally from Italy, so trip. It was great for both conventional also included. For more go to http://www. his cuisine had a marvelous Italian and and fly anglers, especially for those who acuteangling.com.

Want to go fishing for free? All about our free fishing program The Angling Report has always we will turn these invitations over give the nod to the most experienced valued feedback from its subscribers. to Angling Report subscribers who subscribers with the most relevant And the reasons are clear. For one convince us that they are capable of experience. No favoritism of any sort thing, Angling Report subscribers are writing useful and accurate reports is shown. Sound like fun? Well, what some of the world’s most experienced about their experience. More than are you waiting for? Sign up for our anglers. Hence, their judgments about 100 subscribers have been invited on Email Newsletter right now and get fishing destinations are broad-based FREE fishing trips here in the United on the list of subscribers invited to and sound. And our subscribers’ States and to foreign destinations go fishing for free. The easiest way insights are refreshingly candid. such as Argentina, Christmas Island, to sign up is by going to our website, That’s because they are written Brazil, and Mexico. The total value of www.anglingreport.com, and clicking from a point of view that no other all that travel is in the many hundreds on “Join Our Email Newsletter.” Just publication embodies, namely, the of thousands of dollars. And the be sure you sign up with an e-mail paying client’s point of view. You can good news is that more outfitters are address that you check often. Enjoy! see that point of view in the report offering us FREE trips in return for Recipients of our Email this month by subscriber Bob Seddon reviews. Newsletter will also hear about the on his FREE fishing trip to the Rio If you want to get in on this latest news and travel opportunities; Travessao Lodge to fish the Rio opportunity, all you have to do is including information from our Travessao, a tributary of the Amazon sign up for our Email Newsletter* select list of sponsors. Through a River. and we will periodically send out partnership with Gray’s Sporting So here’s the deal. We encourage FREE fishing opportunities. You will Journal, we will also inform you lodge owners, guides, and others be asked to respond and tell us why of openings and cancelations from to offer us FREE visits to their you think you should be selected outfitters looking to fill last-minute facilities with the understanding that to go on the FREE trip. We always slots on their trips.

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A Review GT: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Giant Trevally by Peter McLeod by Steve Collis I caught my first giant trevally in the and leading guides to write detailed As far as criticisms go, I have very early 1990s on a bonefishing trip to the descriptions of each destination. This few. An index would have been helpful. then little-known Christmas Island. That wide repertoire of contributors results in And I would disagree with the section on first GT turned a black-and-white world a wonderful mixture of views, styles, and leaders, which suggests that GT fishing into an explosion of Technicolor for events that makes each chapter a pocket- is no place for IGFA setups. me, and eventually led to half a lifetime sized fishing trip in its own right. I have seen GTs landed on chasing trevally around the planet. There are numerous descriptions of IGFA leaders in great fields of razor- If I’d had a copy of Pete McLeod’s great GT battles that bring these ultimate sharp coral from Clipperton to the excellent GT: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to saltwater “thugs” to life and awaken that Lakshadweep . On the Giant Trevally all those years ago, the tinge of—well, let’s be honest—fear that occasions that a fish is broken off with subsequent decades would have been a we all experience when a GT charges this setup, an angler has peace of mind lot easier. This comprehensive and very your fly. As Randall Kaufman said, knowing that the fish has taken off with usable guide contains pretty much all the “When GTs come at you on the flats, nothing more than twelve inches of information an angler intent on catching you get out of their way.” tippet and a fly that will quickly rust these most intimidating of fish could The book is beautifully and away. want. simply presented, with great full-color Admittedly, I have seen fish caught It is both informative and with the remains of previous battles still fascinating, covering the distribution in their mouths. However, with straight of the species, the flies and equipment leaders of eighty pounds and upwards, needed, all the major destinations and apart from the broken rods, I have seen how to get to them, stories of legendary fish take off with all the leader and anglers, and the history of the sport. two-thirds of a cut-off fly line dragging Indeed, the book’s history section behind them. begins at Christmas Island, which Such fish, I feel, are unlikely to McLeod refers to as the birthplace of survive. However, this is very much giant trevally fishing, making reference my opinion, and many friends and to many of the anglers I fished with back distinguished anglers disagree, which then, including Simon Corrie, Big Eddie, of course is a great excuse for several Tebaki, Tim Pask, and others. wonderful hours of debate in the pub! The story then unfolds with how In summary, I cannot recommend a diverse collection of adventurous photography of land- and seascapes, fish this book enough. I have a great library anglers, guides, and operators began to (big ones), spectacular fights, and happy of saltwater fly-fishing books, mostly explore and open up the numerous GT anglers. There is a chapter on other written by great American anglers and destinations that now exist around world. trevally species, but with no mention of authors, and it is really refreshing to now Today, these destinations exist from the GTs equally hard-fighting Atlantic have one written on my favorite species through the Pacific Islands; all cousin the jack crevalle, which, I felt, by an author from Europe. over ; the Middle East; , perhaps deserved a word. A note of caution though: GT and, of course, the Seychelles, including There is even a chapter on how to fishing is profoundly addictive (believe the legendary Cosmoledo Atoll (I get fit for the fight, which I must say is me I know). So if you buy this book, personally believe that every fly fisher very good advice indeed. If you have which I highly recommend you do, you should visit Cosmoledo at least once in ever waded seven or eight miles on a are very likely to develop a lifetime his or her life!). screamingly hot, still day only to hook habit! While McLeod’s personal up with that monster fish in the last hour, You can sample or purchase a copy experience is clearly global and deep, you will know that you need every ounce of Peter McLeod’s book GT at www. what is particularly impressive is that of strength you can muster (as well as all amazon.com or learn more at www. he has invited individual local experts your wits about you). aardvarkmcleod.com.

