1. Madison Valley Ranch
Madison Valley Ranch, nestled in the heart of Montana’s legendary Madison River Valley, offers anglers access to some of the most coveted trout waters in North America.
Located near the charming town of Ennis, this boutique lodge provides world-class fishing, comfortable accommodation and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Situated on the banks of the spring-fed channels section of the Madison River, the lodge provides immediate access to productive waters right from the doorstep. It is also within easy reach of not only the Madison River but also other renowned fisheries such as the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Jefferson rivers.
This variety of fishing opportunities ensures that guests can experience different types of water and fishing techniques throughout their stay.
The lodge features well-appointed rooms with private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The main lodge building serves as a central gathering place, with a cozy great room, a fly-tying area, and a dining room where guests can enjoy gourmet meals while sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
The lodge’s talented chefs prepare delicious, hearty meals using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. From homemade breakfasts to fuel morning fishing sessions to elegant dinners paired with fine wines, the cuisine at Madison Valley Ranch is a great complement to the outstanding fishing and beautiful surroundings.
The lodge employs a team of experienced, professional guides who possess intimate knowledge of the local waters. These experts are adept at helping anglers of all skill levels improve their techniques and locate the most productive fishing spots. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or a beginner, the guides at Madison Valley Ranch can tailor the experience to meet your needs and goals.
While fishing is undoubtedly the main attraction, Madison Valley Ranch also offers a range of other activities for guests to enjoy. The surrounding area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
The nearby town of Ennis, with its charming Western atmosphere and fly shops, is worth exploring during downtime. For those seeking relaxation, the lodge’s scenic location and comfortable amenities provide the perfect setting for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of Montana.
Madison Valley Ranch is committed to conservation and sustainable fishing practices. The lodge actively supports local environmental initiatives and promotes catch-and-release fishing to help preserve the health of the region’s trout populations. This dedication to conservation ensures that the exceptional fishing experiences available at Madison Valley Ranch will continue for generations to come.
2. Bighorn River Lodge
Bighorn River Lodge, situated along the banks of the legendary Bighorn River in Fort Smith, Montana, is a premier fly fishing destination that offers anglers access to some of the most productive trout waters in North America.
Nestled in the scenic Bighorn Canyon, this lodge provides a perfect blend of world-class fishing, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Established in the early 1990s, Bighorn River Lodge has become a go-to destination for fly fishing enthusiasts from around the globe.
The lodge’s prime location puts anglers mere steps away from the Bighorn River, renowned for its consistent water flows, abundant insect hatches, and impressive population of large brown and rainbow trout.
The river’s tailwater status ensures year-round fishing opportunities, making it an ideal destination in every season.
The lodge offers a variety of lodging options, including well-appointed rooms in the main lodge and private cabins for those seeking additional space and privacy.
Each accommodation features comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The main lodge serves as a central gathering place, with a cozy living room, dining area, and fly shop where guests can stock up on essential gear and local fly patterns.
The lodge’s skilled chefs prepare hearty, gourmet meals that cater to the appetites of active anglers. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and regional specialties, the cuisine at Bighorn River Lodge is a perfect complement to long days spent on the water.
Guests can enjoy their meals in the dining room or opt for a packed lunch to maximize their time on the river.
The lodge employs a team of experienced, professional guides with intimate knowledge of the Bighorn River and its tributaries. These experts are adept at helping anglers of all skill levels improve their techniques and locate the most productive fishing spots.
Beyond the Bighorn River itself, the lodge offers access to other nearby fishing opportunities, including smaller streams and private spring creeks.
This variety allows anglers to experience different types of water and fishing techniques during their stay. Additionally, the lodge can arrange float trips on the Bighorn, providing access to more remote sections of the river and offering a unique perspective on the stunning canyon scenery.
While fishing is the main draw, Bighorn River Lodge also caters to non-angling guests and offers a range of activities to enjoy.
The surrounding area is rich in Native American history and natural wonders, with opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring nearby attractions such as Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
3. Owen River Lodge
No list of luxury trout fishing lodges would be complete without one in New Zealand – arguably the home of trophy brown trout fishing. 10lb fish on dry fly are a real possibility in New Zealand and at Owen River Lodge.
Sight fishing is a specialty here and last time here I managed a beautiful 8lb brown on a dry fly. I can still remember the sight of it rising slowly to engulf the fly.
From its location in the Murchison region of New Zealand’s South Island you have access to more than 30 streams and rivers within easy access, as well as the Owen River, which flows through the property itself.
The lodge caters to a maximum of 12 guests at a time, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for each visitor. This limited capacity allows the staff to provide exceptional service and attention to detail, setting Owen River Lodge apart from larger, more commercial establishments.
The lodge’s resident chef prepares gourmet meals using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, often incorporating the day’s catch into the menu. Guests can expect a fine dining experience that rivals top restaurants, with dishes perfectly paired with selections from New Zealand’s renowned wine regions.
The fishing experience at Owen River Lodge is truly world-class. The lodge employs a team of experienced, professional guides who possess intimate knowledge of the local waters.
Fishing options range from forested rivers in mountain valleys to wide open meadow streams. The average fish caught here is 4.5lb, with many double figure fish caught every year.
Fishing in New Zealand isn’t easy – your ability to see fish and streamcraft will be tested severely with polaroid sunglasses an absolute must. But staying at Owen River lodge and using the skills of the lodge’s excellent team of guides is a great introduction to Kiwi trout fishing.
