Did you know, some international fly fishing lodges also offer experiences that are so extraordinary, you can only find them in a few special places?
Our fly fishing afficionado, Zach Lazzari, explores how these fly fishing vacation destinations are centered around bucket list locations where the landscapes, wildlife and lifestyle offer some truly unique – and unforgettable – experiences alongside world-class angling.
Even without the draw of fly fishing, these are still experiences you'd want to have first-hand – perfect if you're traveling with non-anglers, too!
So dive in and explore our bucket list fly fishing adventures, and see what other unique experiences alongside the fishing our fly fishing lodges and ranches are offering.
Heli-fishing vacations in New Zealand
Heli-fishing at Tongariro Lodge
Skiers know the most pristine snow and epic drops are located beyond the reach of chair lifts.
The same is true for trout in many places and heading out on a southern hemisphere fly fishing vacation to New Zealand means you'll have the chance to experience real jaw-dropping heli-fishing.
The deep backcountry doesn’t have airstrips available, but these skilled helicopter pilots can navigate remote river drainages while finding safe landing zones for your New Zealand fly fishing trip.
This offers anglers the opportunity to reach far-off fisheries that receive little-to-no pressure throughout the season.
Look to our New Zealand fly fishing lodges; Tongariro Lodge, Owen River Lodge and Huka Lodge for some seriously exciting backcountry helicopter trips!
Immerse in Patagonian culture
While Patagonia just might have some of the best fly fishing in the world, the culture is something that all visitors remember and cherish.
It’s not uncommon to enjoy a traditional asado (lamb roasted over coals), while warming up by the fire after a long day fly fishing Patagonia's rivers.
Asado at Flywise Anglers
You’ll see gauchos herding livestock on horseback, sleepy small towns with smoking chimneys and a landscape that is rugged, yet inviting.
Add in the long dirt roads, light angling pressure and wild Andean landscape, and you’ll see why anglers return for fishing vacations to Patagonia year after year.
'Fly' fishing! Take a bush or sea plane
In Alaska, getting to some of the best and most remote fly fishing spots on the planet means it’s all about the bush flights – highly skilled pilots use a variety of planes and landing styles to set down on water, gravel bars and dirt strips in the middle of vast roadless areas.
Fly-out fishing lodges in Alaksa make this a daily part of their program, allowing you to explore numerous drainages throughout the season.
Up and away at Crystal Creek Lodge!
Rather than putting all your effort into a home water, you can go where the fish are, and find complete solitude on undeveloped rivers and lakes throughout the state.
The Bristol Bay region is a known favorite and our Alaska fly fishing lodges are prized for having exceptional pilots capable of chasing down huge rainbow trout in the wilds.
Are you hunting for the best trophy trout in the world? Here are our top five best, must-visit trophy trout fishing destinations on the planet.
Deep wilderness experiences
While massages, five-star hospitality and world-class accommodations in a luxury fly fishing lodge are such a great end to the day, total wilderness immersion is beyond epic.
Distance yourself from the digital, and take in the complete and utter peace and serenity of a no-road wilderness.
Your highly experienced local guides will pack up everything you need and you'll venture into places virtually no other humans have been!
Manihuales Eco Lodge riverside glamping yurts
On many a fly fishing float trip, a bush flight will drop your crew and all of the gear right into the best spot, and after a long day of fishing in the most remote places on earth, there is nothing better than kicking your feet up at a comfortable riverside fly fishing camp.
Taking in the view, eating great food, drinking great wine and swapping stories from an epic day makes for the perfect end before bed.
That’s why we love rafting wilderness rivers on meticulously-curated fly fishing float trips. You get to fish the best water, while navigating rapids and sleeping in comfortable camps protected by electric fences.
The wildlife you will see in an intimate setting is second-to-none, think Grizzlies, moose, walrus and more!
If you’ve never experienced the camaraderie and good vibes at a fishing lodge or river camp, it’s really something special.
Luxury lodges you won't want to leave
Many of our luxury fly fishing lodges have it all and some of our fly fishing ranches have even achieved 'Ultra Ranch' status.
From Relais & Chateaux recognition, to Michelin-star chefs, you’ll be downright spoiled by the attentive service, the quality of the food and the incredible accommodations; and non-anglers will be furnished with all the activities they could ever need while you're out on the waters.
Five-star food at Triple Creek Ranch
And if you or your fellow travelers are keen to really get some wellness travel in around your fishing and other outdoor adventures, then our US fishing lodges in North Carolina, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado offer spa treatments, hot tubs, yoga and more, so you can really immerse into those feelings of luxuriant wellbeing.
Half the fun of fly fishing travel involves the actual experience around the angling. All of our international fly fishing destinations have unique cultures and amazing hosts; and guests, guides and staff all feel like family by the end.
Whether you are chasing trout, salmon or something truly unique for the non-anglers, too, we can help you match with the perfect outfitter or lodge for the fly fishing trip of your dreams.
Get in touch with our Concierge team today – we're here to help you choose the perfect fly fishing lodge for you! Call 707-217-5205, drop us an email at tightlines@flyfishingvacations.com or simply fill out our online Concierge contact form and we will get back to you.
Original article written by Freelance Writer and fishing afficionado, Zach Lazzari.
Co-written, edited and created by Kate Hammaren; luxury and adventure travel writer, editor and world traveler.
About our author, Zach Lazzari
Zach Lazzari is a freelance outdoor writer, fly fisherman and full-time adventure traveler. After a decade of guiding anglers in Colorado, Montana, Alaska and Patagonia, he turned to the travel and media industry to continue pursuing new species in exciting locations. Zach has written for The Drake, Orvis, NRS, and many other brands and publications in the outdoor industry.
Photo credit for Crystal Creek Lodge seaplane and main banner: Fly Out Media