The Total Fly Fishing Company offer a range of fly fishing opportunities both in the UK and overseas including South Uist, Cuba, Wales, New Zealand, Norway, Isle of Harris, and Scotland. Chalk Stream fly fishing opportunities are also offered throughout the south of England. With exceptional business partners, we can arrange exceptional fly fishing world wide.

RIVER FINDHORN 7 DAY SALMON & TROUT FISHING COURSE 10 May 2009 - 17 May 2009

Photograph courtesy of
Tomatin Estate & Ron Dadswell


Weeks exclusive 6 rod ‘tailor-made’ Speycasting/salmon fishing breaks to the highlands with salmon fishing and individual casting tuition at an exclusively private residence Tomatin House, Tomatin, Inverness-shire.

The package incorporates full board and rod sharing for a couple, which includes, 6days salmon & trout fishing and salmon casting tuition with David Griffiths (APGAI).

Casting techniques include the following with single and double handed rods: Overhead, roll, jump roll, single/double Spey, sunk line techniques, mending line, fishing the riffling hitch, snake roll,
T Cut, casting in windy conditions, distance Spey casting.

(Tackle can be provided but you are requested to bring your own equipment).

We regret that pets cannot stay at Tomatin House.


Price: £1,250 per couple.

RIVER BLACKWATER & BALLYHOOLY CASTLE RESIDENTIAL SALMON FISHING COURSE AND PRIVATE FISHING 19-26 July 2009

Fishing and Accommodation

Our intention is to provide you with an all inclusive and totally relaxed 6 day fishing break with expert tuition with excellent cuisine in a private house party environment. Tuition will be geared to individual requirements and can cover all aspects of salmon fishing.
Ballyhooly Castle provides a base from which to fish some of the best water available in Ireland. The castle offers exclusive and private access to five miles of fishing on the Blackwater, undoubtedly Ireland's premier salmon river and one of the major salmon rivers in western Europe.


Running seventy miles in length, the Blackwater rises in Kerry, flowing to the sea at Youghal in County Cork on the south coast of Ireland. With a wide catchment area and many tributaries, combined with the mild temperate climate, the river maintains a very steady height of water, making fishing possible even in dry conditions.


Season

Excellent fishing is available throughout the season with a spring run from March ensuring fish in the river system at the start of the season, an impressive grilse run in the summer and followed by an autumn run from around the middle of September, depending slightly more on water conditions.


Prices

The holiday is exclusive to five rods at £1200 per rod. We regret dogs are not permitted in the house. The water comprises five miles of salmon fishing divided into three rotational 3 rod beats with two ghillies. It is predominantly fly water but spinning is permitted. There are 29 pools and it is all double bank except for three pools. Despite the floods we encountered last year, 45 salmon were caught in July which is very respectable considering the water conditions that wrote off some of the fishing time. Cars with perhaps two sharing are necessary. I shall take my car.

The holiday includes: Tuition (am only), fishing, ghillie fees, full board accommodation.
It excludes: Fishing licences (c£35 available at the house), flights/car hire, drinks at Ballyhooly house which should be provided by guests.


Getting there

Travel: By air to Cork then car hire.

By sea: Car ferry from Pembroke Dock or Fishguard to Rosslare. Ballyhooly is about a three hour drive from Rosslare and about one hours drive from Cork.
Booking: The holiday is dependant upon forming a party by the beginning of February when a 50% deposit will be regrettably required. Such is modern life!

ALLADALE WILDERNESS LODGE RESIDENTIAL SALMON AND TROUT FISHING Throughout the season

You are invited to spoil yourself, your family or friends and come to relax at the exceptional luxurious Alladale Wilderness Lodge & Reserve on the upper reaches of the River Carron, Inverness-shire. Fishing Lodges also available. Telephone David for current availability dates.



Activities

River & loch trout fishing
Salmon fishing
Professional fly casting instruction

Hillwalking
Mesmeric cuisine
Gym, sauna, wellness centre
Pony trekking
Clay pigeon shooting


Accommodation

Full board for up to 14 guests (minimum 6). This exceptional highland estate of some 26,000 acres, offers you total peace, tranquility and privacy yet is only one hour’s drive from Inverness. Your stay will include full board, (the house has an outstanding chef), all drinks (less wine), exclusive use of the lodge & facilities for your party, casting & fishing tuition with David and clay pigeon shooting.

Prices

On application.

ABERCOTHI & GOLDEN GROVE FISHERY TOP UK SEA-TROUT FISHING OPPORTUNITY 15-17 July 2009

Fishing

The Abercothi and Golden Grove Fishery is widely regarded as containing the best section of sea-trout fishing on the river. This prolific sea-trout river has an enviable reputation throughout the angling world for the quality of its fishing.

It has previously been described as the ‘Best in Britain’ , and in recent years has produced over 700 sewen for the season illustrating the quality of this river.

The fishing is divided into three 5 x rod beats which operate a daily rotational system.


Accommodation

The estate offers a recently refurbished self catering Farmhouse and/ or Annexe, situated in the centre of the fishery, only yards from the river.

In addition, all visiting guests may use the magnificent new rod room adjacent to the farm complex.
If booked up, other accommodation can be found nearby at: www.ty-castell.co.uk


Season

Our reserved period for 5 x rods on the estate is: 15-17 July 2009.
Other rods may be available on request May/June/July/August.


Prices

Fishing costs £450 + VAT per day/night per 5 rod beat.

Accommodation costs:

Abercothi Farmhouse
Bedrooms – 4 double (3 en suite) 1 twin – 5 nights £1,200 + VAT

Abercothi Annexe
Bedrooms – 1 double, 1 twin and 1 single all en suite – 3 nights £450; Whole week £1,000

Farmhouse plus annexe
Bedrooms – 5 double, 2 twin, 1 single – 3 nights £1,050; Whole week £2,200

OWEN RIVER LODGE THE ONLY 5 STAR RATED SPECIALIST FLY FISHING LODGE IN NEW ZEALAND Throughout the season

Fishing

Owen River Lodge is
New Zealand’s only 5 star rated, specialist fly fishing lodge

It has access to a huge number and variety of streams and rivers.

The Murchison / Nelson Lakes region of the South Island has the best brown trout fishery in the world.

Guests are offered free use of Simms Gore Tex waders (20 Simms Guide waders available), free use of Simms Guide wading boots (40 pair of boots available – size 5 > 14), free use of Sage rods & reels (10 rods/reels outfits).


Accommodation

Luxurious, warm and inviting, this stylish, understated accommodation is located right on the Owen River. Stunning food combined with superb, understated service

It also offers free use of the facilities in/around the lodge – including 4 mountain bikes, wireless broadband internet, Jacuzzi/spa etc)

They have a great team of highly experienced local fishing guides


Prices

On application.

UK CHALK STREAMS PRICES AND DATES ON APPLICATION Throughout the season

Southern England is blessed with some of the finest chalk stream fishing to be found anywhere in the world. With adequate warning, we can facilitate some of the finest beats on the River Test, Upper and Lower Itchen, the River Anton, River Piddle, River Wyly, River Kennet and the River Nadder. You will receive personal fishing instruction from our APGAI/GAIA qualified instructors, teaching all aspects of chalk stream fly fishing and tactics.

In addition to guided chalk stream fishing, we are delighted to offer our clients a free advisory tackle service and the opportunity to test certain items of tackle on our platforms at Fonthill Lake. In particular, we shall hold some of Hardy Greys outstanding product for you to try. Do give us a call if we can be of any help.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION FOR CHALK STREAM FISHING in Wiltshire & Hampshire

Notes:

* Denotes particularly recommended

Nos. 1-4 suitable overnight accommodation when undertaking instruction at Fonthill Gifford.

Nos. 5 & 6 when fishing the Anton or Test in the Andover area.

No. 7 when fishing the Lower Itchen or Lower Test.

No. 8 when fishing the upper Itchen.

AMHUINNSUIDHE ESTATE FISH FOR PRIME SALMON & SEA-TROUT IN STYLE Dates and prices on application

Fishing

The quality of the loch salmon and sea trout fly fishing is unsurpassed. There are seven freshwater systems, including the fabled lochs of Voshimid, Scourst, Halladale, Ulladale, Ladies, A’Ghlinne and Brunabhal. The lochs are fished mainly from boats with two rods together with a ghillie. When the water is high, the feeder rivers fish well from the bank. There are five resident ghillies to look after guests.

The salmon average 5 - 8lbs but increasingly fish are regularly caught in the 15lb range, the heaviest salmon from an Amhuinnsuidhe loch being 23lb. Sea trout are also present in the 1lb-8lb range, the heaviest recorded 11lbs. Best recent seasons have produced well over 200 salmon and sea trout from 450-900 depending on conditions.

Accommodation

The castle is extremely well appointed, with a glorious dining room, sitting room, billiard room, drying room, in fact everything any angler could wish for. Each guest has his/her own luxurious bedroom with a private bathroom.

The food provided by the Castle staff is truly first class; typically, local produce such as lobster, scallops, prawns, salmon, sea trout, venison and lamb.

Non-fishing guests are welcome in a party with many activities available. In season exceptionally challenging red deer stalking is available for those who wish to partake.

Season

Prime time fishing is from the beginning of July – end September. Parties of 10 rods can be accommodated for a week’s fishing, also single and double rods on request.

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is situated in a stunning sea side location on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, surrounded by 55,000 glorious acres of trust owned land, mountains, glens, rivers and lochs.

Prices

On application.

CUBA EXCLUSIVE SALTWATER FLYFISHING FOR: BONEFISH TARPON PERMIT Throughout the season

Salt water fly-fishing in Cuba

We are pleased to announce that, in association with the well established company Avalon Fishing and Dive Centre, Jardines de la Reina, Cuba we can offer clients outstanding saltwater fly fishing for bonefish, tarpon, permit and many other species.

Jardines de la Reina is a major chain of islands off Cuba’s South Eastern coast, with Avalon having exclusive rights to all the flats fishing over 2,600 square miles – a vast offshore wilderness.

Bonefish
This area boasts some of the finest bone fishing in the world with the average size 3 – 5 lbs with many from 7 – 10lbs, fished from skiffs and by wading. With hundreds of miles of flats to fish there are areas where very few anglers have ever thrown a fly! .

On good tides experienced anglers can often catch 10 – 15 bones in a couple of hours fishing.
The sunset hour, when it is often calm, schools of tailing bones can be seen hundreds of yards away, their golden tails glistening in the falling sun, and what sport can be had then!

Tarpon
Tarpon are abundant and are to be found on the flats, mangrove channels and rivers. The acrobatic “baby” tarpon fish from 10-40lbs are found in the channels provide great sport. On the flats the average tarpon is 45-80lbs with specimen fish in the deep ocean channels in the 120-130lbs class.

Permit
Permit are found in good numbers here and are the ultimate prize for the salt-water angler. The largest permit, 20-30lb plus, are found on flats that are 2-3 foot deep on a high tide, yet adjacent to deep water with direct access where they feel safe, often gliding on and off these flats to feed.

Most of these permit are found in singles, doubles and triples providing good opportunities for a hook-up. Last year one fly fisher landed and released permit of 18, 25, and 40lbs - all in a week’s fishing!

Often smaller permit 12-18lbs are encountered, these are easier to catch than the big boys but provide marvellous sport. With good weather it is not unusual to see several tailing permit in a day.

Mutton Snappers
Mutton Snappers are everywhere here and are caught regularly on the flats which is rarity elsewhere. They are high powered fish that will pull with dogged determination. Although wary on the flats if you can cast to them without spooking them they take the fly readily. They range in weight 3 – 8 lbs, but fish of 15lbs are a distinct possibility.

Jack Crevalle and Horse Eye Jacks
Jacks are the same family and look similar to Permit. They are wonderful game fish, and are abundant. It is common to see a school of big jacks patrolling the flats, eating everything in sight.

Many of these are 15-20lbs with some up to 30lbs! They’re aggressive feeders on the flats and easy to catch in relation to permit.

Cudas and Sharks
Big Cudas are plentiful most being 3-4ft long, they take aggressively and few fish swim faster or jump further than a big barracuda, giving exhilarating sport.

Sharks range from 3 – 9ft in length they take the fly readily and sport can be spectacular.
Many other fish are encountered such as cubera snappers, groupers, kingfish, albacore wahoo and bonito. In fact one group of anglers caught twenty five different species of fish off the reef in one day!

Accommodation

Jardines de la Reina

La Tortuga - Luxury steel anchored 110ft boat with 7 cabins. Each cabin has its own shower/hot water, toilet and air conditioning and is based on double occupancy. This is comfortable, spacious accommodation for 14 anglers.

Halcon – 75 ft luxury air conditioned yacht with six cabins, based on double occupancy. There are three bathrooms/showers. Accommodates 8 anglers.

La Reina – 69 ft luxury air conditioned yacht with four double rooms, four bathrooms accommodating 8 anglers based on double occupancy.

Caballones – 75ft luxury air conditioned yacht, with four double rooms, four bathrooms accommodating 8 anglers based on double occupancy.

Isla de la Juventud

Hotel Rancho – A comfortable air conditioned 3 star hotel with single rooms. Very friendly staff.

Perola – 75ft luxury air conditioned yacht with ample accommodation. Ideal for 6 anglers.



Season 2009

Jardines de la Reina

Halcon
Peak season – March 22 – 6 June 2009
High season – Feb 2 – June 27 2009

La Tartuga
Peak season – March 22 – 6 June 2009
High season – Feb 2 – June 27

La Reina
Peak season – March 22 – 6 June 2009
High season – Feb 2 – June 27 2009

Caballones
Peak season – March 22 – June 6 2009
High season – Feb 2 – June 27 2009


Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth/Pines)

Hotel Rancho
Peak/high season
Feb 9 – June 7 2009

Perola
Peak/high season
Feb 9 – June 7 2009



Prices 2009

On application.

WESTERN RIVERS LODGE FISH FOR WORLD CLASS WILD BROWN TROUT IN SOME OF NEW ZEALAND'S FINEST WATER Throughout the season

Fishing

To experience fly fishing for wild brown trout in New Zealand’s South Island is every serious fly fisher’s ultimate dream. It has been described as “the university of fly fishing for large wild trout”.

Run by owners Barry Jaggar and Ali, Western Rivers Lodge has the deserved reputation of one of the finest lodges in New Zealand. It is located at the remote village of Springs Junction in the southern alpine area, 2 hours’ drive from Christchurch. In this unique area they have access to no less than 45 rivers and streams.

These wild, gin clear rivers offer a classic fly fishing experience, sight casting to trophy wild brown trout. The average trout here weighs 5lbs with many in the 6-8lb class and plenty over 10lbs!


Accommodation

Guests are accommodated in luxurious private chalets with twin queen sized beds with en-suite bathrooms. The verandas overlook the garden and have tremendous views of the Maruia valley and the Victoria range of mountains beyond.

All meals are taken in the main lodge which boasts a comfortable lounge, bar and dining room.

Hosted by Barry and Ali the meals they produce are exquisite, using the finest local produce, washed down with superb New Zealand wine.


Season

The fishing season on the South Island lasts from October 1st to April 30th which covers spring, summer and autumn.

October/November - The weather can be cool/changeable but good for large numbers of fish, some dry fly action and spectacular nymph fishing.

December - One of the best months to fish. Caddis and Mayfly are hatching, with terrestrials appearing. Good for both the nymph and dry fly.

January - Middle of summer, with insects hatching all day. Cicada arrives, and the rivers are clear.

February - Rivers are gin clear and it is the prime month for dry fly anglers.

March/April - Late summer. The first two weeks of March similar to February. Later stonefly and caddis nymphs are preferred.

Prices

On application.

River Gaula PRICES AND DATES ON APPLICATION Throughout the season

Fishing

The Beats of the Gaula Fly fishing Friends water are situated on the middle Gaula and are recognised as being some of the very best water on the mighty Gaula. It comprises of 12 double rod rotational beats located over some 7km of water. The river is renowned for its large runs of salmon with an excellent chance of the fish of a lifetime. During this period not only will there be large salmon but also good runs of grilse.

