Change it up this year and add a bit of luxury to your annual fishing trips. Access nature’s ‘sweet spot’ by helicopter or seaplane, fish in Patagonia rainforests, or enjoy a loaner boat to go out fishing during your stay. ‘Catch and release’ in some of the most famous rivers around.
The options are endless when it comes to luxury fishing trips. While it’s true that some of these resorts are only open to good fishing a few months out of the year, there are a few that are open year – round.
Regardless of the time of year, these luxury fishing resorts will have your catches processed, frozen and shipped home; all while you enjoy a five – course, wine paired dinner with your fishing buddies.
1. Langara Island, British Columbia
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Located in Langara Island, BC, Langara Island Lodge is an all-inclusive resort known for it’s cold water halibut, bottom fish and salmon fishing.
The lodge offers guests the ability to fish in calm, protected waters just minutes from the resort.
Guided fishing, transportation by helicopter, aquatic attire, fishing equipment, bait, as well as all meals and accommodations are included.
2. The 4UR Ranch in Creede, Colorado
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This high-end dude ranch has six miles of riverfront for private fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 4UR Ranch’s description of Goose Creek: “it is one of the only entirely private trout streams in the American West and has been managed on the English “Beat” system throughout it’s long history.”
When you aren’t fishing enjoy three gourmet meals a day, a picnic basket packed at your request, a private cabin and a dip in the hot springs right on the property.
3. Three Rivers Ranch in Warm River, Idaho
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Take the South River fly fishing camping trip during your stay at Three Rivers Ranch in Warm River, Idaho. Leave the lodge for a day of drifting and wading for trout at this top of the line fly fishing destination. Cocktails welcome you at camp, where your tent has wood flooring and carpet as well as a mattress, and a shower, at your request. Then, head back to the lodge for true luxury and more fishing.
4. Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
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Right at the foot of the Smokey Mountains sits Blackberry Farm. Fresh water trout is found in Hesse Creek and day long float trips are popular amongst the clientele here. Techniques from dry fly fishing to streamer stripping are available on this scenic float trip.
Everything about this destination is well thought out. Guest rooms for one to two, cottages for a few, or three bedroom houses for a larger group are available for your stay.
The cuisine is top notch, coming directly from the farm’s foragers and butchers and finished by the chef, baker and cheesemaker are plated and served in exquisite form.
5. The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana
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Grab your furry friend and head to the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana, whose property is so expansive and with so many natures features, it could be a national park.
Choose from two flyfishing trip options on either the Clearwater, Missouri or Blackfoot Rivers. Guides will take guests flyfishing for trout and guests can choose from accommodations at the lodge, luxury homes or camping right on the river.
6. Copal Tree Lodge in Punta Gorda, Belize
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The Copal Tree Lodge sits in the middle of the rainforest in Belize. The lodge offers world class fly fishing, as well as river fishing. Tarpon and Snook are popular here, or you can head out to the beach and fish for bonefish.
Fishing packages are offered in the canopy or the jungle for up to six days. Accommodations and meals are included in this price. As is laundry service.
A rum distillery and organic farm keep the guests well fed and ultra spirited. Bird watching, jungle exploring and kid’s activities compliment the list of the resort’s ventures.
On your off time, have a bath on your covered patio with views of the jungle to soak with. Or, bring your family and indulge in their three bedroom villa.
7. Woodstock Inn and Resort in Woodstock, NY
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Beginning to advanced fly-fishers are welcomed at this well-equipped resort. Farm to table food, flawless guest rooms, a vast spa and plenty of other activities make Woodstock Inn and Resort a grand example of what a luxury fishing vacation is supposed to look like.
8. Tierra Maya in Xcalak, Mexico
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Fish the saltwater flats for Snook, Barracuda, Jacks, Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit at the laidback and elegant Tierra Maya in Xcalak, Mexico.
When, “you’ve been fishing the flats all day, you’re spent from the concentration, physical exertion and adrenaline spikes, and you want to return to a cool, comfortable spot where you can put your feet up and savor the day overlooking the sea,” at Tierra Maya Lodge.
9. Blue Hawaiian Lodge in Placencia, Belize
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Catch Permit at the Blue Hawaiian Lodge in Placencia, Belize. The grown and sexy atmosphere of this flyfishing lodge gives one a sense of relaxation with a quiet urgency to get on the water each day. Enjoy fresh cuisine, beautiful guest rooms and careful service here.
10. Norwegian Flyfishers Club in Rogstadmoen, Norway
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Open for over 30 years, the Norwegian Flyfishers Club offers more than just comradery. Fish 8 miles of the quick flowing, Gaula River and several ponds located throughout the property. Fish for some of the biggest salmon in the world here.
Stay in the country house which dates back to, “1837, it was built to accommodate some of the first groups of Englishmen who came to fish the Gaula. Today the house has been renovated to the modern standard,” and it’s ready for up to you and 6 of your friends to visit.
Arrivals are on Sundays and a meeting for all of the week’s adventures are the evening of check-in. Learn about your fishing schedule, get your gear together and grab the scoop on the special events of the week.
11. South Holston River Lodge in Bristol, Tennessee
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Guests at South Holston River Lodge in Bristol, Tennessee can expect delicious food, riverside accommodations and excellent opportunities for Brown and Rainbow Trout.
The website is clear, “this Blue Ribbon 15 mile tailrace hosts 7,000 to 10,000 trout per mile and is best known for its huge population of wild brown trout, consistent hatches and year round fly-fishing opportunities.”
12. Stonefly Lodge in Nelson, New Zealand
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13. Nimmo Bay in Port McNeill, British Columbia
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After checking in at Nimmo Bay, pour yourself a glass of your complimentary in-room wine and sit back and rock in the chairs right on the deck overlooking the water on your private balcony each evening like you did when you were a kid at Grandma’s house.
Catch and release fly fishing via helicopter, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, whale watching, hiking and bear viewing are just some of the activities at Nimmo Bay.
Meals at Nimmo Bay are thoughtfully gathered and prepared for guests. “Foraging and preparing feasts under the open sky is a fact of life at our resort. From free diving for your dinner to learning from our team as they cook over an open fire (and intuitively top up your wine), dining at Nimmo Bay is always an unexpected adventure.”
14. Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia
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With a waterpark, horseback riding, biking and a movie theatre, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy at Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.
While they’re away, enjoy guided float-fishing, or one of their many classes on casting and more. Get everyone back together at the end of the day and spend an evening around the fireplace, enjoying in-room dining. Or, visit the dozen or so restaurants and bistros on property.
15. Iwa Kai in Oahu, Hawaii
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The Iwa Kai is not exactly a resort. It is a luxury fishing boat, located in Oahu, Hawaii. Spend a day, or a few nights fishing right off of the same boat you sleep on. Bring up to 11 other guests and enjoy the warms waters of Hawaii and the warm, bubbling waters of the onboard hot tub.
16. Rio Manso lodge in Patagonia, Argentina
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When “at Rio Manso Lodge, you will fish a wide variety of waters from small streams and large rivers to intimate spring creeks and deep productive lakes where monster browns, hefty rainbows and trophy brook trout swim.” Sight cast all day in the clear waters and dry cast your way to plump brook and rainbow trout.
Every meal at Rio Manso Lodge is served with Argentine wine. Delve into the culture and take part in the Argentine asado. “An Argentine asado typically has a sequence of meats presented by the asador (the cook).” Sausage, chitterlings, ribs, steak and goat are all presented, along with bread, salad and grilled vegetables at this traditional meal.
Nine bright and airy rooms with pitched ceilings and beautiful views are scattered throughout the lodge. Slip out of your robe and into your in-room jacuzzi to relax from the days fishing.
17. Abaco Beach Resort, Abacos, Bahamas
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There’s nothing like the blue waters of the Bahamas. Eat, drink and be merry in style at Abaco Beach Resort in Abacos Islands, Bahamas. Join one of the five fishing tournaments (some by invitation only) the resort hosts in April and May for White and Blue Marlin. Or, call the marina and arrange a guided fishing excursion while you’re around.
Soaking tubs and private balconies adorn the up to three bedroom penthouse lodging offerings. Have a conch salad at the marina restaurant and snacks with cocktails at the swim up bar.
18. Sea Otter Sound Lodge in Kodiak Island, Alaska
Take a trip to Sea Otter Lodge in Kodiak Island in Alaska for the ultimate, cold water fishing trip. Accessible only by plane, the Sea Otter Sound Lodge provides guests their own fishing boats for the duration of the stay.