Briefly Noted Things to Do . . . Places to Go . . . New Developments

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„„ The Sage brand has been synonymous including guided excursions to the best Yes, we will have a robust offering with quality fly rods since its inception in fly-fishing locations in Paradise Valley, of fly-fishing experiences for beginners the early 1980s. Since then, it has diverified Southwest Montana, and Yellowstone or advanced anglers, and everything in its branding and has charged full steam National Park, as well as instruction and between. These will include float and ahead into the fly-fishing retail market education. Much of the lodge concept and wading experiences, or a combination of with the addition of a full range of fly reels, design was inspired by Sage both. We will also be partnering with Sage apparel, and accessories. In the summer of and the passionate following of the brand, Fly Fishing on education programs and 2018, Sage brand will undergo its newest while also being inviting and comfortable a variety of other programming for our brand expansion. Sage is officially in the for guests of all kinds. guests or the public to join. lodge business—well, sort of. Does this brand affiliation mean As I understand it, the lodge To the uninitiated, the announcement that the lodge will serve as an exclusive owns 1,200 acres of property on the of the new Sage Lodge, located on outfitter for the Far Bank (Redington, Yellowstone; will there be water the banks of the Yellowstone River in RIO, and Sage) brands and gear in any designated “Private” or “Sage Lodge Pray, Montana, might not have any way? Only”? obvious associations—aside from their One of the many objectives of Sage We are located on over a mile of corresponding monikers—but the name is Lodge is to support the outdoors and Yellowstone riverfront, but none of the not just a happy coincidence. hospitality industries in the valley, and the Yellowstone is private. There is a large The Joshua Green Corporation (JGC), many wonderful businesses in the region. private casting pond on the property, but a major stakeholder in the Far Bank There will be no exclusive partnerships— the main goal is to be a launch pad to Enterprises brands (Redington, RIO, and we look forward to working with a variety the world-class fishing around us. Our SAGE), released the following statement in of outfitters and different purveyors of passion is to get more people exploring an October press release: experiences and retail items from a wide and appreciating the outdoors and share “Sage Lodge truly speaks the range of adventurers. We will also be our love of the sport of fly fishing with language of adventure seekers and proud to carry an array of products from everyone. those looking to be inspired by the Redington, RIO and Sage. You can find more information about great outdoors,” said Stan McCammon, Sage Lodge on their website at www. president and CEO of the JGC. “The sagelodge.com, and if you book a trip Green family, now in its sixth generation, in 2018 or beyond, be sure to send us a is comprised of fly fishing and outdoor report! enthusiasts, and this magnificent property • • • • • • will offer endless opportunities for „„ Angling Report Founding Editor Don generations of families, friends and the Causey filed the following report. community to enjoy.” Here’s an interesting new wrinkle While this development is interesting, Will the lodge be employing its very in fishing travel. Seems there is growing it’s not obvious at this point if it will have own guiding staff for fly-fishing trips? interest in some quarters for booking trips any influence on other lodge models, No, we are excited to partner with on a single-occupancy basis, as opposed or if other dominant brands in the retail a variety of local outfitters in the region to the more common double-occupancy landscape of our sport will follow suit, but to offer the most diverse fly-fishing basis, which involves two persons sleeping it is a topic that we will be monitoring in experiences to our guests. in the same room. The latter is cheaper, of the future. Do you know what rivers will be course, on a per person basis. For now, we will keep our eye on available for guests to fish? I got wind of this new development Sage Lodge and see what developments or One of the reasons Sage Lodge is at the Dallas Safari Club Convention reports follow its 2018 grand opening. located where it is, in the beautiful Paradise last month’ where I spent some time We reached out to Sage Lodge and Valley, is because there is a large offering with Jim Kern of Emu Outfitting (www. its general manager, Paul Robertson, with of fishable waters year-round. Our guests emuoutfitting.com). Yes, the Jim Kern I’m a few questions, and he took the time to will have access to the Yellowstone River, talking about is the former major league respond and to tell us a little more about the endless river options that Southwest baseball pitcher who broke all sorts of the lodge, its associations, and future Montana has to offer (Gallatin, Madison, records back in the 1970s and 1980s before operations. etc.), as well as rivers within Yellowstone turning his hand to booking hunting and Can you talk a little about the Sage National Park and a variety of other fishing trips. Kern’s “hot” trip right now lodge and its affiliation with the Sage options. We will also offer our guests is an upgraded peacock bass fishing trip brand? access to private spring creeks and other in the Amazon that utilizes one of Luis Through a partnership with Sage still waters around the region. Brown’s famous “river trains.” Fly Fishing, Sage Lodge will offer guests Will there be float and wading trips Brown’s typical trips are not shabby, a multitude of fly-fishing experiences, available? mind you. Take a look at this site: www

