Blue Horizon Lodge
Belize
The fly fishing program at Blue Horizon Lodge is unique in that it has been designed around the seasoned angler who is serious about catching a permit on the fly. Through years of trial and error, the Westby’s have developed and mastered permit fly fishing techniques that consistently produce. This fact, coupled with the lodges geographical location, make it one of the best destinations available to get honest shots at permit on the fly. The lodge uses 4 panga-type skiffs, complete with casting platforms, each with plenty of horsepower to scoot anglers between fishing grounds. The majority of fly fishing is done wading solid bottom flats. Typically one angler will be wading out front with the guide while the other pulls the boat a safe distance behind. When a fish is hooked, everyone gets back in the boat to chase the fish as it exits the narrow flat in search of deeper water. Other species available at the lodge are bonefish, barracuda, jacks, snapper, and tarpon.
Location:
The lodge is located in the heart of permit country on the Northeast Caye, which is one of the islands in the Pelican Range, 18 miles Southeast of the small sleepy village of Dangriga.
Fishing Program:
It should be noted that while anglers will have lots of quality shots at the local permit, that they are extremely fickle and success is largely dependent on angler skill and the particular mood of the fish encountered.
The lodge uses 4 panga-type skiffs, complete with open casting areas at the bow, and plenty of horsepower to scoot anglers between flats fishing grounds. The majority of fly fishing is done while wading solid bottom flats. The majority of the flats have a complex coral or marl bottom with interspersed grass making accurate presentations (ideally 12 to 18 inches in front of the fish) very important. Typically the flats will be poled until tailing fish are spotted. Then the guide and one angler will stalk the fish on foot while the other angler pulls the boat along a safe distance behind. When a fish is hooked, everyone gets back in the boat to chase the fish as it exits the narrow flat in search of deeper water. Other species available at the lodge are bonefish, barracuda, jacks, snapper, and tarpon but in all honesty the guides care little for this type of sport and want to chase permit all the time.
Accommodations and Meals:
Blue Horizon Lodge is a small rustic operation taking only six anglers per week. The lodge is located in the heart of permit country on the Northeast Caye, which is one of the islands in the Pelican Range, 18 miles Southeast of the small sleepy village of Dangriga. The lodge/camp at present features three private Cabanas, each with its own shower and bathroom. A generator supplies electricity and powers the in room fans. There is no AC and the entire operation is best suited to hard core permit anglers who can put up with minimal amenities. The food is a combination of traditional Belizean fare and fresh seafood. Fresh vegetables and fruit are incorporated in the meals, as Dangriga is in the heart of Belize’s agricultural region. Plenty of cold Belikin beer is always available as well as soft drinks and fruit juice.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Belize City and clear customs. Meet Blue Horizon Lodge representative and take 20 minute flight on Tropic Air to Dangriga. Take boat from Dangriga to lodge. Arrive at the lodge, get settled and ready tackle for the next day.
Day 2-7: Six days of guided fishing at Blue Horizon Lodge.
Day 8: Boat transfer back to Dangriga to catch Tropic Air Flight to Belize City. Transfer to flight home or other destinations.
Complete Trip Details
