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Location

Oklahoma Lower Illinois River

James Boren

Fly Fishing Paradise: Oklahoma’s Lower Illinois River

Nestled in the United States, the Lower Illinois River is a premier year-round fly fishing destination, teeming with diverse species like striper, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, buffalo, and catfish. Its pristine, natural setting caters to both casual anglers and dedicated enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled fishing experience.

Record-Breaking Catches
This river has witnessed remarkable fishing achievements, including a massive 47.8 lb striped bass, alongside trophy-sized rainbow trout and redhorse.

Year-Round Trout Stocking
Unlike seasonal fisheries, the Lower Illinois River maintains a continuous trout stocking program, ensuring abundant opportunities for anglers.

Prime Trout Fishing Zone
A dedicated 7.75-mile trout stretch runs from the Tenkiller Ferry Dam to the U.S. 64 bridge near Gore, Sequoyah County, providing ample space for fly fishing.

Access & Amenities

    Oklahoma Lower Illinois River

  • Simp and Helen Watts Management Unit: Features nearly a mile of trout stream and 320 acres of hunting land, accessible via State Highway 100 (4 miles north of Gore). Parking and walk-in access are available.
  • Additional Access Points: Four public spots along the river, including a productive pool below the dam and the River Road Public Access Area (6 miles downstream), which offers camping and boat launches.

Regulations at a Glance

  • Brown Trout: 1 daily, min. 20 inches.
  • Rainbow Trout: 6 daily, no size limit (except in the USGS gauge-to-Gravel Pit section: 1 daily, min. 20 inches).
  • Simp and Helen Watts Unit: Artificial flies/lures only, barbless hooks mandatory for trout. Natural bait allowed for non-trout species with specific hook rules.

Target Species Spotlight
While the river hosts a variety of fish, key catches include:

  • Brown Trout
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Striped Bass

Whether chasing trophies or enjoying serene waters, the Lower Illinois River delivers an unforgettable angling adventure.

Location

Tekapo Region, Central South Island

James Boren

Nestled in the alpine splendor of New Zealand’s South Island, the Tekapo Region redefines wilderness fly fishing with its crystalline rivers and untamed beauty. This high-country sanctuary invites anglers to engage in an almost meditative pursuit—where sight fishing transforms into an intimate dance with wild trout in their liquid-glass domain.

The region’s geological magic creates waters of exceptional clarity, filtered through ancient glacial valleys and volcanic rock. These living aquariums reveal every detail of their submerged world, where trophy-sized Brown and Rainbow Trout patrol oxygen-rich currents with effortless precision.

What sets Tekapo apart is the rare privilege of watching the entire angling drama unfold—from spotting wary fish in their feeding lanes to witnessing the heart-stopping moment of a dry fly take. The rivers here don’t just hold trout; they showcase the full ballet of wild fish behavior, from territorial displays to cunning refusal rises.

Tekapo Region, Central South Island

Beyond the catch, this landscape offers a masterclass in ecological harmony. Each cast becomes a conversation with an untouched watershed, where snowmelt rivers whisper secrets of the Southern Alps and every hooked fish tells a story written in current seams and deep pools.

Featured Species:

  • Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) – Masters of camouflage in golden-hued waters
  • Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) – Acrobatic challengers in the fast currents

This is fishing as high art—where visibility exceeds 10 meters and every presentation demands technical perfection against some of the world’s most discerning freshwater gamefish.

Location

Southern Norwegian Archipelago

James Boren

The Norwegian Riviera: A Fly Angler’s Coastal Paradise

Norway’s southern archipelago, often dubbed the Norwegian Riviera, boasts world-class saltwater fly fishing amid breathtaking landscapes. With its pristine waters, abundant wild fish populations, and uncrowded shores, this stunning coastline offers an idyllic escape for anglers seeking both challenge and serenity.

Year-Round Fishing Adventures

The crystal-clear waters of this region provide exceptional sport fishing regardless of the season. Whether wading from shore, drifting in a belly boat, or exploring by kayak or boat, anglers can always find sheltered spots among the islands, fjords, and protected bays—even when winds pick up.

Sea-Run Brown Trout: Scandinavia’s Prized Catch

A highlight for coastal fly fishers, the sea-run brown trout is a fierce, acrobatic fighter with striking beauty. Emerging from winter dormancy by late March, these trout feed aggressively through summer—primarily at dawn, dusk, or under cloud cover. In autumn, they hunt voraciously in shallow waters (top 2 meters) near shorelines, making stealth more crucial than casting distance. A well-presented shrimp or baitfish imitation over sandy or mottled "leopard" bottoms often tempts strikes—though convincing them to commit is another story!

Summer’s Powerhouses: Sea Bass & More

As temperatures rise, hard-fighting sea bass, mackerel, and relentless garfish dominate the action. Bass, though elusive, deliver explosive strikes and thrilling battles once located. Mackerel and garfish, by contrast, swarm the coast in vast numbers, offering non-stop excitement. While fly choice matters less for these species, bass show a clear preference for baitfish patterns.

Pollack: The Underrated Speed Demon

Often overlooked, pollack are aggressive, abundant, and lightning-fast on the take. Early summer finds them in deeper zones, requiring fast-sinking lines and weighted flies. As waters warm, they move shallower, turning every retrieve into a potential adrenaline rush.

Atlantic Cod: The Cold-Water Giant

A cold-water specialist, cod patrol shallow zones in winter before retreating to deeper havens as spring progresses. Far from picky, they’ll inhale any fly resembling prey—though their fight is more of a stubborn tug-of-war than a sprint. Don’t underestimate the thrill of wrestling one on a fly rod!

Other Notable Catches

While the spotlight shines on the species above, the region’s waters also hold:

  • Atlantic Halibut
  • Haddock
  • Brook Trout

Why Norway’s Archipelago?
Unspoiled nature, diverse fisheries, and solitude make this coastline a fly-fishing gem. Whether targeting cunning trout, explosive bass, or brute-force cod, every cast here comes with a backdrop of raw, untamed beauty.

Southern Norwegian Archipelago

(Photo captions remain unchanged for visual impact.)

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