We’re delighted to have added some new destinations to our portfolio for 2025. There’s plenty of choice, with options for hardy, dedicated anglers seeking adventure in remote spots, to magical salmon fishing in Iceland and Canada. If you’re keen to explore the fishing in one of these exceptional spots, let us know and we will start planning.
Nicaragua: Return of Tapam – Extraordinary tarpon fishery
Tapam is a magical place in the Nicaraguan jungle, famous for its enormous tarpon. The lodge opened in 2016, quickly gaining a reputation for exceptional giant jungle tarpon. Covid put paid to operations in 2020, and we’ve been waiting ever since for the lodge to reopen. Now, following agreements with local villages and a new infrastructure in place we are excited that Tapam Lodge will return for a full season in 2025. If you are keen to cast a fly to the biggest and toughest tarpon to be found anywhere on the planet, then this is the place to be. We can book individual weeks here or Alex has one rod remaining on his hosted trip in April 2025.
Pacific Ocean: Fanning Island – Adventure on the edge of the world
This rare paradise in the Pacific Ocean offers an opportunity to cast a fly in some of the most isolated and pristine flats on the planet. It’s ideal for those seeking a truly rustic, remote fishing experience where anglers encounter a variety of species including bonefish, giant trevally, bluefin trevally and bumphead parrotfish. Access to Fanning Island is via Christmas Island which is just over an hour away. Flights only started in 2016 so the island’s 40 square mile lagoon had until that point been seen by very few (if any) fishermen and flies. It’s still an incredible spot for the serious fly fisherman looking for adventure.
Canada: Gaspe Coastal Experience – Diverse range of fishing environments
Gaspé Coastal is one of our newest and most exciting operations and delivers an unmatched fly fishing adventure in the heart of Cascapedia-Saint-Jules, Quebec. The rivers of Chaleur Bay are renowned for their abundance, while the expansive, untouched flats offer a serene setting. Whether you’re pursuing Atlantic salmon, striped bass, or native sea-run brook trout, Gaspé Coastal Experience grants access to some of Eastern Canada’s most pristine and bountiful fishing waters. The lodge’s excellent position and fantastic guide team allow anglers to capitalise on the three unique fisheries, with each summer month offering a different opportunity for a fly angler.
Mexico: Angling Baja – A great spot for a fishing/non-fishing combo
While much of our fishing is based around the Yucatan peninsula, we can now offer some superb angling in the Sea of Cortez. This body of water between the Baja California peninsula and the Mexican mainland is a prolific fishery and home to iconic game species including marlin, sailfish and roosterfish. Anglers will also find pelagics like mahi mahi, various tuna species, and blue and black marlin. Among other sporty species are milkfish, jacks, triggerfish and pompanos. Fishing at Angling Baja can be customised, catering to specific preferences, trip duration and target species. It’s a great destination for a fishing/non-fishing combo with plenty for non-anglers to enjoy in Baja.
Belize: Thatch Caye Resort – Perfect R&R with angling
This lovely resort sits on its own private island off Dangriga in south-central Belize. Accommodating just 30 guests, it enjoys a peaceful atmosphere amid lush foliage and pristine beaches. While it’s a great place to relax and re-charge, anglers can get their fishing fix with packages arranged through nearby Blue Horizon Lodge. Thatch Caye is a great option for couples or families looking for a resort style stay and the ability to split a little time fishing amongst other on-the-water activities.
USA: The Ultimate Montana Road Trip – Right place, right time.
Montana is home to some of the world’s most productive trout rivers and this trip ensures anglers can enjoy the best fishing on any given day, whether that’s chasing a specific hatch or finding clear water during runoff. After a day spent floating and fishing down the river, evenings are spent camping on the river bank which affords the luxury of wade fishing as the sun sets. With a travelling armada of trucks, campers, mobile kitchen, drift boats, rafts, chefs and first class fishing guides, Ultimate Montana Road Trip guests will sample the best water the region has to offer.
Iceland: Blandá – Exciting salmon fishing
Not new to Aardvark McLeod, but the Blanda, one of Iceland’s top Atlantic salmon fisheries, is operating under a new system for the coming season. Anglers will find greater choice in how they can fish the 37km water which produces just under 2,300 salmon annually. There fully catered and self catered options along with the chance to sight fish, float and wade with double or single handed rods. Full details can be found here.
Argentina: Estancia San Jose – Well rested and productive water
Having served as a private residence in recent years, Estancia San Jose on the Rio Grande is now available to anglers wishing to fish some of the most productive waters on the middle reaches of this superb river. Anglers here enjoy exclusive access to 12 miles of pristine river (unusually, the lodge has access to both banks) and a great chance to target renowned sea-run brown trout. Average size is eight to ten pounds with 20lb fish are caught every week. The lodge is a classically styled Patagonian farmhouse with an atmosphere akin to staying at a friend’s holiday house rather than being a guest in a standard fishing lodge.
For further information on any of our new destinations for 2025 please contact us by email or call our office on +44 1980 847389.