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.riverplateanglers.com. His trips provide Frankly, when I first read about Kern’s morning and less disturbance of the river.” comfortable, double-occupancy lodging in upgraded trips I thought the idea would I talked to Kern toward the end of the reasonably spacious, air-conditioned cabins flop. Boy, was I wrong! As of last month, Dallas Safari Club Convention, so I did that can be moved at will up and down Kern told me he has sold roughly 120 not have time to talk to many other agents any of the half dozen river systems he has single-occupancy trips for this coming and outfitters in attendance, but those I exclusive access to. He moves anglers at season. Roughly 80 percent of those did talk to told me they too were noting least once on almost every trip, sometimes are single-occupancy bookings, too, not an uptick in interest in single-occupancy twice if the fishing slows down. His “river double-occupancy bookings by couples bookings. Personally, I find the idea trains” can even be moved at night while who want to share the same bed. I told attractive myself, in spite of the increased clients are sleeping. The overall quality Kern I had predicted his upgrades would cost. The latter would likely keep me from of the “river train” experience is without not be popular, and I congratulated him on following through on a single-occupancy parallel in the Amazon, unless you want his insight into this emerging market. What booking, but it would not be because I big-boat opulence and are willing to accept had I failed to understand? I asked him. don’t like the idea of sleeping solo on a generally lower-quality fishing as part of “A lot of guys now have the money fishing trip, given the snoring ability of the deal. to upgrade their trip,” he said, “and they many angling travelers I’ve bunked with. At any rate, Kern’s trips build on the like the upgrade for the simple reason If the differential in pricing narrowed, I River Plate experience by swapping the they enjoy the increased privacy and the just might move toward single-occupancy two bunk-size beds in each cabin for a chance to get a better night’s sleep without booking. What about readers of this item? single queen-size bed and by providing a snoring cabin mate. Other factors include Anyone agree? Or disagree? Is this trend all necessary tackle for fly and traditional the convenience of traveling without going to spread to bonefish lodges, upscale anglers. The food on his trips has also fishing rods and lures or flies. Then there Alaska lodges, and perhaps to other kinds been upgraded, reportedly to gourmet is the reduced size of the fishing party that of lodges and camps? I’m particularly status. Guests also sleep single occupancy comes with a single-occupancy booking. interested to hear if other agents are seeing in Manaus at the hotel where they stay Instead of eight or more anglers in camp an uptick in this activity. I can be reached on arrival in Brazil. The cost for all this and four or more boats in the river, there at: [email protected]. While you are upgrade is roughly $1,000, bringing the tab are only six anglers and three boats writing, I’d love to hear any news from the for a week to $6,550. involved. This makes for shorter runs in the field.