4. Villa Maria Lodge
Villa Maria Lodge, situated on the banks of the legendary Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, stands as one of the most exclusive and sought-after destinations for anglers pursuing trophy sea-run brown trout.
This intimate lodge offers access to some of the finest pools on the lower Rio Grande, known worldwide for producing some of the largest sea trout on the planet.
The lodge’s location is truly spectacular, set against the backdrop of Tierra del Fuego’s rugged and windswept landscapes. The Rio Grande, often referred to as the “River of Kings,” flows past the property, offering guests immediate access to prime fishing waters.
The surrounding terrain, characterized by vast open steppes and distant mountains, creates a sense of isolation and wilderness that adds to the allure of the fishing experience.
Accommodations at Villa Maria Lodge are designed to provide comfort and luxury in this remote setting. The lodge can host up to six anglers per week, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for each guest.
The rooms are well-appointed, featuring en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and views of the surrounding landscape. The main lodge building includes a cozy living room with a fireplace, perfect for relaxing and sharing fishing stories after a day on the river.
The culinary experience at Villa Maria Lodge is a highlight for many guests. The lodge’s skilled chefs prepare gourmet meals that showcase the best of Argentine cuisine, often incorporating locally-sourced ingredients. Think Patagonian lamb and rich Malbec wine.
From hearty breakfasts to fuel long days of fishing to elegant multi-course dinners paired with fine Argentine wines, the dining at Villa Maria Lodge is an integral part of the overall experience.
The fishing program at Villa Maria Lodge is world-renowned. The lodge has exclusive access to some of the best pools on the lower Rio Grande, known for producing exceptionally large sea-run brown trout. These fish, which spend much of their lives in the Atlantic Ocean, return to the river to spawn, often reaching sizes of 15 to 30 pounds, with some specimens exceeding 35 pounds. The fishing season typically runs from January to April, coinciding with the peak of the sea trout run.
Villa Maria Lodge employs a team of highly experienced guides who are experts in the techniques required to target these trophy fish. These professionals possess intimate knowledge of the river and its fish, helping anglers maximize their chances of landing the fish of a lifetime.
For anglers seeking the ultimate trophy sea trout experience in one of the most remote and spectacular settings on Earth, Villa Maria Lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity.
The combination of world-class fishing, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and the breathtaking wilderness of Tierra del Fuego creates an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re casting for a trophy sea trout on the Rio Grande, enjoying a fine Argentine wine by the fireplace, or simply taking in the vast Fuegian landscape, a stay at Villa Maria Lodge promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any dedicated angler.
5. Rio Manso Lodge
Rio Manso Lodge, nestled in the heart of Argentina’s northern Patagonia near the mountain town of Bariloche, is a fly fishing paradise set against the backdrop of stunning Andean landscapes.
Located within Nahuel Huapi National Park, this exclusive lodge offers anglers access to some of the most pristine and productive waters in Patagonia.
The lodge sits on the banks of Lago Hess, with the majestic Mount Tronador towering in the distance, creating a truly awe-inspiring setting for an unforgettable fishing adventure.
The fishing program at Rio Manso Lodge is diverse and exciting, offering access to a variety of waters including the namesake Rio Manso, Lago Hess, and numerous other rivers and lakes in the surrounding area. There is so much interesting water to fish in this region you’d need half a lifetime to experience it all.
The region is known for its healthy populations of rainbow, brown, and brook trout, with fish sizes ranging from pan-sized to trophy specimens.
The variety of fishing environments, from intimate streams to expansive lakes, provides anglers with the opportunity to employ different techniques and face new challenges each day.
Accommodations at Rio Manso Lodge are designed to provide comfort and luxury while maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings.
The lodge features eight well-appointed rooms, each offering stunning views of either Lago Hess or the surrounding mountains.
The main lodge building serves as a central gathering place, with a cozy living room, a well-stocked fly-tying area, and a dining room where guests can enjoy gourmet meals while taking in the breathtaking scenery through large picture windows.
The culinary experience at Rio Manso Lodge is a highlight for many guests. The lodge’s skilled chefs prepare exquisite meals that showcase the flavors of Patagonia – excellent beef and lamp, empanadas, imaginative salads and tasty vegetables.
From hearty breakfasts to fuel long days on the water to elegant multi-course dinners paired with fine Argentine wines, the dining at Rio Manso Lodge is an integral part of the overall experience. The lodge also caters to special dietary requirements, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the outstanding cuisine.
One of the key strengths of Rio Manso Lodge is its team of experienced, professional guides. These local experts possess intimate knowledge of the surrounding waters and are skilled in a variety of fishing techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to perfect your dry fly presentation or a beginner eager to learn the basics of fly fishing, the guides at Rio Manso Lodge can tailor the experience to suit your skill level and preferences.
Their expertise extends beyond fishing, as they also serve as knowledgeable interpreters of the local ecosystem and culture.
While fishing is the primary draw, Rio Manso Lodge offers a range of additional activities for guests to enjoy.
The surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park provides excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The lodge can arrange scenic float trips on the gentle lower sections of the Rio Manso, offering a unique perspective on the breathtaking Patagonian landscape.
For those seeking relaxation, the lodge’s lakeside location provides a perfect setting for simply unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
Rio Manso Lodge is committed to conservation and sustainable tourism practices. The lodge operates with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, implementing measures to minimize its ecological footprint and preserve the pristine nature of the surrounding wilderness.
Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged to maintain healthy fish populations, and the lodge actively participates in local conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the region’s unique ecosystems.
