Belize River Lodge is in central Belize, which is an area offering a mixed bag of saltwater fly fishing environments. During a six-day stay, anglers can fish the Belize River, Sibun River, Manatee River and Black Creek as well as numerous flats, cays, reef, mangrove islands, channels, creeks, and lagoons. The coast of Belize is a complex ecosystem that supports millions of crabs, shrimp, bait fish and other aquatic life, resulting in an abundance of game fish. This is a very large area with a great variety of fishing locations, fish species and scenery. Grand Slams are possible on any given day but depend upon skill, the fish, and a bit of good luck. Anglers fish two per guide out of fiberglass pangas, which offer versatility for the variety of water fished. Wading is minimal in this part of Belize, however, guests may always ask their guide if wading spots are available. The guides at Belize River Lodge all Belizean, professional and highly skilled.
Fly fishing for bonefish is a year-round pursuit in Belize. While the bonefish there tend to be smaller than in other countries, they can be very plentiful. The bonefish within this ecosystem average 2- to 3-pounds, though larger fish are 6-pounds plus. Explosive snook can be found in sizes of 5- to 25-pounds and they can be targeted year-round as well. Low tides make casting to these fish easier, so November through February are the more optimal months for those who want to fly fish for snook specifically.
Tarpon at Belize River Lodge are categorized into two categories - juvenile tarpon and large tarpon. Belize has a resident population of large tarpon, however in the spring and summer, migrating tarpon arrive, making for increased numbers of these big fish. While guests can fly fish for large tarpon year-round, the biggest tarpon are primarily found from to early August. The Belize coast is known worldwide for its permit fishing flats. The best time to target permit is when there is less wind – usually between April and September. Here, permit range from 5- to 30-plus pounds. Permit are extremely challenging and to land one is the ultimate fly angler's prize. Snappers, jacks, groupers, cobia, barracuda and a large variety of other saltwater game fish can be caught at various times along the coast of Belize.
