Turneffe Flats Fly Fishing in Belize

Turneffe Flats Lodge

Turneffe Flats Lodge, located on Turneffe Atoll about 20 miles from Belize City, is renowned among saltwater fly anglers as a premier destination for flats fishing. Family-owned by Craig and Karen Hayes since 1981, it has evolved from a simple fishing camp into one of the world’s most respected fly fishing lodges, offering both flats- and reef-based adventures. The diverse fishery and world-class service put TFL at the top of the list for many experienced saltwater fly anglers.

The Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe is the largest coral atoll in Belize, measuring roughly 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. That scale matters. It means you’re not fishing one flat—you’re fishing an entire network of habitats that guides can adjust daily plans to match wind, light, and tide.

Two defining features shape the Turneffe fishery:

• Reef-side / backreef flats: Along the atoll’s outer edge, coral reef structure and adjacent backreef zones create expansive shallow water. These areas offer sight-fishing opportunities for permit and bonefish over sand and grass, especially when the sun and wind cooperate.
• Interior lagoon system: Inside the atoll, anglers search small islands and shallow sandbar flats for permit and tarpon on the hunt.

Just as important as the fishing is the conservation footprint. The atoll is part of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, which was officially established November 22, 2012. The Turneffe Atoll Trust has provided leadership and advocacy for the atoll since 2002 and has developed long-term protection and sustainable management strategies.

Fly Fishing Turneffe: Species Overview

All of the main flats species can be found on Turneffe with April – September being the best months for a well-rounded experience. Book during March - June for the most consistent weather patterns.

Primary target species & habitats

• Bonefish: Expect shots on shallow flats where fish cruise and tail across sand-and-grass mixtures. The reef flats provide a stable footing for easy wading in search of tailing fish.
• Permit: Turneffe has a diverse and expansive flats system rich in character, including sandy flats, defined edges, and transition zones where sand meets turtle grass. All ideal for finding permit when they move in from the deeper water to feed in shallow water.
• Tarpon: Migratory tarpon are present from April through September, with the best months being in mid-summer. Anglers sightfish the shallow flats during the day and target rolling fish in deeper channels during the early morning hours.

Other species of note:

The diverse habitat of Turneffe Atoll is home to a prolific abundance of fish species along the reef and flats. These fish can be equally challenging on the fly and provide great sport.

• Snook
• Triggerfish
• Barracuda
• Snapper & jacks

The Lodge

Turneffe Flats Lodge keeps the vibe low-key and relaxed. Guest accommodations include air-conditioned beachfront cabanas with private bathrooms and small decks overlooking the reef with ocean views.

The main lodge functions as the natural gathering spot—meals, stories, rigging talk, and the next day’s game plan tend to happen here, with both dining and a bar on-site. A small, well-stocked gift shop carries essential fly patterns, terminal tackle, and logo apparel along with a few souvenirs and toiletries.

The lodge is home to a world-class dive operation that caters to all experience levels. Daily excursions around the atoll are available with multiple dive options each day and weekly trips to Belize’s Blue Hole. If you prefer diving with small groups, Turneffe Flats Lodge is the best option on the Atoll.

Ecotours have become a growing part of the Turneffe Lodge offerings and involve daily, guided tours around the atoll. Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are among the highlights, accompanied by a trained naturalist. Afternoon snorkeling and island hikes keep non-angling guests as busy and active as they choose.

The lodge sets on the atoll in an isolated location, many miles from the nearest fishing camp and the few other commercial operations. Views of the nighttime skies and morning sunrises will stay with you forever.

Conservation is key to the Turneffe Atoll. The Hayes’ have led the charge in protecting it through many ways, including establishing the Turneffe Atoll Trust, conservation easements through land acquisition, and partnerships with the Belizean government to limit development and protect the marine environment. Their efforts have resulted in many hard-fought victories that will ultimately protect and preserve this valuable resource for generations to come.

Booking and Travel Information:

Booking and Travel Information:

The typical program is a 7–night/6–day, Saturday–to–Saturday, all-inclusive package. Combo and dive exclusive packages are also available. Shorter stays are now available with 4-night/3-day and 3-night/2-day packages, which are now included as part of the lodge’s standard offerings.

Plan to arrive at the Belize International Airport (BZE) no later than 3 pm on arrival day, with departure day flights scheduled in the afternoon. Lodge employees meet guests at the airport upon arrival and provide ground transfers to a nearby marina in downtown Belize City.

The approximate 2-hour boat transfer from Belize City to the Atoll is aboard the lodge’s comfortable 42’ Ms. Ellie.

Booking inquiries can be made directly with Turneffe Flats Lodge or through a variety of third-party operators. We prefer booking directly with the lodge, as they have immediate access to all available options and can coordinate all ground transfers in Belize City.

Decades of Connection

Turneffe Flats Lodge has been a frequent destination for varying members of the Fins and Feathers Guide Service team since the mid 2000’s. Visit after visit, we return home looking forward to the next trip to the lodge – which never seems to come soon enough.

We’ve been fortunate to have brought several permit to hand over the years, along with a handful of large migratory tarpon, and too many bonefish to count. Some of our most memorable angling moments have taken place on the atoll, from first permits to massive barracudas and even a grand slam. TFL is a unique Caribbean destination in today’s world that should be near the top of any serious or aspiring saltwater angler’s bucket list.

The guides are excellent teachers and work hard to help their guests realize their goals for the week. Many of the guides are sons and grandsons of the original Tflats guides from over 40 years ago! There is a family culture that resonates throughout the operation and makes one feel at home from the airport pickup to departure day.

Fishing Insights

In our experience, fishing can be good at any time of year because the temperature remains relatively constant year-round. We have always had good fishing, but some weeks are better than others, and the weather is typically the difference maker. March–June is prime time, but any time of year can be good if the weather cooperates.

It’s worth considering moon phases when planning any saltwater fly fishing trip as full moons bring the biggest tides and can trigger an offshore spawning cycle with many ocean fishes, including bonefish and permit. We avoid planning flats trips for weeks when the full moon is at the beginning or middle – whenever possible.

Conservation and Non-Angling Options

While many parts of Belize are becoming overdeveloped with resorts and beachside hotels, development on the Turneffe Atoll has been minimal over the last 10 years, entirely thanks to the efforts of the Hayes and the Turneffe Atoll Trust.

In addition to the angling, many of our traveling companions over the years, on hosted trips and family excursions, have participated in the dive programs. The divers we have traveled with are highly experienced, with logged dives around the world – they consistently rank the quality of the dives, along with the equipment and service, near the top of the list. They note that underwater visibility is consistently good and that each dive site is unique. The small dive group structure enables divers of different skill levels to experience a personalized dive itinerary on each outing.

Turneffe Flats Lodge is perfect for couples and groups of anglers – it’s not the place to bring kids and most young teenagers. It’s a laid-back atmosphere, with very few organized activities available after dark. Expect personal, friendly service, well-appointed accommodations, and excellent meals.

TFL is always on our list of preferred destinations, and we look forward to many more trips in the years ahead. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about fly fishing at Turneffe Flats or the lodge stay, itself.

Turneffe Flats Lodge Fly Fishing Gallery

From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog