El Pescador Lodge

Belize Fly Fishing at El Pescador on Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island, sitting northeast of the mainland in the Caribbean Sea, with quick access from Belize City by water taxi or a short flight to the San Pedro Airport. At the south end of the island, San Pedro is the social and cultural center.

It’s the second-largest and one of the fastest-growing towns in Belize, with a 2022 census count of 15,456. The laid-back vibe and beach lifestyle attract visitors from around the globe to enjoy carefree vacations on Ambergris Caye. If nightlife, shopping, and dining out are a priority, then a stay in San Pedro is perfect.

Head north of town, and Ambergris quickly becomes a quiet, island getaway. Mixed resorts dot the Caribbean side of the island, slowly giving way to empty beaches and pristine mangrove jungles. Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on the island, so once you get out of San Pedro, everything quiets down remarkably quickly.

Ambergris remains a world-class destination for saltwater flats fishing. The west side of the island is dominated by an expansive, shallow flats system that runs south to north from Belize City to Xcalak, Mexico. The Belize Barrier Reef is on the east side, bringing the ocean depths within easy striking distance of the island. Creeks, lagoons, and deep channels connect the east and west sides.

Belize fly fishing focuses on bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Anglers can expect year-round opportunities at each of the “Big Three” flats species, in addition to snook, barracuda, and triggerfish, while fishing around Ambergris Caye.

• Shallow water shots at mature tarpon are a year-round possibility.
• Large schools of permit thrive here, becoming more abundant towards the northern end of the island.
• It’s a diverse fishery, ideal for both novice and expert fly anglers alike.

El Pescador: A Belize Fly Fishing Legend

El Pescador Lodge has been welcoming travelers since 1974, when it was literally at the “end of the road” on Ambergris. It’s evolved into a truly unique saltwater fly-fishing destination over the years, welcoming families and large groups with diverse interests.

Toby Swank, Fins and Feathers Guide Service, owner and outfitter, spent several spring breaks here with family throughout the 2010’s and ‘20’s. El Pescador was – and still is – the best Belize fly fishing lodge for mixed groups consisting of fly anglers and their non-fishing companions.

The guides and the overall fly-fishing program are rooted in decades of experience and customer service. From ordering lunches to punctual guides, guests can rest assured that everything is taken care of and that the lodge prioritizes customer experience. The lodge has been part of the Orvis Endorsed Lodge network for many years and was recognized several times as the “Best of the Year” in a handful of categories.

The angling opportunities never cease to amaze us during our El Pescador stays. One day we ride north along the reef to fish tarpon where the reef and island almost touch. The next day, we head east of San Pedro to look for shallow-water tarpon and permit on the expansive Savannah Flats network. If the wind picks up, we will tuck into the shoreline along Ambergris, focusing on hunting permit and bonefish along turtle grass and marl flats from the skiff.

Up north, the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve provides angler access to a network of interior lagoons in a truly pristine marine ecosystem. Be sure to make a quick visit to the visitor center when you stop to get your fishing pass for the day. The blend of natural history and quality fishing opportunities makes this a great day trip for both casual and experienced anglers.

Permit and tarpon can even be found on the front side of the island, between El Pescador and the southern isthmus. Tarpon numbers increase during the summertime as migratory fish move through the area.

Non-Angling

El Pescador Lodge sits just off a reef-side beach on a sprawling property that includes villas and the main lodge complex. There is a mix of accommodations ranging from simple hotel rooms to multi-room homes.

Meals are served family-style at the main lodge, with a simple menu featuring locally sourced fish, meats, fruits, and vegetables. Dinner settings are at large tables with mixed groups of guests.

Activities For the Non-Angler (available through the lodge concierge):

• Snorkel and SCUBA
• Spa Services
• Resort pools
• Mainland day trips to Myan Ruins
• Hidden Beach
• Ecotours
• San Pedro excursions

One of the Best - Since 1974

El Pescador Lodge continues to be a premier saltwater fly-fishing destination, even as San Pedro and Ambergris Caye grow amid increasing development and tourism. The combination of an authentic angling legacy and amenities for the non-angler makes this an exceptional destination for mixed groups and multi-generational families.

There are very few places where a nine-year-old kid and his grandad can take turns working schools of permit (with success) in the morning and then play in a beachside pool all afternoon. While they were doing that, mom was SCUBA diving offshore, and dad was with the other son, catching his first bonefish. We’ve jumped tarpon, swam with manatees, and taken mainland jungle tours during our stays at El Pescador – it truly is the best Belize fly fishing lodge for families, these days.

Contact El Pescador directly for help planning your Belize fly fishing trip to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. Whether you are just looking for a quick getaway or are interested in a weeklong flats fishing trip, El Pescador has plenty of options from which to choose.

El Pescador Fly Fishing Gallery

From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog