Picking the Perfect Fishing Lodge

One of the great things that makes fly fishing enjoyable both as a sport and as a hobby is that it allows you to pursue it with just about any body of water.  You don’t need a boat or any other fancy equipment, as long as there is a lake or stream nearby, then you can go ahead and indulge yourself.  But for the serious fly fisherman, looking for a suitable fly fishing lodge is crucial for a fishing vacation.  There are actually a lot of fishing lakes, resorts and rivers which boast excellent fishing grounds; however there are factors which should be taken into account when looking for an actual fly fishing lodge against just another vacation spot.

Is it really a vacation spot masquerading as a fishing lodge?

First of all you will need a place that is actually advertised as a fly fishing lodge.  A lake or a stream does not automatically mean that it is an ideal fly fishing location.  Some lakes are over crowded by tourists and boaters so a good fly fishing experience is almost impossible.  Other streams and rivers run too fast so catching a fish might not be possible; neither will a lake front resort or cabin.  Fly fishing lodges advertised as so will guarantee that the people in charge know why you are there, what your expectations are and how to meet those expectations.

Make sure the lodge easy to access to if you’re only doing a short trip

Now that you know where to go, you will need to find out the actual location of your fly fishing lodge.  The idea of a fishing vacation is to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  However spending more time on the road than necessary may be a problem especially if you only planned for a weekend getaway.  Some fly fishing lodges are located in Alaska and may not be accessible by car, this is fine if you have a long vacation planned, but for a short vacation where you plan to spend more time in the water than traveling, this can be a big hassle.  Make sure that you know how to get to your fly fishing lodge and how long it will take you to get there.

Look after the non-fishing members or your party

If you plan to take your family with you to your fly fishing lodge then it might be a good idea to check if the site offers any other activities other than fly fishing.  Passionate anglers may spend most of their time in the water however; taking a break from time to time may be a good idea.  Other fun activities to do while on a fly fishing break are hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sightseeing, and horseback riding or just lazing around reading a book.  Find out if the fly fishing lodge offers any other activity or if there are facilities nearby which do.

Budget or 5-Star?

One of the other things to consider when choosing a fly fishing lodge is affordability.  You may want to stick to the budget as not all of us can afford the elegant five star resorts in some locations.  Some may be rustic but you can be sure to find something within your price range.  When looking for a good fly fishing lodge that fits your budget and requirements, be sure to take your time, it will be worth the wait once you get there. 

These tips should help you make a good choice about your fly-fishing vacation.

Happy Fishing,

John

John Reece is a freelance writer for www.helpfuladviceonline.com and he has just published a Learn Fly-Fishing guide ” Get Your Fly On – the ultimate guide to fly fishing”.

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