Many river systems in Belize drain right into the ocean and can provide anglers with some phenomenal sport fishing. Especially when conditions in the ocean are poor due to the weather. Many species thrive in these river systems but for fly fishers and sport anglers two species come to mind, snook and tarpon. Jack’s will also move into these river systems at times, they can be spotted busting bait at the surface and will often move very fast.

Typically, these rivers are very tidal influenced and also dependent on rain. During the dry season, the fly fishing can often be better as there is less freshwater and more saltwater in the rivers. This provides more suitable conditions for saltwater species like snook and tarpon to thrive in.

Similar to streamer fishing for bass or trout, fly fishing in these rivers consists of “blind casting” for the most part as these rivers have a dark green color providing not good clarity to sight fish. So typically casting to the bank and retrieving your flies is the standard technique. To increase your chances look for a structure like logs, rocks, and other hiding places where fish can ambush your fly. At times the fishing can be very slow and then all of a sudden the bite can turn on, very similar to bass or trout fishing back on your home river.

Snook Fly Fishing in Belize Rivers:

Snook may be considered the saltwater bass as they are very aggressive and eager fish that are very willing to take a fly. They range from a couple pounds to upwards of 15-20 pounds at times, but very rare. The standard tactics involve blind casting to structure throughout the river systems. Fly fishing gear includes 9 or 10 weight rods paired with an intermediate or sink line. Due to the dark colored water typically darker style flies works best, dark clousers, deceivers, EP style flies as well as many tarpon flies with do the trick.

Tarpon Fly Fishing in Belize Rivers:

The obvious tactic to find tarpon in the rivers of Belize is to look for rolling tarpon. Typically tarpon are most active in the mornings and evenings but tides can also affect tarpon feeding activity. Baby tarpon are present in this rivers ranging from a couple pounds to 20 pounds. There are larger resident tarpon in the 40-80 pound class but can be challenging to land in these smaller systems. Belize fly fishing guides prefer using normal 10-12 weight rods with intermediate lines, and shock tarpon leaders. Fly selection includes Cockroach, Black Death, EP Peanut Butter, and Tarpon Toad in darker colors.

Boats or Pangas are essential to fish these rivers, Blue Horizon Fly Fishing guides do offer river fly fishing trips in Hopkins Village in the Sittee River as well as in Placencia in the Placencia Lagoon and Monkey River. These trips are great for families as well as seasoned anglers as there is plenty to see and the fishing is pretty straight forward. We can combine fly fishing trips with spin fishing trips as well.