Belize's Best Fly-Fishing Spots

Belize is a small Central American country nestled between Guatemala and Mexico. With the second-largest barrier reef in the world, it's a paradise for anglers and offers diverse angling opportunities. The country is home to inshore lagoons, one of the biggest coral reefs in the world, and deep offshore waters.

Belize is famous for its flats fishing opportunities, which can be found from its northern border with Mexico to its southern border with Guatemala. The most notable of these flats fisheries is found on Ambergris Caye, Turneffe Atoll, the inshore waters near Placencia, and Punta Gorda.

Belize is also known for its bonefish, tarpon, and permit—the Grand Slam of fly fishing. These three species are the main target for many anglers and, thanks to grassroots conservation efforts, they are all catch-and-release only. Bonefish are the most readily available game fish and can be found year-round, although they are more eager to take a fly from March to November. Tarpon can also be fished for year-round, with migratory tarpon moving through Belize from around April to late August. Permit are considered the holy grail of flats species and can be found in large schools, although they are very picky about when they feed.

Other notable fishing spots in Belize include Tarpon Caye, Permit Alley, and Punta Gorda, also known as the Permit Capital of Belize.

Ambergris Caye

The flats in and around Ambergris Caye have provided exciting fly-fishing opportunities since the 1970s. With over 400 miles of flats and open water, anglers can explore famous fishing spots such as Savannah, Mosquito, Cangrejo, and Long Caye. The island is known for its shallow water, containing the only classic tarpon flats outside of South Florida, making it a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.

The bonefish grounds are just minutes away from the lodge, allowing anglers to fish from boats or wade-able flats. Bonefish in this area typically weigh between 2 and 5 lbs and are eager to take the fly. Permit, another sought-after species, can be found on the bonefish flats as well as on many of the tarpon flats. These fish range from 4 to 30 lbs, with most weighing around 8 to 10 lbs.

When planning a fly-fishing trip to Ambergris Caye, it's important to consider the tides. Generally, a new or full moon presents good tides for fishing. Consulting with local guides can help anglers determine the optimal times to cast their lines. Additionally, a fishing license is necessary for all anglers, and it's essential to confirm the guide's policy on license coverage.

With its tropical climate, fishing in Ambergris Caye varies from great to amazing. The peak season runs from June to early September, but anglers can enjoy productive trips throughout the year, targeting a variety of game fish in the area's diverse fishing grounds.

Turneffe Atoll

In addition to bonefish and permit, anglers can also target tarpon at Turneffe Atoll. Large migratory tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels, and flats of the atoll between April and October, with resident tarpon available throughout the year.

Turneffe Flats Lodge, one of the oldest fishing lodges in Belize, is a great choice for anglers looking to target permit in the lagoon fishery. It is located just a short skiff ride from the prime permit flats in the Turneffe lagoon.

For those seeking a more remote experience, Turneffe Island Resort offers world-class fly fishing opportunities. With six expansive saltwater flats and a tangle of lagoons, creeks, and miles of reef, anglers can try their hand at catching bonefish, tarpon, and permit, or spend their days reeling in snapper, barracuda, and jack. The resort provides return transportation from Belize City, all meals, access to various amenities, and a personal, seasoned local fishing guide.

Punta Gorda

The Garbutt family, a family of commercial anglers, have been guiding the waters of Punta Gorda for over 15 years. They have pioneered permit fishing in Belize and their knowledge of the flats and estuary systems in the region is unparalleled. The Garbutt brothers have also helped create the Punta Gorda Marine Reserve, and they have tagged some permit in an effort to research and preserve the fishery for years to come.

The best time to fish for permit in Punta Gorda is from April through October, as the period from late November to early March is generally slower due to the "north fronts". Bonefish, on the other hand, are more eager to eat a fly from March through November. Tarpon fishing is somewhat seasonal, peaking during the summer months.

For accommodation, anglers have two main options in Punta Gorda: Copal Tree Lodge and Garbutt's Marine. Copal Tree Lodge is located in a vast tract of remote rainforest just 10 minutes from the coast and offers comfortable, air-conditioned cabins surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Garbutt's Marine, on the other hand, provides a more rustic experience but with no sacrifice on meals, hospitality, and fun.

Belize City

The Olde Belize River, just outside the city, is a great place to start. Its wide, muddy bay holds a large number of big tarpon throughout the year, with the spring months being the best time to visit for the highest number and biggest fish. Just a few miles off the coast, the waters begin to clear, and the first bonefish and permit flats emerge.

If you want to stay closer to the city, shore fishing is a popular pastime. Head to the banks of the rivers or the estuaries and cast your line for tarpon and snook. Fly anglers can practise their skills and even bring waders to get closer to the flats.

If you want to explore the reefs, a fishing charter is a great option. A boat will also come in handy if you want to explore the many inshore flats and lagoons that surround Belize City.

The average temperature in Belize City ranges from 75°F in the colder months to 80°F in the summer, so it's a great year-round fishing destination.

Tarpon Caye

Belize is a paradise for anglers, and Tarpon Caye is a prime example of this. This small, secluded island is a mere 6 miles west of the second-longest barrier reef in the world and is surrounded by hundreds of square miles of prime fishing grounds. It is a fly-fishing destination custom-tailored for serious anglers, particularly those seeking to catch the elusive Permit.

The fishing grounds around Tarpon Caye are renowned for their excellent Permit fishing, with many of the best flats just a short boat ride or wade away. The island is located in the heart of Victoria Channel, also known as "Permit Alley," a 30-mile chain of cays that offers some of the best fly-fishing opportunities in the world. The local guides at Tarpon Caye are experienced and passionate, willing to go the extra mile to put anglers on the elusive Permit. While Permit is the primary target, anglers can also try their hand at catching Tarpon and Bonefish, with the possibility of achieving the elusive Saltwater Grand Slam.

The fishing program at Tarpon Caye is tailored around Permit fishing and the tides that influence their behaviour. Anglers can expect early mornings or late evenings on the water to capitalise on the best tides for Permit. The close proximity of the fishing grounds to the lodge allows for a flexible schedule, with opportunities to rest and relax at the lodge when the tides are unfavourable. The guides' local knowledge and dedication to their craft make Tarpon Caye a top choice for anglers seeking a productive and immersive fly-fishing experience.

Getting to Tarpon Caye is straightforward, with daily connecting flights from the United States to Belize City and onward travel to Placencia via Tropic Air. From Placencia, it's a short van ride to the dock, followed by a 45-minute boat ride to the island. The entire journey from the US to Tarpon Caye can be completed in just one day, making it a convenient and accessible fly-fishing destination.

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