DATELINE: SEYCHELLES and it is as fishy, as it is remote. Don had wants to make sure everyone is all set. this to say about his experience: And, as always, there were a few issues On-Site Report have fished in the Seychelles twice early on. One angler didn’t receive his The Day-to-Day on St. before—mostly with some success— luggage and, due to the remote nature Iso I finally decided I was ready to try of our location, had to purchase enough Brandon’s Atoll St. Brandon’s Atoll. The question then clothes to last him through his seven days was, where the heck is St. Brandon’s of fishing. Atoll? There is very little on the internet The crew and guides are great and to review, other than a few advertisements really help in all aspects of the trip. I for the Fly Castaway fishing operation. It fish with guides a lot, but these are some seems to be a well-kept secret. of the best guides I have encountered. St. Brandon’s is part of Mauritius, The fishing operation was very well about 250 miles north of the island so it organized. At Fly Castaway, the guides is quite a long journey. I left on Saturday rotate between all of the anglers each day, afternoon from Salt Lake City, and the first rather than stick with one set of anglers day of fishing was scheduled for the next throughout the trip, and we either fished Thursday! It took a total of five days just two anglers to one guide or one-on-one to get there! In all honesty, it was worth each time we went out. it. However, it is important to be ready for On the first day, my friend Doug and Editor Note: Subscriber Don Armstrong the 27-hour boat ride from Mauritius to I fished with Craig, who is from South has checked in with a report that details St. Brandon’s in what are generally rough Africa. Craig is 23 but has the knowledge his daily outings to fish the skinny water seas. of an old-timer. He was very professional flats of the little-known Cargados Carajos, We met at the Le Suffren Hotel in and helpful in all aspects and is already or St. Brandon’s Atoll. This Indian Mauritius at 9 AM but didn’t depart until the head guide at St. Brandon’s. This is his chain of islands sits north of Mauritius about 1 PM. Personally, I think meeting fourth year working there. and is one of the most remote saltwater four hours before departure is a little We had big that day, but destinations on any angler’s bucket list, much, but, understandably, Fly Castaways started out our morning on the low .

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This meant we started out looking for On the fifth day, Doug and I fished It weighed in at 11 pounds. This is what bonefish—and it wasn’t long before with Milan. It was a tough day. I think fishing is all about! It was a fantastic day we found some. I got one on my third Doug may have gotten one or two in the end. cast, and ended up with four for the day. bonefish, but I didn’t land any. I hooked On the seventh and last day, Doug We also had many shots at Indo-Pacific a bonefish that broke me off on the coral, and I fished with Russell. It was a permit, of which Doug had two eats and and I finally hooked a small permit, but beautiful day with less wind, so we I had one. Doug also had a shot at some it got off as well. Besides those, I also went back to the Yellow Flats again. large GTs as well, but with no luck. hooked a golden trevally earlier in the day, But this time we fished around an area On the second day, I fished alone with but it bent the hook out and got away. It called the Guava Sandspit. Fishing was Milan and caught four bonefish again. was a tough day indeed. somewhat slow, even though I landed Then we went out along the to a coral Oddly enough, that day the wind seven bonefish—and lost a couple more. outcropping. Here we saw a GT following was down and the weather was great, And Doug caught a 10-pound bonefish! a nurse but couldn’t get a shot. but the fish did not agree. We saw GTs I had a shot at another large bonefish After that, I cast at some and bluefin trevally but never hooked that was clearly feeding and charged my patrolling along the coral and got one that any. Doug had several good shots at one fly, but it pulled away at the last moment. was 71 centimeters, or 28 inches. It was a GT but never connected. Oh well, that’s Doug also hooked a good bluefin trevally great fish. Later, we moved on to look for fishing, right? for a minute, but it got off as well. Not the permit, but, again, I wasn’t able to catch Day six was a great day. I fished with perfect ending to our trip, but in the end one. Craig, who took me to fish Snatch Flat. we caught a lot of amazing fish. On the third day, Doug and I fished We fished for bonefish with some various As for the accommodations, they with Russ. He took us to a huge flat and were basic but adequate. It was a block we watched as the bonefish came in. At building with concrete floors. The building first, I couldn’t even get within casting had just been completed in 2016, so range without them spooking, but we everything was new. There are four rooms eventually got close enough to make some with two beds in each. The rooms are a casts. I ended up with three bonefish, two little small for two people and all the gear, of them being about seven pounds. but they were very clean. Later, we moved on to a very small The food was actually a little less island and saw two large GTs and some than expected. I think they need to hire a bluefin trevally. It seemed like the fish had good chef or cook. Some of the lunches already had some action and were very were minimal and some were good. Fly casual. We had no eats or serious follows trevally mixed in. I couldn’t seem to catch Castaway does not operate the rooms and to mention. We then went on looking for a bonefish, losing five before I finally the food, so they are at the mercy of the permit and found a couple, but still no eats. boated one, but I was able to catch two people that actually own the rights to the On day four, I fished solo again, but yellowspotted trevally. island. There were, however, plenty of soft this time with Brendan. We went to a place Later, we moved toward a reef drinks and beer. Both the soda and the beer called Yellow Flat. At first, it was a little looking for GTs. We were walking are included in the price—as well as all the difficult because of a lot of coral to walk through the small waves into the surf water you want. through, but the coral eventually gave way looking for the nurse , as the GTs They wash clothes twice a week and to sand, which made things a bit easier. seemed to follow them. While there, I there are clotheslines to hang and dry As before, we started seeing bonefish. caught four bluefin trevally upwards of them. There is also a separate building for Again the fish were fairly spooky, but as about 75 centimeters. Although there fishing rods, boots, and wading equipment more and more spilled into the flat, their were plenty of the bluefins around, we with water and a plastic barrel for washing wariness began to fade, and soon we were focused on GTs. However, we only items in fresh water. began catching fish. That day I caught 16 saw one in that first half of the day, and it Water had to be conserved to some fish in total; nothing large, as most were spooked very quickly before I could get extent. The fresh water on the island is between one and four pounds. a shot in. Later on, I finally got a shot at primarily collected rainwater, and some Later on, on that same flat, I caught a smaller GT. It took the fly, but it soon water had to be brought in each week. But a yellowspotted trevally and an orange came unhooked. Oh well. we had enough to last us throughout the trevally. I had one eat on a GT but wasn’t We ended the day looking for Indo- trip. able to get the hook set firmly and it got Pacific permit in Paul’s Island. We came Basically the fishing is with 9- and away. I also had a shot at a permit, and upon a good-sized school, and on my 12-weight rods. The 9-weight is for though he followed, in the end he chose fourth or fifth cast Craig said, “Set!” bonefish, permit, and small trevally. not to eat the fly. All in all, it was a great The line went taut, and the fish was on! I The 12-weight is for the GTs and larger day. landed my first ever Indo-Pacific permit. trevally. I used an 11-weight with an