The party will be hosted by David Griffiths, Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructor (APGAI) who will give casting instruction during the week. The Gaula is a powerful river and likewise the salmon, fly rods should be 14-16ft for 10/11 lines. Chest waders with felt soles, wading staffs and floatation jackets/life savers are highly recommended.


Accommodation

In true Norwegian style anglers will be accommodated in a comfortable farmhouse with good local food and importantly with easy access to the river.


Season

By prior arrangement.


Travel

From the UK, we suggest travelling with Norwegian Air direct from Stansted to Trondheim – c 2hrs 15 minutes. Transfer time to your accommodation is approximately 1 hr 20mins drive in you self drive car.


Prices

On application.

KINLOCK FISHING IN THE UK'S 'WILDERNESS' Throughout the season

Early morning (and last light) is the time on the Machair lochs when the bigger fish come out of the deeper water to feed in the margins on the sand. If you can cope with knock on the door at 4.30 am, hot coffee and scones and then out fishing; you might just come across the brown trout of a lifetime, whilst the rest of the anglers on the island are still in their beds.

Notable trout bags in 2007 were; 5 fish for 12.5lbs – an average of 2.5lbs and another great day of 3 fish for 11.5lbs including 2 over 4lbs all from Grogarry.

Upper Kildonan produced 30 fish weighing 24lbs one memorable day, and Bornish produced 8 fish for 14lbs including a fish weighing 3.5lbs for the day.

A specimen brown trout was caught by one delighted angler from West Ollay it weighed 4.75lbs and was the largest of the season. The total brown trout catch for the season was 1,300 fish with many in the 2-4lb range.

And remember all the fish are wild – there is no stocking as such, and not a rainbow in sight! The finest of the lochs are on the machair, within the flat grassland on the west coast these lochs have a shell sand bottom, have a high alkalinity and provide superb feeding for the trout.

* On a cold wet day the bubbling of the Kelly’s kettle makes a welcome break.
You need to be prepared for a full range of weather on the islands – but you can always find some shelter even on the wildest day. And if you are lucky you might just find yourself sharing the loch with an otter.


Most of the fishing is from a drifting boat, but you are recommended to bring lightweight chest waders – they keep you dry in the boat – and there is some fantastic wading in the margins of the shallow lochs. On a warm summers evening (assuming the midges are away!) Wegg will bring salad and a bottle of white wine and barbecue your trout by the lochside. Many of the trout have deep pink flesh and are simply delicious. And then after supper a few more drifts in the last light can be extremely effective. But be under no illusions the fishing here is rarely easy.

This is fishing for the serious fisherman.

No one can fish all day – and remember they are very long days in May, June and July – but for those prepared to move mealtimes around to suit the fishing (rather than the other way round) you are guaranteed a memorable trip.

We fish for brown trout from mid March – and if we are lucky with the weather one can have fine brown trout fishing from mid April onwards. One must accept that the weather here is always a lottery, but it is often the very wildest days that produce the best bags.


Prime brown trout time is probably May and June into early July. The sea trout and salmon (nearly all grilse) come into the system on the second spring tide of July, and it is this early run that includes some of the biggest fish. Runs tend to be pretty consistent through August, September and October; all of course subject to water.

Wegg has been fishing on South Uist for over 20 years and knows the lochs well.
He has also fished extensively abroad, including Russia, Cuba, Tasmania, Slovenia and South Africa so has a clear idea of what the angler is looking for in a fishing holiday.


Kinloch stands in its own one acre garden of mature trees – a rarity in the more generally treeless Uist landscape; trout rise in the loch at the bottom of the garden, eagles work the hillsides and otters are not uncommon.
It has a large garage for storage, rod racks, a drying room and a chest freezer.

The house is extremely comfortable, has an open peat fire in the living room, a decent fishing library and a fly tying desk.

The food is straightforward home cooking, using local ingredients where possible.
For guests of The Totalflyfishing Company, Wegg will offer sole use of the house for 2 anglers and devote his time to them to ensure that they get the maximum out of their fishing holiday.

You are guaranteed a memorable experience, and some very fine fishing in a unique environment.


Prices

On application.