Join Me On the Water

Estancia Laguna Verde (December 9-16, 2023)

As some of you might already know, each year, I do my best to spend at least one week at Estancia Laguna Verde chasing the monster rainbows of Lago Strobel.  Better known in some circles as Jurassic Lake. A place where trout average 15 lbs. In addition to Lago Strobel, we can access smaller, more intimate Lagunas or small lakes.  Depending on the specific Laguna, you can catch trophy rainbow, brown, and brook trout up to 10 lbs.

If you enjoy stillwater fly fishing, Lago Strobel and Estancia Laguna Verde should be on your bucket list.  Lago Strobel rainbows average 10-12 lbs, fish 13-20 lbs are common almost every week of the season, and fish over 20 lbs are caught yearly. I have witnessed friends of mine catch and release caught and released numerous fish, including three that weighed 18, 20, and 22 pounds! 

This is primarily a walk and wade destination. The guides drive you to various spots along the 14-plus miles of shoreline the lodge currently has access to.  We also have access to small Lagunas on the property containing rainbows, browns, and brook trout.  Some of these Lagunas produce trout over 10 lbs.

Equipment
We recommend a 7 or 8 wt rod, a quality reel with a smooth drag, and plenty of backing, at least 150 yards. As with any travel trip, bringing an extra rod and reel is a good idea in the event of an accident.  Equipment is available at the lodge at no charge should you break a rod or reel.

A floating line is all that is required, but you might consider having some sinking leaders (such as the RIO Versileaders ). Long casts are often not required. Lines such as RIO's InTouchOutbound Short performs well, especially in the wind. There is limited opportunity to fish Booby or FABs on a full sink due to the rocky nature of Lago Stroble. However, quality fish have been caught on these, so you might want to bring a full-sink, Fathom  V, or VII lines if you want to try these flies.

You should have a half dozen or so leaders between 9-15 ft. Leaders designed for salmon and steelhead are the best bet. RIO Bonefish or PowerFlex Plus leaders are excellent choices as they turn over well when the wind is up. Make sure you have a good supply of quality tippet. RIO's FluroFlex Strong works best for both surface and subsurface presentations. The minimum breaking strength is 12 pounds; 15 or 18 pounds is better.  RIO Versileaders are also worthwhile, easy to pack, addition to your kit bag.

Your standard stillwater flies include leeches, Wooly Buggers, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Prince Nymphs. Dry flies such as the Morrish Mouse and Chubby Chernobyl's are also recommended.  Stout hooks are required. Lago Strobel is not the place for light-wire, dry fly hooks.

Please visit my Blog to get a measure of the experience, including what to expect, how to get there, and what to bring.  Please get in touch with me via email to book your spot and for additional trip information, including gear and flies.

December 9-17, 2023

The price per angler is $6500.00 USD (50% initial deposit secures your spot) and includes: (Sold Out for 2023)

• Return transportation to and from El Calafate to the lodge, Estancia Laguna Verde.
• 6.5 days of guided fishing. One guide for every two anglers
• Accommodation, based on double occupancy
• Excellent local cuisine, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Beverages, including alcohol
• I provide assistance in booking flights and overnight accommodation in Buenos Aires and El Calafate.
• Airfare to and from El Calafate, taxis, and gratuities are not included.

Space is limited. To book your spot, please get in touch with me via Email.

Skitchine Lodge Stillwater 101 School

Skitchine Lodge is located on the shores of beautiful Dagger Lake within the Bonaparte Provincial Park, approximately 80km (50 miles) northwest of Kamloops, British Columbia. 

Private vehicles are not allowed within the park boundaries, so access to the Lodge is arranged from a vehicle drop-off area outside the park. The total travel time from central Kamloops to the lodge is approximately two hours. 

Skitchine is a lodge of distinction, boasting modern conveniences, stunning views, and exceptional service.  

Your course price includes the following: 

• Three days of fishing and instruction
• Scheduled on-the-water time with me
• Daily seminars and demonstrations
• Access to properly outfitted boats
• Three nights accommodation at Skitchine Lodge, two guest room
• Food and beverages, including beer and wine

This year's school will introduce you to the basics of stillwater fly fishing to ensure you have a solid foundation for on-the-water success.

Skitchine Stillwater 101 School

Thursday, June 22, 2023-Sunday, June 25, 2023-$1399 CDN plus tax per person

This year's course will cover the following:

• Stillwater equipment-rods, lines, reels, leader set up, and knots
• Casting 101-Learn to cast or improve your current casting skills
• Floating and sinking line essentials
• How lakes work
• How to find fish in lakes

During your stay, we will pursue wild, native rainbows that love to feed on the surface.  Developing and honing your skills is a key component of this school.

Corbett Lake Stillwater Schools

Join me at Corbett Lake Lodge.  Located in beautiful British Columbia, Corbett Lake Lodge is a short 12 miles (20 km) drive southeast of the town of Merritt.  Corbett is a private access lake complete with a unique lodge experience making it a perfect destination for my on-the-water fly fishing schools.

 

Corbett Lake Lodge offers comfortable cedar cabins with full kitchens, bathrooms with showers, and fireplaces.  Most cabins have a view of the lake.  The lodge also features three attractive Lodge rooms with a mini-fridge and microwave provided.  All accommodations are within easy walking distance of the dock.

 

All meals and seminar instruction occur in the lodge’s spacious dining room overlooking the lake and a beautiful wooded area. 

 

Corbett Lake is an intimate scenic lake featuring crystal clear water and lots of cooperative rainbows.  It is the perfect backdrop to hone your stillwater fly-fishing skills.  During the month of May, you will be able to perfect various chironomid skills, including indicator tactics, floating line long leader tactics, and sinking line tactics using five and six-weight systems.  Corbett Lake also boasts a healthy Callibaetis mayfly population and casting dry and emerger patterns is a distinct possibility.  Scuds, leeches, damsels, and dragonflies are also plentiful.  Attractor patterns such as Booby’s and FAB’s also work well, especially when targeting sighted fish.  Corbett Lake is also an excellent place to develop and hone your loch-style techniques.

 

Trip pricing includes four full days on the water, five nights of accommodation, food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), seminars and demonstrations, and access to one of the lodge's properly outfitted boats when you aren’t on the water with me.

2023 Pricing and Dates: 

Spring Stillwater Fly Fishing School with good friend Brian Chan, May 7, 2023 (Arrive)-May 12, 2023 (Depart), $2650 CDN/Person (Sold Out)

Fall Stillwater Fly Fishing School, September 17, 2023 (Arrive)-September 22, 2023 (Depart), $2195 CDN/Person. (3 spots Remaining)

• Five nights accommodation
• Food (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
• 4.5 days of fishing
• Scheduled on the water time with me and Brian (May school only), a minimum of one half-day/angler
• Daily seminars and demonstrations
• Access to a properly outfitted boat
• Transportation to and from Corbett Lake Lodge is not included.
• B.C. Fishing License is not included but can be purchased online.

Space is limited to 12 flyfishers per school to provide the maximum quality experience and ensures everyone gets to spend time with Brian and me in our boats on the water.  A 50% deposit confirms your spot.  Upon booking confirmation, you will receive equipment and fly pattern recommendations.  

To register, please get in touch with me via email.