Christmas Island, Ikari House

Update 3/11/2015...
Gorge Fly Shop Christmas Island Dates DATES ARE SET!!!

Christmas Island trips dates are January 12th-19th 2016. Jerry Swanson has secured us some prime dates at the Ikari House.  This is a Tuesday to Tuesday trip, as many of you know the only day flights go to and from Christmas Island. 

Jerry is still waiting for 2016 prices, but for deposits he is figuring on 2015 prices of $2650.00 per angler based on double occupancy, deposits in the amount of $1325.00 will be needed to hold your spot. Once the 2016 prices are available we will let you all know. 

So as you know the demand for dates at the Ikari House have became very high, I am sure it will book fast. For those interested please give me a call or email. I look forward to fishing with everyone.

Thank You,
Travis Duddles
Gorge Fly Shop
info@gorgeflyshop.com
541-386-6977

Here is a direct link to Jerry Swanson’s Fish Head Expeditons website for Ikari House
http://www.fishheadexpeditions.com/content/ikari-house

All bookings will need to be done with Jerry Swanson at Fish Head Expedition His contact information is below:
Fish Head Expeditions
jerry@fishheadexpeditions.com503-539-1451

Zen Master Simon Corrie casting the Sage SALT 12wt, Nautilus Silver King and RIO GT 475gr Line

Christmas Island January 2015

Christmas Island may have introduced more anglers to fly fishing for bonefish and other saltwater species than any other destination. In January I hosted a group of nine anglers from the Northwest, ranging in age from 26 to 82. Seven of the nine were new to bonefishing and saltwater. Everyone had a great time and caught lots of bonefish. Anglers had action with Queenfish, Trigger Fish, Bluefin, Striped and Giant Trevally, Wahoo and Yellow Fin Tuna. What a great week on the flats! We saw more large bonefish than I have seen in 10 years. And they would eat a fly!

Jerry Brown - Christmas Island Bonefish

The food at Ikari House is way better than anywhere else on the island. We had sashimi with drinks every day after fishing. Wow! There are six rooms that are new in the last two years. All have A/C on a thermostat, on-demand hot water and are spotless everyday. This may not sound like much, but on Christmas Island this is the Ritz.

GT action with Mitch Callas

What makes Christmas unique is that it has the most extensive wade-able flats of any atoll in the world. The more you fish other locations you realize this is special. All bonefishing is done by wading. In addition the equatorial location has no seasonality, making it is a go-to saltwater destination.

My first trip to Christmas Island was 29 years ago. Quick drying tropical clothing and flats boots had not been invented yet. We were tying up new flies, drinking Australian beer and getting sun burned through the cotton sport shirts. This time I was fortunate to fish with Simon Corrie, who was one of my guides on that first trip. Moana Kofe is now the head guide at Ikari House. He fished with different anglers during the week as a special guide and that time was memorable. These two guides are Zen masters. You learn fly fishing by doing, and they have done it a lot. Both can cast a whole fly line in the wind, know the habits of fish, the tides and “know the language of fish.” I fished with 5 newer guides and would fish with any of them again or recommend them to clients. The fishery is in very good hands.

Jerry Swanson with Mustache Trigger Fish

The Gorge Fly Shop is planning a hosted trip to Christmas Island in 2016. Please let Travis Duddles, the Gorge owner, or me know if you are interested.

Call Travis

Info@gorgeflyshop.com

541.386.6977

Jerry Swanson
Fish Head Expeditions, LLC
jerry@fishheadexpeditions.com
503-539-1451

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Alaska Fly fishing Dream Trip

A father and son adventure

Sometimes dreams do come true. Mark Linsky and his son Austin lived their fly fishing dream the first week of September at Bear Trail Lodge in Alaska. They fished 5 rivers in 5 days and caught Rainbows and Coho Salmon. A great staff, pro team of guides along with head guide Kate Taylor made it happen.

Himalayan Monster Masheer

Monster Masheer

The largest fly caught Masheer to date is this 46 pound fish, with Himalayan Outback Adventures this spring. Swinging big flies for big fish may be enough to get you off the sofa and travel half way around the world into another culture in the foothills of the Himalayas.

This is Planes, Trains and Automobiles + Rafts and Fly Rods!

The basic of the trip are - Everything is taken care of once you land in Delhi. Ten nights total, with 6 nights on the river in a deluxe safari style camp. The price is a steal at $3800 per angler based on double occupancy. The prime season is March and April.



Jerry Swanson
Fish Head Expeditions, LLC
jerry@fishheadexpeditions.com
503-539-1351

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Fly Fish Alaska - On a budget

Carnivore. Meatatarian. Mouse - It's whats for dinner. Take your Pick!

Fly fishing in Alaska can be spendy. For a first class fly-out lodge such as Royal Wolf or No See Um, the cost is $8000 for a prime week of incredible, fly-out fishing on a diversity of waters. Following are two alternatives for non-fly-out lodges, one having the option of a shorter, flexible stay. These two lodges both offer great fishing on aesthetically beautiful water, comfortable accommodations and tasty meals. They both specialize in fly fishing but take conventional anglers too. Whether you want to target Kings, Silvers or have some rainbow action you will find it here.

Riversong Lodge

Fish for Kings via jet boat

Riversong Lodge

Located 70 miles northwest of Anchorage at the confluence of Lake Creek and the Yetna River, Riversong Lodge has all five species of salmon and some fun wild rainbow fishing. It is a charming older main lodge with separate more modern guest cabins. The meals are outstanding with warm hospitality from the owners and staff. 

Fishing is accessed via jet boat. On a visit there a couple of years ago, we had some great mousing and streamer action. The forested Lake Creek is a beautiful stream to fish. Anglers fish two per guide, using a jet boat for access. In mid summer there is even after dinner fishing. There is a morning and a late afternoon flight each day by Rust’s Air in a floatplane direct to the lodge. This allows for arranging a trip that fits your schedule and budget. 

For instance, a five nights/four days fishing package is $3300 per person based on double occupancy, including the flight from Anchorage.

Talkeetna Fishing Lodge

River banks near Talkeetna Fishing Lodge

Cabin fit for two

The lodge is located two miles upstream from the Talkeetna River on Chunilna (Clear) Creek. They get all five species of salmon and, of course, rainbows. Each two anglers share a comfortable cabin, with access to the main lodge for dining, socializing and tying flies. The lodge takes 10-12 anglers per week but can handle up to 18 if they are all part of the same group. The lodge is accessed by van and then jet boat from the Anchorage airport. The food is outstanding here, as well, prepared by an accomplished chef who just happens to like living in the wilds of Alaska.

The guiding is a little more relaxed here, with three guides for the 10-12 anglers. Anglers will have all the assistance and guiding needed. Most anglers fish on their own once they understand the fishery that week, the water, and techniques. Fishing is accessed via jet boat and on foot. There is also the option to do a day fly-out via heli to the upper river for some amazing trout fishing for an additional (approx.) $150 per angler.

The rate is $3450 per person, Saturday–Saturday and includes transport from the anchorage airport.

Trout on the Talkeetna River

Jerry Swanson

Fish Head Expeditions

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

World Class Trout Fishing – Kiwi Edition

Fly Fishing from Cedar Lodge

New Zealand’s reputation for the best sight fishing for big trout is well deserved. Fishing waters here vary from mountain streams, spring creeks, meadows and prolific lakes. While fishing with a dry fly, I caught a huge rainbow that later was mistakenly identified as a nice winter steelhead. As an angler one doesn’t have to be world class—just opportunistic. By the way I have yet to catch a winter fish on a parachute Adams. Following are brief descriptions of two of the first class lodges in New Zealand.

Jerry Swanson

Fish Head Expeditions, LLC

Fly Fishing in India for Golden Masheer

Fly Fishing for Golden Masheer

An Adventure in the Wilds of Northern India

The fishing is on a remote river in northern India, close to Nepal—a camping float trip for six days of fishing and seven nights. Before you dismiss the idea, I would like to explain that this is luxury camping with attention to service, guiding, comfort and food. There is typically a two to one ratio of staff to anglers. Fly fishing for Masheer that weigh from three to 30 pounds or more is one reason to travel 12 time zones, but the beauty of the river, the mountains and the people adds extraordinary value to this unique experience.

Just because the Masheer are remote doesn’t mean they are always easy to catch. As with many species the smaller fish are easier than the wise monster ones. Two handed and singled handed rods are used for fly fishing Masheer. Floating and sink tip lines are used with flies ranging from dries to larger baitfish imitations. The fish will move at night providing an added crazy angling experience.

The rate is $4000 per person for the 12-day/11-night itinerary. This is based on two anglers traveling together and sharing a guide. It includes two nights’ accommodation en route each way with first class train travel, all ground transfers during the trip, and all meals and snacks while on the river.

Your host is Misty Dhillon, owner of Himalayan Outback and founder 7 years ago. He is an experienced fly angler and tyer. Chasing Masheer has been a passion of his for many years.  Side trips such as visiting the Jim Corbett Tiger Preserve, Taj Mahal or trekking are add on options.

Whether you are a newer fly angler that wants to fish more water or a seasoned angler that has “been there, done that,” Himalayan Outback has it dialed in. They are eager to show you an amazing fishing experience in an exotic setting.


Contact Jerry Swanson at Fish Head Expeditions for additional info
Jerry@fishheadexpeditions.com
503-539-1451


Gorge Fly Shop Travel Page

Living the Dream in Mongolia

A dream fish on a blue bird day

Last year I was contacted by three longtime pals about a fishing trip. All college professors and ardent anglers, they were hoping to combine a fishing adventure with their existing travel plans to China. It was a little too late in the season for Kamchatka, so immediately I started studying options for Mongolia. Lo and behold, there were three remaining spots left for a week of Taimen fishing in the Mongolian outback, which fit near perfectly with their schedule.

Turneffe Flats - Fly Angler's Paradise

Turneffe Flats Lodge

Sight fishing in paradise...Turneffe makes for the perfect, fall, winter and spring getaway.

Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as one of Belize's premier saltwater fly fishing, SCUBA diving and marine ecotourism destinations. Located on the Turneffe Atoll, the largest and most biologically diverse coral atoll in the Caribbean. Set on the Northeastern side of the atoll, on a private point with white sand beach, great vistas and a bonefish flat right outside the door. Awaken to the sun rising out of the ocean, a cup of coffee in hand and contemplating the day.

You are surrounded by an incredible tropical seascape of white sand beach, expansive bonefish flats, lush mangroves and the surf breaking over the reef for miles in either direction. They are ideally located to enjoy all of Turneffe's 250 square miles of expansive flats, healthy coral reef and remarkably rich marine habitat.

For nearly three decades Turneffe Flats has been known as one of the Caribbean's premier saltwater fly fishing destinations. Relax in your air-conditioned beachfront cabana. The diversity of the saltwater flats fishing sets them apart from other destinations and the opportunity to catch bonefish, permit and tarpon on a given day, for a "Flats Grand Slam".

Idaho Success

Mark with a nice Henry's Fork Bow

Hey, just wanted to share this nice note I received from some happy customers who fished out in Idaho this summer.  Mark had called hoping for a nice father and son trip to Idaho’s infamous Henry’s Fork after it caught his attention on a previous GFS Newsletter.  I put together a trip of 4 nights and 3 days for him and his son, Austin. It was to be their first trip together in the Rockies.  Below is the email that I received.  It’s short, but looks like they had a blast…

Fly Fishing for Tuna - Oregon Coast

Tuna are the hardest fighting fish period! During the summer and early fall Albacore Tuna feed within striking distance of the Oregon coast. It is a special time of year when the planets line up, the fish being close and the ocean is relatively flat. The 42’ Oppor-Tuna-ty (2005 42' Dorado Bluewater) is based out of Warrenton, Oregon. With twin inboard engines and a hull shape that is designed to plane it perfectly for this fishery. It is the only boat specifically geared up for fly fishing.


Join Captain and year-round fishing guide, Jad Donaldson, on this extraordinary trip. Day length is up to 12 hours. The time of departure varies and depends upon the tide and current bar conditions

The rate is $2000/day which includes boat, ice, bait/chum, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and all tackle, for up to six anglers. They will try to accommodate singles and doubles etc to make a group of 5.

Anglers should expect to come home from this adventure with dinner and bruised knuckles!


Jerry Swanson

Fish Head Expeditions
http://www.fishheadexpeditions.com/
jerry@fishheadexpeditions.com
503-539-1451