Belize River Lodge
HISTORIC FLATS FISHING PARADISE
Belize River Lodge was the country’s first fishing lodge and has been in continuous operation since 1960. It’s just a short ride from the lodge to the extensive fishery where bonefish, tarpon, snook and permit are waiting to test the skills of visiting anglers.
Personalised fishing
This lovely lodge is owned and hosted by Mike Heusner and Marguerite Miles and they, together with their team, are on hand to ensure you have a thoroughly enjoyable time. From its position in central Belize the lodge has access to a very diverse fishing environment. There are flats, channels, cayes, reef and mangrove islands to be explored, along with fishing on the Belize, Silburn and Manatee Rivers. It’s a large area with a great variety of conditions, fish species and scenery. Anglers will find permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook, snapper and jacks to cast at. The fishing guides at Belize River Lodge are all local, they know the waters well are and experienced saltwater operators.
The bonefish here tend to vary from two to eight pounds, with the average around three pounds. Snook can be found in sizes of five to 25lb and although they can be fished for year round, November through April are the optimum months. Large tarpon are also landed year round, with the biggest specimens found between March and early August. Permit – that ultimate fisherman’s trophy – are regularly sighted with fish anything from five to over 30lb. The fishing is mostly from skiffs although there is some wading available for bonefish and permit.
Comfortable lodge in a tropical setting
Belize River Lodge sits on the banks of the Belize Olde River amid lush green tropical foliage. Divided into three areas, the lodge can accommodate 16 people. The guest house is a two storey mahogany building which contains four en-suite rooms each with two single beds and screened verandahs overlooking the river. The cottage is perfect for two groups or a family of four. Each en-suite room has two single beds. One of the rooms has a cosy sitting area and they both share a screened verandah. The bungalow has two rooms, each with a queen and double bed and private bathroom. There is a large screened verandah to enjoy.
The main lodge houses the gift shop, Mike’s fishing closet (tackle shop), fly tying table, dining and lounge area, screened porch and self-service bar. The kitchen produces a great combination of the best Belezian, Creole and American food.
Easy access
The lodge is only a few miles, and an easy drive, from Belize International airport. It is 3.5 miles from the mouth of the Belize Olde River – the entrance to the Caribbean Sea and some classic flats fishing. Belize River Lodge is also within easy reach of many of the country’s cultural and natural wonders and offers a variety of customised half day and full day eco-adventure tours.