Catch a glimpse of sea otters and maybe even humpback whales from the comfort of your room. Cathedral ceilings and views of the water are guaranteed in each room.
Meals are served at a huge table, family style. “As you come in for breakfast, you may smell the aroma of reindeer sausage, eggs, and hash browns, eggs Benedict, biscuits, sausage and gravy, pancakes and bacon, or Tim’s Southwestern casserole.” Lunchboxes are made each morning for guests to take with them on their boat. Fresh bread and homemade cookies make this lunchbox perfect for fishing through the afternoon on your own skiff.
19. Highliner Lodge in Pelican, Alaska
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Three private two bedroom guest houses have wrap around porches with great views of the water and mountains. at Highliner Lodge in Pelican, Alaska. The cold waters of Alaska drop to 100 feet or more, sometimes just feet off the shore. So deep sea fishing isn’t too far from home.
Guests can expect, “buffet-style or made to order breakfast, packed lunches, pre-dinner appetizers, and three to four course meals in a fun, communal setting.”
20. El Pescador Lodge in Belize
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With tarpon readily available year around, El Pescador Lodge in Belize may be one of the top salt water fishing getaways in the region. “Belize’s shallow water contains the only classic tarpon flats outside South Florida. Our flats are world renowned for offering the opportunity to sight cast to tarpon 12 months a year, ” the website states.
Gear up for local Caribbean cuisine, served al fresco with fresh fish and locally sourced meat and produce.
Spend one of the days reef fishing on a quiet beach with a BBQ lunch. Soak in the sun, find some shells, do some snorkeling and pick up dinner in the reefs.
21. Islander Resort in Islamorada, Florida
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Bring your own boat, or get charter one at the Islander Resort in Islamorada, Florida. Alternatively, for the more laid back fisher, the resort offers fishing right off the dock.
Book the Oceanside Signature Suite for the upmost comfort while visiting this Florida treat. Keep it laid back and enjoy lunches at the Tiki bar then gear it up for dinner at the on-site restaurant.
22. Alaska Rainbow Lodge in Levelock, Alaska
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Alaska Rainbow Lodge in Levelock, Alaska is known for it’s unique mode of transportation to fishing locations. Instead of floating down a river on a boat, guests use float planes to access the waters they wish to fish in.
The resort’s website says it eloquently: “With our fleet of lodge-owned floatplanes, we provide you access to over 30 different rivers across 3,000 square miles of the Illiamna – Katmai watershed. At the lodge, you will be pampered by our first class accommodations, full-time chefs, and personalized service.”
23. Arèn Fishing Lodge in Sal, Spain
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Go heli-fishing at Aren Fishing Lodge in Sal, Spain with a top notch pilot at a variety of spots and catch your fill of trout in some of the most exclusive glacial lakes. With eight different tour options and two fly fishing schools to choose from, there’s something for every kind of fly-fisher.
Reserve one of the luxury cabins, nestled into the 640 acres of this expansive ranch. Lustrous linens, hand picked art and a country style wrap around porch.
The restaurant is owned by generations and generations of the same family. For over 300 years, the restaurant has served Pyrenees cuisine. The unique cuisine is offered in the wine cellar each evening. Local and organic, savor each course, which is paired with Spanish wines.
“Six restored double-bed bedrooms plus two comfortable apartments on the first and second floors. The venue also has on the ground floor, there is a spa and wellness center (massage room, sauna, jacuzzi, gym), a heated wader room, and an in-house fly shop.”
24. Carrileufu River Lodge in Cholila, Chubut
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The spa, gourmet meals and outstanding guided river fishing are all part of what makes Carrileufu River Lodge in Argentina a resort for the ages.
“In the heart of the Carrileufu River Valley, was built with passion and enthusiasm. Our staff has been working together for many years and everybody, from the guides to the chef and everybody in between, had the chance to share ideas and make suggestions about the design and functionality of the lodge,” explains the website.
25. Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina
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The Chetola Resort is a 78 acre resort in Blowing Rock, NC that caters to those desiring quiet and comfort after a long, sometimes stressful day of fishing. Enjoy “fishing clinics, wade trips, float trips and off-site excursions including sporting clay shooting, zip lining and more.”