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Airflow 12-weight GT line, which was a bead eyes to keep the weight lighter. The to hone your skills before the trip. great combination. For the 9-weight I used GT flies are large and hard to cast, and I Many of those who come to St. an Airflow clear tip floating line, which recommend practicing with these huge Brandon’s are world-class anglers and was also great. flies before the trip, especially casting into are prepared for this situation. For those The reels must be able to withstand the wind. of us not in that class, I suggest practice the strength and power of the trevally, Anyone considering this trip should casting as much as possible and even especially the GTs. St. Brandon’s Atoll— thoroughly prepare. Test all your knots; hiring a coach or guide to help you. This and all of the fishing in the Seychelles, for bring extra lines, rods, backing, and lots of is a far different situation from fishing for that matter—really tests equipment. The tippet. They generally use 130 lb tippet for trout on rivers and streams or even most guides told us many stories of broken rods the GTs, 80 lb for the bluefin trevally and bonefishing scenarios. The Indo-Pacific and failed reels of all types. I primarily maybe 50 lb for other trevally. permit also require perfectly accurate use Orvis Helios 2 rods and Orvis Mirage They use 16 lb and 20 lb for bonefish casts, and the trevally require long casts reels. They held up fine, but, admittedly, and permit. If you do lose a line, Fly into the wind with fast-moving target they did not have to withstand the full Castaway has extra lines, rods, and reels to zones. power of any GTs. I haven’t broken an H2 rent as well. Would I go again? Absolutely. This is rod for at least two years and I have never Additionally, the fishing here is at a great trip and I am trying to find the right had a reel fail. the height of saltwater game fishing. schedule to go back. The Fly Castaway Again, Fly Castaway has found While tarpon fishing, especially in group really knows what they are doing, the best flies that work for them, and Florida, requires great casting ability and they do everything to make the trip a thankfully, they are located on the Fly with large-size rods and reels at shorter success.—Don Armstrong Castaway website, including directions distances, at St. Brandon’s the fishing Postscript: Fly Castaway lists the cost of on how to tie them. I have never seen any requires long accurate casts, with the wind their St. Brandon’s trip at $8,000. More operator do that before. Generally, the blowing heavily almost all the time. All information and booking options can be bonefish flies are variations. The of the guides are excellent casters in this found at http://www.flycastaway.com/st- permit flies are small merkins with small environment and can help you, but it’s best brandons-atoll/.

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February 2018 -10- Volume 31, Number 2 THE ANGLING REPORT

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February 2018 -11- Volume 31, Number 2 THE ANGLING REPORT

HABITAT, HOWEVER YOU WANT IT 4 Strategically Located Dorado Lodges | 4 Unique Argentine Environs to Explore

February 2018 -12- Volume 31, Number 2